Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
A Syngeneic Murine Model of Endometriosis using Naturally Cycling Mice
Published on: November 24, 2020
Kiwi Root Extract Inhibits the Development of Endometriosis in Mice by Downregulating Inflammatory Factors
Tingting Liao1, Shenzhi Zhao2, Tong Zhou1
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
Purpose:
To determine whether the kiwi root extract inhibits the development of endometriosis in mice by suppressing inflammatory factors.
Materials And Methods:
The mouse model of endometriosis was induced by surgery after which the mice were continuously injected with the drug for 14 days. On the 14th day, the mice were sacrificed, and the peritoneal fluid was obtained for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Endometrial ectopic tissue was weighed and analyzed by tissue immunochemistry, RT-PCR, western blotting, and gelatin zymography experiment.
Results:
Kiwi root extract significantly reduced endometriotic lesion volume and downregulated the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as the angiogenic factor VEGF-A. It also inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of COX-1 and COX-2, IL-6, TGF-β1, EP2 receptor, and ER-β in endometriotic lesions but did not affect the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2.
Conclusions:
Kiwi root extract could significantly inhibit the growth of surgery-induced endometriosis in mice. Our results suggest that the kiwi root extract may inhibit the development and progression of ectopic endometrium through disruption of neovascularization and reducing inflammation, which may be beneficial in treating this common gynecological disease.
Insights
Kiwi root extract effectively reduced endometriosis in mice by decreasing inflammation and inhibiting lesion growth. This natural compound shows promise for treating this common gynecological condition.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Current treatments for endometriosis have limitations and side effects, driving the search for novel therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of kiwi root extract on the development of endometriosis in a mouse model.
- To determine if kiwi root extract suppresses key inflammatory and angiogenic factors involved in endometriosis progression.
Main Methods:
- A surgical mouse model of endometriosis was established.
- Mice received daily kiwi root extract injections for 14 days.
- Analysis included enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, tissue immunochemistry, RT-PCR, western blotting, and gelatin zymography.
Main Results:
- Kiwi root extract significantly reduced endometriotic lesion volume.
- Downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α) and VEGF-A was observed.
- Inhibition of mRNA and protein expression for COX-1, COX-2, IL-6, TGF-β1, EP2 receptor, and ER-β in lesions was noted.
Conclusions:
- Kiwi root extract demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on the growth of surgically induced endometriosis in mice.
- The extract may act by disrupting neovascularization and reducing inflammation, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
- These findings suggest kiwi root extract could be a beneficial natural treatment for endometriosis.
