Sestrin2 and Sestrin3 protect spermatogenesis against heat-induced meiotic defects†.

Heat stress induces testicular oxidative stress, impairs spermatogenesis, and increases the risk of male infertility. Recent studies have highlighted the antioxidative properties of the Sestrins family in reducing cellular oxidative damage. However, the role of Sestrins (Sestrin1, 2, and 3) in the testicular response to heat stress remains unclear. Here, we found that Sestrin2 and 3 were highly expressed in the testis relative to Sestrin1. Then, the Sestrin2-/- and Sestrin3-/- mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 to investigate the role of them on spermatogenesis after heat stress. Our data showed that Sestrin2-/- and Sestrin3-/- mice testes exhibited more severe damage manifested by exacerbated loss of germ cells and higher levels of oxidative stress as compared to wild-type counterparts after heat stress. Notably, Sestrin2-/- and Sestrin3-/- mice underwent a remarkable increase in heat-induced spermatocyte apoptosis than that of controls. Furthermore, the transcriptome landscape of spermatocytes and chromosome spreading showed that loss of Sestrin2 and Sestrin3 exacerbated meiotic failure by compromising DNA double-strand breaks repair after heat stress. Taken together, our work demonstrated a critical protective function of Sestrin2 and Sestrin3 in mitigating the impairments of spermatogenesis against heat stress.

Fabrication of a Terbium-Functionalized Cadmium Organic Framework with Proper Energy Levels as a Ratiometric Probe of an Anthrax Biomarker.

Anthrax bacillus is a very dangerous zoonotic pathogen that seriously endangers public health. Rapid and accurate qualitative and quantitative detection of its biomarkers, 2,6-dipicolinic acid (DPA), is crucial for the prevention and treatment of this pathogenic bacterium. In this work, a novel Cd-based MOF (TTCA-Cd) has been synthesized from a polycarboxylate ligand, [1,1':2',1″-terphenyl]-4,4',4″,5'-tetracarboxylic acid (H4TTCA), and further doped with Tb(III), forming a dual-emission lanthanide-functionalized MOF hybrid (TTCA-Cd@Tb). TTCA-Cd@Tb can be developed as a high-performance ratiometric fluorescent sensor toward DPA with a very low detection limit of 7.14 nM and high selectivity in a wide detection range of 0-200 µM, demonstrating a big advancement and providing a new option for the detection of DPA.

Colorimetric and visual determination of iodide ions via morphology transition of gold nanobipyramids.

The gold nanobipyramids (Au NBPs) are widely used in the analytical detection of biochemistry due to their unique localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. In our developed approach, I- in kelp was detected by etching Au NBPs in the presence of IO3-. Under acidic conditions, IO3- reacted rapidly with I- to form I2, subsequently I2 reacted with I- to form the intermediate I3-. In the presence of CTAB, Au NBPs were etched by I2 derived from I3-, resulting in a decrease in the aspect ratio of Au NBPs, to form a significant blue shift of LSPR longitudinal peak and color variation of colloid which changed from blue-green to magenta and could be employed to quantitatively detect the concentration of I- with the naked eye. A linear relationship can be found between the LSPR peak changes with the I- concentration in a wide range from 4.0 µM to 15.0 µM, and the sensitive limit of detection (LOD) was 0.2 µM for UV-vis spectroscopy and the obvious color changes with a visual LOD was 4.0 µM for the naked eye. Benefiting from the high specificity, the proposed colorimetric detection of I- in kelp samples was achieved, indicating the available potential of the colorimetric detection for the determination of I- in real samples. What's more, this detection procedure was time-saving and could avoid tedious procedures.

Identification of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene family in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus): Involved in immune response regulation to temperature stress and Edwardsiella tarda infection.

The Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene family is responsible for regulating the degradation of Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) proteins, which are important for physiological processes such as wound healing, tissue remodeling, and stress response. Although MMPs have been studied in many species, their role in immune response in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is still not fully understood. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of MMPs in flounder, including gene structures, evolutionary relationships, conserved domains, molecular evolution, and expression patterns. Analysis revealed that MMP genes could be grouped into 17 subfamilies and were evolutionarily conserved and functionally-constrained. Meanwhile, MMP genes were found to express in different embryonic and larval stages and might play the role of sentinel in healthy tissues. Furthermore, expression profiling showed that MMPs had diverse functions in environmental stress, with 60% (9/15) and 73% (11/15) of MMPs showing differential expression patterns under temperature stress and Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) infection, respectively. These findings provide a useful resource for understanding the immune functions of MMP genes in Japanese flounder.

Blue-Emitting Zero-Dimensional Inorganic-Organic Hybrids Constructed from Beta-Diketonate Ligands and Bulky Organic Cations.

Two zero-dimensional inorganic-organic hybrids, namely, [C4mim][Cd(TCDPPA)3] (1) and [C4mpy][Cd(TCDPPA)3] (2), where (TCDPPA)- = 2,2,2-trichloro-N-(di(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phosphoryl)acetamide, (C4mim)+ = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, and (C4mpy)+ = 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium, have been synthesized via metathesis reactions and characterized systematically. These ionic cadmium-containing inorganic-organic hybrid compounds are assembled from a bulky organic cation and a complex anion constructed from the chelation of three TCDPPA ligands to one cadmium ion. These compounds possess wide band gaps and emit in the deep-blue region intensely with a quantum yield as high as 34.04%. The success of this work provides a new method for the design and fabrication of high-efficiency blue-emitting materials.

Replacement of long-segment ureteral defect with tapered demucosalized ileum: medium-term outcomes of 4 patients.

PURPOSE: Repair of long-segment ureteral defect (LSUD) is challenging. Currently available procedures carry some potential complications. We modified the ileal graft by tapering the wall and stripping the mucosa to combat associated pitfalls and first reported the medium-term outcomes of 4 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From September 2019 to October 2020, tapered demucosalized ileum (TDI) was used for LSUD reconstruction in 4 patients on the right (2 males and 2 females). Two patients were with panureteral avulsion and 2 with high-risk urothelial carcinoma in the distal ureter. TDI was made by tapering 1/2-2/3 of the antimesenteric ileal wall and stripping the mucosa with a blunt/blunt operating scissor. Follow-up modalities included serum creatinine, electrolytes, ultrasonography, CT urogram, renal scintigraphy, and ureteroscopy. RESULTS: Mean operation time was 443 min (range 360-550) and blood loss was negligible. The mean follow-up period was 29 months (range 23-36). Vesicoureteral reflux and related pyelonephritis occurred in 1 patient, necessitating a repair operation (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb). No strictures, obstructions, metabolic disorders, or electrolyte imbalances were observed in the remaining patients. In carcinoma patients, ureteroscopy in month 18 post-operation revealed ileal mucosal regrowth in the form of dwarf isolated islands. All renal units maintained adequate drainage and function during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ileal wall tapering and mucosa stripping confined to the muscularis mucosae level will not result in shrinkage, fibrosis, or stricture formation of the ileal ureter. The present work provides evidence for further application of TDI in the replacement of LSUD in patients.

Morphological and Molecular Functional Evidence of the Pharyngeal Sac in the Digestive Tract of Silver Pomfret, Pampus argenteus.

The pharyngeal sac is a comparatively rare organ in the digestive tract among teleost fishes. However, our understanding of this remarkable organ in the silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) is limited. In the present study, we examined the various morphological and histological characteristics of the pharyngeal sac using histochemical techniques and electron microscopy. The pharyngeal sac showed unique characteristics such as well-developed muscular walls, weakly keratinized epithelium, numerous goblet cells, and needle-like processes on the papillae. The porous cavity of the papillae contained numerous adipocytes and was tightly enveloped by type I collagen fibers. These structures might provide mechanical protection and excellent biomechanical properties for grinding and shredding prey. A comparison of gene expression levels between the pharyngeal sac and esophagus using RNA-seq showed that phenotype-associated genes (epithelial genes and muscle genes) were upregulated, whereas genes related to nutrient digestion and absorption were downregulated in the pharyngeal sac. These results support the role of the pharyngeal sac in shredding and predigesting food. Overall, these findings provide a clearer understanding of the pharyngeal sac morphology and explain the morphological adaptations of the digestive tract for feeding on gelatinous prey. To our knowledge, this is the first report on pharyngeal sac gene expression in P. argenteus.

Functionalized Zirconium Organic Frameworks as Fluorescent Probes for the Detection of Tetracyclines in Water and Pork.

The overuse of tetracyclines (TCs) in livestock breeding may cause a series of health and environmental problems. It is necessary to develop more accurate, convenient, and rapid sensing methods toward TCs, but it is still very challenging. In this work, three isostructural zirconium organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have been investigated as probes for the fluorescent sensing of TCs in water. By varying the functional group at the central benzene core, their sensing performances toward TCs can be modified. Under optimized conditions, the limit of detection can be as low as 0.08 nM in a wide detection range of 0-147 µM with high sensitivity and selectivity. These Zr-MOFs can also be applied in the detection of TCs in real pork samples with satisfying reliabilities and correctness. This work provides a new method for the design and optimization of fluorescent sensors toward TCs.

Clinical evaluation of AI software for rib fracture detection and its impact on junior radiologist performance.

BACKGROUND: The detection of rib fractures (RFs) on computed tomography (CT) images is time-consuming and susceptible to missed diagnosis. An automated artificial intelligence (AI) detection system may be helpful to improve the diagnostic efficiency for junior radiologists. PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance of junior radiologists with and without AI software for RF detection on chest CT images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six junior radiologists from three institutions interpreted 393 CT images of patients with acute chest trauma, with and without AI software. The CT images were randomly split into two sets at each institution, with each set assigned to a different radiologist First, the detection of all fractures (AFs), including displaced fractures (DFs), non-displaced fractures and buckle fractures, was analyzed. Next, the DFs were selected for analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of the radiologist-only and radiologist-AI groups at the patient level were set as primary endpoints, and secondary endpoints were at the rib and lesion level. RESULTS: Regarding AFs, the sensitivity difference between the radiologist-AI group and the radiologist-only group were significant at different levels (patient-level: 26.20%; rib-level: 22.18%; lesion-level: 23.74%; P < 0.001). Regarding DFs, the sensitivity difference was 16.67%, 14.19%, and 16.16% at the patient, rib, and lesion levels, respectively (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the specificity between the two groups for AFs and DFs at the patient and rib levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: AI software improved the sensitivity of RF detection on CT images for junior radiologists and reduced the reading time by approximately 1 min per patient without decreasing the specificity.

Design and Preparation of Multiple Function-Integrated Lignin/Tannin/ZnONP Composite Coatings for Paper-Based Green Packaging.

Lignin/tannin/ZnONP composite coatings were designed for paper-based green packaging. Multiple functions, such as high strength, moisture resistance, low air permeance, heat endurance, UV aging resistance, and antibacterial/mold properties, were successfully integrated into one biobased coating. Prepolymerization improved the physical properties of coatings at high lignin contents. The best ingredient ratio was: 40% lignin, 15% tannin, and 10% ZnONPs (based on tannin weight), and the as-prepared biocoating was labeled LTZn-10. After coated with LTZn-10, the tensile strength and bursting strength of the packaging were efficiently enhanced by more than 3 times and were dramatically increased by 51.6 and 5.6 times at the wet state, respectively, which reveals that the packaging has favorable moisture resistance and it can be used in high humidity environments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proved that most of the pores on the paper were blocked by the coatings, which helped to decrease the air permeance by 10.3 times. Meanwhile, ZnONPs were evenly spread on the coatings, which endowed the packaging with excellent antibacterial/mold performance. No colony or mycelium was found in the test against Gram-negative/positive bacteria and eight common molds. Besides, antibacterial activity is only available while the bacteria come in contact with the coating and no active substances were released into the culture medium, which is a good property that can keep the cargo from contamination of antibacterial agents. In addition, the coated paper presented an improved Tg and thermal degradation temperature, indicating that the coated package has favorable thermostability and can maintain its outstanding physical properties in a wider temperature range. Lignin and tannin promoted the UV stability and service life of the coated paper, as a rare physical decrease was observed after UV aging for 72 h. The function-integrated biobased coating with favorable sustainability is a good candidate to be widely used in paper-based green packaging fields.

Regioselective Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Benzenes via Co-Catalyzed Cycloaddition of Alkynyl Ketones and 2-Acetylpyridines.

A Co(II)-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction of alkynyl ketones and 2-acetylpyridines using 2,2'-bipyridine as the ligand has been developed. These reactions have been realized through Co-catalyzed reductive coupling of two molecules of 2-acetylpyridine followed by regioselective insertion of the alkynone. It is the first example of regioselective cyclotrimerization of one molecule of alkyne and two molecules of monoketone to polysubstituted benzene derivatives in good to excellent yields. A mechanism involving the formation of a cobaltacyclopentane via homocoupling of 2-acetylpyridines is proposed, and it is supported by the DFT calculations.

Identify the role of Human Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells in repairing injured uterine of rat.

AIM: Maternal complications caused by the cesarean delivery inhibit the capability of preserving the uterus and subsequent fertility. However, successful restoration of the incisional scar continuously still remains a challenge. This work was to evaluate the repairing effect of Human Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hWJ-MSC) on incisional scar of the uterine. METHODS: Eighteen rats were randomly assigned into two groups and nine for each: one group injected with hWJ-MSC in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and the other injected with PBS for comparison. RESULTS: With hWJ-MSC in PBS injected, the uterine endometrium and myometrium with full-thickness injury were restored and the functionality was greatly improved in comparison with the group only with PBS injected. CONCLUSION: The hWJ-MSC can repair the injured uterine effectively by promoting the uterine endometrium and myometrium cells proliferation and according to the chi-square analysis the pregnancy is improved.

[Effect of Gancao Fuzi Decoction on osteoarthritis and proteomics of articular cartilage in rats].

The rat osteoarthritis model was replicated by injection of sodium iodoacetate into the knee joint cavity, and the effects of Gancao Fuzi Decoction on rat osteoarthritis and the proteome of articular cartilage were investigated. Sixty SD rats weighing 230-250 g were randomly divided into normal group, model group, glucosamine sulfate group, and Gancao Fuzi Decoction high, medium and low dose groups. Osteoarthritis model was induced by intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate(3 mg on each leg) in all groups except the normal group. After modeling, each administration group was given intragastric administration for 1 month. During the administration period, joint pain test and joint width measurement were performed every week to observe the autonomous behavior of rats. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method was used to detect the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3), and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor(TIMP-1) in rat joint lavage fluid. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe bone and joint morphology. Nano-LC-LTQ-Orbitrap system was used to detect arti-cular cartilage proteins. The results showed that, compared with the model group, Gancao Fuzi Decoction could significantly improve joint pain and joint swelling in osteoarthritis rats, significantly reduce the contents of TNF-α, IL-1ß and MMP-3 in the joint cavity la-vage fluid, increase the content of TIMP-1, and relieve inflammatory diseases such as enlarged joint space, rough cartilage edge, different thickness of cartilage layer, and disordered arrangement of chondrocytes. After comparing the proteins between the groups, 273 differential proteins were screened out. KEGG analysis found that the above differential proteins involved 43 signaling pathways such as systemic lupus erythematosus, among which 11 signaling pathways were related to osteoarthritis. The above results indicated that Gancao Fuzi Decoction had a preventive effect on osteoarthritis, and its mechanism of action may be accomplished by regulating the protein expression of osteoarthritis-related signal pathways.

Noncontrast computer tomography-based radiomics model for predicting intracerebral hemorrhage expansion: preliminary findings and comparison with conventional radiological model.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a radiomics model for predicting hematoma expansion in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and to compare its predictive performance with a conventional radiological feature-based model. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 251 consecutive patients with acute ICH. Two radiologists independently assessed baseline noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) images. For each radiologist, a radiological model was constructed from radiological variables; a radiomics score model was constructed from high-dimensional quantitative features extracted from NCCT images; and a combined model was constructed using both radiological variables and radiomics score. Development of models was constructed in a primary cohort (n = 177). We then validated the results in an independent validation cohort (n = 74). The primary outcome was hematoma expansion. We compared the three models for predicting hematoma expansion. Predictive performance was assessed with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: In the primary cohort, combined model and radiomics model showed greater AUCs than radiological model for both readers (all p < .05). In the validation cohort, combined model and radiomics model showed greater AUCs, sensitivities, and accuracies than radiological model for reader 2 (all p < .05). Combined model showed greater AUC than radiomics model for reader 1 only in the primary cohort (p = .03). Performance of three models was comparable between reader 1 and reader 2 in both cohorts (all p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: NCCT-based radiomics model showed high predictive performance and outperformed radiological model in the prediction of early hematoma expansion in ICH patients. KEY POINTS: • Radiomics model showed better performance for prediction of hematoma expansion in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage than radiological feature-based model. • Hematomas which expanded in follow-up NCCT tended to be larger in baseline volume, more irregular in shape, more heterogeneous in composition, and coarser in texture. • A radiomics model provides a convenient and objective tool for prediction of hematoma expansion that helps to define subsets of patients who would benefit from anti-expansion therapy.

Fetus of 8q22.2q24.3 duplication and 13q33.2q34 deletion derived from a maternal balanced translocation.

The concomitant occurrence of 8q duplication and 13q deletion is the first to be detected by noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to date. Through case analysis, we could provide a clinical approach to pregnant women with chromosomal abnormalities revealed by NIPT. The combination of traditional karyotype and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) could better locate the abnormal chromosomal region and further identify the source of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Simultaneously, we evaluated the fetal morphology by ultrasound examination. The karyotype of the fetus was 46,XY,der(13)t(8;13)(q22;q32)mat and CNV-seq results showed that there was an approximately 45.26-Mb duplication in 8q22.2-q24.3 (101040001-146 300 000) and an approximately 9.54-Mb deletion in 13q33.2-q34 (105560001-115 100 000). Prenatal ultrasound revealed the fetal structural abnormalities presented with hypoplasia of the cerebellar vermis, a flat nose, echogenic bowel and absent gallbladder. Herein, we consider that combination detection of traditional karyotyping, CNV-seq and ultrasonography provides a valuable method for pregnant women with abnormal NIPT.

MRI-Based Radiomics Signature for the Preoperative Prediction of Extracapsular Extension of Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Radiomics approaches based on multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) have shown high accuracy in prostate cancer (PCa) management. However, there is a need to apply radiomics to the preoperative prediction of extracapsular extension (ECE). PURPOSE: To develop and validate a radiomics signature to preoperatively predict the probability of ECE for patients with PCa, compared with the radiologists' interpretations. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: In total, 210 patients with pathology-confirmed ECE status (101 positive, 109 negative) were enrolled. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: T2 -weighted imaging (T2 WI), diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging were performed on two 3.0T MR scanners. ASSESSMENT: A radiomics signature was constructed to predict the probability of ECE prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). In all, 17 stable radiomics features of 1619 extracted features based on T2 WI were selected. The same images were also evaluated by three radiologists. The predictive performance of the radiomics signature was validated and compared with radiologists' interpretations. STATISTICAL TESTS: A radiomics signature was developed by a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm. Samples enrolled were randomly divided into two groups (143 for training and 67 for validation). Discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness were validated by analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and the decision curve, respectively. The predictive performance was then compared with visual assessments of three radiologists. RESULTS: The radiomics signature yielded an AUC of 0.902 and 0.883 in the training and validation cohort, respectively, and outperformed the visual assessment (AUC: 0.600-0.697) in the validation cohort. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated that the radiomics signature was more sensitive than the radiologists (75.00% vs. 46.88%-50.00%, all P < 0.05), but obtained comparable specificities (91.43% vs. (88.57%-94.29%); P ranged from 0.64-1.00). DATA CONCLUSION: A radiomics signature was developed and validated that outperformed the radiologists' visual assessments in predicting ECE status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1914-1925.

Controllable synthesis of pyrido[2,3-b]indol-4-ones or indolo[3,2-b]quinolines via formal intramolecular C(sp2)-H functionalization.

A novel Fe-catalyzed protocol for the controllable synthesis of pyrido[2,3-b]indol-4-ones or indolo[3,2-b]quinolines has been developed by using indole-2-carboxylic derivatives as starting materials. Indole-2-carboxenamines were transformed into pyrido[2,3-b]indol-4-ones through intramolecular N-H/C-H coupling, in which a carbonyl 1,2-migration was involved. Whereas, when indole-2-carboxarylamines were employed, indolo[3,2-b]quinolones were produced through direct N-H/C-H coupling. The desired products were obtained under mild reaction conditions in moderate to good yields with wide substrate scope. The natural product quindolinone was conveniently prepared by this reaction.

Isolation and purification of alkaloids from lotus leaves by ionic-liquid-modified high-speed countercurrent chromatography.

An effective high-speed countercurrent chromatography method was successfully established by using ionic liquids as the modifier of the two-phase solvent system. Adding a small amount of ionic liquids significantly shortens the separation time and improves the separation efficiency. The conditions of ionic-liquid-modified high-speed countercurrent chromatography including solvent systems, types and content of added ionic liquids, and ionic liquids posttreatment were investigated. The established method was successfully applied to separate alkaloids from lotus leaves using a two-phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether/ethyl acetate/methanol/water/[C4 mim][BF4 ] (1:5:1:5:0.15, v/v/v/v/v). Four alkaloids pronuciferine (1.7 mg), N-nornuciferine (4.3 mg), nuciferine (3.1 mg), and roemerine (2.1 mg) were obtained with the purities of 90.53, 92.25, 99.86, and 98.63%, respectively, from 100 mg crude extract of lotus leaves. The results indicated that the ionic-liquid-modified high-speed countercurrent chromatography method was suitable for alkaloid separation from lotus leaves and would be a promising method for the separation of alkaloids from other natural products.

[Effect of Erxian Decoction on cyclophosphamide-induced oligospermia in mice].

Objective: To study the effect of Erxian Decoction (EXD) on oligospermia (OS) induced by cyclophosphamide in mice. METHODS: Eighty 6-week-old male Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups of equal number, normal control, OS model control, and low-, medium- and high-dose EXD, the former two groups treated intragastrically with normal saline and the latter three with EXD at 3, 6 and 12 g per kg of the body weight qd for 30 days. From the 21st day of administration, the mice of the normal control group were injected intraperitoneally with saline and those of the other four groups with cyclophosphamide at 80 mg per kg of the body weight qd for 5 consecutive days. At 24 hours after the last gavage, the bilateral epididymides of the mice were collected and sperm suspension prepared for determination of the sperm count and motility, and the bilateral testes were harvested for histomorphological observation and measurement of the concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MAD) and glutathione (GSH) in the testis tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the normal controls, the mice of the OS model control group showed significant decreases in epididymal sperm concentration (ï¼»9.31 ± 1.32ï¼½ vs ï¼»3.32 ± 1.13ï¼½×107/ml, P <0.01) and motility (ï¼»44.75 ± 8.12ï¼½% vs ï¼»25.95 ± 11.41］， P<0.01) and the concentrations of SOD (ï¼»37.27 ± 0.99ï¼½ vs ï¼»14.23 ± 1.99ï¼½ U/mg prot, P <0.01) and GSH (ï¼»101.55 ± 8.74ï¼½ vs ï¼»58.77 ± 8.93ï¼½ µmol/L, P <0.01) but an obvious increase in the MDA level (ï¼»2.21 ± 0.65ï¼½ vs ï¼»2.61 ± 0.15ï¼½ nmol/mg prot, P <0.05) in the testis tissue. In comparison with the OS model controls, the mice treated with low-, medium- and high-dose EXD exhibited significantly increased epididymal sperm concentration (ï¼»8.34 ± 2.59ï¼½, ï¼»8.59 ± 1.10ï¼½ and ï¼»8.41 ± 1.47ï¼½×107/ml) (P <0.01) and motility (ï¼»36.04 ± 12.33ï¼½%, ï¼»38.87 ± 13.13ï¼½% and ï¼»41.90 ± 8.09ï¼½%) (P <0.01) and concentrations of SOD (ï¼»22.99 ± 1.11ï¼½, ï¼»20.82 ± 1.81ï¼½ and ï¼»21.33 ± 1.66ï¼½ U/mg prot) (P <0.01) and GSH (ï¼»104.74 ± 2.47ï¼½, ï¼»98.61 ± 12.98ï¼½ and ï¼»108.89 ± 5.85ï¼½ µmol/L) (P <0.01) but decreased level of MDA (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Erxian Decoction can improve cyclophosphamide-induced reduction of sperm concentration and motility, which might be associated with its abilities of resisting oxidation and reducing oxidative stress injury.

[Hippocampus proteomics for effect of Er-xian decoction on ovariectomy induced-learning and memory disabilities in rats].

To investigate the effect of Er-xian decoction on ovariectomy induced-learning and memory disability in rats based on the differences in hippocampus proteomic expression, the female rats were ovariectomized for perimenopausal status and then randomly divided into 3 groups, namely sham group, control group and Er-xian decoction group. The rats in sham group and control group were given normal saline by gavage everyday, the rats in Er-xian decoction group were given 12 g·kg⁻¹ of Er-xian decoction by gavage once a day. After treatment for 90 day, all of the animals were tested by Morris water maze, and all of the samples were collected for testing. The hippocampus proteins were detected by Nano-LC-LTQ-Orbitrap system, and identified by Protein Discovery software. The intensity of differential proteins were quantitated by SIEVE software，and the biological functions of protein were analyzed by DIVAD database. The results showed that Er-xian decoction could significantly improve the abilities of learning and memory. Compared with control group， 216 differential proteins with a consistent variation trend with the sham group were found in the Er-xian decoction group. And they mainly concentrated in calcium signaling pathway, Rab3A and Rab14 were key genes with the highest functional classification enrichment score in the gene group. Er-xian decoction could significantly improve the abilities of learning and memory in perimenopausal model rats. The invention effect of Er-xian decoction may be correlated with the calcium signaling pathway and Ras-related protein Rab-3A, and Ras-related protein Rab-14.