Modulation of cytokine level and sperm quality of mice by Lycium barbarum polysaccharides.

This study investigated the effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) on the cytokine level and sperm quality of mice with cyclophosphamide-induced impaired reproduction system. Sixty Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups: a normal control group, a model control group (treated with cyclophosphamide) and three LBP groups (treated with cyclophosphamide and 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg LBPs). LBP treatment improved the serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12 and tumour necrosis factor-α levels, as well as the sperm density and the movement and rate of normal morphology of sperm of mice with impaired reproduction system. However, a high level of LBP administration (1.5 g/kg) did not further increase the efficiency. Thus, LBPs demonstrated as potential immunomodulator to improve the cytokine level and sperm quality of mice.