Chinese yam protein extract in aged rats and senescent Leydig and Sertoli cells: mTOR-Beclin-1 autophagy study
In an abstract, a Chinese yam protein extract (CYCSE) improved testicular and sperm measures in naturally aged rats and cell measures in senescent Leydig and Sertoli cells; an mTOR activator largely reduced these effects, linking them to the mTOR-Beclin-1 axis. [1]
Automatic summary · not editorially reviewed
The key findings
The study used a naturally aged rat model and D-galactose-induced senescent mouse Leydig (TM3) and Sertoli (TM4) cells to test a Chinese yam protein extract (CYCSE). [1]
In aged rats, CYCSE improved testicular histopathology, restored sperm parameters and increased testosterone levels. [1]
Co-treatment with an mTOR activator substantially diminished the protective effects, suggesting involvement of the mTOR-Beclin-1 pathway. [1]
The source at a glance
- Study type / format
- Preclinical animal and cell study (abstract)
- Population / context
- Naturally aged rats and D-galactose-induced senescent mouse Leydig (TM3) and Sertoli (TM4) cells.
- Summary based on
- Study abstract
- Original publication
- August 13, 2026
Aged rats and senescent testicular cells tested
The abstract describes a study of a Chinese yam protein extract (CYCSE) in a naturally aged rat model and in D-galactose-induced senescent mouse Leydig (TM3) and Sertoli (TM4) cells. The stated aim was to test efficacy and mechanisms in attenuating aging-related reproductive decline. Methods named in the abstract include histopathology, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, Western blot and pharmacological intervention assays.
Supporting source [1]
Testis, sperm and cell findings in the abstract
In aged rats, CYCSE improved testicular histopathology, restored sperm parameters and raised testosterone levels. In senescent TM3 and TM4 cells it increased cell viability, suppressed apoptosis and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. CYCSE raised steroidogenic genes (Star, Cyp11a1) and spermatogenesis-related factors (Gdnf, Kitl, Bmp4) and reduced senescence markers (SA-β-gal activity, p16, p21, p53) and oxidative stress in both models. Electron microscopy indicated restored autophagic flux.
Supporting source [1]
mTOR activator reduced effects; abstract-only limits
The abstract reports that CYCSE restored impaired autophagic activity, associated with modulation of the mTOR-Beclin-1 signaling axis. Co-treatment with an mTOR activator substantially diminished the protective effects, which the authors say suggests involvement of this pathway. The authors conclude that CYCSE attenuates male reproductive aging at least in part through testicular autophagy in Leydig and Sertoli cells. These are animal and cell findings; the abstract does not show human reproductive benefits, and the full text was not reviewed.
Supporting source [1]
How to interpret this
Abstract only; the full text was not reviewed. Findings come from aged rats and senescent mouse cell lines, not from human studies, and the abstract does not report sample sizes or follow-up. Associations with the mTOR-Beclin-1 axis do not establish causation in humans.
Based on the study abstract; the full paper, tables and supplementary data were not reviewed.
Source & supporting passages
Zhang Y, Feng J, Xie T, Zhang X, Pan D, Liu S, Zhao D, Wang S, Liu M, Yu S. · europepmc.org · August 13, 2026