Mechanism of Action of Yikun Yitong Ping-Containing Serum on Mast Cells and its Possible Involvement in Endometriosis-Related Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Background Previously, we showed that Yikun Yitong Ping (YKYTP) can effectively and safely relieve endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea; however, the underlying mechanism remained unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of YKYTP-containing serum on rat basophilic leukemia cell line, as mast cells (MCs) analog, and investigate the mechanisms by which YKYTP alleviates endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea. Method In this study, YKYTP drug-containing serum was used to treat rat basophilic leukemia cell line (RBL2H3). The effect of YKYTP-containing serum on the expression of ER-α, ER-β, NGF, and NGFRp75 in RBL2H3 cells was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase reaction, and Western blotting. Results Different concentrations (5%-40%) of YKYTP-containing serum reduced ER expression in RBL2H3 cells, and the optimum concentration was 40%. Compared to the blank group, the expression of ER and NGF significantly increased in the E2 group ( P < .01). After co-administration with YKYTP-containing serum, the expression of ER-α, ER-β, NGF, and P75 significantly decreased ( P < .01). Conclusion YKYTP-containing serum can efficiently inhibit the expression of ER-α, ER-β, NGF, and P75 in RBL2H3 cells. YKYTP may alleviate endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea by downregulating ER expression in MCs.