Inhibition of Fibroblast Activation by Components of Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii in A Rat Model of Uterine Leiomyoma

Abstract Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) often uses Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii (RCRS) ，the natural herbs for the treatment of UL. RCRS has been shown to be effective in the treatment of UL in our previous study. This study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which RCRS inhibits fibroblast activation protein (FAP) activation and prevents uterine leiomyoma in rats. Methods: The SD rat model of uterine leiomyoma was established by estrogen and progesterone load combined with external stimulation. Subsequently, histological analyses, enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assays, western blotting were performed to evaluate the effect of the drug on uterine leiomyoma and its mechanism. Results: Our data showed that treatment of rats with RCRS significantly reduced the expression of FAP, TGF-β (the FAP activating factor), and significantly decreased the phosphorylation of cell proliferation pathway-related signaling factors AKT/MEK/ERK, as well as the expression of the extracellular matrix component collagen. Conclusions: Our results showed that RCRS is very effective in prevention and treatment of uterine leiomyoma in rats, and RCRS may exert its actions by inhibiting the activation of tumor-associated fibroblasts, inhibiting the cell proliferation, and improving tumor extracellular matrix.

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Inhibition of Fibroblast Activation in Uterine Leiomyoma by Components of Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.650022 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Yewen Feng ◽

Yumin Zhao ◽

Yao Li ◽

Teng Peng ◽

Yu Kuang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽

Uterine Leiomyoma ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Sprague Dawley ◽

External Stimulation ◽

Fibroblast Activation ◽

Rhizoma Curcumae ◽

Design And Methods

Background: The herbs Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii (RCRS) are often used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma (UL). The effectiveness of RCRS for the treatment of UL has been confirmed in our previous studies.Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which RCRS inhibits the activation of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and prevents UL in rats.Study Design and Methods: A Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model of UL was established via estrogen and progesterone load combined with external stimulation. Histological analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and western blotting were performed to evaluate the effect of RCRS on UL and elucidate its mechanism of action.Results: Our data showed that the treatment of SD rats with RCRS significantly reduced the expression of extracellular matrix component collagen, FAP, and transforming growth factor beta (a FAP-activating factor) and the phosphorylation of the cell proliferation pathway-related signaling factors AKT/MEK/ERK.Conclusion: Our results suggest that RCRS is effective in the prevention and treatment of UL in rats, and RCRS may exert its functions by inhibiting the activation of tumor-associated fibroblasts and cell proliferation and by improving the tumor extracellular matrix.

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