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KMID : 0352720160400030251
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Journal of Ginseng Research
2016 Volume.40 No. 3 p.251 ~ p.259
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Effects of Panax ginseng, zearalenol, and estradiol on sperm function
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Sandra L Gray
Brett R Lackey
William R Boone
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Abstract
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Background: Estrogen signaling pathways are modulated by exogenous factors. Panax ginseng exerts multiple activities in biological systems and is classified as an adaptogen. Zearalenol is a potent mycoestrogen that may be present in herbs and crops arising from contamination or endophytic association. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of P. ginseng, zearalenol and estradiol in tests on spermatozoal function.
Methods: The affinity of these compounds for estrogen receptor (ER)dalpha and beta (ERa and ERb)d was assessed in receptor binding assays. Functional tests on boar spermatozoa motility, movement and kinematic parameters were conducted using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. Tests for capacitation, acrosome reaction (AR), and chromatin decondensation in spermatozoa were performed using microscopic analysis.
Results: Zearalenoldbut not estradiol (E2)- or ginseng-treated spermatozoaddecreased the percentage of overall, progressive, and rapid motile cells. Zearalenol also decreased spontaneous AR and increased chromatin decondensation. Ginseng decreased chromatin decondensation in response to calcium ionophore and decreased AR in response to progesterone (P4) and ionophore.
Conclusion: Zearalenol has adverse effects on sperm motility and function by targeting multiple signaling cascades, including P4, E2, and calcium pathways. Ginseng protects against chromatin damage and thus may be beneficial to reproductive fitness.
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KEYWORD
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estradiol, Panax ginseng, spermatozoa, Zearalenol
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