Affiliation:
1. Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine The Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University Yixing China
2. Department of Pharmacy The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University Yixing China
3. Central Laboratory The Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University Yixing China
4. School of Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing China
Abstract
AbstractThis study aims to identify potential efficacy‐related biomarkers and investigate the mechanism of Youjing granule (YG) in improving spermatogenic function in rats based on metabolomics combined with network pharmacology. We obtained YG‐containing serum from Sprague–Dawley rats, compared it with control group serum and analyzed it using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy to identify potential biomarkers and investigate the mechanism of YG in improving spermatogenic function in rats. Six important differential biomarkers, comprising putrescine, amidine, arginine, d‐fructose‐6‐phosphate, l‐proline and galactose, were identified in the YG‐containing serum and then used to explore the potential mechanisms. The ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry technology was adopted for the rapid separation, identification and analysis of chemical components of YG in blood. A total of 69 detected chromatographic peaks were revealed. The binding energy between core compounds and key proteins is low, among which dipsacoside B is the best. The outcomes suggest that YG may improve spermatogenic function in rats by facilitating the development of spermatogonial stem cells, counteracting oxidative stress and controlling cellular apoptosis. Youjing granule may also affect the energy required for sperm production or influence sperm growth and maturation.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China