Effect of Bushen Tiaochong Recipe on expression of two related growth factors in premature ovarian failure rats based on the theory of "treating disease without disease"

Abstract

Objective To investigate the preventive effect of traditional Chinese medicine Bushen Tiaochong Recipe in premature ovarian failure rats on the regulation of ovarian function and prevention mechanism through regulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Methods A total of 60 female rats were randomly selected to set up a blank, model and prevent the low-, medium- and high-dose groups and Western medicine group. Ten rats in each group. The rats in blank group were given free drinking water, and then given Tripterygium model for 14 d. Three Chinese medicine groups were given low-, medium- and high-dose Bushen Tiaochong Recipe for 36 d, and then given Tripterygium model for 14 d; Western medicine group was given estrogen for 36 d, then given tripterygium glycosides tablet for 14 d. The ovarian index and rat uterus index were observed after the end of the experiment; the number of the rats ovarian follicles was observed in light microscopy. Serum follicular stimulation hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were detected by ELISA. Expressions of VEGF and bFGF protein were detected by immunohistochemistry; expressions of VEGF and bFGF mRNA were detected by real-time fluorescence PCR method. Results The ovarian index and uterus index of rat were significantly lower than those in the control and the treatment group (P<0.01). Ovarian indexes in low-dose Chinese medicine group and Western medicine group were significantly different (P<0.05).Compared with the model group, the number of rat primordial follicles, preantral and antral follicles in each treatment group and blank control group increased significantly, while the number of atretic follicles significantly reduced (P<0.01). The number of rat primordial follicles, preantral and antral follicle in low-dose Chinese medicine group and Western medicine group significantly reduced, while the number of atretic follicles increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of serum FSH and LH in each treatment group and blank control group decreased significantly (P<0.01), while serum E2 and AMH levels increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, VEGF and bFGF protein and mRNA expression in each treatment group and blank control group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expressions of bFGF protein and mRNA in low-dose Chinese medicine group and Western medicine group were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion Bushen Tiaochon Recipe has an obvious protective effect on ovary. Its mechanism may relate with some of the traditional Chinese medicine of Bushen Tiaochon Recipe which can increase the expression of VEGF and bFGF. Bushen Tiaochon Recipe can provide a basis for follicular development, the recovery of follicles before apoptosis and enhance the function of ovary. Key words: Bushen Tiaochon Recipe; Premature ovarian failure (POF); Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)