Effects of Guhanyangshengjing Tablet on Testosterone Synthesis and Expression of SYCP3 in the Testis of Aging Male Rats

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article is to investigate the effect of Guhanyangshengjing Tablet (GT) on expression of synaptonemal complex protein 3 (SYCP3), a meiotic marker, in the testis tissue of aging male rats. Methods: Forty aging male rats were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups (n = 10 per group). Rats in each group were treated with GT at dose of 0 (control), 1.5 g/kg, 3.0 g/kg or 4.5 g/kg respectively by gavage daily for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, all animals were sacrificed and the blood samples were drawn to evaluate serum testosterone levels. The reproductive organs of each rat were taken and weighted. The right testis of each rat was removed for the analysis of intratesticular testosterone (ITT) concentrations, and the left one was used for immunohistochemical staining. Results: Compared with the control, reproductive organs’ weights, serum testosterone levels, ITT concentrations, quality of sperm, and expression of SYCP3 in the GT-treated groups were all improved in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: GT can improve testosterone synthesis and promote spermatogenesis simultaneously, indicating that GT is suitable for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) patients with fertility requirements.