Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi Decoction attenuates polycystic ovary syndrome through regulating kisspeptin-GPR54-AKT-SHBG system.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrine disorders. Accumulated evidence has suggested the indispensable role of kisspeptin-G protein-coupled receptor (GPR54) system and SHBG in development of PCOS. However, potential mechanisms and their relationship are unclear. Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (JWBZYQ) has been reported to ameliorate obese PCOS. Whereas, potential mechanisms remain elusive. PURPOSE: To determine whether JWBZYQ attenuates PCOS by regulating the kisspeptin-GPR54 system and SHBG production. And to explore potential mechanisms. METHODS: An overweight PCOS rat model was developed with testosterone propionate (TP) and high-fat diet (HFD). The efficacy of JWBZYQ was assessed by tracking changes in weight, estrous cycle, ovarian morphology, and serum sex hormone levels. Additionally, kisspeptin-GPR54 system expression in multiple organs and PI3K-AKT pathway activity in liver of different rats were detected. Modifications in SHBG production were also measured. Kisspeptin54 was administered to establish a cellular model. The levels of AKT phosphorylation and SHBG protein within HepG2 cells were analyzed. Finally, confirmatory studies were performed using AKT phosphorylation activator and inhibitor. RESULTS: JWBZYQ effectively attenuated the overweight, disrupted estrous cycle, altered sex hormone levels, and aberrant ovarian morphology in PCOS rats. Meanwhile, PCOS rats exhibited elevated levels of kisspeptin and GPR54, along with reduced SHBG levels, which could be reversed by JWBZYQ. These alterations might be connected with the activation of AKT phosphorylation. In vitro experiment identified that JWBZYQ could rectify the hyperactivated AKT phosphorylation and deficient production of SHBG caused by kisspeptin54. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpressed kisspeptin-GPR54 system inhibited SHBG synthesis in PCOS. JWBZYQ curtailed the exorbitant expression of kisspeptin and GPR54, which moderated the rise in AKT phosphorylation and subsequently promoted the production of SHBG.

Role of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 in obesity-related metabolic disorders: Research progress and implications.

Obesity has become a major global problem that significantly confers an increased risk of developing life-threatening complications, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are enzymes that catalyse the methylation of target proteins. They are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and regulate transcription, splicing, cell metabolism and RNA biology. As a key, epigenetically modified enzyme, protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is involved in obesity-related metabolic processes, such as lipid metabolism, the insulin signalling pathway, energy balance and inflammation, and plays an important role in the pathology of obesity-related metabolic disorders. This review summarizes recent research on the role of PRMT1 in obesity-related metabolic disorders. The primary objective was to comprehensively elucidate the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of PRMT1. Moreover, this study attempts to review the pathogenesis of PRMT1-mediated obesity-related metabolic disorders, thereby offering pivotal information for further studies and clinical treatment.

Bushen Huoxue recipe ameliorates ovarian function via promoting BMSCs proliferation and homing to ovaries in POI mice.

BACKGROUND: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a tricky puzzle in the field of female reproductive medicine. Bushen Huoxue recipe (BHR), a traditional Chinese medicine compound based on the combination of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating functions, has shown excellent efficacy in improving female irregular menstruation, POI, and infertility. However, the potential mechanism of BHR in POI treatment has not yet been elucidated. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), a type of pluripotent stem cells, have received increasing attention for their significant role in improving ovarian function and restoring fertility in women with POI. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of BHR in POI mice and explore its potential mechanism. METHODS: A POI mouse model was established with a single intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CTX). Distilled water, BHR, or dehydroepiandrosterone was administered via gavage for 28 consecutive days. The effect of BHR on ovarian function in POI mice was evaluated by assessing the estrous cycle, ovarian morphology, follicular development, hormone levels, and angiogenesis. The proportion of BMSCs in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and ovary was analyzed via flow cytometry, and the level of molecules mediating migration and homing in ovary was measured. Cell viability assays, scratch healing assays and transwell migration assays were performed to explore the effect of BHR on BMSCs proliferation and migration in vitro, and its potential mechanism was explored. RESULTS: BHR significantly ameliorated estrous cycle disorders, hormone disorders, ovarian morphology, ovarian microvascular formation, and ovarian reserve in POI mice. Meanwhile, the number of BMSCs number in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and ovary was apparently increased. Of note, BHR increased the level of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/cellular mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (cMET) and stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in the ovaries of POI mice. Moreover, BHR treatment promoted BMSCs proliferation and migration in vitro, with a significant increase in the level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cMET, and CXCR4. CONCLUSIONS: BHR effectively restored ovarian reserve, ovarian function, and ovarian angiogenesis in CTX-induced POI mice. In addition, BHR promoted BMSCs proliferation, migration, and homing to the ovary, which was mediated by the SDF-1/CXCR4 and HGF/cMET signaling axis. Finally, the amelioration of ovarian reserve and ovarian function in CTX-induced POI mice by BHR may be related to its promotion of endogenous BMSCs proliferation and homing.

New insights into the interaction between polycystic ovary syndrome and psychiatric disorders: A narrative review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disease characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and ovarian polycystic changes, which combines with reproductive problems, metabolic disorders, and psychological disorders to exhibit a far-reaching impact on the physical and mental health of women. We reviewed previous research and discovered that psychiatric disorders are more common in PCOS patients and their children, potentially exacerbating the condition and creating a vicious loop. To understand the reasons, relevant articles were collected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines from PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, through December 2022. Evidence suggested that PCOS-related clinical manifestations, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, obesity, gut dysbiosis, and other variables may increase the risk of psychiatric disorders in patients. In turn, psychiatric disorders may aggravate the pathologic process of PCOS and increase the difficulty of the treatment. We systematically reported the mechanisms underlying the psychiatric disorders-PCOS interactions, intending to provide potential ways to break the vicious cycle and lay the groundwork for future research. However, research on PCOS and psychiatric disorders were still in initial stages, which limited the scope of this review. More studies are needed to further verify our findings.

Bushen Antai recipe alleviates embryo absorption by enhancing immune tolerance and angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface via mobilizing MDSCs in abortion-prone mice.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a tricky puzzle that disturbs female reproduction worldwide. According to previous research, Bushen Antai recipe (BAR), a classic Chinese herbal formula widely used in clinic for miscarriage, exhibited multifaceted benefits in improving embryo implantation and attenuating early pregnancy loss. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a set of immunoregulatory cells critical in inflammation balance, get growing attention for their indispensable role in successful pregnancy. PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of BAR in abortion-prone mice and explore the potential mechanisms of BAR regarding MDSCs. METHODS: RPL mice (CBA/J females paired with DBA/2 males, BALB/c males were used as the control) were administered with BAR1 (5.7 g/kg), BAR2 (11.4 g/kg), progesterone (P4), or distilled water from embryo day (D) 0.5 until D10.5. The rate of embryo absorption on D10.5 and the health status of progeny were measured. The systemic inflammatory states and the placenta-uterus milieu were assessed by serum cytokine levels, placenta-uterus architecture, and related protein expression at the maternal-fetal interface. Flow cytometry analysis was carried out to measure the frequency of MDSCs. Furthermore, we established the MDSCs-depletion mouse model by using C57BL/6 females mated with BALB/c males via intraperitoneal injection of anti-Gr-1 antibody on D6.5, while irrelative LTF antibody was used as the control. Similarly, BAR1, BAR2, P4, or distilled water was separately applied. Embryo absorption rate, systemic inflammatory states, placenta-uterus milieu, and MDSCs frequency were evaluated as mentioned above. RESULTS: Significantly, embryo absorption rate was increased with disrupted placenta-uterus milieu and exorbitant proinflammatory cytokines in RPL mice, meanwhile, MDSCs number in the placenta-uterus unit were apparently reduced (⁎⁎⁎p < 0.001). BAR treatment markedly alleviated the poor conditions above and increased MDSCs number (####p < 0.0001). Flow cytometry analysis validated the efficacy of anti-Gr-1 antibody and the raised embryo absorption rate confirmed the essentiality of MDSCs in normal pregnancy (⁎⁎p < 0.01). Besides, the placenta-uterus milieu was destroyed, accompanied by the impaired expression of immune tolerance and angiogenesis related factors in the MDSCs-depletion mice. Even though, BAR treatment reversed the embryo resorption phenotype and optimized the serum cytokine milieu, mobilizing MDSCs and rejuvenating active intercellular communication. Thereby, BAR facilitated the expression of MDSCs-related functional molecules, promoting immune tolerance and vascular remodeling at the placenta-uterus unit. CONCLUSION: We unfurled the remarkable therapeutic ability of BAR in abortion-prone mice, and this was achieved by mobilizing MDSCs, thus favoring immune tolerance and angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface.

Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi decoction ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome via oocyte-granulosa cell communication.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (JWBZYQ), from records of FuqingzhuNvke, is a classical formula for treating obese women related infertility. JWBZYQ has been shown to be effective in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in both clinical studies and practical practice, with the pharmacological mechanism remaining unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the potential therapeutic effects and mechanistic insights of JWBZYQ in PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An overweight PCOS rat model was established via testosterone propionate (TP) injection and 45% high-fat diet (HFD). Then they were categorized into five distinct groups: Control group, Model group, low-dose of JWBZYQ (JWBZYQ1) group, high-dose of JWBZYQ (JWBZYQ2) group, and metformin (Met) group. Body weight, estrous cycle, and sex hormone levels were observed. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was employed to investigate the histological characteristics of the ovaries. To identify the pathways that changed significantly, transcriptome analysis was performed. The protein and mRNA levels of key molecules in ovarian zona pellucida (ZP) organization, transzonal projections (TZPs) assembly, steroid hormone receptors, and steroidogenesis were assessed using phalloidin staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that regulation of hormone secretion, cilium assembly, cell projection assembly, and ZP production may all have crucial impact on the etiology of PCOS and therapeutic effect of JWBZYQ. In particular, PCOS rats exhibited elevated expressions of ZP1-3, which can be reversed by JWBZYQ2 particularly. Simultaneously, TZPs assembly was totally disrupted in PCOS rats, evidenced by the phalloidin staining, upregulated calcium-/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II beta (CaMKIIß), and deficient p-CaMKIIß, myosin X (MYO10), proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2), and Fascin. Nonetheless, JWBZYQ or metformin treatment revived the disturbance, repairing the oocyte-granulosa cell communication, regulating steroidogenesis in PCOS rats. In this way, JWBZYQ and metformin exerted remarkable effects in alleviating altered ovarian morphology and function in PCOS rats, with JWBZYQ2 revealing the best effect. CONCLUSIONS: JWBZYQ restored the altered ovarian morphology and function by regulating the oocyte-granulosa cell communication, which was related with ZP organization and TZPs assembly in the ovary.

The application of organoid models in research into metabolic diseases.

Metabolic diseases have become a major threat to human health worldwide as a result of changing lifestyles. The exploration of the underlying molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and the development of improved therapeutic methods have been hindered by the lack of appropriate human experimental models. Organoids are three-dimensional in vitro models of self-renewing cells that spontaneously self-organize into structures similar to the corresponding in vivo tissues, recapitulating the original tissue function. Off-body organoid technology has been successfully applied to disease modelling, developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and tumour precision medicine. This new generation of biological models has received widespread attention. This article focuses on the construction process and research progress with regard to organoids related to metabolic diseases in recent years, and looks forward to their prospective applications.

Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics: invisible killers of female fertility and offspring health.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emergent pollutants, which have sparked widespread concern. They can infiltrate the body via ingestion, inhalation, and cutaneous contact. As such, there is a general worry that MPs/NPs may have an impact on human health in addition to the environmental issues they engender. The threat of MPs/NPs to the liver, gastrointestinal system, and inflammatory levels have been thoroughly documented in the previous research. With the detection of MPs/NPs in fetal compartment and the prevalence of infertility, an increasing number of studies have put an emphasis on their reproductive toxicity in female. Moreover, MPs/NPs have the potential to interact with other contaminants, thus enhancing or diminishing the combined toxicity. This review summarizes the deleterious effects of MPs/NPs and co-exposure with other pollutants on female throughout the reproduction period of various species, spanning from reproductive failure to cross-generational developmental disorders in progenies. Although these impacts may not be directly extrapolated to humans, they do provide a framework for evaluating the potential mechanisms underlying the reproductive toxicity of MPs/NPs.

Gut Microbiota and Critical Metabolites: Potential Target in Preventing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an intractable issue that negatively impacts the quality of pregnancy. The incidence of GDM is on the rise, becoming a major health burden for both mothers and children. However, the specific etiology and pathophysiology of GDM remain unknown. Recently, the importance of gut microbiota and related metabolic molecules has gained prominence. Studies have indicated that women with GDM have significantly distinct gut microbiota and gut metabolites than healthy pregnant women. Given that the metabolic pathways of gut flora and related metabolites have a substantial impact on inflammation, insulin signaling, glucose, and lipid metabolism, and so on, gut microbiota or its metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, may play a significant role in both pathogenesis and progression of GDM. Whereas the role of intestinal flora during pregnancy is still in its infancy, this review aims to summarize the effects and mechanisms of gut microbiota and related metabolic molecules involved in GDM, thus providing potential intervention targets.

Opportunities and challenges: interleukin-22 comprehensively regulates polycystic ovary syndrome from metabolic and immune aspects.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known as a prevalent but complicated gynecologic disease throughout the reproductive period. Typically, it is characterized by phenotypic manifestations of hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary morphology, and persistent anovulation. For now, the therapeutic modality of PCOS is still a formidable challenge. Metabolic aberrations and immune challenge of chronic low-grade inflammatory state are significant in PCOS individuals. Recently, interleukin-22 (IL-22) has been shown to be therapeutically effective in immunological dysfunction and metabolic diseases, which suggests a role in the treatment of PCOS. In this review, we outline the potential mechanisms and limitations of IL-22 therapy in PCOS-related metabolic disorders including its regulation of insulin resistance, gut barrier, systemic inflammation, and hepatic steatosis to generate insights into developing novel strategies in clinical practice.

Cuyun Recipe ameliorates pregnancy loss by regulating macrophage polarization and hypercoagulable state during the peri-implantation period in an ovarian hyperstimulation mouse model.

BACKGROUND: The Chinese herbal prescription Cuyun Recipe (CYR) has been widely used to treat clinical infertility and has shown good efficacy. Animal experiments have shown that CYR can promote implantation in mice, however, the exact mechanism underlying the implantation has not been elucidated. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of CYR on regulating macrophage polarization and hypercoagulability during the peri-implantation period in mice with ovarian hyperstimulation. METHODS: An ovarian hyperstimulation mouse model was developed, followed by treatment with CYR. Mice were sacrificed on day (D)4.5, D6, or D8 of gestation. The number of implantation sites, the pathological changes of the uterus and ovaries were assessed. The polarization of monocytes/macrophages in the spleen and endometrium, the expression and localization of cytokines were further detected. Furthermore, analyses of hypercoagulable state of the blood were also performed. RESULTS: Treatment with CYR increased the average number of implantation sites, promoted angiogenesis in endometrial, and regulated monocytes/macrophages and the cytokine levels. Moreover, CYR downregulated the overexpression of D-dimer and fgl2 after ovarian hyperstimulation. CONCLUSION: CYR facilitates embryo implantation by alleviating ovarian hyperstimulation, promoting endometrial decidualization and angiogenesis, regulating macrophage polarization, and reversing the hypercoagulable state of the blood.

Effect of acupuncture on the opening time of implantation window and endometrial receptivity in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats during peri-implantation period.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of acupuncture for improving the pregnancy rate of COH rats from the viewpoint of regulating the opening time of the implantation window and endometrial receptivity. Methods: Experimental rats were randomly divided into normal group (N), model group (M) and acupuncture group(A), and samples were collected on Day 4, 5 and 6 after mating. COH rats were treated with acupuncture at SP6, LR3, and ST36 once a day for 7 times. The pinopodes were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured via ELISA. The protein and mRNA levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), integrin ß3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in the endometrium were evaluated via West-blot, immunohistochemistry, and PCR. Results: Compared with group N, the pregnancy rate of group M was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the abnormal serum hormone levels and implantation window advancement were observed. Compared with group M, the pregnancy rate of group A was significantly increased (P<0.05), the supraphysiological serum progesterone levels were restored to normalcy (P<0.05), and the advanced implantation window was restored to a certain extent. Further, the abnormal ER, PR, LIF, integrin ß3, VEGF, and FGF-2 expression levels of the endometrium got recovered to varying degrees. Conclusion: Acupuncture may restore the estrogen and progesterone balance in COH rats and the forward shift of the implantation window to a certain extent, improving the endometrial receptivity and finally improving the pregnancy rate of COH rats.

Letrozole Compared With Clomiphene Citrate for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of letrozole and clomiphene citrate in women with infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: MEDLINE through PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant studies from inception to February 1, 2022. Two reviewers retrieved, filtered, and extracted data independently using the bibliographic software EndNote X9 and Excel workbook. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting ovulation induction outcomes in women with infertility and PCOS treated with either letrozole or clomiphene citrate followed by timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination. The data were merged into a mean difference or risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI, depending on variable types. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Data collection and organization were conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) statement. Twenty-nine RCTs were eligible, which included 3,952 women and 7,633 ovulation induction cycles. We acquired evidence from 22 RCTs for the ovulation rate, 28 RCTs for the clinical pregnancy rate, and eight RCTs for live-birth rate. Pooled analysis indicated that letrozole treatment prevailed against clomiphene citrate in ovulation rate (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.21, P <.001), clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.34-1.63, P <.001), and live-birth rate (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27-1.74, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Letrozole was associated with improved ovulation, pregnancy, and live-birth rates compared with clomiphene citrate. We recommend letrozole over clomiphene citrate as an ovulation induction drug in women with infertility and PCOS, although the quality of the evidence is mixed. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42022308777.

Network and experimental pharmacology on mechanism of Si-Wu-tang improving ovarian function in a mouse model of premature ovarian failure induced by cyclophosphamide.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Si-Wu-Tang (SWT) has become a common basic prescription for supplementing blood and regulating menstruation, and enjoys the reputation of "the first prescription in gynecology". It is often reported in the treatment of premature ovarian failure (POF). However, knowledge of its specific mechanism is still limited. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to identify the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of SWT on POF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After confirming the therapeutic effect of SWT on POF mice induced by cyclophosphamide, we further clarified the promoting effect of SWT on ovarian follicle development by detecting the expression of key factors related to follicle development in the ovary in different ways.Then, network pharmacology and gene expression profiling of POF from the GEO database were used to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Molecular biology and molecular docking analysis were applied for final mechanism verification. RESULTS: Our results showed that SWT increased body weight, ovarian index, reversed disordered serum hormone levels, and menstrual cycle in POF mice. After SWT treatment, the number of follicles at all levels in mice with POF also recovered. Using molecular biology techniques, it was proven that SWT can improve follicle development and angiogenesis in the microenvironment. The network pharmacology and gene expression profiling from the GEO database indicated that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may be the reason why SWT improves ovarian function in mice with POF. Subsequently, further Western blot and immunoprecipitation indicated that SWT indeed inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mice with POF. In addition, this conclusion was further confirmed by molecular docking experiments. CONCLUSIONS: SWT can improve ovarian function in POF mice induced by cyclophosphamide, and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Corrigendum: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in premature ovarian failure: Mechanisms and prospects.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997808.].

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in premature ovarian failure: Mechanisms and prospects.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a common female reproductive disorder and characterized by menopause, increased gonadotropin levels and estrogen deficiency before the age of 40 years old. The etiologies and pathogenesis of POF are not fully clear. At present, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the main treatment options for POF. It helps to ameliorate perimenopausal symptoms and related health risks, but can't restore ovarian function and fertility fundamentally. With the development of regenerative medicine, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have shown great potential for the recovery of ovarian function and fertility based on the advantages of abundant sources, high capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, low immunogenicity and less ethical considerations. This systematic review aims to summarize the possible therapeutic mechanisms of BMSCs for POF. A detailed search strategy of preclinical studies and clinical trials on BMSCs and POF was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase database. A total of 21 studies were included in this review. Although the standardization of BMSCs need more explorations, there is no doubt that BMSCs transplantation may represent a prospective therapy for POF. It is hope to provide a theoretical basis for further research and treatment for POF.

Present and Future: Crosstalks Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Gut Metabolites Relating to Gut Microbiota.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease, affecting 8%-13% of the females of reproductive age, thereby compromising their fertility and long-term health. However, the pathogenesis of PCOS is still unclear. It is not only a reproductive endocrine disease, dominated by hyperandrogenemia, but also is accompanied by different degrees of metabolic abnormalities and insulin resistance. With a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis, more small metabolic molecules, such as bile acids, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids, have been reported to be involved in the pathological process of PCOS. Recently, the critical role of gut microbiota in metabolism has been focused on. The gut microbiota-related metabolic pathways can significantly affect inflammation levels, insulin signaling, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and hormonal secretions. Although the abnormalities in gut microbiota and metabolites might not be the initial factors of PCOS, they may have a significant role in the pathological process of PCOS. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota and disturbance of gut metabolites can affect the progression of PCOS. Meanwhile, PCOS itself can adversely affect the function of gut, thereby contributing to the aggravation of the disease. Inhibiting this vicious cycle might alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. However, the role of gut microbiota in PCOS has not been fully explored yet. This review aims to summarize the potential effects and modulative mechanisms of the gut metabolites on PCOS and suggests its potential intervention targets, thus providing more possible treatment options for PCOS in the future.

MALDI-TOF-MS analysis in low molecular weight serum peptidome biomarkers for NSCLC.

OBJECTS: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death from cancer in the world. Screening new serum biomarkers is important for the early detection of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum peptide model between non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and healthy controls, as well as between paired pre- and postoperative NSCLC patients, and to find the low molecular weight (LMW) potential tumor markers for NSCLC. METHODS: 56 serum samples from NSCLC patients, 56 controls, and 20 matched pre- and postoperative patients were analyzed using magnetic-bead (MB)-based purification technique combined with MALDI-TOF-MS. To distinguish NSCLC from cancer-free controls, three models were established. Finally, comparing the three groups of serum protein fingerprints, nano-liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was used to further identify the differential peptides. RESULTS: Among the three models constructed, the GA model had the best diagnostic efficacy. Five differential peaks were screened by combining the case group, healthy controls, and postoperative group analysis, which were up-regulated in the case group and showed a tendency to return to healthy control values after surgery. The protein matching the mass spectrometry peak m/z 2953.73 was identified as fibrinogen α chain. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the application of MALDI-TOF-MS is a promising approach for the identification of potential serum biomarkers for NSCLC, which is potentially valuable for establishing a new diagnostic method for lung cancer. In addition, we found that fibrinogen α chain may be an auxiliary diagnostic indicator for NSCLC.

Si-Wu-Tang facilitates ovarian function through improving ovarian microenvironment and angiogenesis in a mouse model of premature ovarian failure.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a severe illness, characterized by premature menopause with a markedly decrease in ovarian function, which leads to infertility. Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), also called "the first prescription of gynecology" by medical experts in China, is widely used as the basic formula in regulating the menstrual cycle and treating infertility. However, the potential effect and underlying mechanisms of action of SWT on the treatment of POF have not yet been elucidated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanism of action of SWT on the treatment of POF in C57BL/6 mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The main compounds of SWT were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). POF model groups were established by a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (Cy, 100 mg/kg). SWT or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were administered via oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. Ovarian function and pathological changes were evaluated by hormone levels, follicular development, and changes in angiogenesis. Furthermore, statistical analyses of fertility were also performed. RESULTS: Treatment with SWT significantly improved estrogen levels, the number of follicles, antioxidant defense, and microvascular formation in POF mice. Moreover, SWT significantly activated the Nrf2/HO-1 and STAT3/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathways to promote angiogenesis, resulting in a better fertility outcome when compared to the model group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that SWT protected ovarian function of Cy-induced POF mice by improving the antioxidant ability and promoting ovarian angiogenesis, thereby providing scientific evidence for the treatment of POF using SWT.

[Clinical studies on acupuncture assisting in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a review and thoughts].

Acupuncture has a long history of application in the field of reproduction, and in the past 20 years, numerous clinical studies have been conducted to explore the value of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology. However, due to inconsistent research findings, there are still controversies over the clinical safety and efficacy of acupuncture in assisting in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), which may be closely associated with lacking of standardized treatment regimen in clinical trials of acupuncture. For that reason, this article reviews 16 representative clinical trials of acupuncture assisting IVF-ET published worldwide in 1999-2020, summarizes the grouping design, acupuncture method (acupuncture timing, acupuncture frequency, acupoints, and acupuncture types), and pregnancy outcome (pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and live birth rate), and discusses several key links in clinical protocol design, so as to provide references for future clinical research.