RESUMO
Aim To investigate the effects of saponins of Panax japonicus (SPJ) on high-fat diet induced reproductive dysfunction in mice and its underlying mechanisms. Methods Sperm viability and sperm count were assessed using hemocytometer and eosin Y staining under light microscope. Testicular morphology was evaluated by HE staining. Germ cell apoptosis was detected by deoxyribonucleotide terminal transferasemediated (TUNEL). The relative protein expression levels of p-NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by Western blot. The numbers of testicular macrophages were assessed by immunofluorescence. Results Compared with high-fat model group, SPJ significantly reduced the body mass of mice, significantly increased the weight and index of testis and epididymis, elevated sperm viability and sperm count, improved the morphology of seminiferous tubules, and reduced germ cell the apoptosis. In addition, SPJ markedly decreased the relative protein expression levels of p-NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β, and reduced the numbers of testicular macrophages. Conclusions SPJ significantly improves high-fat diet induced reproductive dysfunction in male mice, and its mechanism may be related to the reduction of macrophage infiltration and inhibition of NF-ΚB pathway-mediated testicular inflammation.