BuShen HuoXue Decoction Promotes Decidual Stromal Cell Proliferation via the PI3K/AKT Pathway in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

KISS-1 knockdown inhibits cell growth, migration, and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells by regulating the GRP54-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) affect reproductive health and increase the risk of subsequent abortions. To investigate the role of KISS-1/GPR-54 signaling in RSA progression. Villus tissue was collected from RSA patients, and human trophoblastic HTR-8/SVneo cells were used. KISS-1 and GRP54 levels were detected using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was performed to analyze ZO-1 and ZEB1 levels. Cell proliferation was determined via CCK-8 and cell clone formation assays. Transwell assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion abilities. KISS-1 was down-regulated in the villus tissues of RSA patients. KISS-1 overexpression dramatically inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, ZEB1 expression was down-regulated, whereas ZO-1 expression was up-regulated, after KISS-1 overexpression. GPR54 silencing neutralized the effect of KISS-1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Additionally, KISS-1 overexpression inactivated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through GRP54. The KISS-1/GPR-54 signaling axis regulates RSA progression by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

In view of ovarian steroidogenesis and luteal construction to explore the effects of Bushen Huoxue recipe in mice of ovarian hyperstimulation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bushen Huoxue recipe (BSHXR) is a widely used prescription medicine for treating gynecological diseases. We have previously found that BSHXR can improve the pregnancy outcome of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) mice by modulating the abnormal high level of progesterone. While the pharmacological mechanism of such therapeutic effect is not clear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate the effects of BSHXR on the ovarian steroidogenesis and luteal function in mice undergoing COH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A COH mouse model was established via an intraperitoneal injection of 0.4 IU/g pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and 1 IU/g human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The histological features of ovaries were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression levels of FSHR, LHCGR, and key molecules in ovarian steroidogenesis, including CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, HSD3B1, and StAR, were examined via immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and RT-qPCR. CD31, VEGFA, and FGF2 levels were assessed to evaluate ovarian vascularization. The protein and mRNA levels of ovarian ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, MEK1/2, and p-MEK1/2 were also detected using western blotting, RT-qPCR, or immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

COH mice had a significantly increased volume and weight of the ovary and number of corpora lutea. In particular, COH exhibited a long-term influence on ovarian FSHR and LHCGR expression, disrupting the levels of CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and CYP17A1, causing poorer luteal angiogenesis. Compared with normal mice, the expression levels of ovarian VEGFA and FGF2 in COH mice were considerably lower on Day 1 after PMSG. On concomitant HCG treatment, both VEGFA and FGF2 expression surged dramatically on ED1 and then declined on ED4 and ED8. Moreover, the expression pattern of MEK1/2-ERK1/2 was almost consistent with that of VEGFA and FGF2. After treatment, BSHXR increased ovarian LHCGR, FSHR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and CYP17A1 levels, boosted luteal vascularization, and restored MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling in COH mice.

CONCLUSION

BSHXR restored the abnormally high progesterone level by regulating the CYP11A1 and HSD3B1 expression as well as promoted luteal angiogenesis, which was related with LHCGR-MEK1/2-ERK1/2-VEGFA/FGF2 signaling pathway in the ovary. This effect prevented the fluctuation of sex hormones in COH mice and benefited the outcome of pregnancy.

Jiawei Shoutai Pill promotes decidualization by regulating the SGK1/ENaC pathway in recurrent spontaneous abortion

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jiawei Shoutai Pill (JWSTW) is a traditional herbal formula for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Although JWSTW significantly improves the clinical symptoms of RSA patients, its molecular mechanism remains unclear.

AIM OF STUDY

This study evaluated the expression and function of the serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1/epithelial sodium channel (SGK1/ENaC) pathway and decidualization level in RSA patients and mice. It also investigated the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of JWSTW.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

30 early RSA patients and 30 normal pregnant women undergoing induced abortion during the same period were included in the study. Decidual tissues were collected, and HE staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-PCR were used to detect protein and mRNA expression levels of SGK1, ENaC-a, estrogen Rreceptor β (ERβ), and progesterone receptor (PR) in patients' decidual tissues. Protein expression levels of prolactin receptor (PRLR) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) were also detected. A classical RSA mouse model was constructed, and the mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal, model, dydrogesterone (DQYT) (0.33 g/kg/d), and JWSTW (1.66 g/kg/d). The normal and model groups received the same volume of distilled water by gavage for 8 and 14 days after pregnancy. On the 14th day of pregnancy, the embryonic loss rate of each group, the number of offspring born to naturally delivered mice, and the protein or mRNA expression levels of key factors of the SGK1/ENaC pathway (SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR), decidual proliferation marker (Ki67), mesenchymal-epithelial transition (E-cadherin and Vimentin), and decidualization markers (PRLR and IGFBP-1) in mouse decidual tissue on the eighth day of pregnancy were observed.

RESULTS

The decidual tissue structure of RSA patients was abnormal. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly reduced positive expression of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR proteins in the decidual tissue of RSA patients (P < 0.001). Western blot and RT-PCR analyses demonstrated significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, and PR in the decidual tissue of RSA patients (all P < 0.05). Additionally, protein expression of PRLR and IGFBP-1 was significantly reduced (both P < 0.001). The RSA mouse model exhibited a significant increase in embryo loss rate and decreased litter size (both P < 0.001). Treatment with DQYT and JWSTW rescued the embryo loss rate and litter size to varying extents (all P < 0.05). The protein or mRNA expression levels of SGK1, ENaC-a, ERβ, PR, Ki67, E-cadherin, vimentin, PRLR, and IGFBP-1 in RSA mice were improved to different degrees after treatment with DQYT and JWSTW (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal SGK1/ENaC signaling pathway regulation is closely associated with early endometrial damage in RSA patients. JWSTW promotes endometrial proliferation and mesenchymal-epithelial transition through the SGK1/ENaC signaling pathway, improving endometrial shedding. Consequently, JWSTW is a potential treatment for RSA.

The Potential Mechanism of Zishen Yutai Pills against Threatened Abortion: An Approach Involving Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evidence

Threatened abortion (TA) is the most common complication in early pregnancy and is caused by anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Zishen Yutai Pill (ZYP) is a traditional herbal formula that is commonly used to treat TA. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effect of ZYP have yet to be elucidated. To disclose the mechanism of ZYP in the treatment of TA, first, we identified the chemical constituents of ZYP from multiple databases and then predicted the potential targets of TA by applying the GeneCards database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was then constructed to allow the screening of hub targets. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGGs) enrichment analyses were also performed and the Database for Annotation Visualization and Integrated Discovery server was used to identify critical biological processes and signaling pathways. Cytoscape software was used to construct a Compound-Target-Pathway. Furthermore, we analyzed ZYP by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, then the RU486-induced TA rat model was established, and the reliability of the network pharmacology prediction results was verified. Finally, the mechanisms responsible for the action of ZYP on TA were revealed by qRT-PCR and molecular docking. Database screening identified a total of 161 active compounds in ZYP and 324 TA-related targets. And, we identified 42 compounds from ZYP by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Inflammation and apoptosis were identified as the main biological processes. GO and KEGG analyses identified that the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways were the key functional pathways that respond to ZYP. The results showed that ZYP treatment significantly increased maternal weight, significantly increased the levels of estradiol and progesterone, and attenuated histopathological changes in a rat model of TA. Data indicated that ZYP treatment improved pregnancy outcomes in the rat model of TA. QRT-PCR data showed that ZYP reduced inflammation and apoptosis by regulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. In addition, molecule docking results identified a range of key compounds, including Pik3a, Mapk14, Mapk1, Mapk3, Mapk8 Tnf, Il6, and Cas8. In summary, we performed network pharmacological analysis and experimental validation and identified that ZYP exerts an effect on TA by regulating the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways and by inhibiting the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and genes related to apoptosis.

Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease as a Risk Factor for the Development of Central Nervous System Disorders

MAFLD/NAFLD is the most ordinary liver disease categorized by hepatic steatosis with the increase of surplus fat in the liver and metabolic liver dysfunction, which is associated with bigger mortality and a high medical burden. An association between MAFLD/NAFLD and central nervous system disorders including psychological disorders has been demonstrated. Additionally, MAFLD/NAFLD has been correlated with various types of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Contrasted to healthy controls, patients with MAFLD/NAFLD have a greater prevalence risk of extrahepatic complications within multiple organs. Dietary interventions have emerged as effective strategies for MAFLD/NAFLD. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway involved in the regulation of Th17/Treg balance might promote the pathogenesis of several diseases including MAFLD/NAFLD. As extrahepatic complications may happen across various organs including CNS, cooperative care with individual experts is also necessary for managing patients with MAFLD/NAFLD.

Erbu Zhuyu decoction improves endometrial angiogenesis via uterine natural killer cells and the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway a mouse model of embryo implantation dysfunction

BACKGROUND

We investigated the effect of Erbu Zhuyu decoction (EBZY) on angiogenesis via uterine natural killer (uNK) cells and the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway in embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) mice.

METHODS

Pregnant mice were randomly divided into blank, model, EBZY, progynova, and aspirin groups. Uteri were excised on the 5th day of pregnancy for analysis.

RESULTS

Mice in the model group showed pale uteri, a reduced implantation rate, and lower expression levels of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO). Compared to the model group, implantation rates in the medium-dose and high-dose groups of EBZY were significantly higher (P < .05), PI3K and Akt mRNA expression levels in the low-dose group were significantly higher (P < .05, P < .01), and the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-eNOS proteins in all treatment groups were significantly increased (P < .01, P < .05). The expression of NO was significantly increased in the low-dose and high-dose groups (P < .01, P < .05, respectively). The level of p-Akt protein in the high-dose group was significantly higher than those in the other treatment groups (P < .01, P < .05). There was no significant difference in the density of uNK cells (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

EBZY facilitated embryo implantation in EID mice by enhancing endometrial angiogenesis via activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway, at least in part. There was no evidence to indicate that EBZY could adjust the expression of uNK.

Effect of Bushen Huoxue Decoction combined with moxibustion on inflammation and urinary symptoms in patients with prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BSHXD) combined with moxibustion on inflammation and urinary symptoms in prostate cancer (PC) patients.

METHODS

A total of 87 patients with PC admitted to the Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 08/2019 to 12/2021 were collected for this retrospective study. There were 42 patients treated with conventional treatment regimens who were regarded as the control group (CG). The remaining 45 patients treated with BSHXD and moxibustion were considered the experimental group (EG). The quality of survival of patients was assessed through the C30 and PR25 subscales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ). Patients' urinary symptom changes were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF)-α were measured by Elisa assay before and after the treatment. The maximum urinary flow rate and residual urine volume of the patients were compared before and after the treatment. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in the total response rate between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). Patients in the EG had a higher QLQ-C30 and maximum urinary flow rate scores than those in the CG after the treatment. The residual urine volume, IL-6, TNF-α, QLQ-PR25, and IPSS scores in the EG were lower (P<0.05). The multi-factorial regression analysis revealed that the Gleason score and the pre-treatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level were independent risk factors for the development of CRPC in patients (P<0.05). We plotted the receiver operating characteristic curves for predicting CRPC based on the indicators of patients. The area under the curve for Gleason score and the pre-treatment PSA level were 0.665 and 0.827, respectively, and 0.935 for the combination.

CONCLUSION

BSHXD combined with moxibustion had no effect on patients' progressive values of CRPC and did not enhance their outcomes. It was effective in improving their lower urinary symptoms, inflammation, and quality of life.

Potential Molecular Mechanism of Guishen Huoxue Decoction against Intrauterine Adhesion Based on Network Pharmacology

Objective

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) represents an endometrial repair disorder that is associated with menstrual disorders, recurrent pregnancy loss, and infertility. This study aimed to explore the underlying biological mechanisms of Guishen Huoxue decoction for the treatment of IUA based on network pharmacology.

Methods

The selection of active compounds for Guishen Huoxue decoction and prediction of relevant targets were performed by the TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction databases, respectively. The targets of IUA were obtained by three databases, including Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), DisGeNET, and GeneCards. The drug-disease regulatory network was constructed via Cytoscape software, following the acquisition of common genes of active compounds of drug Guishen Huoxue decoction and disease IUA, which was carried out through Venny software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and function enrichment analyses were performed.

Results

According to the data obtained from TCMSP, a total of 200 potential active compounds of Guishen Huoxue decoction and their related targets (1068) were screened by the Swiss Target Prediction database. 1303 disease targets and 134 common targets were identified. The drug-disease regulatory network showed that 165 active compounds were found to be involved in the treatment of IUA. Among 134 common targets, AKT1, SRC, TP53, VEGFA, and IL-6 were predicted as core genes against IUA. PI3K-Akt, Rap1, Ras, and AGE-RAGE were the main signaling pathways that participated in the treatment of Guishen Huoxue decoction for IUA.

Conclusion

The active compounds of Guishen Huoxue decoction confer therapeutic effects against IUA by regulating fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress through major signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt and AGE-RAGE.

Whole-transcriptome sequencing identifies key mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs associated with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss is a common obstetric complication affecting approximately 1-2% of reproductive population worldwide, but the precise causes for approximately a half of such patients remain unexplained. In this study, we compared the expression profiles of messenger RNA (mRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) in villi tissues from patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) and elective termination of pregnancy (ETP) using whole-transcriptome sequencing. A number of differentially expressed RNAs were confirmed by real-time PCR analysis. As a result, we identified a total of 1,703 mRNAs, 798 lncRNAs, 199 miRNAs, and 163 circRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed between villi tissues from URPL and ETP. The data of real-time PCR were consistent with those of the sequencing results. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that the majority of differentially expressed mRNAs and target genes of ncRNAs were associated with focal adhesion, extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, two co-expression networks (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-circRNA-miRNA-mRNA) were constructed based on the correlation analysis between the differentially expressed RNAs. Taken together, this study provides a large number of valuable candidates for elucidating regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs, which may ultimately assist in understanding the pathogenesis of URPL.

Psoralen Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Extravillous Trophoblast Derived HTR-8/Svneo Cells in vitro by NF-κB Pathway

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a kind of pathological pregnancy, and abnormal function of trophoblast cells may be related to a variety of pregnancy complications including RSA. Psoralen is an effective ingredient extracted from Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. with multiple bioactivities mainly including anti-osteoporotic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and estrogen-like effects. However, the exact role of psoralen on trophoblast invasiveness has not been investigated thus far. In the present study, the effects of psoralen on the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of HTR-8/SVneo cells were evaluated by the CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The expression patterns of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/p65 and metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were characterized by further experiments including real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Indirect immunofluorescence was applied to track the NF-κB p65 translocation. Herein, we found that cell viability and invasive ability were promoted by psoralen in a concentration-dependent manner. Psoralen concentration-dependently enhanced both MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and their activity of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Additionally, we observed accelerated nuclear accumulation and enhanced nuclear translocation of p65 in the presence of psoralen. Furthermore, invasiveness enhancement of psoralen on HTR-8/SVneo cells was partly eliminated by a NF-κB pathway inhibitor. Thus, our findings suggest that psoralen may serve as a potential repurpose drug candidate that can be used to induce migration and invasion of trophoblast cells through strengthening the NF-κB pathway.

Deciphering the Mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Decotion on Decidualization by Intervening Autophagy via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1: A Novel Discovery for URSA Treatment

Impaired decidualization was recognized as one of the crucial pathomechanisms accounting for unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Currently, the exact molecular mechanism and targeted clinical decision are still in exploration. Bushen Huoxue decoction (BSHXD) has previously been proved effective in treating URSA, but its mechanism remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the regulation mechanism of BSHXD in decidualization from its intervention in autophagy so as to rationalize its potential as a novel therapeutic regime for URSA. Decidua tissues were collected from patients with URSA and healthy pregnant women who underwent legal terminations for non-medical reasons at the first trimester. Besides, cell line T-hESCs was utilized to establish induced decidualization model, and were randomly divided into ESC group, DSC group, 3-MA group, AMPK siRNA group, scrambled siRNA group and AMPK siRNA + BSHXD group. Transmission electron microscopy, Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) assay, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to evaluate the level of decidualization, autophagy and activation of AMPK signaling pathway in decidua tissues and cell experiments. Experiments on decidua tissues showed that decidualization was impaired in URSA with inhibited autophagy. Besides, pAMPK T172 and pULK1 S556 were decreased, and pmTOR S2448 and pULK1 S757 were increased. Cell experiments showed that the level of autophagy increased during induced decidualization, but when autophagy was inhibited, decidualization was impaired. In addition, AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 affected decidualization by mediating autophagy, and BSHXD improved decidualization through this mechanism. In conclusion, this study clarified that the inhibition of autophagy mediated by AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 was associated with impaired decidualization, and the intervention of BSHXD on this pathological process may be a vital mechanism for its treatment of URSA. This study laid the foundation for further research and application of BSHXD.

Bushen huoxue decoction inhibits RANKL-stimulated osteoclastogenesis and glucocorticoid-induced bone loss by modulating the NF-κB, ERK, and JNK signaling pathways

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is the most common form of secondary osteoporosis, which is caused by a disorder in bone metabolism due to excessive activation of osteoclasts. Bushen Huoxue decoction (BHD) is an herbal formula with multiple pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity and stem cell migration promotion. However, the effect of BHD on osteoclastogenesis has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of BHD on RANKL-stimulated osteoclastogenesis and explored its underlying mechanisms of action in vitro. Our results show that BHD had no effect on BMMs and RAW264.7 cells viability, but inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in vitro. Furthermore, BHD attenuated RANKL-induced NF-κB, ERK, and JNK signaling. The attenuation of NF-κB, ERK, and JNK activation were enough to impede downstream expression of c-fos and NFATc1 and related specific genes. Meanwhile, we investigated the therapeutic effect of BHD on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) mice. The result indicated that BHD prevents glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis and preserves bone volume by repressing osteoclast activity. Collectively, BHD shows significant osteoclast inhibition and holds great promise in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Influence of Bushen Tiaochong Cycle Therapy on Th1/Th2 Deviation, Sex Hormone Level, and Pregnancy Outcome of Alloimmune Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the influence of Bushen Tiaochong cycle therapy on Th1/Th2 deviation, sex hormone level, and pregnancy outcome of alloimmune recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).

METHODS

From August 2018 to April 2020, 130 patients with alloimmune RSA who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the control group (n = 65) and the study group (n = 65). The former received lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT), and the latter received Bushen Tiaochong cycle therapy on the basis of LIT. The treatment ended at 12 w of pregnancy. The total score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, Th1 cytokine (IL-2), Th2 cytokine (IL-10), and related hormones (chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone (P)) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The positive rate of blocking antibody (BA), pregnancy success rate, and preterm birth rate were counted.

RESULT

After treatment, the total score of TCM syndromes, IL-2 level, and Th1/Th2 ratio in the two groups decreased significantly, while the levels of IL-10, hCG, and P increased significantly, and the study group improved significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The positive rate of BA and pregnancy success rate in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the preterm birth rate between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of routine western medicine treatment, a combined application of Bushen Tiaochong cycle therapy can significantly improve the Th1/Th2 deviation, serum sex hormone level, and pregnancy outcome in patients with alloimmune RSA.

Circular RNA PUM1 (CircPUM1) attenuates trophoblast cell dysfunction and inflammation in recurrent spontaneous abortion via the MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p)/JUNB axis

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a threat to human reproductive health worldwide. CircPUM1 has been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, there has been no report on its association with RSA yet. In this study, gene expressions were examined by RT-qPCR. Protein levels of JUNB and cleaved caspases-3 were detected by Western blotting. ELISA was used to detect TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 levels. Cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoapsis were analyzed using CCK-8, transwell, and flow cytometry assays. The association between miR-30a-5p and circPUM1 or JUNB was identified by bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and RIP assay. Herein, we found circPUM1 was significantly downregulated in RSA placental samples. CircPUM1 knockdown induced decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion, but increased apoptosis, pro-apoptotic protein (cleaved caspases-3) level, and proinflammatory factor (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) secretion in trophoblast cells. Furthermore, we confirmed that circPUM1 was a sponge for miR-30a-5p, and JUNB was directly targeted by miR-30a-5p. It was demonstrated that miR-30a-5p inhibition could reverse trophoblast cell dysfunction and inflammation induced by circPUM1 knockdown. In addition, we found that JUNB expression was negatively modulated by miR-30a-5p and positively regulated by circPUM1. Moreover, circPUM1 inhibition exacerbated dysfunction and inflammation in trophoblast cells via targeting JUNB. To sum up, our study indicated that circPUM1 could impair RSA occurrence and development by facilitating trophoblast cellular processes and protecting against inflammation via the miR-30a-5p/JUNB axis, providing a new target for the improvement of RSA diagnosis and treatment.