[Effect of Guilu Taohong decoction on spermatogenic function and sex hormone levels in a rat model of varicocele].
Yang Yang Y, Wang Biao B, Qiu Zerui Z, Wang Yizhuo Y et al.
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Guilu Taohong decoction on spermatogenic function and sex hormone levels in a rat model of varicocele (VC). Methods Forty-eight SPF-grade male SD rats (6 weeks old) were randomly assigned to the sham-operated group, model group, Guilu Taohong decoction group and L-carnitine group. Except for the sham operation group, the other groups were respectively given corresponding drug intragastric intervention for 8 weeks after modeling. After the intervention, the diameters of the left spermatic vein in each group of rats were detected. The morphological structure of testicular, epididymal and renal tissues was observed by HE staining, and the degree of testicular interstitial fibrosis was evaluated by Masson staining. The levels of serum testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and inhibin B (INH-B) were detected by ELISA. The expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in testicular tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the sham-operated group, the left spermatic vein of rats in the model group was significantly dilated (P<0.01), the tissue structure of the testis and epididymis was disordered, spermatogenic cells decreased, and interstitial fibrosis was obvious. The levels of serum T and INH-B decreased significantly (all P<0.01), the levels of FSH and LH increased (all P<0.01), and the expressions of HIF-1α and VEGFA were significantly upregulated (all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Guilu Taohong decoction group exhibited significantly reduced left spermatic vein diameter (P<0.05), improved testicular and epididymal structure, increased spermatogenic cell number, attenuated interstitial fibrosis, elevated serum T and INH-B(all P<0.01), decreased FSH and LH levels (all P<0.05), and downregulated HIF-1α and VEGFA expression (all P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operated group,the L-carnitine group showed increased T and INH-B levels (all P<0.05), decreased FSH and LH levels (all P<0.01), and reduced HIF-1α and VEGFA expression (all P<0.05). But Guilu Taohong decoction group exhibited more pronounced T elevation and HIF-1α reduction (P<0.05). The renal tissue structures of rats in each group were intact, and no obvious pathological changes were observed. Conclusions Guilu Taohong decoction effectively improves spermatic vein dilation and spermatogenic function in VC model rats. Its mechanisms may involve inhibition of HIF-1α/VEGFA expression, alleviation of local hypoxia and tissue fibrosis, and restoration of reproductive endocrine homeostasis, with good safety.