Icariin alleviates the injury of Sertoli cell junction function by upregulating PKR pathway via ERα/c-fos signaling in aged mice.

Xiaoyu Ma, Kaili Zhu, Zhili Yao, Ding Yuan, Jie Wu, Changcheng Zhang, Haixia Zhao

Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Sertoli cells are vital to maintain spermatogenesis and their function decline during aging. Epimedium has the effects of tonifying kidney-yang, strengthening bones and muscles, and expelling wind and dampness, and is commonly used in the treatment of kidney-yang deficiency, impotence and spermatorrhea. Icariin is the main active ingredients from Epimedium exhibiting delaying aging effects and improving male reproductive dysfunction. Whereas, it remains poorly understood how icariin alleviates age-associated decline in testicular function by protecting against the damage of junction function of Sertoli cells.

The following analysis is generated by AI and may contain errors. It is separate from the authors’ abstract and is not peer review.

Research summary

The paper investigates the effects of icariin on Sertoli cell function in the context of aging, which is relevant to understanding mechanisms that may contribute to age-related reproductive decline. However, the focus on a specific pathway and cell type limits its broader implications for longevity research. The findings may contribute to the understanding of male reproductive aging but do not address the root causes of aging or lifespan extension in a significant way. Thus, while it is a solid piece of research, its overall impact on the field of longevity is limited.

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