Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides alleviated mice chronic unpredictable mild stress induced sexual dysfunction.

Abstract

Background: Chronic stress can not only lead to depression-like behavior but also sexual dysfunction. Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOO) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in invigorating the kidney and strengthening Yang, and relieving depression.

Aim: This study was designed to explore the effects and mechanisms of MOO in treating chronic stress-induced depression as well as sexual dysfunction.

Methods: The sucrose preference test, forced swimming test (FST) and novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT) were carried out to evaluate the depression status. Sexual behavior was tested on all mice, then the extent of damage to the testicles and epididymis was assessed by H&E staining; Serum sex hormone and neurotransmitters were assessed in the plasma by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The testicular tissues were applied with the kit for the detection of antioxidant-related indexes and reproductive-related hormones.

Outcomes: The study evaluates the effects of MOO on depression-like behaviors and sexual function levels in CUMS-induced mice by analyzing the behavioral tests, histopathological staining of testis and epididymis, sex hormones, antioxidant capacity, neurotransmitter levels, and sexual behavior abilities of mice in each group.

Results: CUMS led to mice depression and plasma neurotransmitter levels decreased. Accompanying sexual dysfunction in depressed mice was also manifested in many aspects. Compared with the control group, the capture latency and mount latency of male mice in model group were significantly prolonged. HE showed that testicular and epididymal tissues of mice in the CUMS group were severely vacuolated. Testicular marker enzymes, antioxidant indexes and sex hormones were disorganized. The sperm concentration and viability in the epididymis of the mice in model group were significantly reduced. It was suggested that MOO could improve the damage caused by CUMS, and improve the sperm quality of the model mice.

Clinical translation: MOO are promising to be translated into a potential therapeutic drug for clinically improving chronic stress-related depression and sexual dysfunction.

Strengths and limitations: Multi-dimensional verification confirms that MOO can effectively alleviate depressive states and sexual dysfunction in CUMS-induced mice. Future studies should explore the in-depth mechanisms underlying its antidepressant and anti-sexual dysfunction effects based on relevant signaling pathways.

Conclusion: These results suggest that MOO can regulate sexual dysfunction and play a protective role in neurodevelopment during CUMS by regulating sex hormones.