Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
08:58
Development of a Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Rat Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
5.1K
Arthrospira platensis Preserves Uterine Function by Modulating Electromechanical Coupling and Redox Pathways During
Bárbara Cavalcanti Barros1, Anderson Fellyp Avelino Diniz1,2, Francisco Fernandes Lacerda-Júnior1
1Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Products Bioactive/Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) supplementation protects uterine function from exercise-induced stress. This study shows Spirulina enhances nitric oxide signaling and reduces oxidative stress, preserving smooth muscle physiology during strength training.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Nutraceutical Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Algae-derived bioactives are promising nutraceuticals for physiological stress.
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Progressive strength training (PST) can induce uterine dysfunction via oxidative stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Arthrospira platensis supplementation prevents PST-induced uterine dysfunction.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of A. platensis.
Main Methods:
- Eight-week water-jump PST protocol in Wistar rats.
- Assessment of uterine contractile responses with pathway-specific inhibitors.
- Histological evaluation of uterine and ovarian tissues.
Main Results:
- PST increased uterine contractility and myometrial thickness, linked to oxidative stress and NO, COX, NADPH oxidase activation.
- A. platensis supplementation attenuated PST-induced alterations.
- Supplementation enhanced NO signaling, stimulated relaxant prostanoids, and reduced superoxide production.
Conclusions:
- Arthrospira platensis supplementation preserves uterine smooth muscle physiology under high-intensity resistance training.
- A. platensis demonstrates potential as a nutraceutical for female reproductive health.
- Molecular mechanisms involve modulation of NO, prostanoid, and oxidative stress pathways.
