AB60. Effect of WuziYanzong Pill on Cox7a2 gene and Claudin-11 expression in Rats with kidney essence deficiency syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of WuziYanzong Pill (WYP) on Cox7a2 gene, Claudin-11 expression and to investigate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in rat with kidney essence deficiency syndrome. METHODS: Five groups of Sprague-Dawley male rats (5 in each group) were given vehicle, multiglycosides of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook f (GTW) alone (20mg/kg), or GTW followed by WYP (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg daily) respectively for 30 days. Cox7a2 mRNA expression in testis was determined by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation level and Claudin-11 expression were assessed by western blot analysis. RESULTS: GTW induced increased cox7a2 mRNA expression and an activation of ERK as well as a decline of Claudin-11 expression. Compared with GTW group, ERK phosphorylation level in high-dose WYP group decreased greatly with upregulated Claudin-11 expression. Furthermore, high-dose and mid-dose WYP downregulated cox7a2 mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS: WYP protected the impaired spermatogenesis possibly through mediating mitochondrial energy metabolism and blood test is barrier function via ERK pathway.