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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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01-12-2021 | Progesterone | Research article

Bushen Huoxue recipe attenuates early pregnancy loss via activating endometrial COX2-PGE2 angiogenic signaling in mice

Authors: Yufan Song, Fanru Zhou, Xiujuan Tan, Xia Liu, Jiahui Ding, Chu Zhang, Fan Li, Wenxin Zhu, Wenwen Ma, Runan Hu, Mingmin Zhang

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

During the fresh cycles of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, a disturbance in the reproductive endocrine environment following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is closely related to compromised endometrial receptivity. This is a major disadvantage for women during pregnancy. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, Bushen Huoxue recipe (BSHXR) has been indicated to facilitate embryo implantation.

Methods

The COH model (Kunming breed) was induced by injecting mice with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (0.4 IU/g) and human chorionic gonadotropin (1 IU/g), followed by treatment with BSHXR at three different concentrations (5.7, 11.4, and 22.8 g/kg), Bushen recipe (BSR) (5.7 g/kg), and Huoxue recipe (HXR) (5.7 g/kg). After successful mating, the pregnancy rate and implantation sites were examined on embryo day 8 (ED8), and the weight ratio of endometrium was calculated on ED4 midnight. Serum estrogen, progesterone, and endometrial PGE2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The endometrial microvasculature was evaluated using CD31 immunostaining. The protein and mRNA levels of the angiogenic factors in the endometrium were evaluated using western blot, immunohistochemistry, and polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In the COH group, the pregnancy rate and implantation sites were significantly decreased, and abnormal serum hormone levels and impaired endometrial vascular development were observed. After BSHXR treatment, the supraphysiological serum progesterone level in COH mice was restored to normalcy. Moreover, the abnormal expression of the endometrial pro-angiogenic factors, including HIF1α, COX2-PGE2 pathway, and the down-stream factors, namely, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP2, and FGF2 after subjecting mice to COH was significantly improved after BSHXR treatment.

Conclusion

BSHXR could improve embryo implantation by regulating hormonal balance and modulating endometrial angiogenesis in mice, without inducing any side effects in normal pregnancy.

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Title: Bushen Huoxue recipe attenuates early pregnancy loss via activating endometrial COX2-PGE2 angiogenic signaling in mice
Authors: Yufan Song
Fanru Zhou
Xiujuan Tan
Xia Liu
Jiahui Ding
Chu Zhang
Fan Li
Wenxin Zhu
Wenwen Ma
Runan Hu
Mingmin Zhang
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Progesterone
Estrogens
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03201-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Bushen Huoxue recipe attenuates early pregnancy loss via activating endometrial COX2-PGE2 angiogenic signaling in mice

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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