AB221. Effects of a novel herbal formulation on the expression of heat shock protein 70 and germ cell apoptosis in infertility rat models

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic infertility is a significant number of causes of male infertility. Empirical treatments are used for idiopathic male infertility, and antioxidant supplementation is a kind of management of oxidative stress related infertility. We investigated the antioxidant effects of the modified Ojayeonjonghwan (KH-204) in a rat model of cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were divided into four groups (n=8 in each): a normal control group, a cryptorchidism-induced control group and two cryptorchidism-induced groups treated p.o. with either 200 or 400 mg/kg, KH-204 for 4 weeks. The testes and epididymides from rats in all groups were removed, weighed and subjected to histological examination and semen analysis after surgery. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and heat shock protein (HSP) levels. Apoptosis was determined using a terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labeling assay. RESULTS: Treatment with the multi-herbal medicine KH-204 (I) increased the mean weight of the cryptorchid testes; (II) restored sperm counts, motility and germinal cell layer thickness; (III) decreased levels of 8-OHdG and increased levels of SOD; and (IV) decreased HSP70 levels and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: It suggests that KH-204 may be beneficial for regaining testicular function via the reduction of HSP70 expression and apoptosis.