Bu Shen Yang Xue Prescription Has Treating Effect on Endometrial Cancer through FSH/PI3K/AKT/Gankyrin/HIF-α/cyclinD 1 Pathway in Ishikawa Cells

Effects of phytoestrogens combined with cold stress on sperm parameters and testicular proteomics in rats

Phytoestrogens and cold negatively influence male fertility. However, the combined effects of these two factors on male reproduction remain unknown. Herein, we studied the changes of sperm parameters and identify potential biomarkers involved in testis of rats, which were intervened by phytoestrogens combined with cold stress. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and model groups. The rats in the model group were fed an estrogen diet and placed in a climate chamber [10 ± 2°C; humidity of 75 ± 5%] for 12 h/daily. When compared with the control group after 24 weeks, the rats in the model group showed increased food intake, urine and stool outputs, and higher estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. However, lower sperm concentration, motility, and viability, and reduced testosterone levels were detected. The epithelial cells of the seminiferous tubules and epididymal ducts presented morphological abnormalities. Proteomic analysis showed that 24 testicular proteins were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. The identified proteins were involved in reticulophagy and stress response. Our findings suggest that the phytoestrogens combined with cold stress had negative effects on the reproductive function of male rats and provide the basis for the establishment of "course simulation" type of oligospermia animal model.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Promotes the Development of Endometrial Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

Endocrine disruptors as risk factors for endometrial cancer (EC) are positively correlated with serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Additionally, increased FSH is associated with EC. However, its exact mechanism is not yet clear. Therefore, this study investigated how FSH affects the occurrence of EC. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blot (WB), we found that FSH receptor (FSHR) was expressed in both EC tissues and cell lines. To explore the effect of FSH on EC in vitro, Ishikawa (ISK) cells were cultured in different doses of FSH, and it was found that FSH could promote the proliferation and migration of ISK cells. Furthermore, the detection of key molecules of migration and apoptosis by WB showed that FSH promoted cell migration and inhibited apoptosis. Additionally, FSH decreased AMPK activation. To clarify the effect of FSH on EC in vivo, we subcutaneously planted ISK cells into ovariectomized mice and then gave two of the groups oestradiol (E2). In comparison with the OE (ovariectomy plus E2) and sham groups, the growth rates and weights of the tumors in the OE plus FSH group were significantly higher. The findings above suggest that FSH promotes the proliferation and metastasis of EC, providing a new strategy for the treatment of EC.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Abnormal Endometrial Conditions in Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Endometrial lesions in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit complex pathological features, and these patients are at risk of both short-term and long-term complications. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which is gradually becoming more accepted and is believed to be clinically effective, claims to be promising for treating PCOS, and thus its effect on the abnormal endometrium of PCOS patients should be assessed. The present meta-analysis sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CAM in treating endometrial lesions in patients with PCOS.

Methods

Randomized trials on CAM were identified in four Chinese and seven English-language databases from their establishment to January 2020. The present study included patients diagnosed with PCOS and abnormal endometrial conditions who underwent CAM therapy independently or in combination with traditional western medicine. Data were extracted, and the Cochrane "risk of bias" tool was used to assess methodological quality. Effects were expressed as the relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD/SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) as calculated with Rev Man 5.3.

Results

A total of 13 randomized controlled trials were included, involving 1,297 PCOS patients treated for endometrial abnormalities. Methodological quality was generally unclear or had a low risk of bias. The trials tested four different types of CAM therapies (i.e., traditional Chinese medicine treatment, acupuncture treatment, traditional Chinese medicine in combination with western medicine treatment, and acupuncture in combination with western medicine treatment). CAM treatment could significantly reduce the endometrial thickness in PCOS patients compared to western medicine alone (SMD -0.88, 95% CI [-0.12, -0.57]; I ² = 64%). Compared with clomiphene treatment for the induction of ovulation, CAM treatment showed a clear improvement in endometrial thickness during ovulation (SMD 2.03, 95% CI [1.64, 2.02]; I ² = 48%). Moreover, CAM was more effective than western medicine alone in reducing the endometrial spiral artery pulsatility index. No significant difference was seen between CAM and traditional treatment when these were used to improve traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores. Acupuncture alone or traditional Chinese medicines (taken orally) in combination with western medicine significantly increased the pregnancy rate of PCOS patients (RR 1.59, 95% CI [1.30, 1.93]; I ² = 51%, P < 0.00001), and CAM was more effective than western medicine alone for improving hormone levels. No serious adverse events were reported in 11 of the 13 trials.

Conclusions

CAM may effectively ameliorate the endometrial condition of PCOS patients, and it can regulate the level of hormone secretion to increase the ovulation rate and the pregnancy rate.