Effects of Bushen Huoxue Recipe on the expressions of TGF-β1, TGF-βRⅡ and Smad2/3 in granulosa cells in mice with premature ovarian failure / 中成药

ABSTRACT

AIM To explore the effects of Bushen Huoxue Recipe (Fluoritum,Psoraleae Fructus,Cuscutae Semen,etc.) on the protein expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1,TGF-βRⅡ and Smad2/3 in follicle wall granulosa cells in mice with autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF).METHODS Balb/c female mice were subcutaneously injected with mouse zona pellucida 3 at multiple points to establish autoimmune POF model.POF mice were divided into model group,positive group (progynova),low-,middle-and high-dose of Bushen Huoxue Recipe groups.After intervention for 30 days,ovarian tissue was stained by hematoxylin-eosin (HE),and the protein expressions of TGF-β1,TGF-βRⅡ and Smad2/3 in follicle wall granulosa cells and ovarian tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot,respectively.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the number of mature follicles in the Bushen Huoxue Recipe groups and the positive group was obviously increased,together with the decreased number of atretic follicles.The protein expressions of TGF-β1,TGF-βRⅡ and Smad2/3 in follicle wall granulosa cells and ovarian tissue in the Bushen Huoxue Recipe groups and the positive group were much higher than those in the model group (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION Bushen Huoxue Recipe can improve ovarian function by up-regulating the protein expressions of TGF-β1,TGF-βRⅡ and Smad2/3 in granulosa cells.