Effect of Total Flavones from Cuscuta Chinensis on Anti‐Abortion via the MAPK Signaling Pathway

Abstract

For centuries, the Chinese herb Cuscuta chinensis has been applied clinically for abortion prevention in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Total flavones extracted from Cuscuta chinensis (TFCC) are one of the active components in the herb and also display anti-abortion effect similar to the unprocessed material. However, how TFCC exerts the anti-abortion effect remains largely unknown. In this study, we aim at characterizing the anti-abortion effects of TFCC and its underlying molecular mechanism in vitro and in vivo using human primary decidua cells and a mifepristone-induced abortion model in rat, respectively. The damage to the decidua caused by mifepristone in vivo was reversed by TFCC treatment in a dosage-dependent manner. High dosage of TFCC significantly upregulated the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in decidua tissue but downregulated the expression of p-ERK. Furthermore, we detected higher level of p-ERK and p-p38 in primary decidua cells from spontaneous abortion while treatment by TFCC downregulated their expression. Our results suggest TFCC mediates its anti-abortion effect by interfering with MAPK signaling pathway.

Influence of Bushen Tiaochong Cycle Therapy on Th1/Th2 Deviation, Sex Hormone Level, and Pregnancy Outcome of Alloimmune Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

“…was mixed with dodder, cistanche deserticola, parasitic loranthus, raspberry, and other drugs that have kidney-warming and antimiscarriage effects and hormone-like effects. It can effectively maintain the function of the corpus luteum, increase the level of hormones in the body, and promote the endometrium from the proliferation phase to the secretory phase, which will ultimately help in the union of sperm and eggs and a smooth implantation of the fertilized eggs [ 11 ]. During menstruation, if the patient's egg cells are not conceived, the corpus luteum gradually shrinks, hormone secretion drops sharply, and periodic ischemic necrosis of the endometrium occurs and peels off [ 12 ].…”

The Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shoutai Pill Combined with Western Medicine in the First Trimester of Pregnancy in Women with Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…It includes Chinese Dodder Seed as the main herb, supplemented by Chinese Taxillus Twig, Himalayan Teasel Root, and Donkey-hide Glue, playing the role of nourishing kidney and promoting generation of essence and blood to maintain a successful pregnancy preservation [ 28 ]. Among them, pharmacological studies have shown that the flavonoid components contained in Chinese Dodder Seed have estrogen-like function, which can improve reproductive endocrine function [ 49 ]; Alkaloids in Himalayan Teasel Root can inhibit uterine smooth muscle contraction and fight oxytocin [ 50 ]; flavonoid glycoside in Chinese Taxillus Twig has the action similar to progesterone which can supplement the insufficiency of endocrine function of patients [ 51 ]; and Donkey-hide Glue has a powerful function of enriching blood, exhibiting good effects in activating blood flow and eliminating blood stasis to significantly promote blood microcirculation [ 52 ], all of them affirm the important roles of Shoutai Pill in the treatment of URSA with no significant adverse effects found [ 53 ]. In summary, these herbal medicines can be used to improve the pregnancy outcome in the first trimester of pregnancy in women with URSA.…”

“…It includes Chinese Dodder Seed as the main herb, supplemented by Chinese Taxillus Twig, Himalayan Teasel Root, and Donkey-hide Glue, playing the role of nourishing kidney and promoting generation of essence and blood to maintain a successful pregnancy preservation [28]. Among them, pharmacological studies have shown that the flavonoid components contained in Chinese Dodder Seed have estrogen-like function, which can improve reproductive endocrine function [49]; Alkaloids in Himalayan Teasel Root can inhibit uterine smooth muscle contraction and fight oxytocin [50]; flavonoid glycoside in Chinese Taxillus Twig has the action similar to progesterone which can supplement the insufficiency of…”

Systems Pharmacology-Based Research on the Mechanism of Tusizi-Sangjisheng Herb Pair in the Treatment of Threatened Abortion

“…Accordingly, for the similar pathogenesis between RAS and TA, the role of the MAPK signal pathway could also be considered by affecting the invasion and proliferation of trophoblast cells and DSCs even though there is no direct evidence. The total flavones of Cuscutae Semen were found to be effective in suppressing abortion by inhibiting MAPK pathways [ 69 ], indicating the potential mechanism of the herb pair Tusizi-Sangjisheng treating TA.…”