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An In Vivo Method to Study Mouse Blood-Testis Barrier Integrity
Published on: December 2, 2018
Baicalin Protects Mouse Testis From Injury Induced by PM2.5 Associated With the DKK1-Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Lili Deng1,2, Juan Wang1,3, Shuyin Li1
1Department of Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Microecology, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Baicalin protects the male reproductive system from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) damage. It restores sperm counts, testosterone levels, and regulates key synthesis pathways, potentially aiding testicular repair.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure negatively impacts male reproductive health.
- Baicalin exhibits known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if baicalin protects against PM2.5-induced male reproductive damage in mice.
- To elucidate the protective mechanisms of baicalin.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to PM2.5 (750 μg/m³) daily for 45 days.
- Baicalin was administered orally 1 hour before PM2.5 exposure.
- Testicular function, hormone levels, and gene/protein expression (StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin pathway) were assessed.
Main Results:
- PM2.5 exposure reduced testicular weight, sperm count, and testosterone levels.
- PM2.5 exposure downregulated key testosterone synthesis genes (StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1).
- Baicalin treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) dose-dependently improved sperm counts, testosterone levels, and restored gene/protein expression, including the DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Conclusions:
- Baicalin demonstrates a protective effect against PM2.5-induced male reproductive toxicity.
- Baicalin may promote testicular tissue repair by modulating the DKK1-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
