Samul-tang ameliorates oocyte damage due to cyclophosphamide-induced chronic ovarian dysfunction in mice

Lyophilized equine platelet-rich plasma (L-GFequina) antagonize the Reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress Induced by Cyclophosphamide in female rats

BACKGROUND

The antineoplastic agent Cyclophosphamide (CP) induces reproductive toxicity. New strategies for protecting ovarian tissue damage in women with chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity are essential. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effect of combined treatment with L-GF^equina on CP-induced reproductive toxicity in the mature female rat.

METHODOLOGY

Forty mature female rats were assigned into four groups: First group, control: rats were intraperitoneally injected (IP) with 200 µl sterile saline solution on days 1 and 10; Group 2 (CP): were IP injected with 75 mg/kg on days 1 and 10 to induce POI); Group 3 (CP + L-GF^equina): as in group 2 + IP injected with 200 µl rehydrated L-GF^equina half-hour after CP injection on day 1 and 10); Group 4 (L-GF^equina): rats were IP injected with 200 µl L-GF^equina on day 1 and 10). Blood samples were collected for a complete blood picture and determinations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Animals were sacrificed on Day-21, and genitalia was dissected, weighed, and fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological and morphometric evaluation.

RESULTS

On day 21 of the experiment, body weight, ovarian parameters (Ovarian weight, uterine weight, the number of ovarian follicles, and corpora lutea (CL) were determined, and histopathological changes, blood profile, as well as antioxidant activity assessment, were performed. CP significantly suppresses ovarian and uterine functions and increased MAD, NO levels, RBCs, hemoglobin, WBCs, and platelet count compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). While, in CP + L-GF^equina group, gross, histomorphometry parameters, blood, and biochemical markers were similar to that in the control. IP injection of L-GF^equina alone significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight, and ovarian and uterine morphometry compared with the control.

CONCLUSION

co-administration of L-GF^equina with CP might protect the reproductive organs in rats through its high antioxidant capacity.

Network and experimental pharmacology on mechanism of Si-Wu-tang improving ovarian function in a mouse model of premature ovarian failure induced by cyclophosphamide

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) has become a common basic prescription for supplementing blood and regulating menstruation, and enjoys the reputation of "the first prescription in gynecology". It is often reported in the treatment of premature ovarian failure (POF). However, knowledge of its specific mechanism is still limited.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to identify the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of SWT on POF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After confirming the therapeutic effect of SWT on POF mice induced by cyclophosphamide, we further clarified the promoting effect of SWT on ovarian follicle development by detecting the expression of key factors related to follicle development in the ovary in different ways.Then, network pharmacology and gene expression profiling of POF from the GEO database were used to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Molecular biology and molecular docking analysis were applied for final mechanism verification.

RESULTS

Our results showed that SWT increased body weight, ovarian index, reversed disordered serum hormone levels, and menstrual cycle in POF mice. After SWT treatment, the number of follicles at all levels in mice with POF also recovered. Using molecular biology techniques, it was proven that SWT can improve follicle development and angiogenesis in the microenvironment. The network pharmacology and gene expression profiling from the GEO database indicated that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may be the reason why SWT improves ovarian function in mice with POF. Subsequently, further Western blot and immunoprecipitation indicated that SWT indeed inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mice with POF. In addition, this conclusion was further confirmed by molecular docking experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

SWT can improve ovarian function in POF mice induced by cyclophosphamide, and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Immunoenhancement Effects of the Herbal Formula Hemomine on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice

Hemomine is an herbal blend comprising Angelicae Gigantis Radix and other herbs known to have immunomodulatory effects. We examined the immunopotentiating effect of this herbal blend on cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced immunosuppression. Male mice were assigned to one of six groups: the intact control and five CPA treatment groups (one control, one reference (β-glucan), and three with the application of hemomine at different concentrations; 4, 2, or 1 mL/kg; n = 10 per group). Mice were injected with CPA to induce myelosuppression and immunosuppression, after which they received one of the experimental treatments. In immunosuppressed mice, hemomine treatment alleviated the noticeable reductions in body, spleen, and submandibular lymph node weights caused by CPA; caused changes in hematological markers; induced the reduced levels of serum IFN-γ and spleen TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 by CPA; improved natural killer cell activities in the spleen and peritoneal cavity; and also improved lymphoid organ atrophy in a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrate that hemomine, a mixture of six immunomodulatory herbs, is an effective immunomodulatory agent, with the potential to enhance immunity.

Comprehensive analysis of miRNA-mRNA interactions in ovaries of aged mice

Advanced maternal age and ovarian aging are deleterious to the quantity and quality of oocytes and epigenetic modifications, which can affect the health of offspring. However, relatively little is known about the regulation of microRNA-mediated transcription during ovarian aging. We therefore aimed to identify age-related mRNA and microRNA changes and their interactions in the ovaries of aged mice. We performed QuantSeq 3'mRNA and small RNA sequencing to compare their expression patterns in post-ovulation ovaries from young (12-week-old) and old (44-week-old) mice. Functional annotation and integrative analyses were performed to identify the potential functions of differentially expressed genes and identify binding sites for critical microRNAs. We found 343 differentially expressed genes and 9 microRNAs in our comparison of the two mouse groups, with fold changes >2.0 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, we identified possible direct interactions between 24 differentially expressed mRNAs and 8 microRNAs. The differentially expressed genes are involved in fat digestion and absorption, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, serotonergic synapse, and ovarian steroidogenesis, which are important for folliculogenesis and oocyte growth. During ovarian aging, changes in gene expression induce alterations in folliculogenesis, oocyte growth, and steroidogenesis, resulting in decreased oocyte quality and reproductive outcomes.

Restoration of miR-223-3p expression in aged mouse uteri with Samul-tang administration

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

A combination containing natural extracts of clove, Sophora flower bud, and yam improves fertility in aged female mice via multiple mechanisms

INTRODUCTION

With society development, the age at which women choose to have children has been gradually delayed. To improve the reduced fertility in women at advanced maternal age, we developed a combination containing natural extracts from clove, Sophora flower bud and Chinese yam with a mass ratio 15:6:10 and named it as DACHAO.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We then gavage DACHAO at a dose of 310 mg/kg BW to female mice at 10 month of age and investigated its effects on ovarian functions. Using MitoTracker probes, ROS, and JC-1 staining, we found that DACHAO treatment improved mitochondria functions in oocytes from aged mice. We also observed increased blastocyst formation when mature oocytes from control and DACHAO treated mice were for IVF and in vitro embryo culture. Cell counting and TUNEL assay further revealed increased cell numbers and decreased apoptosis in blastocysts of DACHAO group. After control or DACHAO treated mice being mated with fertile male mice, fertility test revealed a greater first litter size in the DACHAO group. Further studies demonstrated that DACHAO treatment could alleviate the retarded ovarian function in aged mice via changes in serum hormone levels, over-expression of antioxidant factors, under-expression of inflammation-related factors, and reduced apoptosis in the ovaries.

DISCUSSION

Thus, the new combination DACHAO will be a good choice in clinic to improve ovarian functions for women at advanced maternal age.

Copper exposure disrupts ovarian steroidogenesis in human ovarian granulosa cells via the FSHR/CYP19A1 pathway and alters methylation patterns on the SF-1 gene promoter

Information on the effects of copper on reproduction is limited. Our previous study indicated that copper induces abnormal steroidogenesis in human ovarian granulosa cells, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, human ovarian granulosa cells were treated with multiple concentrations of copper for 24 h. After treatment, the 17-estradiol levels were significantly increased (29.83 % and 45.12 %, respectively) in the 1.0 and 2.0 μg/mL groups but decreased (23.06 % and 31.56 %, respectively) in the 20.0 and 40.0 μg/mL groups (P < 0.05). Similar changes in the levels of FSHR, StAR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, HSD3β1, and SF-1 were observed. The protein levels of FSHR were increased in the 2.0 μg/mL group but decreased in the 20.0 and 40.0 μg/mL groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, copper partially reversed the FSH-induced increase in FSHR, CYP19A1 and 17-estradiol levels, and the decreased effect of the FSH receptor binding inhibitor fragment on FSHR, CYP19A1, and 17-estradiol became more apparent after adding copper. Additionally, the total methylation levels of the SF-1 promoter and DNMTs expression were significantly decreased following copper treatment. Overall, our results indicate that copper exposure induces steroidogenesis disorders via the FSHR/CYP19A1 pathway and changes DNA methylation on the SF-1 promoter in human ovarian granulosa cells.

Si-Wu-Tang facilitates ovarian function through improving ovarian microenvironment and angiogenesis in a mouse model of premature ovarian failure

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a severe illness, characterized by premature menopause with a markedly decrease in ovarian function, which leads to infertility. Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), also called "the first prescription of gynecology" by medical experts in China, is widely used as the basic formula in regulating the menstrual cycle and treating infertility. However, the potential effect and underlying mechanisms of action of SWT on the treatment of POF have not yet been elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanism of action of SWT on the treatment of POF in C57BL/6 mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The main compounds of SWT were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). POF model groups were established by a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (Cy, 100 mg/kg). SWT or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were administered via oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. Ovarian function and pathological changes were evaluated by hormone levels, follicular development, and changes in angiogenesis. Furthermore, statistical analyses of fertility were also performed.

RESULTS

Treatment with SWT significantly improved estrogen levels, the number of follicles, antioxidant defense, and microvascular formation in POF mice. Moreover, SWT significantly activated the Nrf2/HO-1 and STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathways to promote angiogenesis, resulting in a better fertility outcome when compared to the model group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that SWT protected ovarian function of Cy-induced POF mice by improving the antioxidant ability and promoting ovarian angiogenesis, thereby providing scientific evidence for the treatment of POF using SWT.

Zihuai recipe alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced diminished ovarian reserve via suppressing PI3K/AKT-mediated apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zihuai recipe (ZHR), a Chinese herbal prescription, is widely used for the clinical treatment of Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) infertility. However, little is known regarding its underlying mechanisms of DOR treatment.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of ZHR on the treatment of DOR and to reveal the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty female 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following six groups (n=10 per group): control, DOR, low-dose(2.7 g/kg/day) ZHR (L-ZHR), medium-dose(5.4 g/kg/day), ZHR (M-ZHR), high-dose(10.8 g/kg/day) ZHR (H-ZHR), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatment groups. The DOR model was established in all the groups, except the control group, by a single intraperitoneal injection of 90 mg/kg cyclophosphamide. After the induction of the DOR model, rats were weighed and administered either the relevant dose of ZHR or an equal volume of saline solution (in the control and DOR groups). Rats in the HRT group received estradiol valerate tablets (0.16 mg/kg/day), and with medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets (0.86 mg/kg/day) added on day 4. After 32 days of treatment, the rats were euthanized and the ovaries were collected for sampling. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and the number of follicles was counted under a microscope. The serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) were quantified by ELISA. A TUNEL assay was used to analyze the level of apoptosis of the ovarian cells. The protein expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, PI3K, AKT, cleaved caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 were measured by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0 software.

RESULTS

ZHR administration increased the ovarian index and the serum levels of AMH, GnRH, and E2, while lowering those of FSH and LH. ZHR treatment also increased the number of primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles, as well as the number of corpora lutea, but decreased the number of atretic follicles. Furthermore, ZHR administration decreased the percentage of TUNEL-positive ovarian cells. After treatment with ZHR, the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, cleaved caspase-3 and BAX were decreased, whereas the level of Bcl-2 was increased.

CONCLUSIONS

ZHR improved the ovarian reserve in CTX-induced DOR rats. The mechanisms of ZHR on DOR may be mediated through the regulation of gonadal hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA), and the inhibition of PI3K/AKT-mediated apoptosis in granulosa cells.

Effect of samul-tang on female fertility via RAS signaling pathway in ovaries of aged mice

Samul-tang (SM), a traditional herbal medicine, is used to treat age-related human conditions, such as infertility and menstrual irregularities. The mechanism underlying the role of SM in ovary function needs elucidation. In this study, the influence of SM administration on the ovarian reserve of aged mice was investigated. Female BALB/c mice (8 and 40 weeks-old) were administered with distilled water (young or old group) or SM for 4 weeks. SM administration prevented age-related ovarian follicle loss in mice. Quality of oocytes and blastocysts were enhanced in SM-administrated mice compared to those of non-treated old mice. Further, SM administration increased the pregnancy rate and number of litters. SM triggered changes in aging-related genes that are linked to the RAS-mediated pathway. Thus, we demonstrate that SM can be used to increase the oocyte yield in aged women, potentially improving age-related cognitive decline in the ovarian reserve.