Effect of High-Fat Diet on the Intestinal Flora in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore whether letrozole and high-fat diets (HFD) can induce obese insulin-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with intestinal flora dysbiosis in a rat model. We compared the changes in the intestinal flora of letrozole-induced rats fed with HFD or normal chow, to explore the effects of HFD and letrozole independently and synergistically on the intestinal flora. METHODS: Five-week-old female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: control (C) group fed with regular diet; L1 group administered with letrozole and fed with regular diet; L2 group received letrozole and fed with HFD; and HFD group fed with HFD. At the end of the experiment, ovarian morphology, hormones, metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status of all rats were studied. 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was used to profile microbial communities, and various multivariate analysis approaches were used to quantitate microbial composition, abundance, and diversity. RESULTS: Compared to the C group, the increased plasma fasting insulin and glucose, HOMA-IR, triglyceride, testosterone, and malondialdehyde were significantly higher in the L2 group, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in the L1 group and L2 group. The indices of Chao1 and the Abundance-based Coverage Estimator (ACE) (α-diversity) in the L2 and HFD groups were significantly lower than that in the C group. Bray-Curtis dissimilarity based principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) plots and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) test showed obvious separations between the L2 group and C group, between the HFD group and C group, and between the L2 and HFD groups. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (F/B ratio) were increased in the L2 group; Bacteroidetes was decreased in the L2 and HFD groups. No significant differences in bacterial abundance between the C group and L1 group were observed at the phylum level. Based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the bacterial genera (the relative abundance > 0.1%, LDA > 3, p < 0.05) were selected as candidate bacterial signatures. They showed that the abundance of Vibrio was significantly increased in the L1 group; Bacteroides and Phascolarctobacterium were enriched in the HFD group, and Bacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, Blautia, Parabacteroides, Akkermansia [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, and Anaerotruncus were enriched in the L2 group. CONCLUSION: The effect of letrozole on intestinal flora was not significant as HFD. HFD could destroy the balance of intestinal flora and aggravate the intestinal flora dysbiosis in PCOS. Letrozole-induced rats fed with HFD have many characteristics like human PCOS, including some metabolic disorders and intestinal flora dysbiosis. The dysbiosis was characterized by an increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, an expansion of Firmicutes, a contraction of Bacteroidetes, and the decreased microbial richness. Beta-diversity also showed significant differences in intestinal microflora, compared with control rats.

Antibacterial mode of fibrauretine and synergistic effect with kanamycin against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the antibacterial activity and mode of action of fibrauretine on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus, and synergistic effect with kanamycin against multi-drug resistant E. coli. RESULTS: The fibrauretine exhibited inhibitory effect on the growth of the tested bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of 2.5-5 and 5-10 mg/ml, respectively. Morphological changes of cell microstructure were observed after adding fibrauretine at MIC. The mode of action was further confirmed by measuring release of 260-nm absorbing materials and extracellular potassium ions. Checkerboard dilution test suggested that fibrauretine exhibited synergistic activity when combined with kanamycin (FICI ranging from 0.5625 to 0.625). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that fibrauretine exerted synergistic effect with kanamycin and its antibacterial mode of action mainly attributed to disruption of cell membrane integrity.

Aminoglycoside susceptibility of Pasteurella multocida isolates from bovine respiratory infections in China and mutations in ribosomal protein S5 associated with high-level induced spectinomycin resistance.

Twenty-three isolates of Pasteurella multocida were tested for susceptibility to six aminoglycoside agents and screened by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of aminoglycoside resistance genes. In addition, mutations in the resistance-determining region of strains showing a high level of induced resistance to spectinomycin strains were examined. Susceptibility testing showed that all of the isolates were resistant to at least two types of aminoglycosides, and that the most effective antimicrobial was spectinomycin. The resistance genes aphA1, strB and aacA4 were present in all 23 isolates. In the three induced spectinomycin-resistant strains, a 9-bp deletion in rpsE that encodes ribosomal protein S5 was detected.

Effect of Acupuncture and Clomiphene in Chinese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Acupuncture is used to induce ovulation in some women with polycystic ovary syndrome, without supporting clinical evidence. Objective: To assess whether active acupuncture, either alone or combined with clomiphene, increases the likelihood of live births among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Design, Setting, and Participants: A double-blind (clomiphene vs placebo), single-blind (active vs control acupuncture) factorial trial was conducted at 21 sites (27 hospitals) in mainland China between July 6, 2012, and November 18, 2014, with 10 months of pregnancy follow-up until October 7, 2015. Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to 4 groups. Interventions: Active or control acupuncture administered twice a week for 30 minutes per treatment and clomiphene or placebo administered for 5 days per cycle, for up to 4 cycles. The active acupuncture group received deep needle insertion with combined manual and low-frequency electrical stimulation; the control acupuncture group received superficial needle insertion, no manual stimulation, and mock electricity. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was live birth. Secondary outcomes included adverse events. Results: Among the 1000 randomized women (mean [SD] age, 27.9 [3.3] years; mean [SD] body mass index, 24.2 [4.3]), 250 were randomized to each group; a total of 926 women (92.6%) completed the trial. Live births occurred in 69 of 235 women (29.4%) in the active acupuncture plus clomiphene group, 66 of 236 (28.0%) in the control acupuncture plus clomiphene group, 31 of 223 (13.9%) in the active acupuncture plus placebo group, and 39 of 232 (16.8%) in the control acupuncture plus placebo group. There was no significant interaction between active acupuncture and clomiphene (P = .39), so main effects were evaluated. The live birth rate was significantly higher in the women treated with clomiphene than with placebo (135 of 471 [28.7%] vs 70 of 455 [15.4%], respectively; difference, 13.3%; 95% CI, 8.0% to 18.5%) and not significantly different between women treated with active vs control acupuncture (100 of 458 [21.8%] vs 105 of 468 [22.4%], respectively; difference, -0.6%; 95% CI, -5.9% to 4.7%). Diarrhea and bruising were more common in patients receiving active acupuncture than control acupuncture (diarrhea: 25 of 500 [5.0%] vs 8 of 500 [1.6%], respectively; difference, 3.4%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 5.6%; bruising: 37 of 500 [7.4%] vs 9 of 500 [1.8%], respectively; difference, 5.6%; 95% CI, 3.0% to 8.2%). Conclusions and Relevance: Among Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome, the use of acupuncture with or without clomiphene, compared with control acupuncture and placebo, did not increase live births. This finding does not support acupuncture as an infertility treatment in such women. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01573858.

An ethical evaluation index system for clinical approval of medical technology in China: A structural equation model study.

OBJECTIVE: To construct a quantitative ethical evaluation index system for the clinical approval of medical technology in China. METHODS: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and first-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) based on a structure equation model (SEM), higher-order CFA and normalisation were used to establish an ethical evaluation index system for the clinical approval of medical technology. Data were processed in SPSS 13.0 and Lisre l5.3. RESULTS: There were 52 third class indices, 15 second class indices, and 3 first class indices in this ethical evaluation index system. The weight of each index was calculated by normalisation. CONCLUSION: This study developed a three-level ethical evaluation index system, comprising 70 indices, for the clinical approval of medical technology.

[Electroacupuncture Combined with Clomiphene Promotes Pregnancy and Blastocyst Implantation Possibly by Up-regulating Expression of Insulin Receptor and Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Proteins in Endometrium in Rats with PCOS].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention combined with clomiphene critate (CC) on the blastocyst implantation and pregnancy rate and expression of insulin receptor (INSR) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS 1) proteins in the endometrium in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of PCOS. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five female SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, PCOS model, medication (CC), EA and EA+CC groups (n=25 in each group, 15 for checking blastocyst implantation, and 10 for Western blot). The PCOS model was established by subcutaneous injection of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and fed with high-fat diet. Rats of the normal control group were treated by subcutaneous injection of sesame oil and fed with the normal forage. EA stimulation was applied to "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and bilateral "Tianshu" (ST 25) for 30 min, 3 times a week, 5 weeks altogether. Rats of the CC and EA+CC groups were fed with CC (100 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 2 days after regular restriction (30 min, 3 times a week, 5 weeks altogether). The pregnancy was determined by vaginal smear tests and the number of blastocyst implantation determined by examination of the uterus after execution. The expression of INSR and IRS 1 proteins in the endometrium was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate and the number of blastocyst implantation were significantly lower in the model group than in the normal control group (P<0.05), and remarkably increased after EA and EA+CC interventions (P<0.05). The effects of EA+CC were obviously superior to those of simple EA and simple medication in raising the pregnancy rate and the number of blastocyst implantation (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the EA and CC groups in the pregnancy rate and the number of blastocyst implantation (P>0.05). The relative expression levels of both INSR and IRS 1 proteins were markedly lower in the model group than in the normal control group (P<0.05), and significantly higher in both EA and EA+CC groups than in the model group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the model and the CC groups and between the EA and EA+CC groups in the expression levels of INSR and IRS 1 proteins (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA intervention can improve pregnancy rate and the number of blastocyst implantation in PCOS rats, which may be related to its effects in up-regulating the expression of INSR and IRS 1 proteins in the endometrium.

[Effects of Electroacupuncture on mRNA Expressions of Insulin-receptor Substrates 1 and 2 in the Endometrium of PCOS Rats and Insulin Sensitivity].

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on gene expressions of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) in the endometrium and insulin sensitivity (IS) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats, thereby providing basic evidence of clinical ap- plication of EA for improving the pregnancy rate of PCOS patients and reducing the abortion rate. Methods Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was subcutaneously injected to 24-day-old female SD rats to induce P- COS model. Besides, rats were fed with high-fat diet. Rats in the normal group were subcutaneously injected with sesame oil and fed with common forage. PCOS model rats were randomly divided into the model group and the EA group. All rats were intervened from 80 days old. Of them, EA was started to rats in the EA group, three times per week for 5 successive weeks. Rats in the normal group and the model group were only bound every day, but with no acupuncture, three times per week for 5 successive weeks. Blood was collected from caudal vein before and after treatment. Fasting blood glucose (FPG) was detected by oxidase method. Fasting insulin (FINS) level was determined by Roche electrochemical luminescence method. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR) index was also calculated. All rats were killed by decapitation by the end of intervention, and their endometria were collected. mRNA expressions of IRS1 and IRS2 in the endometrial tissue were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method. Results Pre-post-treatment changes of FPG level were not significantly different among the three groups (P >0. 05). Before treatment FINS level and HOMA-IR index were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group (P <0. 05). After treatment, they were significantly lower in the EA group than in the model group (P <0. 05). Compared with the normal group, mRNA expressions of IRS1 and IRS2 in the endometrial tissue were decreased in the model group (P <0. 05). Compared with the model group, mRNA expressions of IRS1 and IRS2 in the endometrial tissue were increased in the EA group (P < 0. 05). Conclusion EA could improve IS and elevate mRNA expressions of IRS1 and IRS2 in the endome- trial tissue of PCOS rats, which might be one of mechanisms for improving endometrial IS.

[Effective Ingredients of Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction Regulated Androgen Biosyntheses by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Porcine Granulose Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular mechanism of Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction (YZD) n-butanol extracts (ZDC) and ethyl acetate extracts (YSYZ) in reducing androgen in porcine granulose cells by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. METHODS: Porcine granulose cells were isolated and cultured. They were inoculated by MAPK inhibitor PD98059 at different concentrations, and then they were divided into the blank control group (0), 1, 3, 10, and 25 micromol/L groups. After 24-h culture the cytochrome P450c17a (CYP17) mRNA expression level was detected using Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Contents of androgen (testosterone) in the supernate were detected using RIA and optimal PD98059 concentration screened. After intervened by 10 micromol/L PD98059 for 24 h, the culture solution was intervened by effective ingredients of with or without YZD or YSYZ at various concentrations (0, 1 , 5, 25, 50 mg/mL) at various time points (3, 6, 18, 24 h). Expression levels of p-ERK1/2, c-Fos and CYP17 were detected by Western blot. Testosterone content in the supernate was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: Ten pLmol/L PD98059 could obviously decrease p-ERK1/2 protein expression and increase CYP17 mRMA expression, and elevate testosterone content in the supernate (P < 0.05). ZDC and YSYZ at 25 ng/mL could increase p-ERK1/2 protein expression and c-Fos levels, and reduce CYP17 protein expression, and lower testosterone content in the supernate after 6-h intervention (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Effective ingredients of YZD could reduce androgen production in porcine granulose cells through increasing activities of MAPK.

[Effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture intervention on oxidative stress and glucose metabolism in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on oxidative stress and metabolism disorder in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats, so as to study its underlying mechanisms in improving PCOS. METHODS: Thirty female SD rats were randomized into control group, model group and EA group (n = 10 in each group). The PCOS model was established by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (1 mg/100 g, 10 mg/mL) for 8 weeks. EA (2 Hz) was applied to "Zhongwan" (CV 12) , "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) or "Housanli" (ST 36) for 30 min, once daily (except weekends) for 5 weeks. Serum testosterone (T) , sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and fasting serum insulin (FINS) contents were detected by ELISA, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were assayed by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and xanthine oxidation (XTO) methods, respectively, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was determined by roche glucose meter. In addition, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and modified B cell function index (MBCI) were calculated. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, serum T, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, and serum MDA levels were significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.01), while serum SHBG, MBCI and SOD levels were considerably decreased in the model group (P < 0.01). Following EA treatment, all the increased serum T, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, and serum MDA levels, and the decreased serum SHBG, MBCI and SOD levels were reversed obviously (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: EA treatment may normalize insulin sensitivity, ameliorate insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in PCOS rats, probably by regulating the function of pancreatic islets ß cell and by reducing oxidative stress and free androgen.

[Effect of Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction on mRNA and protein expression of PCNA, StAR, and FSHR in ovarian granulosa cells cultured by excess androgen].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction (YZD) on mRNA and protein expression of PCNA, StAR, and FSHR in ovarian granulose cells (GCs) cultured by excess androgen. METHODS: Ovarian GCs from porcine follicles were isolated and cultured in vitro. Follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) or YZD was added in the GCs treated by excess testosterone propionate. Totally 48 h later mRNA and protein expression of PCNA, StAR, and FSHR were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Excess androgen inhibited mRNA and protein expression of PCNA, StAR, and FSHR of GCs. FSH and YZD could antagonize inhibition of excess androgens, and promote mRNA and protein expression of PCNA, StAR, and FSHR in GCs. CONCLUSION: YZD could antagonize the inhibition of excess androgen on mRNA and protein expression of PCNA, StAR and FSHR in GCs. Thus, we inferred that YZD could improve the follicle dysplasia by promoting mRNA and protein expression of PCNA, StAR and FSHR in GCs.

Effectiveness of abdominal acupuncture for patients with obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of abdominal acupuncture at the endocrine and metabolic level in patients with obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Eighty-six women from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College with a diagnosis of PCOS (body-mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to receive 6 months of abdominal acupuncture (once a day) or oral metformin (250 mg three times daily in the first week, followed by 500 mg three times daily thereafter). BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), ovarian volume, menstrual frequency, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and Ferriman-Gallwey score were measured at the beginning of the study and after 6 months of treatment. Luteotrophic hormone (LH), testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), fasting blood glucose, 2-hour Postprandial blood glucose, fasting insulin, 2-hour postprandial blood insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were also assessed. RESULTS: According to the results at baseline and 6 months, BMI, WHR, Ferriman-Gallwey score, ovarian volume, luteotrophic hormone, ratio of luteotrophic hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, LDL-C, triglycerides, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, fasting insulin, 2-hour postprandial blood insulin, and HOMA-IR were reduced significantly in the two groups (p<0.05). Menstrual frequency and HDL-C (p<0.05) increased significantly in both groups; follicle-stimulating hormone also increased in both groups, but the change was not significant (p>0.05). The acupuncture group showed considerable advantages over the metformin group in terms of reduced BMI and WHR and increases in menstrual frequency (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Abdominal acupuncture and metformin improved the endocrine and metabolic function of patients with obesity-type PCOS. Abdominal acupuncture may be more effective in improving menstrual frequency, BMI, and WHR, with few adverse effects.

[Effects of Yangling Zhongyu Decoction on the secretion of ovarian granule cells in polycystic ovarian syndrome rat model].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Yangjing Zhongyu Decoction (YJZYD) on the serum estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), ovarian follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), steroid hormone acute regulator protein (StAR) mRNA expressions in female rats. METHODS: Fifty PCOS rats were equally divided into 5 groups, i. e., the control group (C, normal PNA rats), the model group (M), the low dose YJZYD group (Y1), the medium dose YJZYD group (Y2), and the high dose YJZYD group (Y3), 10 in each. The levels of serum hormones were detected using radioimmunoassay. The morphological changes of the ovary were observed using HE method. The expressions of FSHR, IGF-1, and StAR mRNA were detected using RT PCR. RESULTS: Compared with Group C, serum T and 17-OHP significantly increased (P < 0.01), E2 significantly decreased (P < 0.01), the expressions of FSHR, IGF-1, and StAR mRNA significantly decreased in Group M (P < 0.01). Compared with Group M, the serum T level significantly decreased (P < 0.01), 17-OHP decreased (P < 0.05), and E2 significantly increased in Group Y3 (P < 0.01). The expressions of FSHR, IGF-1, and StAR mRNA increased in Group Y1, Y2, and Y3. The increase was most obvious in Group Y3 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: YJZYD could lower the hyperandrogenemia of PCOS rats. It also could increase the ovarian expressions of FSHR, IGF-1, and StAR mRNA, improve the ovarian functions, and promote the follicular development.

[Effect of abdominal acupuncture therapy on the endocrine and metabolism in obesity-type polycystic ovarian syndrome patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of abdominal acupuncture on the endocrine and metabolic level in obesity-type polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. METHODS: Eighty-six PCOS patients were randomly and equally divided into medication group and abdominal acupuncture group. Patients of medication group were treated with metformin (250 mg/time, t.i. d. in the 1st week, and 500 mg/time, t.i.d. thereafter) for 6 months,and those of abdominal acupuncture group were treated by abdominal acupuncture [Zhongwan (CV 12), Liangmen (ST 21), etc., once daily for 6 months]. Changes of the body height, body Mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), Ferriman-Galleey score (FGS), menstrual frequency (MF) and ovarian volume (OV) were determined. Serum luteotrophic hormone (LH), free testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) contents were detected with radioimmunoassay. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FIN), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Homa insulin resistance index (IRI) were detected with chromatometry respectively. RESULTS: After the treatment, BMI, WHR, FGS and OV were reduced significantly in both medication and abdominal acupuncture groups (P < 0.05), while MF of the two groups increased evidently (P < 0.05), and the effects of abdominal acupuncture group were significantly superior to those of medication group in down-regulating BMI, WHR and upregulating MF (P < 0.05). Regarding the reproductive hormons, serum LH, LH/FSH and T levels in the two groups decreased significantly (P< 0.05), and the effect of abdominal acupuncture was superior to that of medication group in reducing serum T level (P < 0.05). Following the treatment, FBG, BG and FIN and INS contents 2 h after meal,and Homa IR in both medication and abdominal acupuncture groups all decreased considerably (P < 0.05), but without significant differences between them (P > 0.05). Regarding the blood lipid levels after the treatment, serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels of the two groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while serum HDL-C level increased remarkably (P<0.05), without significant differences between the two groups in these indexes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Abdominal acupuncture treatment can improve the endocrine and metabolic function of patients with obesity-type PCOS.

[Effect of total flavones from Cuscuta chinensis on expression of Th type-1/Th type-2 cytokines, serum P and PR in abortion rats model].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of TFCC on expression of Th type-1/Th type-2 cytokines and PR in rats abortion model, and observe the changes of serum P and PRL. METHODS: Early abortion rat model was established by Bromocriptine at 6-8 gestation day, the model rats were treated with high and low dosage of TFCC and the progesterone as the positive control. Progesterone and prolactin levels in the serum were measured by radioimmunoassay, the protein expression of PR was inspected by immunohistochemical, RT-PCR was applied to determine the expression of Thl/Th2 mRNA on deciduas. RESULTS: In the deciduas of model group, IL-4 and IL-10 cytokine contens were clearly lower than that of normal pregnancy group. The difference was notable(P < 0.05), In the deciduas of model group, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha cytokine contents were clearly higher than that of normal pregnancy group. The difference was notable (P < 0.05), TFCC could up-regulate the level of IL-4 and IL-10, and down-regulate the level of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, which could promote P secretion and up regulate PR mRNA expression on deciduas. CONCLUSION: TFCC can regulate endocrinologycal and immunological network equilibration on maternal-fetal face, finally achieve prevention abortion.

[Effect of total flavones from Cuscuta chinensis on expression of Fas/FasL, PCNA and HB-EGF in SD rats model with bromocriptine-induced abortion].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of total flavones from cuscuta chinensis (TFCC) on expression of Fas, PCNA and HB-EGF in SD rats model with bromocriptine-induced abortion. METHODS: The model rats of bromocriptine during 6-8 d of pregnancy induced early abortion was established, adopting respectively herbs in high and low dosage and progesterone affect model rat and after 12 d, Immunohistochemical was applied to determine Fas, HB-EGF and PCNA in deciduas and placenta. RESULTS: Expression of PCNA on trophoblast and deciduas, HB-EGF on trophoblast, PR on deciduas in the model used Semen cuscutae flavonoid, proesterone and normal pregnacy, were significantlly higher than those of the pure model. Expression of Fas on trophoblast and deciduas in above four groups, were significantlly lower than those of the pure model. There were no expression of HB-EGF on deciduas. CONCLUSION: TFCC regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of the deciduas and cytotrophoblasts and prevents spontaneous abortions.