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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi modulates estrogen receptor expression with no uterotrophic effect in ovariectomized rats

Authors: Yu-qing Tang, Cheng Li, Xue-jiao Sun, Yi Liu, Xi-ting Wang, Yu-bo Guo, Li-li Wang, Ru-feng Ma, Jian-zhao Niu, Min Fu, Dong-wei Zhang, Yu Li

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) plays a beneficial role in preventing the development of osteoporosis. However, the effects of FLL on estrogen receptor (ER) α and ERβ expressions remain unknown. Therefore, in the current study we attempted to probe into the effects of FLL on ERα and ERβ expressions in femurs, tibias and uteri of ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods

The OVX rats were orally administrated with FLL water extract (3.5 g/kg/day) for 12 weeks. The uteri, femurs, tibias and serum were harvested from rats. The serum levels of estrogen (E₂), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined by ELISA. The expressions of ERα and ERβ in the femurs and tibias as well as uteri were analysed by western blot and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

FLL treatment did not increase uterus relative weight in OVX rats. Further, FLL treatment increased ERα expression in the femurs and tibias, and enhanced ERβ expression in the uteri of OVX rats. However, the resulted expression of ERα was stronger than that of ERβ in OVX rats in response to FLL treatment. Meanwhile, administration with FLL to OVX rats increased FSH and LH but did not increase E₂ level in the serum.

Conclusion

FLL treatment shows tissue selection on ERα and ERβ expressions in the femurs and tibias as well as uteri of OVX rats without uterotrophic effect, which may offer the scientific evidence of the efficiency and safety of its clinical application.

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Title: Fructus Ligustri Lucidi modulates estrogen receptor expression with no uterotrophic effect in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Yu-qing Tang
Cheng Li
Xue-jiao Sun
Yi Liu
Xi-ting Wang
Yu-bo Guo
Li-li Wang
Ru-feng Ma
Jian-zhao Niu
Min Fu
Dong-wei Zhang
Yu Li
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2171-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi modulates estrogen receptor expression with no uterotrophic effect in ovariectomized rats

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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