Catechins from oolong tea improve uterine defects by inhibiting STAT3 signaling in polycystic ovary syndrome mice

Abstract

Background It is showed that inflammation is causative factor for PCOS, leading to a decline in ovarian fertility. Previous studies have reported that tea consumption can reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer. We speculate that catechins from oolong tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) may have a potential therapeutic effect on PCOS. This study aims to investigate the effects of oolong tea catechins on the uterus of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice induced by insulin combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Methods Sixty female mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 10): model, model + Metformin 200 mg/kg, model + catechins 25 mg/kg, model + catechins 50 mg/kg, and model + catechins 100 mg/kg. Another forty female mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): control, control + catechins 100 mg/kg, model, and model + catechins 100 mg/kg. Ovarian and uterine weight coefficients, sex hormone levels, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, and ovarian and uterine pathology were examined. Changes in NF-κB-mediated inflammation, MMP2 and MMP9 expressions, and STAT3 signaling were evaluated in the uterus of mice. Results Catechins could effectively reduce the ovarian and uterine organ coefficients, reduce the levels of E2, FSH and LH in the blood and the ratio of LH/FSH, and improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in PCOS mice induced by insulin combined with hCG. In addition, catechins could significantly down-regulated the expression of p-NF-κB p65 in the uterus and the protein expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). The expressions of mmp2 and mmp9 associated with matrix degradation in uterine tissue were also significantly down-regulated by catechins. Further, catechins significantly reduced the expression of p-STAT3 and increased the expression of p-IRS1 and p-PI3K in the uterus of PCOS mice. Conclusion Catechins from oolong tea can alleviate ovarian dysfunction and insulin resistance in PCOS mice by inhibiting uterine inflammation and matrix degradation via inhibiting p-STAT3 signaling.

Tea and tea drinking: China’s outstanding contributions to the mankind

“… Other health functions include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anxiety reduction, cognitive enhancement, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-COVID-19 activities, etc. It has been found that catechins from oolong tea can improve the ovarian functions in polycystic ovary syndrome mice [ 182 ] …”

“…It has been found that catechins from oolong tea can improve the ovarian functions in polycystic ovary syndrome mice [ 182 ]…”

“…7. It has been found that catechins from oolong tea can improve the ovarian functions in polycystic ovary syndrome mice [182] Some matters needing attentions when drinking tea 1. Tea may affect the therapeutic effects and absorption of some medicine [183,184].…”

Role of Herbal Teas in Regulating Cellular Homeostasis and Autophagy and Their Implications in Regulating Overall Health

“…Catechins of oolong tea alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in mice induced by insulin combined with human chorionic gonadotropin. The catechins reduced E2, FSH, and LH levels in the blood and the ratio of LH/FSH, downregulated MMP-2, MMP-9, and p-NF-κB p65 in the blood the uterus and improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance [ 157 ]. Signal networking analysis has shown the potential links of several genes, including NF-κB activation and autophagy-related genes during PCOS.…”

Nutrition Strategy and Life Style in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—Narrative Review

“…Individualized treatment remains the main approach, but grouping the phenotypes and following therapeutic recommendations may also prove to be clinically suitable. Precise recommendations should be implemented long before metabolic complications occur, which is particularly important for women with PCOS as they are predisposed to developing endometrial and ovarian cancer [ 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, the therapeutic approaches aimed at using anti-inflammatory remedies in supplementing and supporting anticancer therapy are crucial.…”