Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction alleviated hyperandrogenism in a letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome by inhibition of NF-κB activation

Abstract

Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SGD) has been widely used for the treatment of gynopathy. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of SGD on hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats. In the present work, SGD was orally administrated to the PCOS rats at the dose of 12.5, 25, and 50 g/kg/d for 14 consecutive days. UPLC–MS/MS was performed to identify the main chemical components of SGD. Body weight, ovarian weight, cystic dilating follicles, and serum levels of steroid hormones were tested to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SGD. In order to further clarify the underlying mechanism, we also measured mRNA and the protein levels of NF-κB, NF-κB p65, P-NF-κB p65, and IκB by RT-qPCR and Western blotting techniques. Our results showed that SGD treatment significantly alleviated hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats as evidenced by reduced serum levels of T and increased E2 and FSH levels. In addition, SGD effectively reduced the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and increased the expression of IκB. Results of the present study demonstrated that SGD could ameliorate hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats, and the potential mechanism may relate to the NF-κB pathway.

Comparative pharmacokinetics and metabolites study of seven major bioactive components of Shaoyao‐Gancao decoction in normal and polycystic ovary syndrome rats by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

“…Under the pathological conditions of PCOS, the bioavailabilities of main bioactive components of SGD were affected by complex factors. As we all know, PCOS is associated with the abnormal hormones levels such as a decrease in the level of estrogen (has been proved by our previous research ). Estrogen can regulate the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes via estrogen receptor .…”

“…Modern studies have showed that the main bioactive compounds of SGD including monoterpene glucosides, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponins contribute a lot to the pharmacodynamic material basis in therapy of PCOS . Among these constituents, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhetinic acid, and glycyrrhizin are the most abundant phytochemicals and showed excellent pharmacological activities .…”

Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction Relieves Visceral Hyperalgesia in TNBS-Induced Postinflammatory Irritable Bowel Syndrome via Inactivating Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 and Reducing Serotonin Synthesis

“…It was reported that TNF- α can downregulate CD4 + T-cell response and IL-6 initiates maturation of Th2 cells from Th0; thus, the Th1/Th2 ratio maybe affected by these cytokines [ 21 ]. Our previous study demonstrated that SGD treatment could decrease the levels of TNF- α , IL-1 β , IL-6, and IL-18 [ 13 ]. Moreover, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, and oxypaeoniflorin, which are considered the main bioactive compounds of PA, were able to inhibit the expression of these inflammatory factors; that is, paeoniflorin reduced the expression of IL-1 β and TNF- α , and albiflorin suppressed the LPS-induced production of NO, IL-6, and TNF- α .…”

“…SGD was prepared as previously described [ 13 ]. Briefly, PA and GU were mixed and macerated in sterile double-distilled water (1 : 10, w/v) for 1 h and then decocted twice for 1 h each time.…”

“…Shaoyao-Gancao decoction (SGD), also known as Shakuyaku-Kanzo-to in Japan, is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription composed of Radix Paeoniae Alba ( Paeonialactiflora Pall. root; PA) and Glycyrrhiza uralensis ( Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., root and rhizome, honeyed; GU) at a ratio of 1 : 1 [ 13 – 15 ]. SGD exhibited excellent therapeutic efficacy in strengthening the spleen and soothing the liver [ 16 – 18 ].…”