Maternal exposure to bisphenol A during pregnancy interferes testis development of F1 male mice.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) on testis development of F1 male mice. The BPA exposure model of pregnant mice was prepared by intragastric administration of BPA at the doses of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day at gestation day (GD) 0.5-17.5. The testis index of the offspring mice was calculated at postnatal day (PND) 21 and PND 56. The results showed that maternal exposure to 20 mg/kg BPA during pregnancy significantly increased the testicular index of F1 males at PND 21, and 40 mg/kg BPA significantly decreased the testicular index of F1 males at PND 56 (P < 0.01). BPA significantly reduced serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels, and improved testicular ERα and ERß levels in F1 males at both PND 21 and PND 56. BPA exposure also upregulated transcription of testicular Dnmt1 and inhibited the transcription of testicular Dnmt3A and Dnmt3B in F1 mice at PND 21. BPA reduced the transcriptional level of testicular DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt), increased the expression of testicular caspase-7, caspase-9, and bax, and decreased the expression of bcl-2 in F1 mice at PND 56. Consistent with that, BPA improved the apoptosis rate in the testis at PND 56 (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Our study indicates that BPA disrupts the secretion of testosterone, estradiol, and estrogen receptors by interfering with the transcription of testicular DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) in offspring males, which damages testicular tissues and affects the potential reproductive function.

Hazards of bisphenol A -- blocks RNA splicing leading to abnormal testicular development in offspring male mice.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to BPA on testicular development in offspring males. Pregnant Kunming mice were randomly divided into 7 groups with 20 mice in each group. Group A was the control group and the mice were given distilled water orally. Mice in groups B, C, D, E, F, G received BPA orally at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg/d, 0.5 mg/kg/d, 5 mg/kg/d, 10 mg/kg/d, 20 mg/kg/d, 50 mg/kg/d, respectively. F0 mice were exposed to BPA for 40 days from gestation day 0 to lactation day 21. F1 male mice were sacrificed at weaning (postnatal day 21). Histological observations revealed architectural damages in testis in BPA exposed groups. The testicular organ index increased significantly when the BPA oral exposure dose was above 20 mg/kg/d (P < 0.05). BPA contents in serum of F1 male mice increased significantly when BPA was above 5 mg/kg/d (P < 0.05), while the contents significant increased in maternal serum when BPA was higher than 0.5 mg/kg/d. The damage of cell nuclear DNA of testis was significantly aggravated when BPA was above 5 mg/kg/d. The expression of AR in the testis was significantly increased when BPA was above 20 mg/kg/d (P < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing showed that the Snrnp 40 which encoding U5 snRNA subunit was significantly up-regulated in spliceosome pathway, and the Hnrnpu which encoding splicing universal protein component was significantly down-regulated. The blockage of spliceosome might be one of the reasons why BPA affects testicular development.

Lycopene reduces in utero bisphenol A exposure-induced mortality, benefits hormones, and development of reproductive organs in offspring mice.

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of lycopene on reproductive toxicity induced by in utero exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in offspring mice. Pregnant mice in the BPA model group were given orally 500 mg/kg/day BPA from pregnant day (PD)8 to PD14. Mice of lycopene group were gavaged with 20 mg/kg/day lycopene from PD1 to PD7 and then given 500 mg/kg/day BPA from PD8 to PD14. Results showed that lycopene reduced the elevated mortality in offspring mice of the mother exposed to BPA. BPA lowered the levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone while lycopene treatment increased the levels significantly. BPA elevated estradiol while lycopene lowered estradiol in the offspring. BPA caused testicular damage as shown by less Leydig cells and ovarian injury as shown by less corpus granules in adult offspring, while lycopene decreased the damages. Maternal exposure to BPA increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 in testicular and ovary tissues in the offspring mice. Lycopene decreased Bax in testis and ovary and increased Bcl-2 in ovary tissues in the offspring mice. These findings suggest lycopene has protective effects on in utero BPA exposure-induced reproductive toxicity in offspring mice.

Effects of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure during pregnancy on the reproduction and development of male offspring mice.

This study was conducted to explore the effects of maternal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on reproduction and development of male offspring mice. Pregnant mice were given 1, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg BW PFOA daily by gavage during gestation. The results showed that the survival number of offspring mice at weaning was significantly decreased. There were no differences in the testicular index of offspring mice between PFOA exposure groups and non-PFOA group. Maternal exposure to PFOA reduced the level of testosterone in the male offspring mice on PND 21 (p < 0.01) but increased in 1 mg/kg group and decreased in 2.5 and 5 mg/kg groups on PND 70 (p < 0.01). There were different degrees of damage to testis in a dose-dependent manner, and the number of Leydig cells markedly decreased (p < 0.01) in 2.5 and 5 mg/kg PFOA groups on PND 21 and PND 70. The expression of Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted gene cluster showed a decreasing trend, where Glt2, Rian and Dio3 gene expressions were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) on PND 21. Therefore, PFOA exposure during pregnancy reduces the number of survival offspring mice, damages testis, disrupts reproductive hormones and reduces the mRNA expressions of the Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted cluster in testis.

Bisphenol A Exposure during Pregnancy Alters the Mortality and Levels of Reproductive Hormones and Genes in Offspring Mice.

The present study investigated the reproductive toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to the mother on the offspring mice. BPA was given to pregnant mice at 50 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 2500 mg/kg BW BPA daily by gavage during the whole gestation period. The offspring mice were sacrificed at 8 weeks of age. Results showed that exposure of BPA to the mother increased the mortality (P < 0.05). Maternal exposure of BPA reduced the levels of T (♂) and FSH (♀) (P < 0.01) and elevated E2 (♀) level in the adult offspring (P < 0.01). BPA exposure caused testicular damage as shown by less Leydig cells and ovarian injury as shown by more vacuoles and less corpus granules in the adult offspring mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed that maternal exposure of BPA increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 at the protein levels in testicular and ovary tissues in the offspring mice. BPA significantly reduced the expression of StAR in male offspring (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the mRNA levels of Cyp11a were significantly decreased in 50 mg/kg groups and were increased in 500 mg/kg group in the males. Reduced Kitlg and elevated Amh at the mRNA levels were detected in the female offspring.

Anti-inflammatory and in-vitro antibacterial activities of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Qingdaisan.

BACKGROUND: Qingdaisan (Formulated Indigo powder, QDS) are widely used for treatment of aphtha, sore throat and bleeding gums in China. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and dental ulcer therapeutic effects of QDS. METHODS: Dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema test and cotton pellet-induced granuloma test were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activities of QDS on acute and chronic inflammatory. The healing time and local pathologic changes were used to assess the therapeutic effects of QDS on dental ulcer. The antibacterial activities of each component and the whole formulation of QDS were determined by agar well diffusion assay. High-dose and low-dose QDS were tested in this experiment and Gui Lin Watermelon Frost Powder (GLWFP) was used as positive control. RESULTS: Oral treatment with QDS significantly accelerated the healing of ulcerative lesions induced by phenol injury. The dental ulcers of high-dose QDS group were all healed within 6 days. It was shorter than those of low-dose QDS group and GLWFP group. Less quantity of inflammatory cells and plenty fibroblasts were observed in pathological section of QDS groups. QDS also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity both in acute and chronic animal models. Although some of the components exhibited antibacterial activities, the whole formulation of QDS didn't show any significant antibacterial activity in vitro. CONCLUSION: The study showed that QDS has obviously anti-inflammatory activity for both acute and chronic inflammatory, also has a remarkable effect for healing dental ulcer caused by phenol. QDS didn't have antibacterial activity to selected strains in vitro.

Effect of quercetin on the expression of Bcl-2/Bax apoptotic proteins in endometrial cells of lipopolysaccharide-induced-abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of quercetin on the expressions of Bcl-2/Bax apoptotic proteins in endometrial cells in mice with abortion induced by lipopolysaccharide. METHODS: For in vivo experiment, twenty five Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups at day 4 of pregnancy, with 5 mice per group. The mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through tail vein intravenous injection at day 4 of pregnancy, followed by different concentrations of quercetin by oral gavage consecutively at days 5 to 6 of pregnancy. On day 7 of gestation, the mice were sacrificed and the histopathological changes of the uterus tissues were observed. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to the detection of Bcl-2/Bax apoptotic proteins in the endometrial cells. For in vitro experiment, the primary endometrial cells were cultured using a uterus tissue mass culturing method sampled at day 4.5 of pregnancy. The cells were treated with LPS with or without different dosages of quercetin, respectively, for 12 h after 80% confluence. The expression of Bcl-2/Bax apoptotic proteins were detected by western blotting. RESULTS: Both the in vivo and in vitro experiments showed decreased expression of Bcl-2 and enhanced expression of Bax after LPS treatment, leading to a decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio. The expression of Bcl-2 significantly increased while the expression of Bax was significantly elevated, in the LPS plus quercetin group compared to the LPS only group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that quercetin has protective effect by partially regulating the expression of Bcl-2/Bax proteins, which in turn inhibits endometrial cell apoptosis and benefits the embryo implantation.

Protective effects of baicalin on decidua cells of LPS-induced mice abortion.

The study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of Baicalin on decidual cells of LPS-induced abortion mice. In the in vitro experiment, the decidual cells were cultured by uterus tissue mass cultivation sampled at day 6 of pregnancy, and gradient concentrations of LPS were used to determine the optimal LPS concentration of the injured decidual cells model. The injured decidual cells were treated with Baicalin (4 µg/mL) to determine the protective role of Baicalin. In the in vivo experiment, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected intravenously via the tail vein to induce abortion at day 6 of pregnancy, and the mice were given different concentrations of Baicalin by oral gavage consecutively at days 7 to 8 of pregnancy. On day 9 of gestation, the mice were sacrificed. The TNF and progesterone contents in the serum were assayed by ELISA. The results clearly revealed that Baicalin can prevent the injury to decidual cells from LPS dose dependently, TNF was decreased significantly (P < 0.01) compared to LPS group, and there was no effect on the progesterone. These findings suggest that Baicalin has protective effects on the injured decidual cells in the pregnant mice.

Effects of quercetin on CYP450 and cytokines in Aroclor 1254 injured endometrial cells of the pregnant rats.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread persistent residual environmental pollutants, which affect seriously the growth and reproductive alterations in humans and animals. Aroclor 1254 is a commercial mixture of PCBs. Quercetin is a flavonoid, which acts on estrogen receptors and causes the development of estrogen-related diseases. In this paper, the primary cultured endometrial cells in the pregnant rats were isolated and Aroclor 1254 was used to induce the injured endometrial cells model. The cells were treated with gradient quercetin, the viability of the endometrial cells, the expressions of CYP450, the contents of TNF-α, IL-6, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) were measured. It showed that the viability of the cultured endometrial cells, the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2B1, and the contents of TNF-α, E2, and IL-6 in the injured endometrial cells increased with the treatment of quercetin. It shows that quercetin has protective effect on the injured endometrial cells in the pregnant rats, this provide a basis on herbal medicine protection for animal reproductive diseases caused by environmental endocrine disruptors.

Molecular mechanism for the effects of E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin on mouse embryo survival.

Heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) can cause animal enteritis and diarrhea. However, the possible association of LT with embryo survival in pregnant animals and the mechanisms involved remain unknown. To investigate the effects of LT on embryo survival, we treated mouse early embryos in vitro and pregnant mice in vivo with recombinant LT. LT significantly decreased mouse embryo survival, and induced IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-1ß production in the serum and placental tissue. LT also triggered IL-1ß release from LPS-primed microphages, suggesting LT can activate inflammasomes. To determine the pathway involved in LT-induced inflammasome activation, small interfering RNAs were used to knockdown NLRP3 and ASC, the key components of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Ablation of NLRP3 and ASC abolished LT-induced IL-1ß release, confirming the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome. By comparing two subunits of LT, only LTA but not LTB subunit was identified to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Hepatoprotective effects of a chinese herbal formula, longyin decoction, on carbon-tetrachloride-induced liver injury in chickens.

The objective of this study is to establish poultry liver injury model induced by (CCl4) and seek effective hepatoprotective herbals for clinical application. Different doses of CCl4 dissolved in vegetable oil (1 : 1, V/V) were injected via pectoral muscle to induce acute liver injury model in chickens. An herbal formula, Longyin decoction, was prepared for hepatoprotection test on chicken acute liver injury models. The pathologic changes of the liver were observed, and the activities of ALT and AST were, respectively, detected to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Longyin decoction on chickens. The chicken acute liver injury model was successfully established by injecting CCl4 via pectoral muscle. The best dose of CCl4 inducing chicken liver injury was 4.0 mL/kg·BW (body weight). The results of qualitative determination by HPTLC showed that the components of Longyin decoction contained Gentian, Capillaries, Gardenia, and Bupleurum root. In the high-dose Longyin group and the middle-dose Longyin group, the pathological changes of the damaged liver were mitigated and the activities of ALT and AST in serum were reduced significantly. Longyin decoction has obvious hepatoprotective effect on acute liver injury induced by CCl4.

Effects of norepinephrine and acetylcholine on the development of cultured Leydig cells in mice.

Few data have suggested how norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (Ach) regulate the development of Leydig cells in mice at prepuberty, except for data indicating endocrine effects. The present study aims to elucidate the roles of NE and Ach on the differentiation and proliferation of Leydig cells. Firstly, the expression of adrenergic receptors and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in Leydig cells was investigated. It was found that adrenergic receptors (ß1AR, ß2AR, and α1D) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1 and M3) mRNA are expressed in adult Leydig cells. Then, the effects of NE and Ach on the differentiation and proliferation of Leydig cells were analyzed. The results showed that NE and Ach at 10 µM significantly increased the number of 3ß-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase- (3ß-HSD-) positive Leydig cells and improved the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in Leydig cells on postnatal day (PD) 15 (P < 0.05). NE and Ach at 10 µM had no impact on the expression of PCNA mRNA (P > 0.05), but reduced the expression of 3ß-HSD mRNA in adult Leydig cells and a murine Leydig tumor cell line (MLTC-1) (P < 0.05). Therefore, a conclusion may be reached that NE and Ach participated in stimulating the development of Leydig cells in mice from prepuberty to adult stage.

Adjuvant effects of Sijunzi decoction in chickens orally vaccinated with attenuated Newcastle-disease vaccine.

Many Chinese Herbal medicines (CHMs) and their components have been reported to enhance immunity. In this study, the capacity for the Chinese herbal medicine, oral administration Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD) in stimulating Newcastle disease virus(NDV) immunity in chickens was examined. Serum was sampled on days 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 and tissues were collected on days 20, 40 and 60, respectively. The immune responses were determined by means of hemagglutination inhibition test, immunohistochemistry examination and semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that SJZD could increase the antibody titers and the area coefficient of IgA secreting cells, promote the expression of IL-2 mRNA in the whole immune period and IFN-γ mRNA was increased in the initial stage. The SJZD used was safe with no adverse effects on chicken weight or survival, providing evidence for the use of SJZD as an oral adjuvant.

Quercetin and Bornyl Acetate Regulate T-Lymphocyte Subsets and INF-γ/IL-4 Ratio In Utero in Pregnant Mice.

The objective of this study is to investigate the antiabortive effects of Quercetin and Bornvl Acetate and their immunological modulation at maternal-fetal interface. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected via tail vein to induce abortion in mice which received Quercetin and Bornvl Acetate at days 4-7 of gestation. Uterine CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes and IFN-γ/IL-4 of each group (n = 10) were detected by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ increased significantly (P < .01) in the uterus of LPS-induced abortion mice. In the Quercetin and Bornvl Acetate pretreated mice followed by LPS administration, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ dropped to 0.562 ± 0.021, lower than that of LPS-abortion group (P < .01). The mean value of IFN-γ/IL-4 in LPS-treated mice was 0.310 ± 0.066, higher than that of Quercetin and Bornyl Acetate group. The results indicate that Quercetin and Bornyl Acetate have an antiabortive effect through modulation of immunological balance at maternal-fetal interface.

Quercetin protects hamster spermatogenic cells from oxidative damage induced by diethylstilboestrol.

Quercetin has been reported to be an efficient antioxidant which protects chicken spermatogonial cells from oxidative damage through increasing intracellular antioxidants and decreasing lipid peroxidation. Exposure to diethylstilboestrol (DES) could cause reproductive damage in males, which is associated with oxidative stress. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of quercetin on DES-induced oxidative damage in cultured hamster spermatogenic cells. The cells were treated with different concentrations of DES, and their growth status was observed under inverted microscope. The viability of spermatogenic cells was detected by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in supernatants and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in cells were detected with spectrophotography. The results showed that quercetin significantly inhibited the DES-induced damage on spermatogenic cells, with the exception of the low-dose group in which no significant difference was observed. The cell survival rate increased significantly in the middle- and high-dose groups. The contents of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly elevated after medication with quercetin (P < 0.01). It can be concluded that quercetin protects spermatogenic cells against DES-induced oxidative damage through increasing intracellular antioxidants and decreasing lipid peroxidation. Quercetin plays a very important role in ameliorating reproductive toxicity induced by environmental oestrogens.

Effects of toosendanin on pregnancy and uterine immunity alterations in mice.

This study was conducted to explore the abortifacient effect and the mechanisms of the Chinese herbal medicine component toosendanin, and to elucidate the significance of the Th1 cytokines IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the occurrence of abortion. Graded doses of toosendanin were given by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) to mice at day 5, 6, 7 of gestation. The levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) in serum and uterine tissues from mice sacrificed at day 8 were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Presence of T lymphocytes in endometrium was detected by immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that injection of toosendanin could produce a dose-dependent toxicity. The IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha content in serum and uterine tissues were increased significantly. The CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were also increased in the endometrium of toosendanin treated groups. In conclusion, toosendanin is pregnancy-toxic to animals and it is relevant to the increased contents of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes.

Protective effects of baicalin against bromocriptine induced abortion in mice.

The Chinese herbal medicine Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) had been used for restless fetus for hundreds of years in China, however, little attention had been given to the components of the herb, specifically its ability to exert abortion-preventing effects at the maternal fatal interface. The present study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of baicalin and the possible mechanisms on pregnancies. Baicalin (at 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg BW respectively) was gavaged to bromocriptine-treated mice from gestation day (GD) 1 through GD 7. Abortion rates were calculated and the changes of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and progesterone were assayed on different gestation days. Results showed that the embryonic death rates were significantly decreased in groups supplemented with 20 or 50 mg/kg BW of baicalin, accompanied with reduced IFN-gamma and enhanced progesterone contents. Moreover, the highest levels of IFN-gamma appeared on GD 5 both in the control and in baicalin treated groups. It is concluded that baicalin can exert an anti-abortive effect by cutting down the production of IFN-gamma and elevating the levels of progesterone in a dose dependent manner and IFN-gamma is involved in an inflammatory reaction which is beneficial for a successful implantation.

Effects of ginkgo biloba on testicle injury induced by diethylstilbestrol in mice.

To evaluate the effect of gingko biloba (EGb) on diethylstilbestrol (DES) induced testicle injury in mice. Fifty male mice were divided into a control group (A), DES group (B), and 3 EGb groups (C, D, E). The EGb-treated groups received peritoneal EGb at 8.75 (C), 17.5 (D), 35 mg/kg (E) BW daily for 7 days. The control group was given equivalent amount of normal saline. The mice in groups B, C, D and E were injected hypodermically with DES at 40 mg/kg BW daily 4 hours after the first herbal administration, while the control was given olive oil. Compared with DES group, the testis coefficients-relative testicular weight increased in the three EGb-treated groups. No significant difference was observed in epididymis coefficients. Lipid peroxidation status and antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were significantly elevated in testes of EGb-treated groups. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents were significantly decreased in testes of the EGb groups. The results indicate that EGb protects the testis from diethylstilbestrol-induced injury.

Effects of Radix scutellariae and Rhizoma atractylodis on LPS-induced abortion and the uterine IL-10 contents in mice.

In the present study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected i.v. via the tail vein (0.1 microg per mouse) to induce abortion (embryo resorption) in Kunming mice. The interleukin 10 (IL-10) contents in the uterus were assayed by ELISA. The results revealed that the IL-10 level was significantly decreased in the LPS-induced abortion group of mice compared to the controls. Use of Pentoxifylline (PXF), or a combination of Radix scutellariae and Rhizoma atractylodis reversed the LPS effects: bringing down the fetal resorption rate, and increasing the IL-10 level significantly. The study indicates that the anti-abortive effects of PXF and the combination of Radix scutellariae and Rhizoma atractylodis are closely related to up-regulation of the Th2 cytokine IL-10 at the maternal fetal interface.

Anti-abortive effect of Radix scutellariae and Rhizoma atractylodis in mice.

The objective of this study is to investigate the significance of natural killer (NK) cells and interleukin-2 in uterus in the early embryo loss (or resorption), and to elucidate the immunological modulation of maternal-fetal interface with Chinese herbal medicine Radix scutellariae (huang qin) and Rhizoma atractylodis (bai zhu). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was given via the tail vein to induce abortion in mice at day 7 of gestation. Uterine NK cells and IL-2 contents were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The number of NK cells was found to be much higher (mean = 180 +/- 39) in the decidua of LPS-treated abortion mice. But when the Chinese herbal medicine was used to prevent LPS-induced abortion, less NK cells (mean = 11 +/- 4) were counted (p < 0.01). The mean value of IL-2 in LPS-treated mice was 5.25 +/- 2.5938 pg/mg protein, higher than (p < 0.05) that of the herb prevention group, which was only 1.86 +/- 0.9789 pg/mg protein. The results therefore indicate that the increase of NK cells in the decidua and IL-2 contents in the uterus in LPS-treated mice is closely related to the embryo loss, and that the Chinese herbal medicine prescription composed of Radix scutellariae and Rhizoma atractylodis has an anti-abortive effect through inhibition of maternal-fetal interface immunity.