Network and experimental pharmacology on mechanism of Si-Wu-tang improving ovarian function in a mouse model of premature ovarian failure induced by cyclophosphamide. (30th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Xia; Song, Yufan; Zhou, Fanru; Zhang, Chu; Li, Fan; Hu, Runan; Ma, Wenwen; Song, Kunkun; Tang, Zhouping; Zhang, Mingmin
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 301(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-30
• Subjects: Si-Wu-Tang -- Premature ovarian failure -- PI3K/Akt pathway -- Cyclophosphamide; Ethnopharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosie -- Périodiques; Herbes -- Périodiques; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115842
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-8741

Abstract

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) has become a common basic prescription for supplementing blood and regulating menstruation, and enjoys the reputation of "the first prescription in gynecology". It is often reported in the treatment of premature ovarian failure (POF). However, knowledge of its specific mechanism is still limited. Aim of the study : This study aimed to identify the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of SWT on POF. Materials and methods: After confirming the therapeutic effect of SWT on POF mice induced by cyclophosphamide, we further clarified the promoting effect of SWT on ovarian follicle development by detecting the expression of key factors related to follicle development in the ovary in different ways.Then, network pharmacology and gene expression profiling of POF from the GEO database were used to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Molecular biology and molecular docking analysis were applied for final mechanism verification. Results: Our results showed that SWT increased body weight, ovarian index, reversed disordered serum hormone levels, and menstrual cycle in POF mice. After SWT treatment, the number of follicles at all levels in mice with POF also recovered. Using molecular biology techniques, it was proven that SWT can improve follicle development and angiogenesis in the microenvironment. The network pharmacology and gene expression profiling from the GEO database indicated that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may be the reason why SWT improves ovarian function in mice with POF. Subsequently, further Western blot and immunoprecipitation indicated that SWT indeed inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mice with POF. In addition, this conclusion was further confirmed by molecular docking experiments. Conclusions: SWT can improve ovarian function in POF mice induced by cyclophosphamide, and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: SWT inhibits CTX-induced hyperactivation of the follicular pool. SWT promotes normal development of surviving follicles. SWT protects the number of follicles by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.