Modulatory Effect of Fermented Papaya Extracts on Mammary Gland Hyperplasia Induced by Estrogen and Progestin in Female Rats

A gel plaster in the form of nipple cover: A comfortable and safe transdermal delivery method for mammary hyperplasia

Hyperplasia of mammary glands (HMG) is considered a precancerous condition with a risk of malignant transformation, highlighting the necessity of proactive treatment in the early stages. Transdermal drug delivery offers significant advantages such as painlessness, absence of first-pass effect, and good patient compliance. However, the unique structure of the breast requires transdermal formulations for treating mammary hyperplasia to exhibit higher levels of safety and comfort. We have formulated an ancient topical formula called 'Muxiang Bing,' comprising traditional Chinese medicines Aucklandiae Radix (AR) and Rehmanniae Radix (RR), for the treatment of HMG. This formula has been transformed into a gel paster in the form of nipple cover for trans-nipple-areola delivery. In our investigations, we observed that the optimal formulation of the Muxiang gel plaster demonstrated enhanced permeation facilitated by AR's effect on RR. Furthermore, pre-treatment with the Muxiang gel plaster improved mammary tissue morphology, hormone levels, oxidative stress, aberrant cell proliferation, and damage in rat models, thus preventing and ameliorating mammary hyperplasia. The Muxiang gel plaster exhibited low skin irritability in rats, and long-term use did not cause harm to their internal organs or blood cells, indicating its safety and efficacy.

Pharmacokinetic study of multicomponent in Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao tablet

Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao tablet (HHXYT) is attracting attention increasingly because of its use in treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) and menopausal syndrome. However, its pharmacokinetics remains unclear. This study developed a sensitive and rapid method for simultaneous determination of 10 compounds of HHXYT in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and to compare the pharmacokinetics of these compounds in MGH rats and sham operated rats. The linearity, accuracy, precision, stability and matrix effect were within acceptable ranges. This established method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetics study of 10 compounds in sham operated and MGH rats. According to the results, the bioavailability of glycyrrhetinic acid was highest in MGH rats and sham operated rats. The mean residence times of glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid 3-O-glucuronide were higher than those of the other compounds while the mean residence time and half-life of liquiritin, isoliquiritin and paeoniflorin were lower. Some pharmacokinetic parameters of ormononetin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, paeoniflorin, protocatechuic acid and senkyunolide I were significantly different between MGH rats and sham operated rats. This study elucidated the dynamic changes of multiple components in rats after oral administration of HHXYT systematically and comprehensively, which provided guidance for clinical application.

Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Xiaoyaosan in treating hyperplasia of mammary glands based on network pharmacology

This study utilized network pharmacology to investigate the effects of Xiaoyaosan (XYS) on the intervention of hyperplasia of mammary glands (HMG) by targeting specific genes and signaling pathways. The active ingredients and targets of XYS, which consisted of 8 traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), were identified using TCMSP. The gene targets associated with HMG were obtained from the GeneCards Database, and the intersection data between the 2 was integrated. Cytoscape 3.8.1 software was used to construct a network diagram illustrating the relationship between compounds, drug active ingredients, target proteins, and the disease. The protein-protein interaction network diagram was generated using STRING, and the core targets were analyzed. A total of 133 active ingredients in XYS and 7662 active ingredient targets were identified. Among them, 6088 targets were related to HMG, and 542 were common targets between the active ingredients and the disease. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) core network contained 15 targets, with 5 key targets playing a crucial role. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses have indicated that XYS has the potential to treat HMG by interfering with the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, molecular docking studies have shown excellent binding properties between the drug components and key targets. Thus, this study provides a theoretical foundation for a better understanding of the pharmacological mechanism and clinical application of XYS in the comprehensive treatment of HMG.

Probiotic-fermented edible herbs as functional foods: A review of current status, challenges, and strategies

Recently, consumers have become increasingly interested in natural, health-promoting, and chronic disease-preventing medicine and food homology (MFH). There has been accumulating evidence that many herbal medicines, including MFH, are biologically active due to their biotransformation through the intestinal microbiota. The emphasis of scientific investigation has moved from the functionally active role of MFH to the more subtle role of biotransformation of the active ingredients in probiotic-fermented MFH and their health benefits. This review provides an overview of the current status of research on probiotic-fermented MFH. Probiotics degrade toxins and anti-nutritional factors in MFH, improve the flavor of MFH, and increase its bioactive components through their transformative effects. Moreover, MFH can provide a material base for the growth of probiotics and promote the production of their metabolites. In addition, the health benefits of probiotic-fermented MFH in recent years, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative, skin-protective, and gut microbiome-modulating effects, are summarized, and the health risks associated with them are also described. Finally, the future development of probiotic-fermented MFH is prospected in combination with modern development technologies, such as high-throughput screening technology, synthetic biology technology, and database construction technology. Overall, probiotic-fermented MFH has the potential to be used in functional food for preventing and improving people's health. In the future, personalized functional foods can be expected based on synthetic biology technology and a database on the functional role of probiotic-fermented MFH.

Xiaozheng pill exerts an anti-mammary hyperplasia effect through Raf/ERK/ELK and HIF-1α/bFGF pathways

Background and aim

The purpose of this study is to explore whether the Xiaozheng pill (XZP) has the effect of anti-hyperplasia of mammary glands (HMG) and to identify the related signaling pathways.

Experimental procedure

We analyzed the effective chemical components of the XZP, as well as the key chemical components, key proteins, main biological processes, and pathways in the treatment of HMG; Secondly, the levels of Estradiol (E2), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Progesterone (P), Raf/ERK/ELK and HIF-1α/bFGF pathways related proteins were detected; Finally, the effect of XZP on metabolites was analyzed by metabolomics.

Results and conclusion

In this study, we identified key targets and pathways for XZP therapy of HMG, including EGFR, VEGFA, ER, and Ras signaling pathways. Animal experiments show that XZP can reduce the levels of E2, LH, and FSH and increase the expression of P in HMG mice. XZP can restore the normal structure of breast tissue and reduce ERα, ERβ, and PR expression in breast tissue. In addition, metabolomics results show that XZP also regulates HMG metabolites, including HIF-1α and metabolic pathways. The Western blot results showed that XZP intervention can reduce the protein expression of p-Raf1, Raf1, p-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, ELK, HIF-1α, and bFGF in the breast tissue of HMG mice. XZP may eliminate abnormal breast hyperplasia through inhibition of apoptosis and angiogenesis, which may be linked with the regulation of the Raf/ERK/ELK and HIF-1α/bFGF signaling pathways in HMG mice. These results suggest that XZP treatment may be beneficial for the management of HMG.

Hemin protects against cell stress induced by estrogen and progesterone in rat mammary glands via modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways

Mammary gland hyperplasia is one of the risk factors for breast cancer. Till date, there is no study that has addressed the effect of hemin in this condition. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of the heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) inducer (hemin) and its inhibitor (zinc protoporphyrin-IX) (ZnPP-IX) on mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) induced by estrogen and progesterone in adult albino rats. Forty adult female albino rats were divided into the control group, MGH group, MGH + Hemin group, and MGH + Hemin + ZnPP-IX group. Serum levels of estradiol and progesterone were measured. Breast tissues were taken for estimation of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers. Mammary gland histology was performed, and expression of Ki-67, Beclin, and P53 in breast tissue was also measured. Estrogen and progesterone administration induced hyperplasia of cells lining the ducts of the breast tissues associated with increased diameter and height of the nipples as well as increased oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, antiapoptotic markers, and cell autophagy. Hemin administration during induction of MGH can reverse all the affected parameters. Then, these effects were abolished by ZnPP-IX administration. We concluded that hemin administration can antagonize the cell stress induced by estrogen and progesterone and protect against the development of mammary gland hyperplasia via modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways.

Pharmacodynamic structure of deer antler base protein and its mammary gland hyperplasia inhibition mechanism by mediating Raf-1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway activation

Mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) is a common mammary disease whose main pathogenesis is the disruption of estradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P) secretion, thereby causing overproliferation of mammary epithelial cells and mammary gland tissue hyperplasia. Deer antler base is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for many years to treat MGH. However, its pharmacological mechanism and pharmacodynamic material basis are unclear. In this study, we for the first time used the graded salting method to classify deer antler base protein (CNCP) as CNCP-A, CNCP-B, and CNCP-C and explored the pharmacological mechanism of the anti-MGH properties of CNCP. We found that CNCP could regulate the hormonal levels of E₂, P, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and improve the histopathological condition. The potential mechanism might be related to the recombinant C-Raf proto oncogene serine/threonine protein kinase/mitogen-activated protein/extracellular regulated protein kinase (Raf-1/MEK/ERK) signaling pathway. By upregulating the protein expression of the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) inhibited the activation of the downstream Raf-1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, which in turn inhibited the proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. We analyzed the physicochemical properties of CNCP-A, CNCP-B, and CNCP-C and obtained CNCP-C-I by column chromatographic purification of the best pharmacophore protein CNCP. Using high-performance liquid gel filtration chromatography (HPGFC), we determined the molecular weight of CNCP-C-I and identified it by high-performance liquid tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to obtain the first match for a high confidence protein KRT1. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of effective traditional Chinese medicines with low toxicity levels for the prevention and treatment of mammary gland diseases.

Construction of microneedle of Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract and effect on mammary gland hyperplasia based on intestinal flora

BACKGROUND

A microneedle patch loaded with Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma water extract was prepared for the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia. To explore the relationship between Mammary gland hyperplasia and intestinal flora.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preparation of the microneedle patch by micromolding method, the prescription of the microneedle was optimized by the Box-Behnken Design response surface test, and the micro-morphology, penetration, toughness, and brittleness were investigated. In vitro release of drug-loaded microneedles was measured by diffusion cell method. The rat model of mammary gland hyperplasia was prepared by the combination of estradiol benzoate-progesterone, and the microneedle patch of Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract was used for intervention treatment. The change of levels in E₂, P, and PRL in rat serum was determined. The intestinal contents of rats were collected and the changes in intestinal flora in MGH rats were analyzed by 16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing.

RESULTS

The optimized microneedle formula is a PVA concentration of 6.0%, HA concentration of 15.5%, and PVPK30 concentration of 16.0%. The prepared microneedle tip loaded with Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract has complete, sharp, and no bubbles and the needle rate of the microneedle array is in the range of 95%~100%. The bending rate of the microneedle is about 12.7%, and it has good flexibility, and the microneedle can puncture 4 layers of ParafilmⓇ membrane smoothly, and the puncture rate is more than 96%. The in vitro release of the microneedle was characterized by rapid release. The results of animal experiments showed that Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract microneedle patch could significantly reduce the E₂ level, significantly reduce the PRL level, and significantly increase the P level. At the same time, it can regulate the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora in MGH rats, improve the intestinal flora disorder caused by mammary gland hyperplasia, and balance the community structure.

CONCLUSION

The prepared microneedle containing Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizoma aqueous extract has good toughness and brittle strength, can penetrate the skin and enter the dermis, and effectively deliver drugs to play a role in the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia.

The relationship between using estrogen and/or progesterone and the risk of mammary gland hyperplasia in women: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

As reported that the usage of estrogen and/or progesterone increases the risk of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) with conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to higher elucidate the relationship between hormones and MGH.

METHOD

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan-fang database were searched for studies until April 28, 2021.

RESULTS

Nine related studies were included in the present meta-analysis. We found that the usage of estrogen and/or progesterone had a significant association with increasing the risk of MGH (RR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.13-2.15, p = .000). The subgroup results showed that the risk of MGH increased in the Mix population (RR = 1.72, CI: 1.58-1.88, p < .001) but no significant difference in the Asian population. Meanwhile, as for using estrogen plus progesterone (EPP) and postmenopausal women the risk of MGH, respectively, increased (RR = 1.74, CI: 1.22-2.47, p = .002) and (RR = 1.75, CI: 1.24-2.47, p = .001) but no significant different for using estrogen alone and premenopausal women.

CONCLUSIONS

This study findings indicated that using estrogen and/or progesterone might increase the risk of MGH in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Comparison between Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Blood Biochemical Markers Associated with Left and Right Mammary Hyperplasia in Rural Areas of Southwest China

Background

Hyperplasia of mammary glands (HMG) is the breast disease with the highest clinical incidence. Many traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors suggest that the treatment of HMG should be based on the left and right breast pain difference. However, these views are based on case reports, and an objective basis has not been established for treatment according to left-side and right-side differences.

Methods

We enrolled 150 patients who met the clinical diagnostic criteria of HMG. The incidence bias was determined according to the score difference between bilateral breast pain and mass in patients with HMG. A left group, right group, and bilateral group were included, and TCM constitution was investigated in each group. Blood biochemical indicators were measured for 120 fasting patients. We conducted a network pharmacology study of the key herb qingpi and chenpi, which are used by TCM doctors to treat different lateral HMG.

Results

In patients with biased onset of HMG, the results showed that the frequency and constitution score of stagnant blood in the L group were higher than those of the R group, and the frequency and constitution score of phlegm-dampness in the R group were higher than those of the L group. Both the L and R groups had high proportion of stagnant Qi. The results indicated that the concentration of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) was higher in the L group than that in the R group, and the concentration of lipoprotein a (Lp-α) was higher in the R group than that in the L group. The results showed that sinensetin and neohesperidin contained in qingpi might interfere with platelet activation, thrombogenesis, prolactin signaling pathway, and atherosclerosis process, in removing “blood stasis” and eventually treating the left-leaning group of HMG patients. Sitosterol and citromitin contained in chenpi could regulate lipid metabolism by interfering with regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, salivary secretion, estrogen signaling pathway, and thyroid hormone signaling pathway. Chenpi could eliminate “phlegm turbidity” and treat HMG patients in the right-leaning group.

Conclusions

We preliminarily confirmed that the clinical pathogenesis of HMG is not a left-right equilibrium and TCM constitution, coagulation function, and lipid metabolism may be used as the objective basis for the difference between the left and right in HMG pathogenesis. For left-sided HMG patients, the doctor can consider qingpi, herb of activating blood and removing stasis, to treat HMG. However, for right-sided HMG, we think doctors should apply herb of activating Qi and eliminating phlegm, such as chenpi.

Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Revealed Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet's Effect of Mediating Hormone Synthesis in the Treatment of Mammary Gland Hyperplasia

Hong-Hua-Xiao-Yao Tablet (HHXYT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that has been approved for the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH), but its mechanism of action is unclear. In this study, a strategy that integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology was applied to systemically reveal the mechanism of HHXYT in the treatment of MGH. Our pharmacodynamic study indicated that the proliferation of mammary gland was inhibited in rats, and serum-level disorder of estradiol and progesterone was reversed after HHXYT treatment. 54 compounds absorbed in rat plasma were identified after administration of HHXYT. The serum metabolome revealed 58 endogenous differential metabolites, of which 31% were steroid lipids metabolites, with steroid hormone biosynthesis being the most significant metabolic module. 7 targets, 6 herbs, and 17 ingredients were found to play key roles in HHXYT’s treatment of MGH. 3 of the 7 key targets (CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and CYP17A1) were directly involved in androgen synthesis, while 2 targets (AR and ESR1) were receptors for the direct action of androgens and estrogens. Molecular docking was utilized to confirm the bindings between the 5 targets and their corresponding compounds. In an in vitro test, HHXYT (50 µg/ml) and its ingredient formononetin (3.2, 6.3, and 12.5 µM) were found to significantly reduce the increase of testosterone level induced by dexamethasone (10 µM) in thecal cells. In summary, this study illustrated that the mechanism of HHXYT’s treatment of MGH was to regulate hormone disorder. HHXYT could reduce estrogen-stimulated hyperplasia by inhibiting the production of its precursor androgen.

Benefits of Fermented Papaya in Human Health

Fermented foods have been used for several years all over the world, due to their unique nutritional characteristics and because fermentation promotes conservation and food security. Moreover, fermented foods and beverages have a strong impact on human gut microbiota. Papaya is the fruit of the Carica papaya plant, traditionally used as a medicinal fruit, but there are also references to the use of the fermented form of this fruit. The main purpose of this review is to provide an improved understanding of fermented papaya nutritional and health applications. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were included. According to the retrieved studies, fermented papaya has proven to be an excellent antioxidant and an excellent nutraceutical adjuvant in combined therapies against several diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, allergic reactions, anticancer activity, and anemias. Therefore, it is concluded that fermented papaya has many benefits for human health and can be used as prevention or aid in the treatment of various diseases.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Royal Jelly on Estrogen- and Progesterone-Induced Mammary Gland Hyperplasia in Rats

SCOPE

Royal jelly (RJ) has a wide range of biological functions, its effect on hyperplasia of the mammary gland (HMG) in mammals is unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of RJ on HMG and the dose-response relationship of RJ in the treatment of HMG.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HMG rats are induced by intramuscular injection of estrogen (E2) and progesterone, and are treated with different doses of RJ (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg^-1 d^-1 ). As a result, RJ improves the expansion of acinar and breast tissue ducts, particularly at 100 and 800 mg kg^-1 d^-1 . These two doses also inhibit serum E2 and prolactin (PRL) secretion and increase serum progesterone secretion and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-β in the breast tissue. In addition, 800 mg kg^-1 d^-1 decrease and increase the mRNA expression of, respectively, hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and pituitary GnRH receptors (GnRH-R). The lowest dosage (100 mg kg^-1 d^-1 ) increases GnRH-R mRNA expression as well. However, the effects of 200 and 400 mg kg^-1 d^-1 RJ on the reproductive parameters of HMG are not significant, implying a dose-dependent effect.

CONCLUSION

RJ regulates endocrine dyscrasia in HMG rats and improves the breast tissue structure, indicating its potential in the prevention and treatment on HMG.

Autophagy and apoptosis cascade: which is more prominent in neuronal death?

Autophagy and apoptosis are two crucial self-destructive processes that maintain cellular homeostasis, which are characterized by their morphology and regulated through signal transduction mechanisms. These pathways determine the fate of cellular organelle and protein involved in human health and disease such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Cell death pathways share common molecular mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium ion concentration, reactive oxygen species, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Some key signaling molecules such as p53 and VEGF mediated angiogenic pathway exhibit cellular and molecular responses resulting in the triggering of apoptotic and autophagic pathways. Herein, based on previous studies, we describe the intricate relation between cell death pathways through their common genes and the role of various stress-causing agents. Further, extensive research on autophagy and apoptotic machinery excavates the implementation of selective biomarkers, for instance, mTOR, Bcl-2, BH3 family members, caspases, AMPK, PI3K/Akt/GSK3β, and p38/JNK/MAPK, in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This molecular phenomenon will lead to the discovery of possible therapeutic biomolecules as a pharmacological intervention that are involved in the modulation of apoptosis and autophagy pathways. Moreover, we describe the potential role of micro-RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and biomolecules as therapeutic agents that regulate cell death machinery to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Mounting evidence demonstrated that under stress conditions, such as calcium efflux, endoplasmic reticulum stress, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and oxidative stress intermediate molecules, namely p53 and VEGF, activate and cause cell death. Further, activation of p53 and VEGF cause alteration in gene expression and dysregulated signaling pathways through the involvement of signaling molecules, namely mTOR, Bcl-2, BH3, AMPK, MAPK, JNK, and PI3K/Akt, and caspases. Alteration in gene expression and signaling cascades cause neurotoxicity and misfolded protein aggregates, which are characteristics features of neurodegenerative diseases. Excessive neurotoxicity and misfolded protein aggregates lead to neuronal cell death by activating death pathways like autophagy and apoptosis. However, autophagy has a dual role in the apoptosis pathways, i.e., activation and inhibition of the apoptosis signaling. Further, micro-RNAs and LncRNAs act as pharmacological regulators of autophagy and apoptosis cascade, whereas, natural compounds and chemical compounds act as pharmacological inhibitors that rescue neuronal cell death through inhibition of apoptosis and autophagic cell death.

[Inhibitory effect of Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor on liver fibrosis in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effect of Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor on liver fibrosis in mice.

OBJECTIVE

Mouse models of liver fibrosis were established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ in 105 male C57BL/6 mice, followed by gavage of 0.1 mL 40% CCl₄ olive oil 3 times a week (model group, n=49) or daily gavage of citrus liquor at the dose of 0.26 mL (citrus liquor group, n=56) for 8 weeks. Seven mice receiving only olive oil treatment (0.1 mL, 3 times a week) and another 7 treated with citrus liquor served as the control group. Liver tissues and serum samples were collected from 7 mice in the citrus liquor group and model group each week and from the mice in the two control groups at the 8th week for pathological examination of the liver tissues using HE staining and Sirius red staining and for determination of the biochemical indexes of liver function.

OBJECTIVE

The mice in the model group showed progressively worsened liver fibrosis with obvious hepatic steatosis, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. These liver pathologies were much ameliorated in citrus liquor group, which showed significantly reduced vacuolation, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition and the Ishak score of the liver tissue (P < 0.05). Serum levels of cholyglycine, alanine aminotransferase, transglutaminase and alanine aminotransferase were all significantly lower in citrus liquor group than in the model group (P < 0.05).

OBJECTIVE

Xinhui citrus fermentation liquor has protective effect on the liver and can significantly ameliorate liver fibrosis in mice.

The Great Healing Potential Hidden in Plant Preparations of Antioxidant Properties: A Return to Nature?

The application of chemicals in industry and agriculture has contributed to environmental pollution and exposure of living organisms to harmful factors. The development of new pharmaceutical agents enabled successful therapy of various diseases, but their administration may be connected with side effects. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved into etiology of numerous diseases as well as harmful action of drugs and chemicals. For some time, plant origin substances have been studied as potential protective agents alleviating toxicity of various substances and symptoms of diseases. The aim of the current review was to present the diversity of the research performed during the last five years on animal models. The outcomes showed a huge protective potential inherent in plant preparations, including alleviating prooxidative processes, strengthening antioxidant defence, ameliorating immune parameters, and reversing histopathological changes. In many cases, plant origin substances were proved to be comparable or even better than standard drugs. Such findings let us suggest that in the future the plant preparations could make adjuvants or a replacement for pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed research regarding dose and way of administration as well as the per se effects needs to be performed. In many studies, the last issue was not studied, and in some cases, the deleterious effects have been observed.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a TCM Formula Li-Ru-Kang in Rats With Hyperplasia of Mammary Gland and the Underlying Biological Mechanisms

Li-Ru-Kang (LRK), a formula of eight traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), has been used to treat hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) in TCM clinics. However, how LRK works in HMG patients is unclear. To explore the possible mechanisms of LRK against HMG, the network pharmacology was used to screen the potential targets and possible pathways that involved in LRK treated HMG. Rat HMG model induced by estrogen and progesterone was used to further verify the effects of the key molecules of LRK selected from the enriched pathways on HMG. Nipple heights and diameters were measured and uterus index was calculated. The histopathological changes of mammary gland tissue were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and P38. And immunohistochemistry staining was performed to evaluate the levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), nuclear factor-(NF-)κB (p65), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenases 2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and nitrotyrosine (NT). Our results indicate that LRK treatment rescues significantly nipples height and diameter, decreases uterus index and ameliorates HMG. LRK treatment also markedly attenuates the over-expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS, and suppressed the formation of 8-OHdG and NT. Furthermore, LRK treatment significantly inhibits the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 and expression of NF-κB (p65), interestingly, LRK treatment has no effect on the expression of ERα and PR. Our data suggest that the LRK treatment protects the mammary glands from the damage of oxidative stress and inflammation induced by estrogen and progesterone, via suppresses of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways without affecting on the expression of ERα and PR.

Effects of endometrial stem cell transplantation combined with estrogen in the repair of endometrial injury

The present study investigated the effects of endometrial stem cell (EnSCs) transplantation combined with estrogen in the repair of endometrial injury. A total of 30 patients with intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and 30 healthy individuals were selected. Expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB in endometrial tissue was assessed. Additionally, expression levels of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin (CK), integrin α-6 (CD49f), Thy-1 membrane glycoprotein (THY-1), collagen type 1 (Col I), fibroblast (5B5) and vimentin in EnSCs were detected using western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A rat model of IUA was established and female rats were divided into the control, model, EnSCs, estrogen and estrogen plus EnSCs (E+EnSCs) groups. Blood was extracted at 1 and 5 weeks post-treatment, and serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, EGF, 17 β-estradiol (E2) and PDGF-BB were measured using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of endometrial tissue in rats. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of estrogen receptor (ESR1) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in the endometrium. The results revealed that patients with IUA exhibited increased expression levels of EGF and PDGF-BB compared with those in control group. Additionally, EnSCs exhibited significantly increased expression levels of EMA, CD49f, CK, Col I, THY-1, 5B5 and vimentin compared with the remaining groups. An increased number of newly formed glands was observed in the E+EnSCs group compared with that in the EnSCs group. Increased levels of E2, but decreased levels of TGF-β1, EGF, PDGF-BB, ESR1 and MMP-9 were detected in EnSCs and estrogen groups compared with those in E+EnSCs group. These results suggest that EnSCs transplantation combined with estrogen could improve endometrial abnormalities.