Epigenetic effects of Qixiong Formula on sperm DNA methylation in a rat model of asthenozoospermia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Asthenozoospermia is a leading cause of male infertility with limited treatment options. Emerging evidence implicates epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, in its pathogenesis. The Qixiong Formula (QXF) has shown clinical efficacy in improving sperm motility, yet its underlying epigenetic mechanism remains unclear. This study therefore aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of QXF and its regulation of genome-wide sperm DNA methylation in a rat model of asthenozoospermia.

Methods

Asthenozoospermia was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats via oral administration of ornidazole (400 mg/kg/day) for 28 days. Rats were treated with low, medium, or high doses of QXF. Semen parameters, testicular and epididymal histology, organ coefficients, and liver

SUBMITTER: Zhao F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683369 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature