Effects of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating compound on a rat model of teratozoospermia with kidney deficiency and blood stasis based on the AKT1/STAT3/FOXO1 signaling axis

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.11

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (5) : 575-581. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.11

Effects of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating compound on a rat model of teratozoospermia with kidney deficiency and blood stasis based on the AKT1/STAT3/FOXO1 signaling axis

Liu Yongxiang^1,2, Shan Xiongwei³, Li Yunshi^1,2, Qiu Shiting⁴, Weng Zhiwei^1,2, Huang Xuekun^1,2, Zhou Shaohu^1,2*, Zhang Shuting^1,2*

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating compound (KBAC) on a rat model of teratozoospermia with the pattern of "kidney deficiency and blood stasis" and its underlying molecular mechanism focusing on the AKT1/STAT3/FOXO1 signaling pathway. Methods The rat model, mimicking the aforementioned pattern, was established by inducing experimental varicocele. Rats were randomly assigned to VC model, low, medium, and high-dose KBAC, and sham-operated control groups. After intervention, comprehensive evaluations were conducted, including syndrome manifestations (testicular index, spermatic vein diameter), sperm quality (motility, morphology), testicular histopathology, oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA, SOD). The expression of key proteins in the AKT1/STAT3/FOXO1 pathway in testicular tissue was detected. Results Compared with the model group, medium and high-dose KBAC significantly ameliorated the syndrome manifestations, including increasing the testicular index and reducing the diameter of the spermatic vein, improved sperm motility and normal morphology rate, and alleviated testicular oxidative damage. Mechanistically, KBAC directionally modulated the dysregulated AKT1/STAT3/FOXO1 signaling network: it downregulated the abnormally elevated expressions of p-AKT1 and STAT3 proteins while upregulating the suppressed FOXO1 expression and reducing its phosphorylation level observed in the model group. Conclusions KBAC exerts a therapeutic effect on teratozoospermia with the "kidney deficiency and blood stasis" pattern. The mechanism may involve correcting the overactivation of the AKT1/STAT3 signaling and activating the FOXO1-mediated antioxidant defense, providing a pharmacological basis for treating this condition with the “Tonifying Kidney and Activating Blood” principle in traditional Chinese medicine.

Key words

Kidney-tonifying and blood-activating compound / / / / Kidney deficiency and blood stasis / Teratozoospermia / / / / AKT1/STAT3/FOXO1 signaling pathway / / / / Oxidative Stress

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Liu Yongxiang, Shan Xiongwei, Li Yunshi, Qiu Shiting, Weng Zhiwei, Huang Xuekun, Zhou Shaohu, Zhang Shuting. Effects of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating compound on a rat model of teratozoospermia with kidney deficiency and blood stasis based on the AKT1/STAT3/FOXO1 signaling axis[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(5): 575-581 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.11

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