This study was conducted to evaluate the biological activities of Pueraria lobata (PL) on menopause-related metabolic diseases and to explore the underlying mechanism of PL by network pharmacological analyses. We used ovariectomized (OVX) rats as a postmenopausal model and administered PL at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). In OVX rats, decreased uterine weights and PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma) mRNA expression in the thigh muscle were significantly recovered after PL administration. PL also significantly alleviated OVX-induced increases in total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT) levels. To identify the systems-level mechanism of PL, we performed network pharmacological analyses by predicting the targets of the potential bioactive compounds and their associated pathways. We identified 61 targets from four potential active compounds of PL: formononetin, beta-sitosterol, 3’-methoxydaidzein, and daidzein-4,7-diglucoside. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that among female sex hormone-related pathways, the estrogen signaling pathways, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, oxytocin signaling pathways, and prolactin signaling pathways were associated with multiple targets of PL. In conclusion, we found that PL improved various indicators associated with lipid metabolism in the postmenopausal animal model, and we also identified that its therapeutic effects are exerted via multiple female sex hormone-related pathways.

This study develops the Korean version of the Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Productivity Cost Questionnaire (iPCQ) through translation/cultural adaptation and evaluation of psychometric properties. We included 110 outpatients visiting a gynecology clinic. We conducted the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the iPCQ, including forward and back-translation, pilot test with cognitive debriefing, and finalization. We analyzed the feasibility (using average time of filling in the iPCQ and the proportion of missing values), test–retest reliability (using the intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC]), and validity (concurrent validity with the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment [WPAI] and construct validity with the 36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36], using Spearman’s ρ). The Korean version of iPCQ showed appropriate feasibility (average filling in time was 5.0 min without missing values), and had excellent values in the domains of absenteeism, presenteeism, and unpaid work for test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.92–0.99). For concurrent validity, the Korean version of iPCQ showed moderate–high correlation for absenteeism and presenteeism with the WPAI. All domains of productivity losses measured by the Korean version of iPCQ showed negative correlation with the quality of life estimated by the SF-36. Through this study, we developed a Korean instrument that can measure and value health-related productivity losses including unpaid work as well as absenteeism and presenteeism.

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Yeosinsan, an herbal formula composed of roots of Paeonia lactiflora and tubers of Cyperus rotundus, was reported as a possible anti-inflammatory and pro-fertility drug. However, the safety of Yeosinsan has not yet been previously investigated. The possible acute and chronic oral toxicity of Yeosinsan was estimated using female and male Sprague Dawley rats. During the administration period, rats were monitored for mortality, body weight changes, food intake, clinical signs, and gross findings. Hematological analysis, serum biochemistry analysis, urinalysis, organ weight measurement, and histopathological examination were also conducted after sacrifice. Acute and chronic oral administration of Yeosinsan did not result in any signs of toxicity in the animals during the observation period. However, in the histopathological examination, several significant changes were observed in the stomach and spleen. In the high‑dose group, extramedullary hematopoiesis and increased pigmentation in the spleen and squamous cell hyperplasia in the forestomach were observed. In conclusion, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of the test material, Yeosinsan, was estimated at 1000 mg∙kg−1∙d−1 for both male and female rats. Therefore, our data suggest that Yeosinsan might be safe to use for treating female infertility.