Yiqi Jiedu decoction attenuates radiation injury of spermatogenic cells via suppressing IB/NF-B pathway-induced excessive autophagy and apoptosis

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The prescription of Yiqi Jiedu decoction (YQJD) originated from the classic Chinese herbal prescriptions of Danggui Buxue Decoction and Wuzi Yanzong Pill. A previous study has shown that 4 Gy irradiation induced the apoptosis of spermatocytes and revealed autophagosomes in cells exposed to radiation. YQJD decoction has the effect of preventing radiation injury.Aim of the study: We used spermatocytes (GC-2spd cell line) to investigate the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis of spermatogenic cells after radiation, and the mechanisms of YQJD decoction. Materials and methods: Establish an in vitro radiation injury model by irradiating GC-2spd cells with 60Co & gamma;-rays (4 Gy or 8 Gy). Autophagy agonists, autophagy inhibitors and YQJD were used to intervene cells. Cell apoptosis and inflammatory factors were measured. NF-& kappa;B localization was observed by immunofluorescence. Autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins and I & kappa;B & alpha;/NF-& kappa;B pathway factors were detected.Results: Ionizing radiation promoted the growth of spermatogenic autophagosomes. After radiation, NF-& kappa;B was translocated to the nucleus, inflammatory factors were secreted, and I & kappa;B & alpha;/NF-& kappa;B pathway was activated, which promoted autophagy and apoptosis. YQJD decoction can inhibit the phosphorylation of I & kappa;B & alpha;/NF-& kappa;B pathway related factors, regulate the expression of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 proteins, and inhibit the occurrence of autophagy and apoptosis of irradiated spermatocyte.Conclusions: The research results indicate that ionizing radiation can activate the I & kappa;B & alpha;/NF-& kappa;B signaling pathway in spermatocytes, promote cell autophagy and apoptosis by regulating the expression of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 factors. The YQJD decoction inhibits the I & kappa;B & alpha;/NF-& kappa;B signaling pathway so as to regulate Beclin-1 and Bcl-2.