[L-carnitine-astaxanthin compound nutrients for the treatment of idiopathic oligospermia and asthenozoospermia: A multicenter clinical observation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of the L-carnitine-astaxanthin compound nutrients Menglankang (MLK) on idiopathic oligospermia (OS) and asthenospermia (AS). METHODS: This study included 73 cases of OS and 220 cases of AS treated with MLK once a bag, bid, for 3 successive months. Before and at 1, 2 and 3 months after treatment, we obtained and analyzed the semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of the patients. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the OS patients showed remarkable increases after 1 and 2 months of treatment in the semen volume (ï¼»3.07 ± 1.47ï¼½ vs ï¼»3.26 ± 1.26ï¼½ and ï¼»3.30 ± 1.28ï¼½ ml), sperm concentration (ï¼»10.96 ± 6.09ï¼½ vs ï¼»16.74 ± 11.15ï¼½ and ï¼»17.56 ± 9.92ï¼½ ×106/ml, P < 0.05), total sperm count (ï¼»29.78 ± 17.48ï¼½ vs ï¼»52.98 ± 32.07ï¼½ and ï¼»57.67 ± 36.98ï¼½ ×106, P < 0.05) and the percentages of progressively motile sperm (PMS) (ï¼»39.8 ± 11.66ï¼½% vs ï¼»45.3 ± 14.03ï¼½% and ï¼»46.42 ± 10.69ï¼½%, P < 0.05) and morphologically normal sperm (MNS) (ï¼»1.71 ± 1.07ï¼½% vs ï¼»1.79 ± 0.91ï¼½% and ï¼»1.84 ± 0.96ï¼½%), and so did the AS patients in PMS (ï¼»19.23 ± 8.32ï¼½% vs ï¼»25.46 ± 13.86ï¼½% and ï¼»27.33 ± 12.88ï¼½%, P < 0.05). After 3 months of medication, the OS patients exhibited even more significant increases in the semen volume (ï¼»3.63 ± 1.39ï¼½ ml) (P < 0.05), sperm concentration (ï¼»20.56 ± 14.7ï¼½ ×106/ml) (P < 0.05), total sperm count (ï¼»66.35 ± 55.91ï¼½ ×106) (P < 0.05), PMS (ï¼»49.24 ± 13.45ï¼½%) (P < 0.05) and MNS (ï¼»2.59 ± 0.93ï¼½%) (P < 0.05), and so did the AS patients in the semen volume (ï¼»3.27 ± 1.42ï¼½ vs ï¼»3.85 ± 1.59ï¼½ ml, P < 0.05), PMS (ï¼»29.11 ± 13.58ï¼½%) (P < 0.05) and NMS (ï¼»2.01 ± 1.14ï¼½% vs ï¼»2.57 ± 1.15ï¼½%, P < 0.05). In comparison with the baseline, the sperm DFI was not significantly improved at 1 month after treatment, but remarkably decreased at 2 and 3 months in the OS patients (ï¼»25.87 ± 13.76ï¼½% vs ï¼»18.66 ± 10.83ï¼½% and ï¼»16.48 ± 11.46ï¼½%, P < 0.05) and the AS patients as well (ï¼»26.40 ± 12.28ï¼½% vs ï¼»19.35 ± 11.54ï¼½% and ï¼»15.32 ± 10.89ï¼½%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The L-carnitine-astaxanthin compound nutrients Menglankang can significantly improve the semen quality of the patients with idiopathic oligospermia or asthenospermia.

[Traditional Chinese therapy of tonifying the kidney and invigorating blood circulation reduces sperm DNA damage and improves natural pregnancy in infertile males].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of the traditional Chinese therapy of tonifying the kidney and invigorating blood circulation (TKIB) on male infertility. METHODS: Forty-two infertile males with abnormal DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were randomly allocated into a TKIB (n = 22) and a control group (n = 20), the former treated by TKIB with an oral Chinese medicinal prescription while the latter with oral tamoxifen tablets and vitamin E capsules, both for 3 months. Before and after treatment, we obtained the semen parameters and sperm DFI from the patients and followed them up for the outcomes of natural pregnancy. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the patients in both the TKIB and control groups showed significant increases after medication in sperm concentration (ï¼»36.82 ± 29.16ï¼½ and ï¼»34.56 ± 37.03ï¼½ vs ï¼»50.00 ± 39.16ï¼½ and ï¼»40.72 ± 47.37ï¼½ ×106/ml, P<0.05), the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS) (ï¼»20.62 ± 9.10ï¼½% and ï¼»21.25 ± 9.11ï¼½% vs ï¼»36.82 ± 13.45ï¼½% and ï¼»26.18 ± 10.60ï¼½%, P<0.05) and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (MNS) (ï¼»1.28 ± 1.00ï¼½% and ï¼»1.48 ± 0.91ï¼½% vs ï¼»3.44 ± 1.33ï¼½% and ï¼»2.57 ± 1.32ï¼½%, P<0.05), but remarkably decreased sperm DFI (ï¼»29.07 ± 11.52ï¼½% and ï¼»24.43 ± 8.46ï¼½% vs ï¼»15.51 ± 11.31ï¼½% and ï¼»18.53 ± 10.44ï¼½%, P<0.05). The patients of the TKIB group exhibited an even higher total sperm motility and percentages of PMS and MNS than those of the control group (P<0.05) but no statistically significant difference from the latter in sperm concentration or DFI (P>0.05). Besides, the former achieved higher rates of natural pregnancy (18.2%) and live birth (18.2%) than the controls (15% and 10%) though neither with statistically significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The traditional Chinese therapy of tonifying the kidney and invigorating blood circulation can reduce sperm DNA damage and improve the outcomes of natural pregnancy in infertile men.

Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Remedy for Male Infertility: A Review.

Male infertility (MI) is a complex multifactorial disease, and idiopathic infertility accounts for 30% of cases of MI. At present, the evidence for the effectiveness of empirical drugs is limited, and in vitro fertilization is costly and may increase the risk of birth defects and childhood cancers. Therefore, affected individuals may feel obliged to pursue natural remedies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may represent a useful option for infertile men. It has been demonstrated that TCM can regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and boost the function of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. TCM can also alleviate inflammation, prevent oxidative stress, reduce the DNA fragmentation index, and modulate the proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells. Furthermore, TCM can supply trace elements and vitamins, ameliorate the microcirculation of the testis, decrease the levels of serum anti-sperm antibody, and modify epigenetic markers. However, the evidence in favor of TCM is not compelling, which has hindered the development of TCM. This review attempts to elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of TCM. We also explore the advantages of TCM, differences between TCM and Western medicine, and problems in existing studies. Subsequently, we propose solutions to these problems and present perspectives for the future development of TCM.

[Shenjing Guben Pills for repairing testicular spermatogenic injury induced by oxidative stress in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidative and spermatogenesis-repairing effects of Shenjing Guben Pills (SGP), a Chinese medicine for invigorating the kidney and blood circulation, on the testis, epididymis and sperm in rats with oxidative stress injury (OSI) induced by cadmium chloride. METHODS: Seventy-two male Wistar rats were equally randomized into six groups: normal control, OSI model control, Wuzi Yanzong Pills (WYP) and low-, medium- and high-dose SGP. The OSI model was made in the latter five groups by intraperitoneal injection of cadmium chloride at 1 mg/kg, and 24 hours later, the rats of the normal and model control groups treated intragastrically with 0.9% normal saline, those of the WYP group with WYP at 4.5 g/kg/d, and those of the low-, medium- and high-dose SGP groups with SGP at 2.8, 5.6 and 11.2 g/kg/d, respectively, all for 56 days. Then, all the animals were sacrificed for obtainment of the visceral indexes and histopathological changes of the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle, measurement of sperm concentration and motility and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (MNS) in the epididymis, and determination of the levels of glutathione perox-idase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondial-dehyde aldehyde (MDA) and serum testosterone (T). RESULTS: Compared with the OSI model controls, the rats in the high-, medium- and low-dose SGP groups showed significantly higher visceral indexes of the testis (ï¼»0.237 ± 0.098ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.403 ± 0.090ï¼½, ï¼»0.357 ± 0.150ï¼½ and ï¼»0.348 ± 0.140ï¼½ g/100 g, P < 0.05) and seminal vesicle (ï¼»0.241 ± 0.118ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.347 ± 0.115ï¼½, ï¼»0.336 ± 0.090ï¼½ and ï¼»0.320 ± 0.065ï¼½ g/100 g, P < 0.05) and those of the high-dose SGP group in the epididymal index (ï¼»0.099 ± 0.088ï¼½ vs ï¼»0.156 ± 0.030ï¼½ g/100 g, P < 0.05). In comparison with the OSI model controls, the animals of the high-, medium- and low-dose SGP groups exhibited significant increases in sperm concentration (ï¼»10.5 ± 17.7ï¼½ vs ï¼»58.1 ± 32.2ï¼½, ï¼»36.0 ± 36.2ï¼½ and ï¼»31.9 ± 32.7ï¼½ ×106/ml, P < 0.05) and serum T (ï¼»2.56 ± 0.75ï¼½ vs ï¼»3.62 ± 0.96ï¼½, ï¼»3.48 ± 1.33ï¼½ and ï¼»3.24 ± 0.83ï¼½ nmol/L, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and those of the high- and medium-dose SCG groups in total sperm motility (ï¼»9.5 ± 13.0ï¼½% vs ï¼»26.5 ± 15.5ï¼½% and ï¼»18.9 ± 8.2ï¼½%, P < 0.05) and MNS (ï¼»36.2 ± 40.2ï¼½% vs ï¼»85.3 ± 23.3ï¼½% and ï¼»65.8 ± 28.1ï¼½%, P < 0.05) and the levels GSH-PX (ï¼»3.62 ± 2.22ï¼½ vs ï¼»5.70 ± 1.73ï¼½ and ï¼»5.42 ± 2.35ï¼½ U/mg prot, P < 0.05 ) and SOD (ï¼»41.3 ± 8.8ï¼½ vs ï¼»52.7 ± 14.6ï¼½ and ï¼»51.3 ± 14.7ï¼½ U/mg prot, P < 0.05). The MDA level, however, was markedly decreased in the high-, medium- and low-dose SGP groups (ï¼»0.41 ± 0.29ï¼½, ï¼»0.44 ± 0.19ï¼½ and ï¼»0.47 ± 0.20ï¼½ nmol/mg prot) as compared with that in the OSI model controls (ï¼»0.69 ± 0.28ï¼½ nmol/mg prot) (P < 0.05). Histopathological examinations manifested coagulative necrosis, calcification and disappearance of spermatogenic and Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules of the OSI model controls, with decreased intraluminal secretions and atrophic epithelial papillae in the seminal vesicles and non-sperm cells in the narrowed lumens of the atrophic epididymis. With the increased dose of SGP, the proportion of normal seminiferous tubules was enlarged, the epithelia of the seminal vesicle became column-shaped again, and the epididymal lumens grew lager with more sperm cells, which indicated a dose-dependent therapeutic efficacy. Medium- and high-dose SGP achieved a significantly better effect than WYP. CONCLUSIONS: Shenjing Guben Pills can antagonize oxidative stress, elevate the levels of testicular antioxidant enzymes and serum T, repair pathological injury of the testis, epididymis and seminal vesicle, and improve semen quality and spermatogenic function.

[The method of tonifying kidneys and activating blood circulation increases testosterone secretion index in late-onset hypogonadism males with kidney deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the method of tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation on the testosterone secretion index (TSI) in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) male patients with kidney deficiency and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: We screened 60 LOH male patients with kidney deficiency based on the scores on Partial Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (PADAM), the levels of serum total testosterone (TT) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and TSI (TT/LH). We randomly divided the patients into a Nan Geng Ning (NGN) group (n = 40, aged 55.02 +/- 11.37 years) and a control group (n = 20, aged 54.56 +/- 12.12 years) to be treated orally with NGN decoction and testosterone undecanoate capsules, respectively, both for 12 consecutive weeks. We obtained the scores on psychological status, physical status and sexual function and observed the changes in serum TT, LH and TSI after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, both the NGN and control groups showed a significant reduction after 12 weeks of medication in the LH level ([5.32 +/- 2.08] vs [4.89 +/- 1.46] IU/L and [5.36 +/- 2.07] vs [4.81 +/- 1.75] IU/L, P < 0.05), psychological status score (5.2 +/- 1.3 vs 2.7 +/- 1.4 and 4.8 +/- 2.2 vs 2.9 +/- 1.2, P < 0.05), physical status score (6.9 +/- 2.5 vs 2.9 +/- 1.6 and 7.1 +/- 2.7 vs 3.1 +/- 1.5, P < 0.05) and sexual function score (10.2 +/- 3.3 vs 4.5 +/- 2.9 and 9.8 +/- 3.1 vs 4.8 +/- 3.0, P < 0.05), but a remarkable increase in the TT level ([11.13 +/- 0.69] vs [14.55 +/- 0.75] nmol/L and [10.99 +/- 0.74] vs [14.74 +/- 0.83] nmol/L, P < 0.05) and TSI ([2.14 +/- 0.65] vs [2.99 +/- 0.72] nmol/IU and ([2.05 +/- 0.73] vs [3.11 +/- 0.65] nmol/IU, P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the NGN and control groups at 12 weeks in LH ([4.89 +/- 1.46] vs [4.81 +/- 1.75] IU/L, P > 0.05), TT ([14.55 +/- 0.75] vs [14.74 +/- 0.83] nmol/L, P > 0.05), TSI ([2.99 +/- 0.72] vs [3.11 +/- 0.65] nmol/IU, P > 0.05), psychological status score (2.7 +/- 1.4 vs 2.9 +/- 1.2, P > 0.05), physi- cal status score (2.9 +/- 1.6 vs 3.1 +/- 1.5, P > 0.05) and sexual function score (4.5 +/- 2.9 vs 4.8 +/- 3.0, P > 0.05). There were no adverse events in either of the two groups throughout the whole experiment. CONCLUSION: The method of tonifying the kidney and activating blood circulation could significantly improve the clinical symptoms of LOH with kidney deficiency and increase the patient's serum TT level and TSI. NGN decoction works on LOH by acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis.

[Compound Xuanju capsule improves sex hormones and sex organ indexes in castrated male rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Compound Xuanju Capsule on the levels of sex hormones and the weight of sexual organs in castrated male rats. METHODS: A randomized model control trail was performed in 60 young male SD rats of SPF grade, of which 12 were included in the normal control group, and the others were castrated and randomly divided into a model control group and a high-dose, a median-dose and a low-dose Xuanju group. The control groups received intragastric administration of normal saline, and the model groups solution of Compound Xuanju Capsule, all for 20 days. Then we determined by radioimmunoassay the levels of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the peripheral blood of the rats, and measured the weights of the epididymis, preputial gland, seminal vesicle, prostate and levator ani muscle. RESULTS: The T levels were remarkably lower in the castrated groups than in the normal controls, and significantly higher in the three Xuanju groups than in the model controls (P < 0.01). Both LH and FSH levels were increased in the model control and Xuanju groups as compared with the normal control group, the former with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) and the latter without. In comparison with the normal controls, the model control rats showed a marked reduction in the indexes of the preputial gland, seminal vesicle, prostate and levator ani muscle, and the high-dose Xuanju group exhibited a significant increase in the seminal vesicle index as compared with the model controls (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the indexes of preputial gland, prostate and levator ani muscle among different dose groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compound Xuanju Capsule can elevate T and LH levels in the peripheral blood of male SD rats and improve the indexes of their sex organs, which may be an important mechanism behind its effect on ED.