Objective:

2

To investigate the effect of hydrogen-rich Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) water (HRGW) mixture on the spermatogenesis and sperm motility of mice of different ages.

Methods:

2

Eighty young (3 month-old) and aged (12 month-old) male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (

n

=10 per group) including control group

hydrogen-rich water (HRW) group (10 mL/kg daily)

KRG group (50 mg/kg daily) and HRGW group (10 mL/kg HRW and 50 mg/kg KRG daily) by an oral zoned needle for 4 weeks. Sperm count and motility were measured using sperm suspension released from cauda epididymis. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

luteinizing hormone (LH)

testosterone

and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum have also been estimated. Tubular changes were examined through histological hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of antioxidation (PPx3

PPx4

GSTm5 and GPx4)

spermatogenesis (inhibin-α

neptin-2 and CREM)

antiaging (SIRT1 and SIRT2)

and angiogenesis [visfatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] related genes were examined through realtime polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

2

HRW and KRG treatment stimulated spermatogenesis followed by increasing sperm production and sperm motility (

P

<

0.05). These effects were strengthened synergistically by a HRGW mixture (

P

<

0.05 or

P

<

0.01). HRGW greatly increased the expressions of antioxidation

antiaging

spermatogenesis related genes and VEGF especially in aged mice (

P

<

0.05). Serum testosterone and FSH levels also increased

while serum ROS level decreased (all

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion:

2

HRGW increases sperm production and motility by enhancing antioxidation and stimulating spermatogenesis and sex hormone production

particularly in aged mice.