scholarly journals Precocious Puberty and the Lin28/Let7 Pathway: The Therapeutic Effect of the Nourishing “Yin” and Purging “Fire” Traditional Chinese Medicine Mixture in a Rat Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan He ◽  
Xinghui Han ◽  
Wen Sun ◽  
Jian Yu ◽  
Amin Tamadon

The present study aims to investigate the effects of the nourishing “Yin” and purging “Fire” Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb mixture on precocious puberty and TCM may act through hypothalamic Lin28/let7 pathway expression in the precocious puberty model rats. Meanwhile, to confirm the relationship between Lin28/let7 pathway and puberty by overexpressionLin28a,in the first part of this study, female rats were randomly allocated into untreated controls, the precocious puberty (PP) model group, the PP control group, and the PP + TCM group. Rats on postnatal day 5 were injected danazol to establish the PP model. From days 15 to 35, the rats in the TCM group were given the TCM twice daily. Vaginal opening, sex-related hormones, and body and reproductive organ weights were measured, and the expressions of hypothalamicLin28aandLin28bmRNA andlet7aandlet7bmiRNA were detected. In addition, in the second part, the effects of overexpression ofLin28aon the vaginal opening time were evaluated. In the two parts of the study, we found that, at the onset of puberty, a decrease in ovary weight, an increase in the serum levels of luteinizing hormone and progesterone, and increased expression levels of hypothalamicLin28bmRNA were observed in the PP + TCM group compared to the PP model group. The vaginal opening time was significantly delayed upon overexpression ofLin28a. Above all, the mechanism by which the TCM treats precocious puberty is thus likely to be associated with inhibition of the hypothalamic Lin28/let7 signaling pathway and our findings provide in-depth insight into the relationship between the overexpression ofLin28agene in the hypothalamus and the onset of puberty.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guo-liang Bai ◽  
Kai-li Hu ◽  
Yi Huan ◽  
Xing Wang ◽  
Lei Lei ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of the traditional Chinese medicine Fuyou formula on precocious puberty (PP). The Fy formula may exert an effect in female rats with PP and GT-7 cells through the GPR54/GnRH signaling pathway. To confirm the effect of the Fy formula on PP through the GPR54/GnRH signaling pathway, we first treated GT1-7 cells with the Fy formula and observed changes in the expression of related genes and proteins and in GnRH secretion. Then, we randomly divided young female Sprague-Dawley rats into the control group, model group, leuprorelin group and the Fy formula group. A PP model was established by injection of danazol on postnatal day 5, and the Fy formula was administered on PND15. The time of vaginal opening, the wet weights of the ovary and uterus, serum hormone levels and the expression of hypothalamic-related genes were observed. We found that the Fy formula delayed vaginal opening, decreased the wet weights and coefficients of the ovary and uterus, decreased the levels of serum hormones (E2, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) and the cellular GnRH level, and downregulated the gene expression of Kiss1, GPR54 and GnRH in the hypothalamus and the gene and protein expression of GPR54 and GnRH in GT1-7 cells. In conclusion, the Fy formula may alleviate PP via the GPR54/GnRH signaling pathway.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Luo ◽  
Shasha Shi ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Xun Xu ◽  
Fu Peng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula of Taohong Siwu decoction (THSW) is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma (UL). The effectiveness of THSW for the treatment of UL has been confirmed in previous studies. At present, there are few relevant mechanism studies. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy and mechanism of THSW in the treatment of uterine leiomyoma. Methods: A Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model of UL was established via estrogen and progesterone load combined with external stimulation for 5 weeks. We randomly assigned adult female non-pregnant rats into six groups: a control group, a UL model group, and a positive drug group, THSW(18g/ml) group, THSW(9g/ml) group, THSW(4.5g/ml) group. THSW group and positive drug group were treated with THSW medicinal solutions and gongliuxiao capsule medicinal solutions respectively after daily modeling for 3 weeks. Histological analyses, Polymerase Chain Reaction and western blotting were performed to evaluate the effect of THSW on UL and elucidate its mechanism of action. Results: The uterus morphology of the model group showed significantly more swelling than that of the control group, and pathological of changes of rats were obvious in the model group. Compared with model group, the pathological changes of UL were relieved in the THSW group. Our data showed that the treatment of rats with THSW significantly reduced the expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antign 4 (CTLA4) and indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (INDO). The phosphorylation of JAK3 and STAT3 which are the main signal transduction molecule of cytokines and growth factorswere were also inhibited. Conclusions: Our results suggest that THSW is effective in the prevention and treatment of UL in rats, and THSW may exert its functions by inhibiting the activation of Tumor-related signal transduction pathway (JAK3/STAT3), immune escape, proliferation of tumor cell and improving apoptosis.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Recep Polat ◽  
Erdem Çokluk ◽  
Özcan Budak ◽  
Fatıma Betül Tuncer

Abstract Introduction: Nutrition and exposure to various chemicals, including environmental pollution, insecticides, and plant phytoestrogens (having oestrogen-like effects), are environmental factors that affect puberty onset. We aimed to identify the effects of propolis on precocious puberty and the reproductive system in prepubertal female rats (ovary, endometrium, breast).Methods: Thirty-four 25-day-old prepubertal female Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the study. Rats were randomly divided into the propolis (n 17) and control groups (n 17). The primary endpoint was the number of rats that developed vaginal opening (It's a sign of puberty) at 12-day follow-up. In addition, the effect of propolis on ovary, uterus and breast tissue was evaluated.Results: Vaginal patency occurred earlier in the propolis group. At the same time, a greater number of rats developed vaginal opening. The number of ovarian follicles (in all follicles), endometrial thickness, and mammary gland secretory gland area were significantly higher in the propolis group than in the control group (p-values <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, respectively). In addition, Ki-67 activity in the endometrium, breast tissue and ovary was more intense in the propolis group compared to the control group (p-values <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Propolis triggers precocious puberty in female rats, possibly by interacting with the oestrogen receptor. The mechanism of action of propolis should be considered before prescribing it. In addition, further studies are needed to explore the mechanism of action of propolis and to determine the component of propolis that triggers puberty.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Yao Duan ◽  
Yan Liang ◽  
Wen-Ping Gong ◽  
Yong Xue ◽  
Jie Mi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The traditional Chinese medicine NiuBeiXiaoHe (NBXH) extract and Chinese medicine preparation JieHeWan (JHW) exhibit anti-tuberculosis effects. The anti- tuberculosis effect of NBXH was compared with that of JHW to elucidate the mechanism of action of NBXH. Methods BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into a normal control group, Tuberculosis (TB) model group, JHW treatment group, and NBXH treatment group. After 3 and 13 weeks of treatment, the therapeutic effect in each group was evaluated by comparing lung histopathology, lung and liver colony counts, the number of spots representing effector T cells secreting IFN-γ in an ELISPOT, and the levels of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines, which were measured by a cytometric bead array (CBA). Mouse RNA samples were subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Results After 13 weeks of treatment, the mean histopathological lesion area of the NBXH group was significantly smaller than that of the TB model group (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the TB model group, the lung colony counts in the JHW and NBXH groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the IL-2 and IL-4 levels in the NBXH group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). NBXH partly restored significant changes in gene expression caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection. According to GO and KEGG analyses, the changes in biological process (BP), cell composition (CC) and molecular function (MF) terms and in signaling pathways caused by NBXH and JHW treatment were not completely consistent, but they were mainly related to the immune response and inflammatory response in the mouse TB model. Conclusions NBXH had therapeutic effects similar to those of JHW in improving lung histopathology, reducing lung colony counts, and regulating the levels of cytokines. NBXH restored significant changes in gene expression and repaired cell damage caused by M. tuberculosis infection by regulating immune-related pathways, which clarified the mechanism of action of NBXH.


1981 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 470-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Ball ◽  
Günter Emons ◽  
Ulrich Gethmann

Abstract. Osmotic minipumps containing low doses of either 4-hydroxyoestradiol or 2-hydroxyoestradiol2) were sc implanted for 152 h (6⅓ day) into immature male and female rats. At the end of the test period the animals were killed and the uterine weight, the vaginal opening, the gonadotrophin serum levels and the gonadal weight monitored. The following results were obtained: 1) a significant increase in the uterine weight and a consistent vaginal opening were observed after 4-hydroxyoestradiol but not after 2-hydroxyoestradiol treatment, 2) LH-levels increased after 2-hydroxyoestradiol but not after 4-hydroxyoestradiol; the increase was, however, not significant, 3) FSH-levels and gonadal weights were lowered by 4-hydroxyoestradiol treatment in male animals only; 2-hydroxyoestradiol had no effect on FSH-levels in both sexes, 4) in no instance an antioestrogenic effect of either catecholoestrogen was observed. It is concluded that 4-hydroxyoestrogens — using the above paradigm — have a significant importance on uterine growth and vaginal opening but (on day 6) no role on LH-release, whereas 2-hydroxyoestrogens may increase LH levels (on day 6) but are nearly ineffective with respect to peripheral parameters.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Ping Yu ◽  
Ting-Ting Shi ◽  
Yan-Qin Li ◽  
Jian-Kang Mu ◽  
Ya-Qin Yang ◽  
...  

: Mitophagy plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial quality and cell homeostasis through the degradation of damaged, aged, and dysfunctional mitochondria and misfolded proteins. Many human diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, are related to disorders of mitochondrial phagocytosis. Exploring the regulatory mechanisms of mitophagy is of great significance for revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying the related diseases. Herein, we summarize the major mechanisms of mitophagy, the relationship of mitophagy with human diseases, and the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in mitophagy. These discussions enhance our knowledge of mitophagy and its potential therapeutic targets using TCM.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 444-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Wang ◽  
Peiguo Wang ◽  
Huaqiang Ouyang ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Lining Sun ◽  
...  

Objective: To estimate the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (Chining decoction, CHIN) for radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: From May 2014 to December 2015, 70 consecutive patients were randomly assigned to receive CHIN (treatment group) or recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) spray (control group) at a 1:1 ratio. CHIN was administered to treatment group from the first day of radiotherapy until the completion of radiotherapy. Simultaneously, the rhEGF spray was administered to control group on the oral mucosa of irradiated area. The clinical benefit was determined by gradation of mucositis (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0), oral pain, and xerostomia (visual analysis scale) for each week during radiotherapy. Body mass index was evaluated before and after radiotherapy. Results: Patients in the treatment group had prominent remission of oral pain and grade of mucositis on each observing point compared with those in control group ( P < .01). Xerostomia was decreased notably in treatment group compared with control group ( P < .01). Body mass index in the treatment group exhibited advantage over control group after radiotherapy, but there was no statistical significance (19.8 ± 3.26 vs 18.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2, P = .153, >.05). Conclusions: CHIN presented an obvious advantage in preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis compared with rhEGF spray.


2014 ◽  
Vol 912-914 ◽  
pp. 1940-1943
Author(s):  
Yan Li ◽  
Xiao Ou Li ◽  
Feng Hao ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Lei Liu ◽  
...  

To evaluate the control effect of Oviductus ranae on liver fibrosis in rats, and the change of TGF-β and α-SMA in liver of. To explore the mechanism of Oviductus ranae decoction on liver fibrosis. Methods Wistar female rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, model control group, colchicines group, Oviductus ranae group. Using the CCl4composite approach to make the rat modle. The course of treat-mart was 12 weeks.After treatment,All the rats was killed,and the materials and blood was taken,and to detect biochemical test of liver function after eight weeks. Investigating the variation of liver histology. Meanwhile detecting protein expression of TGF-β and α-SMA and by immunehistochemical method.Result The general condition of rats in all treatment groups are worse than the blank group,but better than the model group. And the rats in the model group were all occurred in liver fibrosis,and liver fibrosis is the most serious.In a normal rat liver tissue of TGF-β and α-SMA were significantly lower in model group and each treatment group, and there were significant differences, and the TGF-β and α-SMA in expression of liver tissue in model rats of TGF-β and α-SMA the highest. Conclusion: Oviductus ranae can effectively improve liver fibrosis rats induced by CC14liver function.Oviductus ranae can reduce the expression of TGF-β1in liver tissue of hepatic fibrosis rats induced by CCl4in. This may be one of the mechanisms of Oviductus ranae in prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. Even though both increased expression of TGF-β and α-SMA expression, is able to determine TGF-β and α-SMA for the intervention of liver TGF-β signal transduction pathway in liver fibrosis.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Lin ◽  
Yuan Wang ◽  
Sennan Shao ◽  
Wen Lin ◽  
Dan Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine is commonly accepted in clinics in China. Shaoyao-Gancao-Fuzi decoction (SGFD) has been extensively used to dispel wind, eliminate dampness and treat paralysis. Tofacitinib is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. SGFD and tofacitinib could be used together for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: A cocktail approach was employed to assess the effects of SGFD on the activities of CYP450s. After pretreatment for 2 weeks with SGFD, a cocktail solution was given to rats 24 h after the last dose of saline or SGFD. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic profiles of oral administration of tofacitinib in rats, with or without SGFD pre-treatment were investigated.Results: The results showed that SGFD could induce the activity of CYP1A2 and inhibit the activity of CYP3A4. Furthermore, SGFD could significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of tofacitinib. Compared with control group, the AUC0-∞ of tofacitinib was increased from 13669.53 ± 4986.83 to 28706.69 ± 9563.13 ng/mL*h (p < 0.01), and the Cmax was increased from 8359.66 ± 1512.22 to 11332.51 ± 2791.90 ng/mL (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The system exposure of tofacitinib was increased by SGFD. The mechanism might be through inhibiting the activity of CYP3A4 and reducing the metabolism of tofacitinib in rats. The study will provide better guidance for the safe clinical use of SGFD and tofacitinib.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document