Effect of dietary administration of Chinese torreya nut on reproductive function in ICR female mice and its possible mechanism of action

Abstract

Chinese torreya nut (Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii) is a unique edible nut that grows in China, which is known for its ability to reduce blood lipids, prevent blood sclerosis, and coronary heart disease. However, its effect on reproduction is not well understood. In this study, the comprehensive effects of Chinese torreya nut on the sex hormones and endometrium in female mice and their uterine expression profiles were investigated. Here, feeding of mice with Chinese torreya nut resulted in a decrease in uterine coefficients and serum progesterone levels, thickening of the endometrium, and an increase in estrogen levels. The enrichment analyses indicated that the differentially expressed genes between the Chinese torreya nut addition and control mice were enriched in NOD‐like receptor signaling pathway, complement and coagulation cascades and p53 pathway. Quantitative real time PCR and western blot results showed that there were significant differences in the transcripts and protein expression of estrogen receptor alpha and progestogen receptor associated with G protein coupled estrogen receptor. These findings suggest that Chinese torreya nut may have a potentially beneficial effect on coordinating uterine contractions in mice, rendering it a promising functional food.