Abstract
Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible bird’s nest (EBN) supplementation on the uteri of rats based on analyses of the morphological and histomorphometric changes, and expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (REGF) genes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and steroid receptors.Materials and Methods:Twenty-four: Sprague Dawley rats were equally distributed into the following four groups: G1 (control), G2, G3, and G4 represented the groups treated with EBN at graded concentrations of 0, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day for 8 weeks, respectively. During the experimental period, the BW of each rat was recorded weekly. At the proestrus stage of estrous cycle, blood samples were collected from the hearts of anesthetized rats that were later sacrificed. The uteri were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses.Results:The EBN-treated groups showed an increase in the weights and lengths of uteri as compared to the control. Results showed that relative to G1 and G2, G3 and G4 exhibited proliferation in their uterine luminal and glandular epithelia and uterine glands, and up-regulated expressions of EGF, REGF, VEGF, PCNA, and progesterone receptor, and estrogen receptor in their uteri. The EBN increased the antioxidant (AO) and total AO capacities and reduced the oxidative stress (OS) levels in non-pregnant rats.Conclusion:Findings of this study revealed that EBN promotes proliferation of the uterine structures as evidenced by the upregulation of the expressions of steroid receptors, EGF, REGF, VEGF, and PCNA in the uterus and increased in the plasma concentrations of AO and reduced levels of OS.
Highlights
The female reproductive tract including the uterus, ovaries, and mammary glands is all the targets of estrogen and progesterone actions [1]
The edible bird’s nest (EBN)-treated groups showed an increase in the weights and lengths of uteri as compared to the control
Findings of this study revealed that EBN promotes proliferation of the uterine structures as evidenced by the upregulation of the expressions of steroid receptors,epidermal growth factor (EGF), REGF, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the uterus and increased in the plasma concentrations of AO and reduced levels of oxidative stress (OS)
Summary
The female reproductive tract including the uterus, ovaries, and mammary glands is all the targets of estrogen and progesterone actions [1]. Progesterone is essential for implantation and pregnancy maintenance in all mammals and plays a role in the proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of endometrial stromal, glandular, and myometrial cells. Estrogen is vital for the proliferation of uterine epithelia and enhances. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http:// creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated
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