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Ji X, Hu Q, Yang C, Huang L, Huang Y, Deng L, Song X, Zhang Y, Wang Y. Modified Hongteng Baijiang decoction enema improves sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease by regulating the LIF/JAK2/STAT3 pathway and gut microbiota. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1300. [PMID: 38896093 PMCID: PMC11186298 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (SPID) are major causes of secondary infertility. Modified Hongteng Baijiang decoction (MHTBD) has produced positive results in the treatment of patients with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease; however, its role in SPID remains elusive. Therefore, this study clarified the role of MHTBD in SPID pathogenesis. METHODS The main components in MHTBD were analyzed by using liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC/MS). An SPID rat model was established, and the rats were treated with different doses of MHTBD (0.504 g of raw drug/kg, 1.008 g of raw drug/kg, and 2.016 g of raw drug/kg). Endometrial pinopodes were observed via scanning electron microscopy, endometrial thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration were assessed via HE staining, and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), integrin β3 (ITGB3), and CD31 in the endometrium was detected by using immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of LIF, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in the endometrium. Moreover, the changes in the gut microbiota were analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS MHTBD improved endometrial receptivity, attenuated endometrial pathologic damage, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased ER and PR expression in the endometrium, and promoted the expression of LIF, p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 in the endometrium (p < .05) in SPID rats. Additionally, MHTBD treatment affected the composition of the gut microbiota in SPID rats. Furthermore, MHTBD attenuated endometrial receptivity and pathological damage in SPID rats by promoting the LIF/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSION MHTBD attenuates SPID in rats by promoting the LIF/JAK2/STAT3 pathway and improving the composition of the gut microbiota. MHTBD may be a valuable drug for SPID therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Ji
- Department of GynecologyHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Quan Hu
- Department of GeriatricsHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Chengcheng Yang
- Department of GynecologyHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Li Huang
- Department of GynecologyHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yefang Huang
- Department of GynecologyHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Linwen Deng
- Department of GynecologyHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xiaoqing Song
- Department of GynecologyHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Department of GynecologyHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of GynecologyHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
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Lai YY, Liu LY, Wu YN, Huang L, Zheng XY, Gan D, Yu SY, Zhong Y, Liang FR, Zhou Y, Yang J. Immediate Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Endometrial Blood Flow in Patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:291-298. [PMID: 38433155 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3758-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the immediate effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on endometrial blood flow among recurrent implantation failure (RIF) patients. METHODS Eighty RIF patients, enrolled from March 2022 to December 2022, were randomly allocated into either the EA group (40 cases) or the waiting-list (WL) group (40 cases) by using a random number table. The EA group underwent acupuncture at points of Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 4), Benshen (GB 13), bilateral Zigong (EX-CA 1), Huangshu (KI 16), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Xuehai (SP10), and electric acupuncture apparatus was connected to EX-CA 1, KI 16, SP 6, and SP 10 with disperse-dense waves at 4/20 Hz frequencies for 30 min after transvaginal ultrasound, while the WL group received no intervention. The primary outcome measured was the endometrial volume blood flow. The secondary outcomes included the bilateral uterine artery index, endometrial volume, endometrial blood flow type, vascular distribution index (VIMV) for endometrial and ovary, clinical pregnancy rate, and embryo implantation rate. RESULTS In the EA group, there was a notable decrease in the bilateral pulsatility index and a significant improvement in the endometrial blood flow type post-EA (P<0.05). Both the endometrial blood flow type and VIMV for the endometrium and right ovary were markedly higher in the EA group compared to the WL group post-treatment (P<0.05). Conversely, no significant disparities were observed in vascular index, flow index, vascular blood flow index, uterine arterial blood flow indices, endometrial volume, clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate between the two groups after treatment (P>0.05). Besides, no adverse events related to EA were observed. CONCLUSIONS EA can promptly ameliorate VIMV for the endometrial and right ovary, and endometrial blood flow type. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to investigate the long-term effects of EA on blood flow of RIF patients and its implications for pregnancy outcomes. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200057377).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Lai
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Li-Ying Liu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Yong-Na Wu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zheng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Di Gan
- Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Si-Yi Yu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Yuan TCM Wellness Pte. Ltd., 999002, Pulse TCM Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fan-Rong Liang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Sichuan Jinxin Xi'nan Women's and Children's Hospital, Chengdu, 610032, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610032, China.
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Qin H, Feng J, Wu X. Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture on women related health. Front Med 2024; 18:46-67. [PMID: 38151668 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1051-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Globally, public health interventions have resulted in a 30-year increase in women's life expectancy. However, women's health has not increased when socioeconomic status is ignored. Women's health has become a major public health concern, for those women from developing countries are still struggling with infectious and labor-related diseases, and their counterparts in developed countries are suffering from physical and psychological disorders. In recent years, complementary and alternative medicine has attracted wide attentions with regards to maintaining women's health. Acupuncture, a crucial component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat many obstetric and gynecological diseases for thousands of years due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and its effects on stimulating the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system. To fully understand the mechanism through which acupuncture exerts its effects in these diseases would significantly extend the list of available interventions and would allow for more reasonable advice to be given to general practitioners. Therefore, by searching PubMed and CNKI regarding the use of acupuncture in treating obstetric and gynecological diseases, we aimed to summarize the proven evidence of using acupuncture in maintaining women's health by considering both its effectiveness and the underlying mechanisms behind its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huichao Qin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150036, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jiaxing Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Li L, Zhang Z, Li H, Zhou M, Li F, Chu C, Zhang Y, Zhu X, Ju H, Li X. Research progress on the STAT signaling pathway in pregnancy and pregnancy-associated disorders. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1331964. [PMID: 38235138 PMCID: PMC10792037 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1331964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, pivotal regulators of signaling cascades, undergo activation in response to the stimulation of cytokines and growth factors, and participate in biological processes, including inflammation, immune responses, cell proliferation, and differentiation. During the process of pregnancy, STAT signaling is involved in regulating embryonic implantation, endometrial decidualization, and establishing and maintaining maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant STAT signaling contributes to the occurrence and development of pregnancy disorders, including repeated implantation failure (RIF), preeclampsia (PE), recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), preterm birth (PTB) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the STAT signaling pathway holds promise for further understanding the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy, and thereby providing potent targets and strategic avenues for the prevention and management of ailments associated with pregnancy. In this review, we summarized the roles of the STAT signaling pathway and its related regulatory function in embryonic implantation, endometrial decidualization, and maternal-fetal immune tolerance. In conclusion, in-depth research on the mechanism of the STAT signaling pathway not only enhances our understanding of normal pregnancy processes but also offers STAT-based therapeutic approaches to protect women from the burden of pregnancy-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haoyang Li
- International Business School, Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Tianjin, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhou
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chu Chu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yunhong Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hongmei Ju
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xia Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Dong HX, Wu X, Zhou Q, Huang DM, Zhang MM, Huang GY, Yang W. Effect of Acupuncture on Endometrial Blood Flow in Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:10-17. [PMID: 36790554 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3731-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on endometrial blood flow parameters by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in women undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS Seventy patients undergoing IVF-ET were equally randomized into traditional or sham acupuncture treatment group for totally 4 days (from the day of oocyte aspiration to the day of embryo transfer) of treatment by random envelope method at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Outpatient Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with manual acupuncture, and Zhongji (CV3), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29) and Zusanli (ST 36) were chosen. Patients at the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods at 4 non-meridian points at each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included endometrial ultrasonic indices such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), endometrial thickness and volume, subendometrial VI (sVI), subendometrial FI (sFI), subendometrial VFI (sVFI), implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births. RESULTS Finally, 34 patients in the traditional acupuncture group and 35 in the sham acupuncture group completed this trial. VI, FI and VFI of the traditional acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, sVI, sFI, sVFI, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Manual acupuncture performed after oocyte aspiration and before transplantation improved the endometrial blood flow parameters VI, RI and VFI in women who underwent IVF-ET, instead of sVI, sFI and sVFI. Therefore, acupuncture might be beneficial in women undergoing IVF-ET by increasing endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100053354).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Xu Dong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong-Mei Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ming-Min Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Guang-Ying Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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He D, Song Y, Xiao H, Shi S, Song H, Cui T, Ni T, Wang J, Ren X, Wei A. Ligustilide enhances pregnancy outcomes via improvement of endometrial receptivity and promotion of endometrial angiogenesis in rats. J Nat Med 2024; 78:42-52. [PMID: 37698739 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01739-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Ligustilide (LIG) is the main active ingredient of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, which could promote focal angiogenesis to exert neuroprotection. However, there was no report that verified the exact effects of LIG on endometrial angiogenesis and the pregnancy outcomes. To explore the effects of LIG on low endometrial receptivity (LER) and angiogenesis, pregnancy rats were assigned into Control (saline treatment), LER (hydroxyurea-adrenaline treatment), LIG 20 mg/kg and LIG 40 mg/kg groups. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to evaluate endometrial morphology. Quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to assess the expression of endometrial receptivity factors and angiogenesis-related gene/protein, respectively. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the effects of LIG on LER caused by Kidney deficiency and blood stasis. We found that endometrial thickness and the implanted embryo number were substantially reduced in the hydroxyurea-adrenaline-treated pregnancy rats. At the same time, the gene and protein expressions of ERα, LIF, VEGFA and CD31 in the endometrium were markedly reduced, while the expressions of MUC1, E-cadherin were increased in the LER group. Administration of LIG raised the endometrial thickness and implanted embryos, as well as reversed the expressions of these factors. Collectively, our findings revealed that LIG could facilitate embryo implantation via recovery of the endometrium receptivity and promotion of endometrial angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanli Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huidongzi Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shaoqi Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongyan Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tianwei Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tingting Ni
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xingxing Ren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Aiwu Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Dong J, Jiang X, Liu N, Li H, Zhao J, He J, Gao X. Identification and analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs in endometrium to explore the regulation of sheep fecundity. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:600. [PMID: 37814208 PMCID: PMC10563241 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09681-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role in mammalian reproduction. Currently, most studies are primarily concentrated on ovarian miRNAs, ignoring the influence of endometrial miRNAs on the fecundity of female sheep. To uncover potential regulators of sheep fecundity, RNA-seq was used to comparatively analyze miRNA expression profiles of endometrium between high prolificacy sheep (HP, litter size = 3) and low prolificacy sheep (LP, litter size = 1) with FecB genotype. RESULTS Firstly, genomic features of miRNAs from endometrium were analyzed. Furthermore, 58 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were found in the endometrium of Hu sheep with different litter size. A co-expression network of DE miRNAs and target genes has been constructed, and hub genes related litter size are included, such as DE miRNA unconservative_NC_019472.2_1229533 and unconservative_NC_019481.2_1637827 target to estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and unconservative_NC_019481.2_1637827 targets to transcription factor 7 (TCF7). Moreover, functional annotation analysis showed that the target genes (NRCAM and NEGR1) of the DE miRNAs were significantly enriched in cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) signaling pathway, which was related to uterine receptivity. CONCLUSION Taken together, this study provides a new valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Hu sheep prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Xuecheng Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Hegang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Jinshan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China
| | - Jianning He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiaoxiao Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, 700 Changcheng Road, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong, China.
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The Treatment of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Female Infertility Caused by Endometrial Factors. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4624311. [PMID: 36118081 PMCID: PMC9473886 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4624311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Recently, with the development of the social economy, the incidence of infertility has increased year by year. With its complex etiology and diversified syndromes, infertility has become one of the most important diseases that plague the physical and mental health of women of childbearing age worldwide. Endometrial factors as an important part affecting female reproductive capacity, due to which induced repeated abortion and multiple uterine cavity operations occur, can destruct endometrium, failing to provide a normal implantation environment for zygote, thus resulting in infertility. Many patients failed to achieve expected results after receiving conventional treatments such as hormone therapy, assisted reproductive technology (ART), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy, and cell therapy, then turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for help. Aiming at clarifying the effectiveness and mechanisms of CAM therapy in the treatment of infertility caused by endometrial factors, our paper systematically searched and studied present related literature on the PubMed, CNKI, and other databases, focusing on the aspects of clinical application and mechanism explorations and highlighting the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), acupuncture, and moxibustion on such diseases. Moreover, this paper also introduces the CAM treatments of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) retention enema, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), photobiomodulation therapy, dietary intervention, and other measures for infertility caused by endometrial factors, in order to provide a reference for subsequent basic research and clinical work.
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Acupuncture Improves Endometrial Angiogenesis by Activating PI3K/AKT Pathway in a Rat Model with PCOS. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1790041. [PMID: 36062171 PMCID: PMC9433287 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1790041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Acupuncture, a treatment derived from traditional Chinese medicine, can effectively relieve the symptoms and improve pregnancy outcome in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, its mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed at investigating whether acupuncture could improve endometrial angiogenesis and thus endometrial receptivity via activating PI3K/AKT pathway in PCOS rats. Methods. We established a rat model with PCOS, which was induced by DHEA. Acupuncture was performed every other day for 15 days, and the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) was intraperitoneal injected 30 mins before acupuncture treatment. Females rats were mated with male SPF SD rats in a ratio of 2 : 1 after treatment and sacrificed on the 5th day when the vaginal plug was identified. The number of implantation sites was observed, followed by ovarian and endometrial morphology detected with hematoxylin-eosin staining and a scanning electron microscope, estrous cycle detected with vaginal smear analysis, and sex hormones and angiogenesis-related PI3K/AKT gene/protein expression detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, immune histochemistry, and quantitative real-time PCR. Results. Acupuncture notably improved implantation sites’ number, endometrial receptivity factors including endometrial morphology, pinopodes, HOX-10, and LIF protein expression, as well as angiogenesis and PI3K/AKT pathway factors such as VEGF, VEGFR2, Ang-1, PI3K, AKT, and P-AKT gene/protein expression and the level of eNOS and NO in the endometrium of rats with PCOS; PCOS-like symptoms were alleviated as well. The efficacy of acupuncture on a rat model with PCOS was counteracted by the combination with the PI3K inhibitor. Conclusion. Acupuncture improves endometrial angiogenesis by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, thus promoting endometrial receptivity and the number of implantation sites in rats with PCOS.
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