Effects of Rubus coreanus on sperm parameters and cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) expression in rat testes.
Rubi Fructus (RF), the dried, unripe fruit of Rubus coreanus M IQ. (Rosaceae), has been used to improve male reproductive function in traditional Korean medicine. In this study, we investigated the effects of RF on sperm parameters and expression of cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM), which has a crucial role in spermatogenesis. RF was administered to 8-week-old male Wistar rats for 56 consecutive days (1.0 g/kg, daily, p.o.). Sperm analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot assays were then carried out. The RF-treated animals showed significant increases in the weight of the testes, epididymal sperm count, and sperm motility compared to the control group. RF also increased the expression of CREM at both the mRNA and protein levels. These results suggest that RF may improve male fertility by enhancing spermatogenesis.
Oh
Myung Sook
MS
Department of Medicinal Herbology, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
Yang
Woong Mo
WM
Chang
Mun Seog
MS
Park
Wansu
W
Kim
Do Rim
DR
Lee
Hyun Kyung
HK
Kim
Won Nam
WN
Park
Seong Kyu
SK
D000818:Animals; D051786:Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D005638:Fruit; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D027824:Rosaceae; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*
C497412:Crem protein, rat; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D051786:Cyclic AMP Response Element Modulator