Total flavonoids ofEpimediumreduce ageing-related oxidative DNA damage in testis of rats via p53-dependent pathway

Abstract

Increased DNA damage in testis is considered as a major factor for ageing-related dysfunction. Total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE), the main active compositions of Epimedium, have been used to treat sexual dysfunction and delay ageing. However, whether TFE could improve ageing-related testicular dysfunction remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the protection effects of TFE and its mechanisms of action in a naturally ageing rat model. Eighteen-month-old SD rats were randomised to receive either vehicle or TFE (10 and 20 mg/kg). Nine-month-old SD rats were used as adult controls. Morphology, protein expression and immunohistochemistry were determined. Compared with adult control group, intragastric administration of TFE for 6 months significantly improved testicular morphology, increased the activities of SOD and decreased the levels of MDA of testis. In addition, TFE decreased γH2AX expression levels and γH2AX focal formation in spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte with concomitant downregulation of 8-OHdG levels. Furthermore, TFE inhibited p-P53/p21 and chk1/chk2 expression levels. Collectively, TFE effectively reduce oxidative DNA damage in testis of ageing rats via a p53-dependent pathway. Thus, inhibition of oxidative DNA damage is likely to represent a promising strategy for restoration of ageing-related testicular dysfunction.

Anti-aging role of Chinese herbel medicine: an overview of scientific evidence from 2008 to 2018

“…Its main constituents are the Total Flavonoid of Epimedium (TFE) and Icariin. Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of aging and can induce oxidative DNA damage, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis; however, TFE can effectively reduce oxidative stress-induced DNA damage in aging rats by inhibiting p-p53/p21 and chk1/chk2 expression, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content (96). Icariin alleviates the age-dependent deficit in cognitive function, which may be via activation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the hippocampus (97).…”

The effect of total flavonoids of Epimedium on granulosa cell development in laying hens

“…The total flavonoids of Epimedium ( TFE ) play a role such as that of estrogen in improving the coefficient of uterine weight and making the endometrium thick in ovariectomized mice ( Wang et al., 2012 ). Total flavonoids of Epimedium effectively reduce DNA oxidative damage in the testis of aging rats ( Zhao et al., 2017 ). Total flavonoids of Epimedium exert beneficially protective effects on the damage of the reproductive system male mice and reduce apoptosis in spermatogenic cells ( Yuan et al., 2014 ).…”

Improving effects of Epimedium flavonoids on the selected reproductive features in layer hens after forced molting

“…The total flavonoids of Epimedium ( TFE ) were found to play a role similar to estrogen in ovariectomized mice by improving the coefficients of uterine weight and promoting endometrium thickening ( Wang et al., 2012 ). It has also been determined that TFE had displayed the ability to effectively reduce oxidative DNA damage in the testis of aging rats ( Zhao et al., 2017 ). In addition, previous research results demonstrated that TFE exerted beneficially protective effects on the structural and functional damage of reproductive systems of male mice and reduced apoptosis in spermatogenic cells ( Yuan et al., 2014 ).…”