고령쥐를 이용한 비수리 추출물의 남성갱년기 증상 개선 및 테스토스테론 대사에 미치는 영향

Effects of Lespedeza cuneate Extracts on Andropause Symptoms and Testosterone Metabolism in Aged Rats

This study focused on the effects of Lespedeza cuneata extract (LCE) to andropause symptoms in aged male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. SD rats were randomly divided into control or LCE treatment groups (125 or 250 mg/kg/day) and LCE was orally administered for 4 weeks. The body fat weight was decreased, and muscle weight was increased by LCE treatment. Also, the amount of semen and the number of sperm were increased. Serum levels of lipids (TG and TC) were decreased and total and free testosterone levels were increased. On the contrary, sex-hormone-binding-goblin (SHBG) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were significantly decreased by LCE treatment. We examined the gene expressions involved in the synthesis or degradation of testosterone. The gene expression levels of CYP11A1, 17, 20- desmolase, 3β-HSD2 and 17β-HSD3 which are involved in testosterone synthesis were increased by LCE treatment. Furthermore, aromatase and 5α-reductase which are involved in testosterone degradation were decreased by LCE treatment. In conclusion, LCE suppressed andropause symptoms in aged SD rats via improving testosterone metabolic pathway.