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Zhao R, Ran L, Yao H, He Y, Lu X, Zhu W, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Shi S, Luo Z, Zhang C. Moxibustion ameliorates ovarian function in premature ovarian insufficiency rats by activating cAMP/PKA/CREB to promote steroidogenesis in ovarian granulosa cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 242:106547. [PMID: 38754522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) presents a substantial challenge to women's physiological and psychological well-being. Hormone replacement therapy, as the preferred therapeutic approach, involves solely exogenous supplementation of estrogen. Moxibustion, a traditional Chinese external treatment, has been investigated in our previous studies. It not only improves hormone levels and clinical symptoms in POI patients but also safeguards ovarian reserve. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanisms by which moxibustion modulates hormone levels and restores ovarian function in POI. A POI rat model was established using cyclophosphamide, and moxibustion treatment was applied at acupoints "CV4" and "SP6" for a total of four courses. Subsequently, ovaries from each group were subjected to transcriptome sequencing (Bulk RNA-seq). Target pathways and key genes were selected through enrichment analysis and GSVA scoring, with validation using various techniques including electron microscopy, ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that moxibustion restored the estrous cycle in POI rats, improved sex hormone levels, reduced the number of atretic follicles, and increased the count of dominant follicles (P<0.05). Bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed that moxibustion downregulated pathways associated with ovarian dysfunction, infertility, and immune responses, upregulated pathways related to follicular development and ovarian steroidogenesis. Furthermore, our data confirmed that moxibustion significantly increased the number of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and upregulated the expression of proteins related to steroidogenesis in GCs, including FSHR, P450 arom, cAMP, PKA, and CREB (P<0.05), with no significant effect observed on proteins related to steroidogenesis in theca cells. These outcomes aligned with the RNA-seq results. In conclusion, these findings propose that moxibustion enhances steroidogenesis in GCs through the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway, consequently improving impaired ovarian function in POI rats. This study provides robust evidence supporting moxibustion as a targeted intervention for treating POI by specifically regulating steroidogenesis in GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Lingxiang Ran
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China; Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Hanyue Yao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Yizhi He
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Xinru Lu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Weina Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China; Department of Biobank, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Yajie Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China; Department of Biobank, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Shijie Shi
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Zheng Luo
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China
| | - Cairong Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210022, China.
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Lu G, Li HX, Song ZW, Luo J, Fan YL, Yin YL, Shen J, Shen MH. Combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and moxibustion restores cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency by improving mitochondrial function and regulating mitophagy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:102. [PMID: 38589967 PMCID: PMC11003045 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03709-0] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a major cause of infertility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and moxibustion (BMSCs-MOX) on POI and evaluate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS A POI rat model was established by injecting different doses of cyclophosphamide (Cy). The modeling of POI and the effects of the treatments were assessed by evaluating estrous cycle, serum hormone levels, ovarian weight, ovarian index, and ovarian histopathological analysis. The effects of moxibustion on BMSCs migration were evaluated by tracking DiR-labeled BMSCs and analyzing the expression of chemokines stromal cell-derived factor 1 (Sdf1) and chemokine receptor type 4 (Cxcr4). Mitochondrial function and mitophagy were assessed by measuring the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, and the mitophagy markers (Drp1, Pink1, and Parkin). Furthermore, the mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 and the mitophagy activator CCCP were used to confirm the role of mitophagy in Cy-induced ovarian injury and the underlying mechanism of combination therapy. RESULTS A suitable rat model of POI was established using Cy injection. Compared to moxibustion or BMSCs transplantation alone, BMSCs-MOX showed improved outcomes, such as reduced estrous cycle disorders, improved ovarian weight and index, normalized serum hormone levels, increased ovarian reserve, and reduced follicle atresia. Moxibustion enhanced Sdf1 and Cxcr4 expression, promoting BMSCs migration. BMSCs-MOX reduced ROS levels; upregulated MMP and ATP levels in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs); and downregulated Drp1, Pink1, and Parkin expression in ovarian tissues. Mdivi-1 significantly mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian GCs and improved ovarian function. CCCP inhibited the ability of BMSCs-MOX treatment to regulate mitophagy and ameliorate Cy-induced ovarian injury. CONCLUSIONS Moxibustion enhanced the migration and homing of BMSCs following transplantation and improves their ability to repair ovarian damage. The combination of BMSCs and moxibustion effectively reduced the excessive activation of mitophagy, which helped prevent mitochondrial damage, ultimately improving ovarian function. These findings provide a novel approach for the treatment of pathological ovarian aging and offer new insights into enhancing the efficacy of stem cell therapy for POI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Lu
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Xiao Li
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zi-Wei Song
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Luo
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Liang Fan
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao-Li Yin
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jie Shen
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Mei-Hong Shen
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Zhao C, Li XY, Li ZY, Li M, Liu ZD. Moxibustion regulates T-regulatory/T-helper 17 cell balance by modulating the microRNA-221/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 axis in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:453-462. [PMID: 35729047 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression is associated with the balance of T-regulatory (Treg) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, while the role of microRNAs (miRs) in regulating Treg/Th17 cell balance has not been clarified. This study aimed to assess whether moxibustion could regulate Treg/Th17 cell balance by modulating the miR-221/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) axis in the RA mouse model. METHODS A mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was established in male DBA/1J mice. Twenty-two days after CIA induction, the mice received daily treatment with moxibustion for 12 times. Pathological scores were assessed according to the levels of synovial hyperplasia. The expression levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-17 and IL-10 were analyzed in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) splenocytes was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The expression levels of RA-related miRs and target genes were subsequently detected, and the target of miR-221 was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS It was revealed that moxibustion treatment decreased the pathological scores and downregulated the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17, while upregulated the expression level of IL-10. The Treg/Th17 cell balance was regulated by moxibustion treatment. The expression level of miR-221 was suppressed by moxibustion treatment. Furthermore, SOCS3 was found as the direct target of miR-221, which mediated the function of moxibustion by regulating the Treg/Th17 cell balance. CONCLUSION Moxibustion therapy regulated the Treg/Th17 cell balance by modulating the miR-221/SOCS3 axis in the RA mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Zhao
- Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Branch of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China; Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Li
- Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Branch of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China; Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Zun-Yuan Li
- Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Branch of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China; Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Branch of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China; Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
| | - Zhi-Dan Liu
- Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Branch of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China; Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China.
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