Lichong decoction inhibits micro-angiogenesis by reducing the expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in hysteromyoma mouse model.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the efficacy of Lichong decoction (LD) from Traditional Chinese Medicine, on micro-angiogenesis in a mouse model of hysteromyoma.

METHODS:

A mouse model of hysteromyoma was developed by orthotopic intrauterine injection of primary human myoma cells isolated from patients from the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital into CB-17 Scid mice. Mice were administered high-dose LD, low-dose LD, mifepristone or water (control) daily by gavage for 4 weeks. Uterine diameter and coefficient (uterine weight/body weight) were measured. Uterine morphology was assessed by light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin) and transmission electron microscopy. Serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Uterine protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, CD31 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immunohistochemistry. VEGF and HIF-1α mRNAs were quantified by RT-PCR.

RESULTS:

High-dose LD, low-dose LD and mifepristone reduced uterine diameter and coefficient, and attenuated the morphologic abnormalities associated with hysteromyoma. High-dose LD, low-dose LD and mifepristone inhibited hysteromyoma-induced micro-angiogenesis, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of new microvessels co-immunostaining for CD31 and PCNA (P < 0.01). High-dose LD and mifepristone lowered serum levels of estradiol, progesterone and LH (P < 0.05). High-dose LD, low-dose LD and mifepristone down-regulated HIF-1α mRNA and protein expressions and VEGF mRNA expression (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION:

The inhibition of hysteromyoma by LD may involve reductions in HIF-1α and VEGF expression and suppression of micro-angiogenesis.

• Authors: Wenna Wang, Wufang Zhang, Donghua Li, Ruiya Qian, Lijuan Zhu, Yu Liu, Chao Chen
• Journal: Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan (J Tradit Chin Med) Vol. 40 Issue 6 Pg. 928-937 (12 2020) ISSN: 2589-451X [Electronic] China
• PMID: 33258344 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal
• Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inducing Agents (administration & dosage)
• Animals
• Disease Models, Animal
• Drugs, Chinese Herbal (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit (genetics, metabolism)
• Mice
• Myoma (drug therapy, genetics, metabolism, physiopathology)
• Neovascularization, Pathologic
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (genetics, metabolism)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (genetics, metabolism)