Yangjing Capsule Extract Promotes Proliferation of GC‐1 Spg Cells

Objective. To investigate the effect of Yangjing Capsule (YC) extract on proliferation of GC‐1 spermatogonia (spg) cells and the mechanism. Methods. GC‐1 spg cells were treated with 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL YC extract. MTT assay was performed to detect the cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell cycle and apoptosis of GC‐1 spg cells. Real‐time PCR and western blot were applied to determine the mRNA and protein expression of Oct‐4 and Plzf. Gfrα1 knockdown and LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) were applied to explore the underlying mechanism. Results. After 48 h treatment of YC, the viability of GC‐1 spg cells increased significantly and the ratio of apoptotic cells reduced significantly. The increased mRNA and protein expression of Oct‐4 and Plzf suggested YC promoted self‐renewal of GC‐1 spg cells. Both Gfrα1 siRNAs and LY294002 treatments held back YC extract’s stimulation effects on mRNA and protein expression of Oct‐4 and Plzf and consequently inhibited the proliferation of GC‐1 spg cells induced by YC extract. Conclusion. YC extract could stimulate the proliferation of GC‐1 spg cells. Partly via Gfrα1, YC extract is able to trigger the activation of PI3K pathway and finally lead to self‐renewal of GC‐1 spg cells.