Abstract

The effect of Yishen Tongluo recipe on sperm motility of asthenospermia model rats and its possible mechanisms were studied. 36 Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into 6 groups with 6 rats in each group which includes model control group, Yishen Tongluo formula low dose group, Yishen Tongluo formula medium dose group, Yishen Tongluo formula high dose group, levocarnitine control group and blank control group. Ornidazole was used to induce asthenospermia in rats. Sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, protein deglycase DJ-1, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase expression levels were quantified. Markedly reduced sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, protein deglycase DJ-1 and superoxide dismutase in model control group vs. blank control group were determined, while reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde were elevated (p<0.05). In comparison with model control group, low, medium and high dose groups of Yishen Tongluo formula and levocarnitine control group had significantly increased sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, protein deglycase DJ-1 and superoxide dismutase levels, and decreased reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels (p<0.05). Yishen Tongluo formula can effectively improve sperm motility in oligoasthenospermia model rats, possibly by increasing protein deglycase DJ-1 and superoxide dismutase expression, reducing reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, and protecting mitochondrial function.