Neuroprotective Effects of Bushen Decoction Against Glutamate-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells

Aim The enhanced effect of Bushen (Kidney-tonifying) decoction (BS) oncultured PC12 cell proliferation and its antagonistic action on neurotoxicity induced by glutamatewere investigated by serum pharmacological method of the Chinese material medica (CMM) in vitro.Methods The effect of BS on cultured PC12 cell activity and its antagonistic action on neurotoxicityinduced by glutamate was observed by MTT method. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopetechniques were employed to observe the antagonistic effect of BS on early period apoptosis of PC12cells induced by glutamate. Results The serum with BS was able to enhance activity of PC12 cells andexert antagonistic effect on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, these beneficial effectsproduced by BS were found to be the strongest in 20% concentration of in serum BS. Moreover, it caninhibit apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by glutamate , which occurs in the early period. ConclusionBS may exert a potential neuroprotective effect.

Jianpi Qingchang Bushen decoction improves inflammatory response and metabolic bone disorder in inflammatory bowel disease-induced bone loss

BACKGROUND Bone loss and osteoporosis are commonly described as extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Jianpi Qingchang Bushen decoction(JQBD)is a prescription used in clinical practice.However,further studies are needed to determine whether JQBD regulates the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)(RANK)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL)/osteoprotegerin(OPG)pathways and could play a role in treating IBD-induced bone loss.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effect of JQBD in IBD-induced bone loss and explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS An IBD-induced bone loss model was constructed by feeding 126-to-8-wk-old interleukin-10(IL-10)-knockout mice with piroxicam for 10 d.The mice were randomly divided into model and JQBD groups.We used wild-type mice as a control.The JQBD group was administered the JQBD suspension for 2 wk by gavage,while the control and model groups were given normal saline at the corresponding time points.All mice were killed after the intervention.The effect of JQBD on body weight,disease activity index(DAI),and colon length was analyzed.Histopathological examination,colon ultrastructure observation,and micro-computed tomographic scanning of the lumbar vertebrae were performed.The gene expression of NF-κB,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the colon was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Colon samples were assessed by Western blot for the expression of RANKL,OPG,RANK,and NF-κB proteins.RESULTS The model group lost body weight,had a shorter colon,and showed a dramatic increase in DAI score,whereas JQBD had protective and therapeutic effects.Treatment with JQBD significantly improved inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced crypt abscess and ulcer formation.Threedimensional imaging of the vertebral centrum in the model group revealed a lower bone mass,loose trabeculae,and“rod-shaped”changes in the structure compared to the control group and JQBD groups.The bone volume/total volume ratio and bone mineral density were significantly lower in the model group than in the control group.JQBD intervention downregulated the NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 m RNA expression levels.The RANKL and OPG protein levels were also improved.CONCLUSION JQBD reduces inflammation of the colonic mucosa and inhibits activation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway,thereby reducing osteoclast activation and bone resorption and improving bone metabolism.

Effect of Acupuncture and Jianpi Bushen Decoction on Ovarian Function and Metabolic Disorders in Patients with PCOS

Objective:To study the effects of acupuncture combined with Jianpi Bushen Decoction on ovarian function and metabolic disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A total of 100 PCOS patients admitted in our hospital from October 2018-January 2020 were selected,and the patients were divided into the Jianpi Bushen Decoction group and the combined group with 50 patients each according to a completely random method.The patients in the Jianpi Bushen Decoction group were given Jianpi Bushen Decoction;the combined group was given acupuncture on the basis of the Jianpi Bushen Decoction group.Detection of follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),testosterone(T),pituitary prolactin(PRL),estradiol(E2),fasting insulin(FIN),fasting blood glucose(FBG),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),triglyceride Ester(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),endometrial thickness,ovarian volume,number of ovarian sinus follicles,C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT).Statistical treatment is effective.Results:After treatment,FSH,T,PRL,FIN,FBG,HOMA-IR,TG,TC and LDL-C were lower in Jianpi Bushen Decoction group,and E2 and HDL-C levels were higher than Jianpi Bushen Decoction group(P<0.05).The endometrial thickness of the combined group was higher than that of Jianpi Bushen Decoction group,and the ovarian volume and the number of ovarian sinus follicles were lower than that of Jianpi Bushen Decoction group(P<0.05).The levels of CRP and PCT in the combination group were lower than those in the Jianpi Bushen Decoction group(P<0.05).The total effective rate of patients in combination group was higher than that in Jianpi Bushen Decoction group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with Jianpi Bushen Decoction has significant therapeutic effects on patients with PCOS,effectively improves patients'ovarian function,improves endocrine and metabolic disorders,and reduces inflammatory reactions,which deserves clinical promotion.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Bushen Huoxue decoction in the treatment of Osteoporosis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the long-term efficacy of Bushen Huoxue Decoction combined with vertebroplasty(PVP or PKP)in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCF),in order to provide evidence-based reference for clinical application.Methods:To ensure the novelty of research data,a computer search was conducted between 2017 and February 2023 to publicly publish all randomized controlled studies and clinical trials at home and abroad on the treatment of OVCF with Bushen Huoxue Decoction combined with vertebroplasty published in CNKI,Wanfang,Vip,PubMed,CBM,and Cochrane libraries.Two researchers independently conducted literature screening and data extraction,evaluated the quality of randomized controlled trials included one by one according to the Cochrane collaboration network standards,and conducted a meta statistical analysis using RevMan5.3 for studies that met the inclusion criteria.Results:A total of 684 patients were included in 7 randomized controlled trials,including 342 patients in the observation group and 342 patients in the control group,with a ratio of 1:1;The meta-analysis results showed that in the observation group,the overall effective rate[RR=1.30,95%CI(1.14,1.47),P<0.001],visual analog pain(VAS)score[SMD=1.19,95%CI(0.77,1.61),P<0.0001],bone mineral density score[SMD=1.09,95%CI(0.15,2.04),P=0.02],COQOL score[SMD=0.99,95%CI(0.68,1.30),P<0.00001],OPG score[SMD=0.48,95%CI(0.18,0.77),P=0.002]The RANKL score[SMD=1.33,95%CI(1.00,1.65),P<0.0001]was significantly superior to the control group,with statistically significant differences.There was no significant difference in the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score[SMD=0.27,95%CI(-0.03,0.57),P=0.08],Cobb score[SMD=1.52,95%CI(-1.05,4.09),P=0.25],and vertebral height score[SMD=0.43,95%CI(-0.14,1.01),P=0.14].Conclusion:The results show that Bushen Huoxue Decoction combined with vertebroplasty has significant advantages in improving bone mineral density and alleviating pain in patients after OVCF,which is significantly superior to using OVCF alone.

Protective effects of Bushen Tiansui decoction on hippocampal synapses in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Bushen Tiansui decoction is composed of six traditional Chinese medicines：Herba Epimedii,Radix Polygoni multiflori,Plastrum testudinis,Fossilia Ossis Mastodi,Radix Polygalae,and Rhizoma Acorus tatarinowii.Because Bushen Tiansui decoction is effective against amyloid beta（Aβ） toxicity,we hypothesized that it would reduce hippocampal synaptic damage and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer＇s disease.To test this hypothesis,we used a previously established animal model of Alzheimer＇s disease,that is,microinjection of aggregated Aβ25–35 into the bilateral brain ventricles of Sprague-Dawley rats.We found that long-term（28 days） oral administration of Bushen Tiansui decoction（0.563,1.688,and 3.375 g/m L;4 m L/day） prevented synaptic loss in the hippocampus and increased the expression levels of synaptic proteins,including postsynaptic density protein 95,the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2 B subunit,and Shank1.These results suggested that Bushen Tiansui decoction can protect synapses by maintaining the expression of these synaptic proteins.Bushen Tiansui decoction also ameliorated measures reflecting spatial learning and memory deficits that were observed in the Morris water maze（i.e.,increased the number of platform crossings and the amount of time spent in the target quadrant and decreased escape latency） following intraventricular injections of aggregated Aβ25–35 compared with those measures in untreated Aβ_（25–35）-injected rats.Overall,these results provided evidence that further studies on the prevention and treatment of dementia with this traditional Chinese medicine are warranted.

Clinical application of Bushen Jianpi Gutai Decoction in threatened abortion

Objective:To discuss the clinical application of the"seven,five and three"odd-numbered law theory and analyze the effect on serum sex hormone level.Methods:A total of 100 patients with early threatened abortion admitted from January 2021 to October 2021 were randomly divided into study group and control group,with 50 patients in each group.Patients in the control group were treated with dydrogesterone tablets,while patients in the study group were treated with Bushen JianpiGutai Decoction combined with dydrogesterone tablets.Clinical efficacy and progesterone level before and after treatment were observed and compared between the two groups,as well as clinical symptom relief time of the two groups,including hemostasis time,abdominal pain relief time and lumbar acid relief time,and sex hormone level of the two groups were observed and compared.Results:The clinical efficacy was significantly better than control patients(P<0.05),no significant difference in progesterone level comparison before treatment(P>0.05),significantly better than control patients(P<0.05),hemostasis,abdominal pain remission and waist acid remission were significantly shorter than control patients(P<0.05),and both significantly better sex hormone levels after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine has certain advantages in the treatment of threatened abortion,odd-numbered law theoryguidesthe regulation of Yin and Yang in the female menstrual cycle and reproductive function is mainly the regular change of Yin and Yang.Under the guidance of"seven,five,three"odd-numbered law theoryof Traditional Chinese medicine master Xia Guicheng,master the key date and the best time of its transformation,regulate Yin and Yang in the female body,to prevent the occurrence and development of menstrual diseases and adverse childbirth.Bushen Jianpi Gutai decoction can effectively treat threatened abortion,significantly improve the clinical symptoms,improve the level of serum sex hormone,worthy of clinical promotion.

Bushen Huoxue decoction(补肾活血汤)improves the reproduction of endometriosis-associated infertility by regulating Homeobox A10 and αlpha(v)beta(3)integrin expression

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of Bushen Huoxue decoction( 补肾活血汤, BSHXD) to treat endometriosis-induced infertility. MEDHODS: The main compounds of BSHXD were determined by high performance liquid chromatographymass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS). The effect of BSHXD on Homeobox A10(HOXA10) and alpha(v)beta(3)(αvβ3) integrin expression of Ishikawa cells, mouse model, and endometriosis-associated infertility women was evaluated by using Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and Real-Time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RTq PCR). The efficacy of BSHXD on embryo attachment were examined by using the Be Wo spheroid and mouse embryo attachment assay. HOXA10 concentration in uterine flushing fluid of endometriosis-associated infertility women treated with BSHXD was measured by EnzymeLinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS: BSHXD improved Be Wo spheroid and mice blastocysts attachment to Ishikawa cells and increased embryo implantation rates in mice and pregnancy rates in women with endometriosis-associated infertility. BSHXD enhanced HOXA10 and αvβ3 integrin expression in Ishikawa cell, endometriosis mouse model, and endometriosis-associated infertility women, which potentially improved endometrial receptivity. CONCLUSIONS: BSHXD could improve endometrial receptivity of endometriosis-associated infertility in a dosedependent manner by regulating HOXA10 and αvβ3 integrin expression.

Modulation of synaptic damage by Bushen Tiansui Decoction via the PI3K signaling pathway in an Alzheimer’s disease model

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Bushen Tiansui Decoction(补肾填髓方,BSTSD)and its active component icariin on Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Methods(i)Animal experiments.This study conducted experiments using specific pathogen-free(SPF)grade male C57BL/6J wild-type(WT)mice and APP/PS1 double transgenic mice.The animals were divided into three groups:WT group(WT mice,n=5,receiving distilled wa-ter daily),APP/PS1 group(APP/PS1 double transgenic mice,n=5,receiving distilled water daily),and BSTSD group[APP/PS1 double transgenic mice,n=5,treated with BSTSD suspen-sion at a dosage of 27 g/(kg·d)for 90 d].Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris wa-ter maze(MWM).Post-experiment,hippocampal tissues were collected for analysis of pyra-midal cell and synaptic morphology through hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and transmis-sion electron microscopy(TEM).(ii)Cell experiments.The HT-22 cells were divided into con-trol group(untreated),Aβ_(25-35) group(treated with 20μmol/L Aβ_(25-35) for 24 h),icariin group(pre-treated with 20μmol/L icariin for 60 min,followed by 20μmol/L Aβ_(25-35) for an additional 24 h),and icariin+LY294002 group[treated with 20μmol/L icariin and 20μmol/L LY294002(an inhibitor of the phosphoinostitide 3-kinases(PI3K)signaling pathway)for 60 min,then exposed to 20μmol/L Aβ_(25-35) for 24 h],and cell viability was measured.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of synapse-associated proteins[synaptophysin(SYP)and post-synaptic density-95(PSD-95)]and PI3K signaling pathway associated proteins[phosphorylat-ed(p)-PI3K/PI3K,p-protein kinase B(Akt)/Akt,and p-mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR)/mTOR].Results(i)Animal experiments.Compared with APP/PS1 group,BSTSD group showed that escape latency was significantly shortened(P<0.01)and the frequency of crossing the origi-nal platform was significantly increased(P<0.01).Morphological observation showed that pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region were arranged more regularly,nuclear stain-ing was uniform,and vacuole-like changes were reduced after BSTSD treatment.TEM showed that the length of synaptic active zone in BSTSD treatment group was increased com-pared with APP/PS1 group(P<0.01),and the width of synaptic gap was decreased(P<0.01).(ii)Cell experiments.Icariin had no obvious toxicity to HT-22 cells when the concentration was not more than 20μmol/L(P>0.05),and alleviated the cell viability decline induced by Aβ_(25-35)(P<0.01).Western blot results showed that compared with Aβ_(25-35) group,the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR in icariin group were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the protein expression levels of SYP and PSD-95 were increased(P<0.01).These effects were blocked by LY294002(P<0.01).Conclusion BSTSD and icariin enhance cognitive function and synaptic integrity in AD mod-els and provide potential therapeutic strategies through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Effects of Bushen Yiqi Huoxue Decoction in Treatment of Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of Bushen Yiqi Huoxue Decoction BYHD)in patients with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR).Methods:A total of 180 patients with DOR diagnosed from December2013 to December 2014 were equally assigned into progynova and duphaston(E+D)group,Zuogui Pill group and BYHD group with 60 cases in each by computerized randomization.Patients received E+D,Zuogui Pill or BYHD for 12 months,respectively.Follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E_(2)),anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH),antral follicle count(AFC),ovarian volume,endometrial thickness,and the resistance indices(Rls)of ovarian arteries and uterine arteries were observed before and after treatment.Results:Nine women(4 from the E+D group,3 from the Zuogui Pill group,and 2 from the BYHD group)withdrew from the study.After 6 months,Zuogui Pill and BYHD significantly decreased FSH and LH and increased endometrial thickness and AMH(all P<0.01),BYHD also resulted in E2 elevation(P<0.05),ovary enlargement(P<0.05),AFC increase(P<0.01),and RI of ovarian arteries decrease(P<0.05).After 12 months,further improvements were observed in the Zuogui Pill and BYHD groups(all P<0.01),but BYHD showed better outcomes,with lower FSH,larger ovaries and a thicker endometrium compared with the Zuogui Pill group(all P<0.01).However,E+D only significantly increased endometrial thickness(P<0.01)and no significant improvements were observed in the RI of uterine arteries in the three groups.Conclusions:BYHD had a favorable therapeutic effect in patients with DOR by rebalancing hormone levels,promoting ovulation,and repairing the thin endometrium.The combination of tonifying Shen(Kidney),benefiting qi and activating blood circulation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for DOR.

Effect of Bushen Huoxue Decoction(补肾活血饮) on the Orphan Receptor and Tyrosine Hydroxylase in the Brain of Rats with Parkinson's Disease

Objective：To explore the effect of Bushen Huoxue Decoction（补肾活血饮,BHD） on the orphan receptor（Nurr1） and tyrosine hydroxylase（TH） in the brain of rats with Parkinson＇s disease（PD）.Methods：One hundred and twenty SD rats were divided into 100 in the model group and 20 in the normal control group,fifty-eight SD rats from the model group,established into PD model successfully by injuring their substantia nigra （SSN） with 6-hydroxydopamine,were divided equally into the model group and the test group,and they were treated with saline and BHD,respectively,for eight successive weeks.The change in the rats＇ behavior before and after treatment was observed by counting the cycles of rotation induced by apomorphine injection; the pathology of neurons,level of Nurr1 mRNA expression,and amount of TH positive cells in SSN were observed after treatment.Results：The rats＇ behavior was improved in the tested group significantly,the rotation cycle after treatment being 84.0±20.0 cycles/40 min,which was significantly lower than that in the model group（377.0±62.3 cycles/40 min,P〈0.01）.Besides,the Nurr1 mRNA expression and TH positive cell in the test group were 0.97±0.15 and 49.40±14.72,respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the model group,0.22±0.03 and 5.45±2.58,respectively（all P〈0.01）.Conclusion：BHD could treat PD by enhancing the Nurr1 mRNA expression,increasing the TH content in brain,and promoting the repairing of injured neuron in cerebral SSN.

Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer after Failure of Second-Line Treatment May Benefit from Low-Dose Apatinib and S-1 Combined with Jianpi Bushen Jiedu Decoction

Objective: To evaluate the effect and safety of low-dose of apatinib and S-1 combined with Jianpi Bushen Jiedu Decoction(JBJD) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC) who have failed second or above lines treatment, in order to provide more treatment option for mCRC patients by integrated medicine. Methods: Thirteen patients were selected from a single-arm, open-label clinical study from April 2019 to September 2020. The patients were treated with low-dose apatinib(250 mg, once a day) and S-1(20 mg, twice a day) combined with JBJD for at least one cycle and were followed up to August 2021. The primary endpoint was disease progression-free survival(PFS). Disease control rate(DCR), objective response rate(ORR), and overall survival(OS) of patients were observed as the secondary endpoints. Adverse events were recorded as well. Results: The average age of the 13 patients was 56.5±13.0 years and 76.9% were male. The median PFS and median OS were 4.6 and 8.3 months, respectively. The ORR was 7.7%(1/13) while the DCR was 61.5%(8/13). The common adverse events were hypertension, proteinuria, elevated transaminase, and thrombocytopenia. One patient experienced thrombocytopenia of grade 3. Conclusions: Patients with mCRC after failure of the second or above lines of treatment may potentially benefit from the treatment of low-dose apatinib and S-1 combined with JBJD because of its similar effect as the standard dose of target therapy and relatively better safety.(Registration No. ChiCTR1900022673)

Efficacy of Bushen Culuan decoction(补肾促卵方)on ovarian follicle and follicular granulosa cells in mice with premature ovarian insufficiency induced by tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective efficacy of Bushen Culuan decoction补肾促卵方,BCD)on ovarian follicle and follicular granulosa cells in mice with premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)induced by tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside,and to study the potential mechanism underlying the action.METHODS:Eighty female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=20 each):blank group,model group,Bushen Culuan decoction intervening group(BCD group)and estradiol valerate intervening group(EV group).In the first 14 model establishing d,mice in model group,BCD group and EV group were under Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside(TWP)gavage to establish POI models.In the 14-day therapeutic stage,mice in BCD group were taken BCD 18.35 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),mice in EV group were taken EV solution 0.15 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),while mice in blank group and model group were taken normal saline.When the mice accomplished therapy,whole blood was collected for serum hormone including follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteal hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),antimullerian hormone(AMH)levels and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),bone morphogenetic protein-7(BMP-7)measurement.Ovarian tissues were harvested for morphologic observation,follicle counting,ovarian follicular graulosa cell apoptosis test and testing BMP-7 and caspase-3 expressions.RESULTS:The body weights of the mice kept growing stably in the process expect in TWP intervening stage.Compared with model group,BCD group had significantly higher ovarian index,serum E_(2),AMH,VEGF,BMP-7 levels and significantly lower FSH level(P<0.05).Meanwhile the VEGF level in BCD group was higher than in EV group(P<0.05).Compared with model group,the histopathological damage and GCs apoptosis were mitigated;developing follicle counting,BMP-7 expression were up-regulated,and caspase-3 expression was downregulated in BCD groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:BCD treatment could attenuate pathological process in POI ovaries,suppress GC apoptosis,probably through promoting BMP-7 expression and following inhibiting caspase-3 activation.

Effect of Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction on Salivary Secretion, Spleen Index, Submandibular Gland Index, Submandibular Gland Histomorphology, and aqp5 Expression in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse Model

Objective:The objective of this study was to observe the effect of Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction on the spleen index,submandibular gland index,salivary secretion,submandibular gland morphology,and aquaporin 5(AQP5)expression levels in the submandibular gland.Materials and Methods:Fifty 8-week-old nonobese diabetic(NOD)female mice were randomly divided into the following five groups:model;hydroxychloroquine;and high-,medium-,and low-dose Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction prescription.The blank group consisted of ten 8-week-old Balb/C rats.Bushen Yuyin Qingre Decoction was administered by gavage at 20,40,and 80 g/kg in the low-,medium-,and high-dose groups,respectively.The hydroxychloroquine group was administered hydroxychloroquine at a dose of 80 mg/kg by gavage.The normal and model groups were administered the same amount of saline.After the different administrations,the amount of salivary secretion in the mice was regularly observed.After 12 weeks,the mice were sacrificed,and their submandibular gland tissues were excised,stained with hematoxylin-eosin,and pathologically scored.AQP5 expression levels in the tissues were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results:The spleen index of mice in the high-dose group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05),and the submandibular gland index of the hydroxychloroquine group and all the Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction prescription groups was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05).After 6 weeks,the salivary volume of the hydroxychloroquine group and all the Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction prescription groups was significantly higher than that of the model group(P<0.05);the amount of lymphocyte infiltration in mice among each administration group was significantly reduced(P<0.05);and the AQP5 expression levels in the submandibular glands of mice had significantly increased in the hydroxychloroquine and high-dose groups(P<0.05),with the high-dose group showing the best effect.Conclusion:Bushen Qingre Yuyin Decoction can effectively increase the spleen and submandibular gland indexes of NOD mice,increase the amount of salivary secretion,reduce lymphocyte infiltration in submandibular gland tissue,and significantly increase AQP5 expression levels,which may be positively correlated with the administered dose.

Effect of Traditional Chinese Herbs Combined with Low Dose Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Applied in Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer

Objective： To assess embryo implantation rate （IR） and pregnancy rate （PR） in women who received Bushen Wengong Decoction （补肾温宫汤, BSWGD）, a Chinese herbal formula, combined with low dose of human menopausal gonadotropin （hMG） prior to frozen-thawed embryo transfer （FET）. Methods： A total of 262 subjects （674 transferred embryos） who received FET were analyzed retrospectively. In them, 122 women were under 30 years old, 106 between 30-35 years and 32 over 35 years. The 85 subjects with normal ovulation were assigned to Group A, the natural menstruation cycling group, on whom no pre-transfer treatment was applied. The other 177 subjects with abnormal ovulation were assigned to Group B, and subdivided, according to the pre-transfer treatment they received, into three groups, Group B1 （50 cases） received BSWGD, Group B2 （58 cases） received hMG and Group B3 （69 cases） received both BSWGD and low dose hMG. The IR and PR of FET in the four groups were compared time on PR of FET were compared also. Besides, the influencing factors and the effect of the embryo cryoto FET were analyzed. Results： IR and PR were significantly higher in all age sects of Group B3 than those in Group A, showing significant difference （ P〈0.05）. IR and PR in subjects in age sects of 〈30 years and 〉 35 years in group B3 were significantly higher than those in Group B1 （ P〈0.05）, but no significant difference was shown in the two parameters between Group B 2 and Group B3 （P〉0.05）. PR in the subjects who received embryos with cryo-time of 〉 200 days was significantly lower than that in those with cryo-time of ~ 100 days （P〈0.05）. Embryo cryo-time, endometrial thickness, use of BSWGD and use of hMG were of significance in FET （ P〈 0.05）. Conclusion： A programmed cycle of BSWGD combined with low dose of hMG could improve the embryo IR and PR of FET. Embryo cryo-time, endometrial thickness, and the use of BSWGD and hMG are of significance for FET.