Yangjing Decoction Alleviates Diminished Ovarian Reserve in Rats by Activating the ESR1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway and...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Endocrinology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine pharmacology

Background:

• Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a significant cause of infertility.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DOR is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• The estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1)/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays a role in ovarian function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism by which Yangjing Decoction (YJD) modulates ovarian function in a rat model of DOR.
• To investigate the involvement of the ESR1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in YJD's therapeutic effects.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a DOR rat model.
• Hormonal analysis (LH, FSH, E2, AMH, SP) via ELISA.
• Ovarian morphology assessment (H&E staining).
• Gene and protein expression analysis (RT-qPCR, Western blot) of ESR1, PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and apoptosis markers.
• In vitro studies on granulosa cells.

Main Results:

• YJD treatment increased follicle counts (primordial, primary, preovulatory) and improved ovarian morphology in DOR rats.
• YJD elevated serum levels of LH, FSH, SP, AMH, and E2.
• YJD inhibited apoptosis in ovarian cells by modulating Caspase-3, Bax, and BCL-2.
• YJD reversed DOR-induced decreases in granulosa cell viability and suppressed the ESR1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Conclusions:

• YJD demonstrates protective effects on ovarian reserve function in DOR.
• The therapeutic action of YJD involves the regulation of the ESR1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
• YJD holds potential for application in reproductive medicine for managing DOR.