Effects of Panax ginseng, zearalenol, and estradiol on sperm function.
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)-alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ)-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
Zearalenol-but not estradiol (E2)- or ginseng-treated spermatozoa-decreased 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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Endocrine Physiology Laboratory, Animal and Veterinary Science Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
Sandra L
SL
Gray
Endocrine Physiology Laboratory, Animal and Veterinary Science Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
Brett R
BR
Lackey
ART Laboratories, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Health System University Medical Group, Greenville, SC, USA.
William R
WR
Boone
Panax ginseng; Zearalenol; estradiol; spermatozoa