[Effect of manual acupuncture at "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on spermatogenic cells of mice with oligoasthenospermia induced by microwave radiation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture at "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on sperm motility, testicular B cell lymphoma/leukelia-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and Caspase-3 in mice with oligoasthenospermia induced by microwave radiation, so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improving oligoasthenospermia. METHODS: Male BALB/C mice were randomly divided into control, model and acupuncture groups(n=6 in each group). The oligoasthenospermia model was established by continuous microwave irradiation with frequency of 2 450 MHz and power density of 40 mW/cm2, 1 h daily for 18 days. At the same time, manual acupuncture was applied to the acupuncture group on bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) for 30 s, once daily for 18 days. Sperm motility including the percentages of progressive motility (PR), non-progressive motility (NP), and PR + NP sperms was detected by computer-assisted sperm analysis, H.E. staining was used to observe the testicular morphology and Johnson score was calculated, the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 in testis were detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the percentages of PR sperms, NP sperms, PR+NP sperms, Johnson score, and expression level of Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 were increased (P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the percentages of PR sperms, PR+NP sperms, Johnson score, and expression level of Bcl-2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 were decreased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group. Outcomes of H.E. staining showed that the seminiferous tubules became thinner, spermatogenic cells and sperm decreased or even disappeared, and the supporting cells were partially missing in the model group, which was relatively milder in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSION: Manual acupuncture at SP6 can improve sperm motility in oligoasthenospermia mice induced by microwave radiation, which may be related to its effects in down-regulating the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3, increasing expression of Bcl-2 in the testis.

Mechanism by which Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction improves the erectile function of rats with diabetic erectile dysfunction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction is a classical herbal formula, which can improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients and has a good therapeutic effect on patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction (DIED). The main function of Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction is to stimulate the blood circulation and dredge collaterals, remove blood stasis, and calm wind. RATIONALE: To further explore the mechanism of Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction in the treatment of DIED, related animal experiments were designed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical constituents of Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction were identified with the help of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). A rat model was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and screened by apomorphine (APO). Serum sE-selectin, lysyl oxidase-1 (LOX-1), malondialdehyde (MDA) and other markers of vascular endothelial injury and related indicators of oxidative stress were studied through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The endothelial cells and ultrastructure of the corpus cavernosum were examined by electron microscopy and HE staining. The expression of protein and mRNA was detected by western blotting (WB) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that the sE-selectin, LOX-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), endothelial microparticles (EMPs), P-selectin (CD62P), and MDA levels in the serum of group M rats were considerably higher than rats of group K, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level showed a significant decrease. In addition, the PKC pathway was activated, and the expression of related proteins and mRNA was increased. After 8 weeks of intervention with Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction and LY333531, serum level of sE-selectin, LOX-1, sICAM-1, EMPs, CD62P and MDA in L, D and G groups were remarkably lower than group M while SOD level increased significantly, protein kinase C (PKC) pathway was inhibited with the improved erectile function of rats. CONCLUSION: Huoxue Tongluo Qiwei Decoction can inhibit the expression of protein and mRNA of the PKCß signaling pathway related molecules in DIED rats to cure the injury of vascular endothelial, enhance antioxidant capacity, and prevent the activation of platelet, thus improving erectile function in rats with DIED.

Potential mechanism of Achyranthis bidentatae radix plus semen vaccariae granules in the treatment of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction in rats utilizing combined experimental model and network pharmacology.

CONTEXT: Achyranthes bidentata Blume (Amaranthaceae) (ABR) and semen vaccariae (SV) are used commonly in the clinical treatment of erectile dysfunction in males with diabetes mellitus (DMED) to strengthen the kidney and promote blood circulation, and often achieve good curative effects. OBJECTIVE: Explore mechanistic details of ABR + SV treatment against DMED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prediction of key targets by network pharmacology. A rat model of DM was established by streptozotocin injection (55 mg/kg). Apomorphine (100 µg/kg) was injected into rats to screen the DMED model. Group C (n = 6) and group M (n = 6) were gavaged with deionized water; group T (n = 6) was given Achyranthis bidentatae radix-semen vaccariae granule suspension (2.5 g/kg). It lasted 8 weeks. Real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting (WB) were used to measure the expression of tissue-related proteins and mRNA. RESULTS: The predicted key targets are albumin (ALB), caspase-3 (CASP3), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Compared with the M group (0.52 ± 0.04; 0.50 ± 0.03; 0.49 ± 0.02; 0.23 ± 0.03), CASP3, VEGFA, and ACE protein expression reduced in the T group (0.39 ± 0.06; 0.34 ± 0.03; 0.39 ± 0.03), and eNOS protein expression increased (0.34 ± 0.03). CONCLUSION: ABR + SV can improve erectile function in DMED rats. This study provides a potential mechanism for the treatment of DMED with ABR + SV and can benefit from more patients.

Study on the Mechanism of Jiawei Shengjiang Powder in Improving Male Asthma-Induced Asthenospermia Based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics.

BACKGROUND: Jiawei Shengjiang Powder (JWSJP) is a classical Chinese medicinal formula, which has been widely applied in the treatment of asthma and complications for many years due to its curative effect. AIM: To verify the effect of JWSJP in improving abnormal sperm motility caused by asthma and to explore its potential mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The active compounds of JWSJP were obtained from high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology. The key active components and targets of JWSJP were predicted based on network pharmacological analysis and bioinformatics research. Rats were randomly divided into normal, model and treatment groups. The rat model of allergic asthma was induced by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin solution. The experiment judged improvement of semen quality by evaluating sperm motility, and detected the expression of related proteins in testicular tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats by RT-qPCR and Western blot methods. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the changes in testicular tissue structure in rats. RESULTS: Through the analysis of network pharmacology and bioinformatics, it was found that beta-sitosterol, quercetin, gallic acid, pelargonidin and kaempferol were the key active components of Jiawei Shengjiang Powder. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin (INS) genes are crucial targets of JWSJP in the treatment of spermatogenic dysfunction caused by acute asthma. After 8 weeks of intervention, compared with the model group, the treatment group had significantly improved sperm motility (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in TNF, IL6, and INS proteins in the treatment group, and the HE staining of testicular tissue structure in the treatment group was significantly improved. CONCLUSION: JWSJP can improve the abnormal sperm motility induced by asthma, and its mechanism may be related to the expression of related proteins and mRNA of TNF, IL6, and INS.

Effect of leech-centipede medicine on improving erectile function in DIED rats via PKC signalling pathway-related molecules.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leeches (pinyin name Shui Zhi; Latin scientific name Hirudo; Hirudinea; Hirudinidae) and centipedes (pinyin name Wu Gong; Latin scientific name Scolopendridae; Chilopoda; Scolopendridae) are traditional Chinese medicines, and they belong to the family entomology. A combination of leech and centipede is used as an effective medicine to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis in traditional Chinese medicine, and "leech-centipede" medicine has been used in many prescriptions to treat diabetic vascular disease, including diabetic erectile dysfunction (DIED). However, its specific mechanism remains unclear and requires in-depth study. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of "leech-centipede" medicine to improve erectile dysfunction-associated diabetes by detecting PKC pathway-related molecules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The active ingredients of "leech-centipede" medicine were identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fifty male SPF rats were injected with streptozotocin to induce the DM model. Eight weeks later, the DMED model was validated with apomorphine. The DIED rats were divided into five groups-T,P,DD,DZ, and DG-and were separately treated with tadalafil, pathway inhibitor LY333531 and low-, medium-, and high-dose "leech-centipede" medicine for 8 weeks. After treatment, the blood glucose level was measured, erectile function with apomorphine was assessed, the LOX-1, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, SOD, and MDA in serum was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry was performed. After the collection of penile tissue, the related protein and mRNA expression was assessed by Western blotting and PCR, and the tissue and ultrastructure were analysed by HE staining, immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: After treatment, the erectile function of rats was significantly improved in the T,P,DD,DZ, and DG groups compared with that in the model group. Thus, "leech-centipede" medicine can significantly reduce the levels of LOX-1, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, EMPs and CD62P to protect vascular endothelial function and anti-platelet activation, improving DIED rat erectile function. Additionally, "leech-centipede" medicine can increase SOD expression and decrease MDA expression, reducing the possibility of oxidative stress injury in DIED rats and improving the antioxidant capacity. Moreover, "leech-centipede" therapy can dramatically reduce the protein and mRNA expression of DAG, PKCß, NF-κB, and ICAM-1, improve vascular endothelial injury in DIED rats and inhibit abnormal platelet activation. CONCLUSION: "leech-centipede" medicine can improve erectile dysfunction by inhibiting the expression of PKC pathway-related molecules in DIED rats and protects endothelial function and anti-platelet activation.

Uncovering the mechanisms of leech and centipede granules in the treatment of diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction utilising network pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. Leech and centipede granules (LCG) have traditionally been used as blood-activating agents in various ethnomedicinal systems of East Asia, especially in China. It is often used to regulate bodily functions and considered as adjuvant therapy for promoting blood circulation, alleviating blood coagulation, activating meridians, and relieving stasis. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to identify potential genes and mechanisms of LCG on DMED from the network pharmacological perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The active components of LCG were identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS, TCMID, and the BATMAN-TCM databases, and the disease targets of DMED were obtained from the DisGeNET, CooLGeN, GeneCards databases. After identifying DMED targets of LCG, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Hub genes and significant modules were identified via the MCODE plug-in of Cytoscape software. Then, significant signaling pathways of the modules were identified using the Metascape database. The probable interaction mode of compounds-hub genes is examined using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) docking software. Besides, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of LCG on improving erectile function in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats model. RESULTS: Combined UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis with network pharmacology study, 18 active compounds were selected for target prediction. There are 97 common target genes between LCG and DMED. Enrichment of the KEGG pathway mainly involves in the calcium signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway. Nine hub genes were regulated by LCG in DMED, including CXCL8, NOS3, CRH, TH, BDNF, DRD4, ACE, CNR1, and HTR1A. The results of molecular docking analysis showed that the tyrosin, ursolic acid, and L-Histidine has a relatively stable interaction with corresponding hub genes via generating hydrogen bonds, H-π, and π-π interactions. Significantly, the results in docking predicted a higher affinity of vardenafil to the hub genes compared to the tyrosin, ursolic acid, and L-Histidine. Furthermore, LCG increased the testosterone, erection frequency, the ratio of ICP and MAP, SOD, cGMP, cAMP as well as decreased the MDA, and AGEs expression levels. And, LCG ameliorated the histological change of penile tissues in DMED rats. Hence, LCG attenuates oxidative stress, increases NO production; For the mechanism exploration, LCG could significantly upregulate the mRNA and protein expression of CNR1, NOS3, CRH, TH, BDNF, and DRD4, whereas CXCL8, ACE, and HTR1A levels were significantly higher than those in the DMED group. Moreover, LCG activates the NO/cGMP/PKG pathway, PI3K/Akt/nNOS pathway, cAMP/PKA pathway, and inhibits the HIF-1α/mTOR pathway to improve erectile function. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that LCG maybe offer a new therapeutic basis for the treatment of DMED via altering the gene expression of involved metabolic pathways.

Acupuncture combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsule in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common urinary system disease in men. As part of traditional Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been widely used in clinical practice. In order to evaluate the exact effect of acupuncture on the clinical efficacy of CP/CPPS, this experiment uses randomized controlled experiments. METHODS/DESIGN: This pragmatic randomized controlled trial will recruit 166 patients who are diagnosed with CP/CPPS. Simple randomization to conventional drug treatment with a 1:1 allocation ratio will be used. Ten 30-minute acupuncture sessions will be provided to patients assigned to the Intervention group. All participants will continue to receive conventional drug treatment. The selection of outcomes will be evaluated by Health's Symptom Score Index (NIH-CPSI) score at week 4. DISCUSSION: This trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with CP/CPPS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ChiCTR1900021132, Registered on 29 January 2019.

Couplet medicines of leech and centipede granules improve erectile dysfunction via inactivation of the CaSR/PLC/PKC signaling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the significant complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), and CASR plays an important role in cellular antiapoptosis and NO production in the vascular endothelium by activating PKC. The present study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of Leech and Centipede Granules (LCG) through the CaSR/PLC/PKC signaling. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with streptozotocin to induce the DM model. After 10 weeks, an apomorphine test was used to confirm DMED. Rats with DMED were administrated with LCG and U73122 for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, insulin and glucagon levels were measured. Erectile function in rats was assessed by apomorphine. Serums were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, and penile tissues were harvested for histologic and the expression of related targets analyses. After treatment, fasting blood glucose, body weight, insulin, glucagon levels, and erectile function were significantly ameliorated in the LCG groups. The LOX-1, NOX, and EMPs concentrations were significantly decreased with LCG treatment. LCG also continuously increased NO and decreased ET-1 content in penile tissues. LCG and U73122 administration also improved penile fibrosis by significantly decreasing VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and CD62P. The data also showed that LCG reduced the apoptosis level in the penis. Furthermore, the inhibited activation of the CaSR/PLC/PKC pathway was observed in DMED rats with LCG treatment. Collectively, LCG significantly ameliorated erectile function of DMED rats via increased NO generation, inhibiting endothelial cells apoptosis and penile fibrosis, which might benefit from the suppression of CaSR/PLC/PKC pathway in DMED rats.

Acupuncture on treating angina pectoris: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease angina pectoris is a common clinical symptom in patients with coronary heart disease, due to coronary atherosclerotic stenosis or sputum leading to coronary insufficiency, myocardial transient ischemia, hypoxia caused by precordial pain as the main clinical manifestations Group syndrome. Coronary heart disease angina causes coronary blood flow insufficiency, cannot meet the normal activities of myocardial cells, leading to myocardial ischemia or necrosis. When the disease occurs, there is paroxysmal and crushing pain in the precordial area of the patient. Therefore, we recognize the importance of the disease and have paid enough attention. Clinical studies in recent years have found that the use of acupuncture in the treatment of angina pectoris has a good clinical application prospect. This study was conducted to study the effect of using acupuncture to treat angina pectoris. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search for PubMed, Cochrane Library, AMED, EMbase, WorldSciNet, Nature, Science online and China Journal Full-text Database, China Biomedical Literature CD-ROM Database (CBM), and related randomized controlled trials included in the China Resources Database. The time is limited from the construction of the library to November 2019. We will use the criteria provided by Cochrane 5.1.0 for quality assessment and risk assessment of the included studies, and use the Revman 5.3 and Stata13.0 software for meta-analysis of the effectiveness, recurrence rate, and symptom scores of angina pectoris. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for angina pectoris. Because all of the data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis have been published, this review does not require ethical approval. Furthermore, all data will be analyzed anonymously during the review process Trial. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019138003.

Traditional Chinese medicine on treating pain caused by prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is a male malignant tumor disease with high prevalence in recent years. Patients with advanced prostate cancer are more likely to have bone metastasis and have strong bone pain, and even lead to pathological fracture, which has a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has good clinical efficacy in treating pain caused by prostate cancer .This review hopes to adopt meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM in the treatment of pain caused by prostate cancer and provide evidence for its application in clinical practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search for PubMed, Cochrane Library, AMED, EMbase, WorldSciNet; Nature, Science online and China Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature CD-ROM Database (CBM), and related randomized controlled trials included in the China Resources Database. The time is limited from the construction of the library to June 2019.We will use the criteria provided by Cochrane 5.1.0 for quality assessment and risk assessment of the included studies, and use the Revman 5.3 and Stata13.0 software for meta-analysis of the effectiveness, recurrence rate, and symptom scores of pain caused by prostate cancer. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM for pain caused by prostate cancer. Because all of the data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis has been published, this review does not require ethical approval. Furthermore, all data will be analyzed anonymously during the review process Trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019131544.

[Qilin Pills for idiopathic oligoasthenospermia: A multi-centered randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qilin Pills in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia in infertile men. METHODS: This multi-centered randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial included 216 infertile males with oligoasthenospermia, 108 in the trial group and the other 108 in the control, the former treated with Qilin Pills at the dose of 6 g tid while the latter with Wuziyanzong Pills at 6 g bid, both for 12 weeks. We examined the total sperm count, sperm motility and the count of progressively motile sperm of the patients before and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after medication and evaluated the safety of the drug based on the adverse events and the laboratory results of blood and urine routine examinations and liver and kidney function tests. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the patients in the trial group showed a significant time-dependent improvement after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of medication in sperm motility (21.75% vs 27.54%, 29.04% and 32.95%, P <0.05), total sperm count (156.27 ×106 vs 177.33, 188.18 and 205.44 ×106, P <0.05), and the count of progressively motile sperm (32.08 ×106/ml vs 46.33, 50.98 and 61.10 ×106/ml, P <0.05). The three parameters above were also improved in the controls, but more significantly in the trial group (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Qilin Pills can evidently improve the semen quality of oligoasthenospermia patients with no obvious adverse events.

[Multiple factors logistic regression analysis on the basic syndromes related factors in patients with chronic prostatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the basic syndrome related factors in patients with chronic prostatitis (CP). METHODS: Using questionnaire to collect data of CP patients from three hospitals in Beijing, Epidata 3.02 to establish database, the uni-variate and multiple Logistic regression analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0 software to determine the basic syndrome related factors. RESULTS: Engagement in brainwork was the main risk factor for suffering from dampness-heat downward-flow syndrome; CP of type IIIA (classified by Western medicine), employed on brainwork or physical work, and working time < or =8 h were risk factors for suffering from qi-stagnancy and blood-stasis syndrome; illness duration >12 months, uncomfortable habitat, dislike for irritative beverages and poor digestive function were risk factors for Gan-qi stagnation syndrome; and aging, decreased burden from work, winter onset of the illness were those for Shen-yang deficiency syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The basic syndrome related factors in patients with CP are age of patient, duration and type of illness, occupational type, daily working time, burden from work, onset season of illness, living amenity, state of digestion, and relish for irritative beverage.

[Clinical analysis of yuziwan in the treatment of 30 sterile men with abnormal protamine].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical application and effects of Yuziwan in the treatment of male sterility patient with abnormal protamine. METHODS: The changes of protamine, semen and sex hormones of 30 male sterility patients treated by Yuziwan were observed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: After a 3-month course of treatment, 9 cases were cured, 15 obviously improved and 6 failed to respond. The ratio of histone to protamine was decreased from (1.34 +/- 0.52) before the treatment to (0.72 +/- 0.32) after it, with significant difference (P < 0.01), the semen quality obviously improved (P < 0.05), and the LH and T levels markedly raised (P < 0.01). Yuziwan evidently improved the abnormal protamine, sperm quality and endocrine function of the sterility patients. CONCLUSION: Yuziwan has good curative effect on male sterility.

[Affection of Bushen Shengjing pill on NO and NOS in testicle and ante-oxidization of rat with spermatogenic cell injury].

OBJECTIVE: Discuss the functional mechanism of treating male infertility with Bushen Shengjing pill (BS). METHOD: Fill the SD rat with adenine so as to injure the germ cell which will produce the model rat with kidney yang deficiency. Measure the activity of SOD and NOS, the amount of NO and MDA in the testicle. RESULT: BS can promote the activity of SOD, reduce the activity of NOS and the amount of NO and MDA. CONCLUSION: BS has the function of protecting the germ cell which is closely related to the function that the pill can promote the activity of SOD, reduce the activity of NOS and the amount of NO and MDA.