OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of one kind of regulating-qi and Nourishing-yin Chinese herbs Zuoguiyin on the expression of rats ovarian vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and secreted protein acidic rich in cysteine (SPARC) during the period of peri-menopause.

METHODThe animal models of perimenopause rats were established by natural aging. Perimenopause rats were treated by intragastric administration (ig) with low (13.78 g x kg(-1)), middle (20.67 g x kg(-1)) and high (31 g x kg(-1)) dose of Zuoguiyin for 8 weeks. Expression of VEGF and SPARC mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate expression levels of VEGF protein.

RESULTCompared with that in the control group, ovarian expression levels of VEGF mRNA and its protein in rats during peri-menopause increased significantly (P < 0.01). Middle and high dose of Zuoguiyin could both down-regulate the expression of VEGF in ovaries of praesenilis rats, and the difference has statistical significance (P < 0.01). Expression levels of SPARC mRNA in rat ovaries during peri-menopausal period decreased obviously compared to that in the control group (P < 0.01). Middle and high dose of Zuoguiyin could greatly promote ovarian SPARC mRNA expression of praesenilis rats (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe abnormal changes of VEGF and SPARC may play an important role in the aging process of ovary. Zuoguiyin, one kind of regulating-qi and Nourishing-yin Chinese herbs, can improve ovarian vascular formation through down-regulating the expression of VEGF meanwhile up-regulating the expression of SPARC. And it may delay aging by this way.