Ginsenoside Re promotes human sperm capacitation through nitric oxide-dependent pathway

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Sperm capacitation is crucial for fertilization.
• Ginsenosides from ginseng influence cellular functions.
• Nitric oxide (NO) modulates sperm function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of Ginsenoside Re on human sperm capacitation.
• To elucidate the mechanism of Ginsenoside Re's action on sperm.

Main Methods:

• Human spermatozoa were treated with varying concentrations of Ginsenoside Re.
• Acrosome reaction (AR) was measured using FITC-PSA.
• Intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were quantified.
• Involvement of NO, guanylate cyclase, and protein kinase G was assessed using specific inhibitors and donors.

Main Results:

• Ginsenoside Re significantly increased spontaneous and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-induced AR in a dose-dependent manner.
• Intracellular cGMP levels were elevated by Ginsenoside Re.
• The effects of Ginsenoside Re were mimicked by a NO donor and blocked by NO synthesis inhibitors.
• Inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase or cGMP-dependent protein kinase attenuated Ginsenoside Re's effect, while cGMP analogue enhanced AR.

Conclusions:

• Ginsenoside Re promotes human sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction.
• The mechanism involves the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP/protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway.
• Ginsenoside Re shows potential as a beneficial agent for male fertility.