Kuntai Capsule Inhibited Endometriosis via Inducing Apoptosis in a Rat Model

Abstract

We evaluated the effectiveness of Kuntai Capsule (KTC) for treating endometriosis using rat model and investigated its preliminary mechanism of action involved. SD rats were implanted with endometrial tissues and treated with KTC for three weeks. Then, laparotomy was performed to examine volume changes of the autografts. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, E2, and P4 were measured through ELISA. TUNEL was performed to analyze the apoptosis on ectopic endometrium. Protein levels of caspases 8, 9, and 3 and cytochrome c in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium were measured by western blotting. Results showed that KTC significantly decreased the volumes of ectopic endometrium. The level of TNF-α increased and E2 decreased in the KTC treatment groups. TUNEL and western blot assay showed that KTC could induce apoptosis of endometriotic tissues, accompanied with the increased protein expression of caspases 8 and 9, activated caspase-3, and cytochrome c in a dose-dependent manner. However, these protein expression profiles were not affected in eutopic endometrium. Our findings suggest that KTC could inhibit the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue through upregulating the level of TNF-α and its downstream signaling, including caspases and cytochrome c.

Molecular and Clinical Insights on the Complex Interaction between Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Endobiota in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

“…In this context, Li et al [38] showed that the upregulation of caspase-3 expression is concomitant with and correlated to the expression of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), which is also an important signal molecule in inflammatory response modulation. In addition, in a study of the potential beneficial effect of Kuntai Capsule (KTC) on apoptosis, Zhong et al [39] showed that the modulation of caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and cytochrome could promote apoptosis in the EMS tissues. However, the authors pointed that the positive effect of Kuntai Capsule formulation could be effective only on the ectopic EMS tissues, clearly suggesting the differences between the mechanisms underlying ectopic and eutopic apoptosis.…”

“…On the other hand, Zhong et al [39] also mentions the importance of traditional Chinese medicine known as the Kuntai Capsule on EMS pathogenesis by normalizing the expression of several pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators after three weeks of administration. Meldrum et al [41] demonstrated that the growth of ectopic endometrium could be sensitive to hormone stimulation.…”

Antibiotic Therapy and Vaginal Microbiota Transplantation Reduce Endometriosis Disease Progression in Female Mice via NF-κB Signaling Pathway

“…In another grouping scheme, 10 mice were divided into the C group, and 30 remaining endometriotic mice were divided into the M group ( n = 10), the leuprorelin acetate group [LA microspheres sustained-release (Livzon Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China) was injected subcutaneously at abdomen once ( 28 , 29 ), n = 10] and the VMT group ( n = 10).…”

A systematic review of the mechanistic actions of microRNAs within integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medical treatment for endometriosis

“…KTC is formulated with six herbs, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Coptidis Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Scutellariae Radix, Asini corii Colla, and Poria. Authors have suggested that KTC inhibits the growth of ectopic lesions by regulating the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and its downstream signaling molecules such as caspases and cytochrome c (40). These results provide some insights into the mechanisms by which KTC exerts its therapeutic effects on EM.…”