Effect of Xianziyizhen Recipe Capsule on PGI2-PPARδ Signaling Pathway in Embryo Implantation Dysfunction Mice
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Published on: June 21, 2024
Min Xu1, Ying-Zhou Tian1, Xiu-Jun Zhu1
1Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China.
Problem:
We investigated the effect of Xianziyizhen recipe capsule (XRC), a kidney-tonifying herb, on the PGI2-PPARδ signaling pathway at the maternal-fetal interface in embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) mice.
Method Of Study:
Intragastric administration of Progynova (estradiol) or XRC was performed in EID mouse model, following experimental induction of kidney deficiency by co-treatment with chemotherapy drug hydroxyurea and antiprogesterone mifepristone. The PPARδ and IL-11 mRNA expression in endometrium were detected by real-time relative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Further, the protein expression of COX-2, PGI2, MMP-9, and TIMP-3 was detected in endometrial glandular epithelium and in stromal cells by immunohistochemical (IHC) assay.
Results:
The results showed that hydroxyurea and mifepristone-induced EID were associated with significantly lower PPARδ and IL-11 mRNA levels in endometrium and reduced COX-2, PGI2, MMP-9, and TIMP-3 levels in endometrial glandular epithelium, compared with normal controls. However, XRC and Progynova treatment reversed these effects, leading to significant increases in PPARδ and IL-11 mRNA expression, and COX-2, PGI2, MMP-9 and TIMP-3 protein levels, when compared with the levels observed in EID mice.
Conclusion:
These results strongly suggested that XRC is beneficial in EID treatment and that XRC may mediate its effects through regulation of the PGI2-PPARδ signaling pathway.
Insights
Xianziyizhen recipe capsule (XRC) treatment improved embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) in mice by regulating the PGI2-PPARδ signaling pathway. XRC increased key protein and mRNA levels, suggesting its therapeutic potential for EID.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Pharmacology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) poses a significant challenge in reproductive health.
- The PGI2-PPARδ signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the maternal-fetal interface during implantation.
- Kidney deficiency is implicated in EID, and traditional herbs are explored for therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effect of Xianziyizhen recipe capsule (XRC) on EID in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the role of the PGI2-PPARδ signaling pathway in XRC's mechanism of action for EID treatment.
Main Methods:
- An EID mouse model was established using hydroxyurea and mifepristone.
- Mice were treated with XRC or Progynova (estradiol).
- mRNA expression of PPARδ and IL-11, and protein levels of COX-2, PGI2, MMP-9, and TIMP-3 were analyzed using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- EID mice exhibited significantly lower endometrial PPARδ and IL-11 mRNA levels, and reduced COX-2, PGI2, MMP-9, and TIMP-3 protein levels.
- XRC and Progynova treatments reversed these alterations, increasing the expression of these key molecules.
- These findings indicate XRC's efficacy in restoring normal molecular profiles associated with implantation.
Conclusions:
- Xianziyizhen recipe capsule (XRC) demonstrates significant therapeutic benefits for embryo implantation dysfunction (EID).
- XRC appears to exert its effects by modulating the PGI2-PPARδ signaling pathway.
- These findings support the use of XRC as a potential treatment for EID.
