AB097. KH-204 reduces oxidative stress-induced testicular apoptosis via ERK and Akt pathways

Objective A Korean herbal formulation, Ojayeonjonghwan, is used to treat late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) symptoms including erectile dysfunction (ED). A previous study demonstrated that a modified Ojayeonjonghwan (KH-204) could be developed as a therapeutic alternative medicine to improve ED. We examined the pharmacological effects of KH-204 in vitro and in an androgen-deprived rat model. Methods The survival rate of TM3 Leydig cells treated with KH-204 was measured based on oxidative stress. Androgen-deprivation was induced by s.c. injection of leuprorelin. After daily intake of KH-204 for four weeks, the testes and epididymides from rats in all groups were removed, weighed and subjected to histological examination. In addition, testosterone level, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were measured. Results The results showed that KH-204 protected TM3 cells from oxidative stress via activation of the ERK and Akt pathways. The level of testosterone and activation of spermatogenesis in androgen-deprived male rats were significantly enhanced, and germ cell apoptosis was reduced after treatment. Conclusions We investigated the effect of KH-204 as an alternative treatment to reverse testicular dysfunction in LOH. The therapeutic effects are likely, at least in part, attributable to reduced oxidative stress via ERK and Akt-dependent signaling pathways.