Treatment Of Climacteric Syndrome Research Articles

Features of menopausal period in HIV-positive women

In 2021 in Russia, the proportion of women among HIV-infected patients was 54.6%. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of female patients of older reproductive age and those in peri- and postmenopause among women living with HIV. Data on the age of onset of menopause and its course in this group of women are contradictory, and clinical recommendations on the features of dispensary observation, the choice of antiretroviral therapy, and the treatment of climacteric syndrome in this group of patients are absent, despite its high frequency and greater intensity of manifestations compared to population indicators. The insufficient amount of research on this topic, low awareness of doctors about the possibilities of prescribing menopausal hormone therapy to HIV-positive patients, and drug interactions between MHT and antiretroviral drugs limit the provision of effective medical care, worsen the quality of life of HIV-positive women, and represent a problem that requires a solution. This article offers a review of modern studies aimed at studying the peculiarities of menopause in women with HIV, the age of its onset, and data on the prescription of MHT. Literature search was conducted on PubMed, and the review includes articles published from 2016 to 2023.

Artificial Intelligence and Network Pharmacology Reveal the Medication Rules of Professor Wang Yu-Ying in the Treatment of Climacteric Syndrome

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the medication rules and academic ideas of Professor Wang Yu-Ying in the treatment of climacteric syndrome (CLS) and to predict new prescriptions. Materials and Methods: The characteristics of frequency, clustering, four properties, and five flavors were analyzed, and new prescriptions were predicted through an artificial intelligence (AI)-based method. The potential pathways of new prescriptions were explored through network pharmacology-based analysis. Results: The top 16 medicinals used by Professor Wang Yu-Ying in the treatment of CLS included Danggui, Longgu, Muli, Fuling, Chuanxiong, Gancao, Xiangfu, and Tusizi. The AI method was applied to predict the basic prescription for treating CLS: Danggui 15 g, Duanlonggu 30 g, Duanmuli 30 g, Fuling 28 g, Chuanxiong 10 g, Gancao 6 g, Xiangfu 12 g, Tusizi 14 g, etc., Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses showed that the pathogenesis of CLS might be related to the estrogen pathway, involving typical steroid responses. Conclusions: This study summarized Professor Wang’s medication experience in the treatment of CLS based on the data mining of clinical diagnoses and treatment cases. The AI method was used to predict the new prescription of CLS treatment, which was found to be reasonable by network pharmacology studies on its multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms.

Baicalin regulates stem cells as a creative point in the treatment of climacteric syndrome.

It is widely acknowledged that the climacteric syndrome negatively affects women's quality of life and leads to cerebral ischemic injury, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. One of the main active ingredients in Radix Scutellariae, Baicalin, has been established to possess a wide range of pharmacological effects and is beneficial in enhancing osteogenic differentiation and cardiovascular disease. Baicalin's profound metabolic impact on various stem cell populations and their fate specification could improve the efficiency of stem cell therapy for climacteric syndrome. However, Baicalin-mediated processes are complex and many of the underlying mechanisms are not fully fathomed yet. This review aims to shed light on the regulatory role of Baicalin on the diverse behaviors of distinct stem cell populations and provide a good cell source for stem cell therapy to broaden the therapeutic landscape for climacteric syndrome patients.

The dynamics of quality of life indicators in women against the background of personalized therapy of menopausal syndrome combined with perimenopausal melatonin deficiency syndrome

Introduction. Climacteric syndrome (CS) significantly reduces the quality of life (QOL) of peri— and postmenopausal women. Along with sex steroid deficiency in KS, there is a change in the synthesis of the epiphysis hormone melatonin (MT), which leads to the formation of perimenopausal melatonin deficiency syndrome (SPDM) (Patent 2019118500/14(035525) of 16.05.2020). The aim of the work was to evaluate clinical efficacy and QOL dynamics in women against the background of personalized treatment of CS in combination with SPDM. Methods and Materials. The study included 163 women. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 consisted of patients with CF and SPDM, control group 5 consisted of women with a normal course of the menopausal period and the absence of clinical manifestations of MT deficiency. After collecting medical history, determining the degree of CS severity with the help of the modified menopausal index (MMI) (H. Kuppermanetal. 1959, modified by E.V. Uvarova 1983), CS was assessed by the SF-36 general questionnaire and special women's health questionnaire (WHQ). The presence of MT deficiency was determined by the MT deficiency test-questionnaire and the WHQ scales. According to the «Stratification Algorithm for Women in the Menopausal Transition and Postmenopause with CS in Combination with SPDM for Selecting Differentiated Therapy» that we developed, Group 1 patients received MT monotherapy, Group 2 — synthetic gynestein, Group 3 — menopausal hormone therapy in combination with MT, and Group 4 — synthetic gynestein with MT for 5-6 months. The data were statistically processed using SPSSv13.0 software. The χ2 criterion was determined at baseline and the Wilcoxon test was used for dynamic follow-up. Results. Patients in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 experienced relief of both the clinical manifestations of CS and SPDM and an increase in the physical and psychological components of QOL according to the SF-36 general questionnaire and the vast majority of the scales of the special WHQ questionnaire. Discussion. We hypothesized that the lack of complete efficacy of CS therapy in peri— and postmenopausal women is associated with the absence of a differentiated approach based on the active detection of SPDM. In the course of the study, it was proved that individual selection of CS therapy taking into account the presence of MT synthesis deficiency allows to achieve a 100% positive result of treatment in women of all four groups. Conclusions. Against the background of personalized treatment of CS in combination with SPDM in women, not only CS has been stopped, but also the level of QOL has been increased.

Current research opportunities for potential phytotherapeutic agents for the treatment of pathologies of the female reproductive system

Introduction and aim. Herbal medicine is prescribed for various disorders of the menstrual cycle (uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea), for the treatment of premenstrual and climacteric syndromes, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, mastopathy and mastalgia and other pathological conditions. The aim of the study is to analysis and generalization of data from professional literature and own experience in the treatment of patients with pathologies of the female reproductive system by phytotherapeutic methods, taking into account the influence of medicinal plants on various links in the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as making recommendations for improvement and prospects for the use of phytotherapy in the treatment of this pathology. Material and methods. To make an analysis of literary sources of domestic and foreign authors about usage of medicinal plants for the treatment of pathologies of the female reproductive system. Analysis of the literature. In the treatment of primary (spasmodic) dysmenorrhea, herbal remedies with an antispasmodic, analgesic, hormone-mimetic effects are prescribed. It can be Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, Viburnum, Shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), Greater celandine, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as henbane, black henbane, or stinking nightshade and Abraham’s tree. Many plants have bactericidal activity, and this property is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes and skin. Such properties are possessed by flowers of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), Calendula officinalis, infusion of Medicinal sage (Salvia officinalis L.). For the treatment of functional hyperprolactinemia phytopreparations are also successfully used. It is known that the medicinal plant Vitex agnus castus has dopaminergic properties, selectively blocking prolactin synthesis, and reduces follicle stimulating hormone levels. Strychnos ignatia, Caulophyllum thalictroides, European cyclamen, Lilium tigrinum, Iris versicolor provide a complex effect on the female body, effectively reduces the level of prolactin and the severity of mastalgia, which is confirmed not only by clinical data, but also by mammography data in fibrocystic breast disease. For the treatment of climacteric syndrome, a large number of medicinal plants are used, in particular, the most popular is the Cimicifuga racemose. Conclusion. The effectiveness of phytotherapeutic drugs has been verified by many clinical trials. Modern phytotherapy is becoming more widespread in clinical practice, as an alternative to drug treatment.

Therapeutic effects of lignans in women in perimenopausal and postmenopausal periods (review of literature)

Today, there is a tendency towards an increase of the number of the female population that has crossed the line of menopause, which makes it more urgent to improve the quality of life of women and to develop safe methods for the prevention and treatment of climacteric syndrome (CS), which is an integral medical, social and economic problems. In view of the presence of contraindications for use and defined risks of complications with the use of hormone menopausal therapy (HRT), it is necessary to develop alternative methods for the prevention and treatment of perimenopausal symptoms. This literary review of domestic and foreign sources demonstrates information about the role of the plant lignan 7-hydroxymatairezinol (7-HMR) in maintaining the physical and psychoemotional health of women in the period of peri- and postmenopause. As a result of the analysis of the therapeutic effects of the 7-HMR molecule, the ability to relieve the main symptoms of CS (neurovegetative presentations and emotional disorders), to improve the general state of health and metabolic profile of perimenopausal women was revealed. High safety and low incidence of side effects were noted, as well as a positive effect on the dynamics of body weight. The presence of a stable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity 7-HMR makes it possible to recommend this lignan to women in the climacteric period as an effective drug for the prevention of the formation of immune deficiency, which contributes to the development of oncological and autoimmune diseases. The proven antitumor activity confirms the promise of using the 7-HMR for the implementation of oncopreventive measures in women of peri- and postmenopausal age.

Phytoestrogens in treatment of climacteric syndrome as an alternative to menopausal hormone therapy

Here we review Russia-wide and international publications released over the last 5 years dedicated to phytoestrogens used in treatment of climacteric syndrome. Effects of isoflavones as the most examined agents are discussed acting on vasomotor, cognitive, psychological, urogenital and sexual symptoms as well as on the cardiovascular system, bones, and metabolic age-related changes. Despite obtaining controversial data resulting from the analysis, it may be concluded phytoestrogens hold promise as an alternative to menopausal hormone therapy. It is reasonable to conduct further extensive studies to evaluate efficacy and safety of using plant-derived compounds in postmenopausal women.

Effects of herbal medicine (Danggwijagyaksan) for treating climacteric syndrome with a blood-deficiency-dominant pattern: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial

BackgroundDanggwijagyaksan (DJS) has been one of the most widely used herbal medicines for gynecological disorders in traditional East Asian medicine. Several clinical studies about DJS have shown improvement in menopausal symptoms. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of DJS for treating climacteric syndrome with a blood-deficiency-dominant pattern. MethodsThis was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. A group of 45-to 60-year-old women with climacteric syndrome were registered for the trial. The participants received treatment over a 4-week period and were then followed for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the mean change in the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Secondary outcome measures included the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), the Blood-Deficiency Scoring System (BDSS), lean body mass, and serum hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels. ResultsThe MRS and BDSS scores decreased significantly in both groups, but the differences between two groups were not significant. The WHOQOL-BREF scores increased in the control group. No statistically meaningful differences in serum hormone levels or lean body mass were observed in both groups. There were no serious adverse events, and the laboratory tests were within the normal range. The recruitment rate, completion rate and medication adherence rate were over 90% in both groups, indicating high feasibility. ConclusionsDJS showed clinical effectiveness in the treatment of climacteric syndrome with a blood-deficiency-dominant pattern. Additionally, DJS was shown to be safe and feasible for a large-scale study to confirm the efficacy of the treatment. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS, https://cris.nih.go.kr): KCT0002387.

DT56a in treatment of climacteric syndrome in the Central European population sample.

The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using the DT56a for the therapy of acute climacteric syndrome in women in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Prospective interventional unblinded study. A sample of 453 women with symptoms of acute climacteric syndrome took 644 mg of soybeans´ phyotestrogenes DT56a in the period of 4 weeks. In course of the therapy, the total number of hot flushes decreased by 48 %, and the intensity decreased by 35 % (p < 0.01). In 85 % of women, the quantity or intensity of hot flushes decreased. Sleep quality increased in 65 % of women, headaches improved or significantly improved in 51 % of women, muscle aches and joint pains decreased by 40 %. Life quality improved in 72 % of women. DT56a is a possible alternative for the treatment of acute climacteric syndrome. In the Central European population, the efficacy of a daily dose of 644 mg corresponds with the effects observed in the Mediterranean population (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 21). Text in PDF www.elis.skKEY WORDS: DT56a, climacteric syndrome, menopause, non-hormonal treatment.

Biological effects of phytoestrogens: clinical effectiveness and potential application in the treatment of climacteric syndrome

Aim. To review scientific publications on clinical effectiveness and potential application of phytoestrogens (PE) in the treatment of climacteric syndrome. Materials and methods. The PRISMA approach was used. The systematic search was performed in three electronic scientific databases: Cochrane library, PubMed/MEDLINE, and eLIBRARY.ru. The publications were also manually searched for in the reference lists of the relevant articles. Results. The filters were used to select 79 publications; 26 of them were included in the final review. The main method of treatment for the manifestations of the climacteric syndrome is menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT). One of the alternative methods for the control of its symptoms is the application of phytoestrogens (PE), primarily, isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans. Active metabolites of PE are expressed under the influence of gut microflora that is different in various groups of women, which can determine the differences in the effectiveness. Taking into account multidirectional character of the studies as well as numerous publications of low quality, it is still impossible to come to the final conclusion on the effectiveness of PE-containing food supplements (FS) when it comes to a decrease in the occurrence rate and expression of such symptoms as hot flushes, night sweats, and cognitive deterioration. The conclusions on the prevention of cardio-vascular diseases are not definite either. Conclusions . The review showed that scientists could not come to the conclusion on the effectiveness and safety of PE-containing FS. Probably, the most prospective means of the control of climacteric syndrome are FS that contain isoflavones of red clover and soy in the maximum effective concentration. Considering free access to such FS on the market, they must meet high safety requirements.

Indicators of the immune system after correction of climacteric syndrome in women with uterine leiomyoma and endometrial hyperplasia

Indicators of the immune system after correction of climacteric syndrome in women with uterine leiomyoma and endometrial hyperplasia

The regulatory effect of genistein on P450 aromatase and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in mouse experimental model of menopausal metabolic syndrome.

In order to investigate the mechanism of genistein (Gen) in the treatment of climacteric syndrome, an in vivo study was performed to investigate the beneficial effects of genistein on the expression of P450 aromatase (P450 arom) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the mouse ovary and uterus. Fifty female ICR mice (45±5g, n=50), aged 12months, were divided into the following five groups with 10 animals in each: blank control group (CG), low-dose genistein group (L-Gen), middle-dose genistein group (M-Gen) and high-dose genistein group (H-Gen) (received 15, 30 and 60mg/kg of genistein, respectively), and oestrogen group (EG; received 0.5mg/kg diethylstilbestrol). The expression levels of the FSHR protein were determined by an immunohistochemical staining method. The expression of P450 arom, Cytochrome P450 19 (CYP19) and FSHR was quantified by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression levels of the FSHR protein in the M-Gen (average stained area: 20.79) and the H-Gen (average stained area: 21.21) groups were significantly stronger than in the CG (average area was 17.24) group (p<.05). The expression levels of CYP19 mRNA and P450 arom were positively correlated with the dose of genistein. Specifically, the relative expression levels in the H-Gen and EG groups were more than 1.5 times higher than in the CG group (p<.05). Genistein played a significant role in regulating aromatase and FSHR gene expression to improve perimenopausal ovarian and uterine function.

Эффективные негормональные препараты в лечении климактерического синдрома

Эффективные негормональные препараты в лечении климактерического синдрома

Сучасна немедикаментозна терапія клімактеричного синдрому

The objective: to learn the effectiveness of non-medicated methods of treatment of climacteric syndrome with the use of HBO and metered physical activities. Materials and methods: 60 women with severe menopausal symptoms were examined. The patients were divided into two groups: • the main group – 35 women, who used terencuri or HBO for the treatment; • the comparative group – 25 women, who used hormone therapy. Results. The treatment of climacteric syndrome with the use of non-hormonal methods led to the significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in the majority of clinical symptoms. The most positive clinical dynamics was noticed in the main group, which is confirmed by a decrease of such symptoms as: hot flashes, sleep disorders, psychological and urinal disorders. Conclusions: the result of the study confirms that the inclusion of HBO and metered physical activities in the symptomatic therapy is an effective way of treatment of the climacteric syndrome. Key words: climacteric syndrome, symptoms, hyperbaric oxygenation and terencuri.

Dynamics of hormonal parameters in patients with climacteric syndrome in the context of hypothyroidism under the influence of complex therapy with Climact-Hel and Mulimen

In hypothyroidism, the climacteric syndrome has a tendency to an early start and a protracted course and manifests itself in the middle and severe forms with a predominance in the clinical picture of psychoemotional and metabolic-endocrine disorders. The purpose of the work is to compare the effectiveness of complex treatment of climacteric syndrome with concomitant hypothyroidism by analyzing hormonal indices before and after complex therapy using antihomotoxicological therapy. For its achievement, patients are divided into two groups: women who received only baseline therapy in accordance with the National Consensus on the management of patients in the climacteric diet (hereinafter — base therapy, group 1) and patients who, in addition to the baseline therapy, received therapy with antihomotoxic drugs (Group 2). After analyzing the patient's outcomes with the climacteric syndrome and concomitant hypothyroidism after the two treatment courses, there was a tendency for the IRI to decrease in both groups, but none of the groups was able to reach the normal level. Calcitriol increased in two observation groups, while in one group the index did not reach normal values. The decrease in the follicle stimulating hormone was observed in both groups and only the 1st group managed to get closer to normal values after two treatment cycles. The decrease in estradiol was observed in both groups of patients, but its significance was significantly lower in patients in the 1st group. Under the influence of treatment in accordance with the protocols in the first group, TTG significantly decreased, reaching the norm after the second course of treatment. In assessing the overall effectiveness of treatment, it turned out that with the use of baseline therapy, the effectiveness was 63.3%, with the use of complex treatment with the use of antihomotoxic drugs — 55.5%.

Danggwijagyaksan for climacteric syndrome in peri- and postmenopausal women with a blood-deficiency dominant pattern: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of Danggwijagyaksan (DJS) for alleviating climacteric syndrome in peri- and postmenopausal women with a blood-deficiency dominant pattern.Methods/designThis is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. A total of 34 women with climacteric syndrome who have signed informed consent forms will be registered in this study. Placebo or DJS will be randomly assigned to the participants in an equal proportion. The participants will visit the clinical trial center every 2 weeks and receive placebo or DJS granules. The treatment period is 4 weeks and the administration frequency is three times daily. Data will be collected from the participants at baseline, at week 5, and at week 9 after random allocation. The primary outcome measure will be the mean change in the Menopause Rating Scale from baseline to week 5. Secondary outcome measures will include the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) score, the Blood Deficiency Scoring System score, lean body mass, and blood tests, including serum follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol concentration. To assess the safety of DJS, a laboratory test will be conducted before and after treatment and the participants will be asked about any occurrence of adverse events every visit. The recruitment rate, completion rate, and medication adherence will also be calculated, to assess feasibility.DiscussionThe findings of this study will provide the basis for a full-scale randomized controlled trial to confirm the safety and efficacy of DJS for the treatment of climacteric syndrome in peri- and postmenopausal women.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea, KCT0002387. Registered on 25 July 2017.

Клиническая эффективность комплексного подхода к диагностике и лечению климактерического синдрома на фоне гиповитаминоза D

Клиническая эффективность комплексного подхода к диагностике и лечению климактерического синдрома на фоне гиповитаминоза D

Possibilities of using melatonin in gynecology

For the modern gynecologist, the problem of human aging acquires a special urgency – the tasks of preserving the reproductive potential of a woman, alleviating the symptoms of perimenopause come to the fore. Clinical manifestations of climacteric syndrome are very diverse and polysymptomatic and can vary from the presence of several symptoms to the development of the entire symptom complex. In the article the modern strategies of conducting women during menopausal transition and postmenopause are considered: hormone replacement therapy as the main method of correction and prevention of climacteric disorders, as well as auxiliary methods – phytoestrogens, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, agents acting on the autonomic nervous system, multivitamin complexes, plant extracts that are used more or less successfully in clinical practice.Melatonin preparations, analogues of one of the main endogenous adaptogens, are of particular interest in this series. This review describes the main effects of melatonin, its place in the complex treatment of the proliferative processes of the reproductive system, in particular, in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, dysphoria, correction of sleep disorders in the perimenopause, its special role in the maturation of the follicle and ovulation. Melatonin is a universal natural adaptogen with a sleep effect, which is recommended by the National Consensus on the management of patients in menopause as a preparation of additional non-hormonal therapy. In the treatment of climacteric syndrome, it can be used at a dose of 1.5 mg 30 minutes before sleep for three months. It can be recommended as a monotherapy in the mild course of menopause and the prevalence of sleep disorders. If symptoms are more pronounced, melatonin should be combined with hormone replacement therapy.Synthetic analogue of melatonin is represented in Ukraine by drug Vita-Melatonin produced by PJSC “Kiev Vitamin Plant”. The drug allows to perform the task of increasing the effectiveness of therapy for various gynecological diseases. Not being selectively tropic to the reproductive system, melatonin promotes adaptation, improvement of the general condition and well-being of women in the climacteric period.

Effect of Guizhifulingwan (Keishibukuryogan) on climacteric syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of Guizhifulingwan (GFW) in the treatment of climacteric syndrome in women.Methods/designThis is a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design pilot trial. Fifty participants with climacteric syndrome will be randomly allocated to the GFW or placebo group in a 1:1 ratio. The participants will be administered GFW or placebo granules three times a day for 4 weeks and will be followed up for a further 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the mean change in menopause rating scale score at 5 weeks after randomization. Secondary outcomes include the World Health Organization quality of life-BREF scores, degrees of upward movement of qi and lower abdominal resistance and tenderness, blood stasis pattern questionnaire scores, and results of blood tests including assays for lipid profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol. The feasibility outcomes include recruitment and completion rates and adherence to medication.DiscussionThe results of this study will provide basic data for the design of a large-scale clinical trial for evaluating the efficacy of GFW in the treatment of climacteric syndrome in women.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea, KCT0002040. Registered on 5 September 2016.

Does Cimicifuga racemosa have the effects like estrogen on the sublingual gland in ovariectomized rats?

BackgroundCimicifuga racemosa is one of the herbs used for the treatment of climacteric syndrome, and it has been cited as an alternative therapy to estrogen. Apart from hectic fevers, dyspareunia and so on, dry mouth also increase significantly after menopause. It has not yet been reported whether C. racemosa has any impact on the sublingual gland, which may relate to dry mouth. In an attempt to determine this, we have compared the effects of estrogen and C. racemosa on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats.ResultsHE staining showed that the acinar cell area had contracted and that the intercellular spaces were broadened in the OVX (ovariectomized rats) group, while treatment with estradiol (E2) and iCR (isopropanolic extract of C. racemosa) improved these lesions. Transmission electron microscopy showed that rough endoplasmic reticulum expansion in mucous and serous acinar epithelial cells and apoptotic cells was more commonly seen in the OVX group than in the SHAM (sham-operated rats) group. Mitochondria and plasma membrane infolding lesions in the striated ducts were also observed. These lesions were alleviated by both treatments. It is of note that, in the OVX + iCR group, the volume of mitochondria in the striated duct was larger than in other groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells was significantly increased in the acinar cells of the OVX group compared with the SHAM group (p < 0.05); and the MA (mean absorbance) of caspase-3 in the striated ducts also increased (p < 0.05). Estradiol decreased the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA of caspase-3 in striated ducts significantly (p < 0.05). ICR also reduced the ratio of caspase-3 positive cells and the MA in the striated ducts (p < 0.05), but the reduction of the MA in striated ducts was inferior to that of the OVX + E2 group (p < 0.05).ConclusionBoth estradiol and iCR can inhibit subcellular structural damage, and down-regulate the expression of caspase-3 caused by ovariectomy, but their effects were not identical, suggesting that both drugs confer a protective effect on the sublingual gland of ovariectomized rats, but that the specific location and mechanism of action producing these effects were different.