1.Mechanism of Intervening with Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Rats with Spleen Deficiency by Xingpi Capsules Through Regulating 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 Pathway
Gang WANG ; Lingwen CUI ; Xiangning LIU ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyue HUANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Ran WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Xingpi capsules (XPC) in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) with spleen deficiency and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. MethodsA rat model of IBS-D with spleen deficiency was established by administering senna leaf in combination with restrained stress and swimming fatigue for 14 d. Ten specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade healthy rats were used as the normal control group. After successful modeling, SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a model group, a pinaverium bromide group (1.5 mg·kg-1), and low- and high-dose XPC groups (0.135 and 0.54 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal control group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage, while the remaining groups were administered corresponding drug solutions by gavage once a day for 14 consecutive days. The rat body weights and fecal condition were observed every day, and the Bristol score was recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in serum and colon tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the microvilli and tight junctions in the colon. The integrity of the colonic barrier, intestinal motility, and expression of related pathway proteins were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, rats in the model group showed a significantly decreased body weight and increased diarrhea rate, diarrhea grade, and Bristol score (P<0.01). HE staining revealed incomplete colonic mucosa in the model group, with evident congestion and edema observed. Electron microscopy results indicated decreased density and integrity of the colonic barrier, shedding and disappearance of microvilli, and significant widening of tight junctions. The expression levels of colonic tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-5 were downregulated (P<0.01), and the levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue were elevated (P<0.01). The small intestine propulsion rate significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of contractile proteins Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) in colon and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20) were upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups showed alleviated diarrhea, diarrhea-associated symptoms, and pathological manifestations of colon tissue to varying degrees. Specifically, high-dose XPC exhibited effectively relieved diarrhea, promoted recovery of colonic mucosal structure, significantly reduced congestion and edema, upregulated expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 (P<0.01), decreased levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue (P<0.05,P<0.01), significantly slowed small intestine propulsion rate (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated expression of contractile proteins RhoA and ROCK2 in colon and phosphorylation of MLC20 (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionXPC effectively alleviates symptoms of spleen deficiency and diarrhea and regulates the secretion of brain-gut peptide. The characteristics of XPC are mainly manifested in alleviating IBS-D with spleen deficiency from the aspects of protecting intestinal mucosa and inhibiting smooth muscle contraction, and the mechanism is closely related to the regulation of the 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 pathway expression.
2.Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills ameliorate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury progression via the S1PR2/RhoA/ROCK pathway
Ying Sun ; Boyang Jiao ; Yizhou Liu ; Ran Wang ; Qiong Deng ; David N Criddle ; Yulin Ouyang ; Wei Wang ; Xuegong Xu ; Chun Li
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):31-43
Objective:
To investigate the potential protective effect of Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills (STDP) on ischemia-reperfusion injury and its underlying mechanisms in improving endothelial cell function in coronary microvascular disease (CMVD).
Methods:
A rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury with CMVD was established using ligation and reperfusion of the left anterior descending artery. The effect of STDP (21.6 mg/kg) on cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Evans blue staining. The effects of STDP on the microvascular endothelial barrier were assessed based on nitric oxide production, endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, structural variety of tight junctions (TJs), and the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-5, occludin, and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin proteins. The mechanisms of STDP (50 and 100 ng/mL) were evaluated by examining the expression of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), Ras Homolog family member A (RhoA), and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) proteins and the distribution of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin proteins in an oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model.
Results:
The administration of STDP on CMVD rat model significantly improved cardiac and microvascular endothelial cell barrier functions (all P < .05). STDP enhanced the structural integrity of coronary microvascular positioning and distribution by clarifying and completing TJs and increasing the expression of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5, and VE-cadherin in vivo (all P < .05). The S1PR2/RhoA/ROCK pathway was inhibited by STDP in vitro, leading to the regulation of endothelial cell TJs, adhesion junctions, and cytoskeletal morphology.
Conclusion
STDP showed protective effects on cardiac impairment and microvascular endothelial barrier injury in CMVD model rats induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through the modulation of the S1PR2/RhoA/ROCK pathway.
3.Phenotypic screening uncovered anti-myocardial fibrosis candidates using a novel 3D myocardial tissue under hypoxia.
Jingyu WANG ; Xiangning LIU ; Rongxin ZHU ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Keyan WANG ; Yong JIANG ; Yong WANG ; Chun LI ; Wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3008-3024
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a common pathological hallmark of cardiovascular diseases, reflecting shared mechanisms in their progression. However, the lack of reliable MF models that accurately mimic its pathogenesis has hindered drug discovery, highlighting the urgent need for more effective therapeutic agents. Herein, a novel contractile three-dimensional (3D) myocardial tissue model integrating cardiomyocytes, cardiac-fibroblasts, and bone marrow-derived macrophages in collagen hydrogel was developed to simulate the fibrotic changes of cardiovascular disease, and facilitate the screening of anti-MF compounds. The 3D myocardial tissue model exhibited precise, visualizable, and quantifiable contractile characteristics under hypoxia and drug interventions. 76 compounds extracted from the resins of Toxicodendron vernicifluum, a traditional Chinese medicine with clear clinical benefits for fibrotic diseases, were screened for anti-fibrotic activity. Using an in vitro 3D oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated myocardial tissue model instead of a two-dimensional transforming growth factor-β treated cardiac-fibroblasts model, two candidates including LQ-40 and SQ-3 exert impressive anti-MF activity, which was further validated in left anterior descending coronary artery ligation-induced MF mouse model. The current results demonstrate the feasibility and advantage of the novel contractile 3D tissue model with multi-cell types in discovering candidates for MF, further stressing the great potential of regulating macrophages in the treatment of MF.
4.Fibroblast activation protein targeting radiopharmaceuticals: From drug design to clinical translation.
Yuxuan WU ; Xingkai WANG ; Xiaona SUN ; Xin GAO ; Siqi ZHANG ; Jieting SHEN ; Hao TIAN ; Xueyao CHEN ; Hongyi HUANG ; Shuo JIANG ; Boyang ZHANG ; Yingzi ZHANG ; Minzi LU ; Hailong ZHANG ; Zhicheng SUN ; Ruping LIU ; Hong ZHANG ; Ming-Rong ZHANG ; Kuan HU ; Rui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4511-4542
The activation proteins released by fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment regulate tumor growth, migration, and treatment response, thereby influencing tumor progression and therapeutic outcomes. Owing to the proliferation and metastasis of tumors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is typically highly expressed in the tumor stroma, whereas it is nearly absent in adult normal tissues and benign lesions, making it an attractive target for precision medicine. Radiolabeled agents targeting FAP have the potential for targeted cancer diagnosis and therapy. This comprehensive review aims to describe the evolution of FAPI-based radiopharmaceuticals and their structural optimization. Within its scope, this review summarizes the advances in the use of radiolabeled small molecule inhibitors for tumor imaging and therapy as well as the modification strategies for FAPIs, combined with insights from structure-activity relationships and clinical studies, providing a valuable perspective for radiopharmaceutical clinical development and application.
5.Study on effect and mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and hydroxysafflower yellow A on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis
Ran WANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Chun LI ; Jun LI ; Pengfei TU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(10):1397-1407
Objective To explore the pharmacological effects and regulatory mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and its main constituent,hydroxysafflower yellow A(HSYA),on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Methods Forty-two female specific pathogen-free grade rats aged 6-8 weeks were divided into blank,model,HSYA(0.01 g/kg),ibuprofen(0.04 g/kg),and low(0.06 g/kg),medium(0.20 g/kg),and high(0.40 g/kg)Carthami Flos water extract dose groups using the random number table method,with six rats per group.A rat model was established using ice water bath stimulation combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin.Continuous gavage was administered for 6 days from the seventh day of modeling.After the intervention,the writhing reaction test was conducted.The rats,uteri,and ovaries were weighed to calculate the organ index.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)contents in the uterus,thromboxane B2(TXB2)and 6-keto-prostaglondin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)in plasma,and estradiol(E2)in the serum.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect the pathological changes in uterine tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression in uterine tissue,whereas immunofluorescence was used to measure follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSH-R)expression in ovarian tissue.Western blotting was used to detect gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(GnRH-R)and FSH-R expression in uterine tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group exhibited an increase in uterine and ovarian indices and increased PGE2 and PGF2α in the uterus.TXB2 in the plasma and E2 in the serum were also evaluated.Additionally,6-keto-PGF1α decreased,and COX-2,GnRH-R,and FSH-R expression in the uterus and FSH-R expression in the ovaries also increased(P<0.05).The morphology of the uterine tissue was disordered.Compared with the model group,the low Carthami Flos water extract dose group showed a decrease in uterine index(P<0.05).In the medium and high Carthami Flos water extract dose groups,the writhing response decreased,as did the uterine and ovarian indicesand PGE2 and TXB2 contents.The 6-keto-PGF1α content increased,whereas the GnRH-R protein expression in the uterus decreased(P<0.05).The high Carthami Flos water extract dose group also showed a decrease in PGF2α and FSH-R protein expression in the uterus(P<0.05).In the HSYA group,the writhing response decreased,the uterine and ovarian indices decreased,the PGE2,PGF2α,and TXB2 contents decreased,and GnRH-R and FSH-R protein expression decreased in the uterus(P<0.05).The serum E2 levels of the groups that received Carthami Flos water extract at various doses and those of the HSYA group were reduced,and the uterine morphology was improved.COX-2 expression in the uterus and FSH-R protein expression in the ovaries were also reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Carthami Flos water extract and HSYA can improve the pathological state of primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.
6.Study on effect and mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and hydroxysafflower yellow A on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis
Ran WANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Chun LI ; Jun LI ; Pengfei TU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(10):1397-1407
Objective To explore the pharmacological effects and regulatory mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and its main constituent,hydroxysafflower yellow A(HSYA),on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Methods Forty-two female specific pathogen-free grade rats aged 6-8 weeks were divided into blank,model,HSYA(0.01 g/kg),ibuprofen(0.04 g/kg),and low(0.06 g/kg),medium(0.20 g/kg),and high(0.40 g/kg)Carthami Flos water extract dose groups using the random number table method,with six rats per group.A rat model was established using ice water bath stimulation combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin.Continuous gavage was administered for 6 days from the seventh day of modeling.After the intervention,the writhing reaction test was conducted.The rats,uteri,and ovaries were weighed to calculate the organ index.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)contents in the uterus,thromboxane B2(TXB2)and 6-keto-prostaglondin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)in plasma,and estradiol(E2)in the serum.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect the pathological changes in uterine tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression in uterine tissue,whereas immunofluorescence was used to measure follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSH-R)expression in ovarian tissue.Western blotting was used to detect gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(GnRH-R)and FSH-R expression in uterine tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group exhibited an increase in uterine and ovarian indices and increased PGE2 and PGF2α in the uterus.TXB2 in the plasma and E2 in the serum were also evaluated.Additionally,6-keto-PGF1α decreased,and COX-2,GnRH-R,and FSH-R expression in the uterus and FSH-R expression in the ovaries also increased(P<0.05).The morphology of the uterine tissue was disordered.Compared with the model group,the low Carthami Flos water extract dose group showed a decrease in uterine index(P<0.05).In the medium and high Carthami Flos water extract dose groups,the writhing response decreased,as did the uterine and ovarian indicesand PGE2 and TXB2 contents.The 6-keto-PGF1α content increased,whereas the GnRH-R protein expression in the uterus decreased(P<0.05).The high Carthami Flos water extract dose group also showed a decrease in PGF2α and FSH-R protein expression in the uterus(P<0.05).In the HSYA group,the writhing response decreased,the uterine and ovarian indices decreased,the PGE2,PGF2α,and TXB2 contents decreased,and GnRH-R and FSH-R protein expression decreased in the uterus(P<0.05).The serum E2 levels of the groups that received Carthami Flos water extract at various doses and those of the HSYA group were reduced,and the uterine morphology was improved.COX-2 expression in the uterus and FSH-R protein expression in the ovaries were also reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Carthami Flos water extract and HSYA can improve the pathological state of primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.
7.Study on effect and mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and hydroxysafflower yellow A on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis
Ran WANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Chun LI ; Jun LI ; Pengfei TU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(10):1397-1407
Objective To explore the pharmacological effects and regulatory mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and its main constituent,hydroxysafflower yellow A(HSYA),on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Methods Forty-two female specific pathogen-free grade rats aged 6-8 weeks were divided into blank,model,HSYA(0.01 g/kg),ibuprofen(0.04 g/kg),and low(0.06 g/kg),medium(0.20 g/kg),and high(0.40 g/kg)Carthami Flos water extract dose groups using the random number table method,with six rats per group.A rat model was established using ice water bath stimulation combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin.Continuous gavage was administered for 6 days from the seventh day of modeling.After the intervention,the writhing reaction test was conducted.The rats,uteri,and ovaries were weighed to calculate the organ index.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)contents in the uterus,thromboxane B2(TXB2)and 6-keto-prostaglondin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)in plasma,and estradiol(E2)in the serum.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect the pathological changes in uterine tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression in uterine tissue,whereas immunofluorescence was used to measure follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSH-R)expression in ovarian tissue.Western blotting was used to detect gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(GnRH-R)and FSH-R expression in uterine tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group exhibited an increase in uterine and ovarian indices and increased PGE2 and PGF2α in the uterus.TXB2 in the plasma and E2 in the serum were also evaluated.Additionally,6-keto-PGF1α decreased,and COX-2,GnRH-R,and FSH-R expression in the uterus and FSH-R expression in the ovaries also increased(P<0.05).The morphology of the uterine tissue was disordered.Compared with the model group,the low Carthami Flos water extract dose group showed a decrease in uterine index(P<0.05).In the medium and high Carthami Flos water extract dose groups,the writhing response decreased,as did the uterine and ovarian indicesand PGE2 and TXB2 contents.The 6-keto-PGF1α content increased,whereas the GnRH-R protein expression in the uterus decreased(P<0.05).The high Carthami Flos water extract dose group also showed a decrease in PGF2α and FSH-R protein expression in the uterus(P<0.05).In the HSYA group,the writhing response decreased,the uterine and ovarian indices decreased,the PGE2,PGF2α,and TXB2 contents decreased,and GnRH-R and FSH-R protein expression decreased in the uterus(P<0.05).The serum E2 levels of the groups that received Carthami Flos water extract at various doses and those of the HSYA group were reduced,and the uterine morphology was improved.COX-2 expression in the uterus and FSH-R protein expression in the ovaries were also reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Carthami Flos water extract and HSYA can improve the pathological state of primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.
8.Study on effect and mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and hydroxysafflower yellow A on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis
Ran WANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Chun LI ; Jun LI ; Pengfei TU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(10):1397-1407
Objective To explore the pharmacological effects and regulatory mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and its main constituent,hydroxysafflower yellow A(HSYA),on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Methods Forty-two female specific pathogen-free grade rats aged 6-8 weeks were divided into blank,model,HSYA(0.01 g/kg),ibuprofen(0.04 g/kg),and low(0.06 g/kg),medium(0.20 g/kg),and high(0.40 g/kg)Carthami Flos water extract dose groups using the random number table method,with six rats per group.A rat model was established using ice water bath stimulation combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin.Continuous gavage was administered for 6 days from the seventh day of modeling.After the intervention,the writhing reaction test was conducted.The rats,uteri,and ovaries were weighed to calculate the organ index.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)contents in the uterus,thromboxane B2(TXB2)and 6-keto-prostaglondin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)in plasma,and estradiol(E2)in the serum.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect the pathological changes in uterine tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression in uterine tissue,whereas immunofluorescence was used to measure follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSH-R)expression in ovarian tissue.Western blotting was used to detect gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(GnRH-R)and FSH-R expression in uterine tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group exhibited an increase in uterine and ovarian indices and increased PGE2 and PGF2α in the uterus.TXB2 in the plasma and E2 in the serum were also evaluated.Additionally,6-keto-PGF1α decreased,and COX-2,GnRH-R,and FSH-R expression in the uterus and FSH-R expression in the ovaries also increased(P<0.05).The morphology of the uterine tissue was disordered.Compared with the model group,the low Carthami Flos water extract dose group showed a decrease in uterine index(P<0.05).In the medium and high Carthami Flos water extract dose groups,the writhing response decreased,as did the uterine and ovarian indicesand PGE2 and TXB2 contents.The 6-keto-PGF1α content increased,whereas the GnRH-R protein expression in the uterus decreased(P<0.05).The high Carthami Flos water extract dose group also showed a decrease in PGF2α and FSH-R protein expression in the uterus(P<0.05).In the HSYA group,the writhing response decreased,the uterine and ovarian indices decreased,the PGE2,PGF2α,and TXB2 contents decreased,and GnRH-R and FSH-R protein expression decreased in the uterus(P<0.05).The serum E2 levels of the groups that received Carthami Flos water extract at various doses and those of the HSYA group were reduced,and the uterine morphology was improved.COX-2 expression in the uterus and FSH-R protein expression in the ovaries were also reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Carthami Flos water extract and HSYA can improve the pathological state of primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.
9.Study on effect and mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and hydroxysafflower yellow A on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis
Ran WANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Chun LI ; Jun LI ; Pengfei TU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(10):1397-1407
Objective To explore the pharmacological effects and regulatory mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and its main constituent,hydroxysafflower yellow A(HSYA),on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Methods Forty-two female specific pathogen-free grade rats aged 6-8 weeks were divided into blank,model,HSYA(0.01 g/kg),ibuprofen(0.04 g/kg),and low(0.06 g/kg),medium(0.20 g/kg),and high(0.40 g/kg)Carthami Flos water extract dose groups using the random number table method,with six rats per group.A rat model was established using ice water bath stimulation combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin.Continuous gavage was administered for 6 days from the seventh day of modeling.After the intervention,the writhing reaction test was conducted.The rats,uteri,and ovaries were weighed to calculate the organ index.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)contents in the uterus,thromboxane B2(TXB2)and 6-keto-prostaglondin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)in plasma,and estradiol(E2)in the serum.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect the pathological changes in uterine tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression in uterine tissue,whereas immunofluorescence was used to measure follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSH-R)expression in ovarian tissue.Western blotting was used to detect gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(GnRH-R)and FSH-R expression in uterine tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group exhibited an increase in uterine and ovarian indices and increased PGE2 and PGF2α in the uterus.TXB2 in the plasma and E2 in the serum were also evaluated.Additionally,6-keto-PGF1α decreased,and COX-2,GnRH-R,and FSH-R expression in the uterus and FSH-R expression in the ovaries also increased(P<0.05).The morphology of the uterine tissue was disordered.Compared with the model group,the low Carthami Flos water extract dose group showed a decrease in uterine index(P<0.05).In the medium and high Carthami Flos water extract dose groups,the writhing response decreased,as did the uterine and ovarian indicesand PGE2 and TXB2 contents.The 6-keto-PGF1α content increased,whereas the GnRH-R protein expression in the uterus decreased(P<0.05).The high Carthami Flos water extract dose group also showed a decrease in PGF2α and FSH-R protein expression in the uterus(P<0.05).In the HSYA group,the writhing response decreased,the uterine and ovarian indices decreased,the PGE2,PGF2α,and TXB2 contents decreased,and GnRH-R and FSH-R protein expression decreased in the uterus(P<0.05).The serum E2 levels of the groups that received Carthami Flos water extract at various doses and those of the HSYA group were reduced,and the uterine morphology was improved.COX-2 expression in the uterus and FSH-R protein expression in the ovaries were also reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Carthami Flos water extract and HSYA can improve the pathological state of primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.
10.Study on effect and mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and hydroxysafflower yellow A on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis
Ran WANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Chun LI ; Jun LI ; Pengfei TU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(10):1397-1407
Objective To explore the pharmacological effects and regulatory mechanisms of Carthami Flos water extract and its main constituent,hydroxysafflower yellow A(HSYA),on primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Methods Forty-two female specific pathogen-free grade rats aged 6-8 weeks were divided into blank,model,HSYA(0.01 g/kg),ibuprofen(0.04 g/kg),and low(0.06 g/kg),medium(0.20 g/kg),and high(0.40 g/kg)Carthami Flos water extract dose groups using the random number table method,with six rats per group.A rat model was established using ice water bath stimulation combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin.Continuous gavage was administered for 6 days from the seventh day of modeling.After the intervention,the writhing reaction test was conducted.The rats,uteri,and ovaries were weighed to calculate the organ index.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay were used to detect the prostaglandin E2(PGE2)and prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α)contents in the uterus,thromboxane B2(TXB2)and 6-keto-prostaglondin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α)in plasma,and estradiol(E2)in the serum.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect the pathological changes in uterine tissue.Immunohistochemistry was used to determine cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)expression in uterine tissue,whereas immunofluorescence was used to measure follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSH-R)expression in ovarian tissue.Western blotting was used to detect gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(GnRH-R)and FSH-R expression in uterine tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the rats in the model group exhibited an increase in uterine and ovarian indices and increased PGE2 and PGF2α in the uterus.TXB2 in the plasma and E2 in the serum were also evaluated.Additionally,6-keto-PGF1α decreased,and COX-2,GnRH-R,and FSH-R expression in the uterus and FSH-R expression in the ovaries also increased(P<0.05).The morphology of the uterine tissue was disordered.Compared with the model group,the low Carthami Flos water extract dose group showed a decrease in uterine index(P<0.05).In the medium and high Carthami Flos water extract dose groups,the writhing response decreased,as did the uterine and ovarian indicesand PGE2 and TXB2 contents.The 6-keto-PGF1α content increased,whereas the GnRH-R protein expression in the uterus decreased(P<0.05).The high Carthami Flos water extract dose group also showed a decrease in PGF2α and FSH-R protein expression in the uterus(P<0.05).In the HSYA group,the writhing response decreased,the uterine and ovarian indices decreased,the PGE2,PGF2α,and TXB2 contents decreased,and GnRH-R and FSH-R protein expression decreased in the uterus(P<0.05).The serum E2 levels of the groups that received Carthami Flos water extract at various doses and those of the HSYA group were reduced,and the uterine morphology was improved.COX-2 expression in the uterus and FSH-R protein expression in the ovaries were also reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Carthami Flos water extract and HSYA can improve the pathological state of primary dysmenorrhea rats with cold coagulation and blood stasis.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis.


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