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[Traditional Chinese medicine to treat oligoasthenozoospermia by regulating cellular autophagy]
Jin Ding1, Xu-Yun Wang2, Qing-Hu He3
1Shenzhen Bao'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Seventh School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518133, China.
Abstract:
Oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS) is the main factor for male infertility, and the cause and pathogenesis of the disease remain unknown. Emerging data indicate that cellular autophagy is closely correlated with male reproduction, especially the biosynthetic and catabolic processes of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Nonetheless, it is not yet clear whether autophagy plays a protective or a harmful role in these processes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has exhibited a definite therapeutic effect on OAS, and its action mechanism might be closely associated with cellular autophogy，and its related markers and pathways. This article systematically reviews the role of cellular autophagy in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, as well as the therapeutic effect of TCM on OAS by regulating the process of autophagy, aiming to gain a deeper insight into the potential mechanism of TCM acting on OAS and provide some references for further improvement of its clinical efficacy.
Insights
Oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS), a cause of male infertility, may be treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through regulating cellular autophagy. This review explores autophagy
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS) is a primary cause of male infertility with unknown pathogenesis.
- Cellular autophagy is implicated in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, but its precise role (protective or harmful) is unclear.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows therapeutic potential for OAS, possibly via modulating autophagy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the role of cellular autophagy in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation.
- To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of TCM in treating OAS by regulating autophagy.
- To provide insights into TCM's action on OAS for improved clinical efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Analysis of studies on autophagy in male reproduction.
- Review of research on TCM's effects on OAS and autophagy pathways.
Main Results:
- Autophagy is closely linked to male reproductive processes, including sperm development.
- TCM may exert therapeutic effects on OAS by influencing autophagy markers and pathways.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Cellular autophagy plays a significant role in male fertility and may be a target for OAS treatment.
- TCM offers a promising therapeutic avenue for OAS by modulating autophagy.
- Understanding these mechanisms can enhance TCM's clinical application for male infertility.
