C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis has pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-
cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-
atherosclerosis activities as well as liver and kidney protection. However, there is little research on
C-phycocyanin applied in the field of reproductive medicine, and it is therefore the focus of the current study. In this study, a
GC-1 spg cell model and male mouse reproductive injury model were constructed by TNF α + Smac mimetic +
zVAD-fmk (TSZ) and
cyclophosphamide (Cy), respectively. It has been proved that
C-phycocyanin can increase cell viability and reduce cell death in
GC-1 spg cells induced by TSZ.
C-phycocyanin could protect the reproductive system of male mice from
cyclophosphamide, improve spermatogenesis, sperm quality and fertility, increase the release of
testosterone, stabilize the feedback regulation mechanism, and ensure the spermatogenic ability of mice. It could also improve the ability of anti-oxidation. In addition,
C-phycocyanin could play a protective role by down-regulating RIPK1, RIPK3, and p-MLKL to inhibit the necroptotic signaling pathway. These results suggest that
C-phycocyanin could protect
GC-1 spg cells and the reproductive system of male mice from TSZ and
cyclophosphamide, and the protective mechanism may be achieved by inhibiting the signal pathway of necroptosis. Therefore,
C-phycocyanin could serve as a promising reproductive system
protective agent.
C-phycocyanin may enter public life as a health product in the future.