Baicalein Ameliorates Chronic Stress-Mediated Ovarian Dysfunction by Upregulating the Expression of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid B2 Receptor

Background:The aim of this study is to assess the effect of baicalein on chronic stress-mediated ovarian dysfunction in a mouse model.Methods:Forty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups as follows:the normal saline group(control,n=10),the daily stress group(daily stress,n=10),the baicalein group(baicalein,n=10),and the daily stress+baicalein group(daily stress+baicalein,n=10).For the daily stress model,we used a restricted stress model.Baicalein(10 mg/kg)was administered by gavage every day,and control mice received normal saline equivalently.Biopsy specimens were harvested after 4 weeks.Measurement of norepinephrine(NE)in serum was performed to assess the psychological stress level of the mice.In addition,histological changes of the uterus and ovaries and the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)in serum were assessed to evaluate changes in ovarian function.To detect the underlying mechanisms of the amelioration of baicalein in chronic stress-mediated ovarian dysfunction,immunohistochemical methods,and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were applied to determine the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)receptors.Results:Compared with values in the control group,serum NE concentrations were significantly increased(P<0.001),AMH concentrations were markedly decreased(P<0.01),the thickness of the endometrium was clearly reduced,and the percentage of atretic follicles was significantly increased in the daily stress group(P<0.001),indicating that the chronic stress model was successfully established.In contrast,compared with values in the daily stress group,serum NE concentrations were significantly reduced(P<0.001),AMH concentrations were significantly enhanced(P<0.05),the thickness of the endometrium was clearly increased,and the percentage of atretic follicles was significantly reduced(P<0.001)in the daily stress+baicalein group,indicating that baicalein clearly attenuated the ovarian dysfunction mediated by chronic stress.Moreover,the expression of the GABAB2 receptor in the daily stress group was significantly reduced(P<0.01).In contrast,treatment with baicalein resulted in increased expression of the GABAB2 receptor(P<0.01).Conclusions:Treatment with baicalein ameliorates the enhancing effect of chronic stress on ovarian dysfunction,and the mechanism can be attributed,in part,to the increased expression of the GABAB2 receptor.

The experience in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency with rule of thirds theory

To summarize the clinical experience of professor Luo Zhijuan in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency(POI).It is believed that the main pathogenesis of POI is kidney deficiency.On the basis of"tonifying the kidney".We advocate the"Rule of Thirds Theory"which is to treat POI according to different stages,menstrual cycles and syndromes,the prescription can be flexibly added or decreased.And make good use of cream prescription,to ping for a period of time,the curative effect is obvious.

Discussion on Relationship Between Meridians and Viscera of Decreased Ovarian Reserve from the Perspective of"Preventive Treatment of Disease"by Acupuncture

Based on extensive historical data,clinical experience,and modern scientific research,we discuss the relationship between meridians and viscera of decreased ovarian reserve(OR)from the perspective of"preventive treatment of disease"by acupuncture.It is believed that the endogenous protection mechanism of acupuncture in"preventive treatment of disease"lies in harmonizing Yin and Yang and dredging meridians;stimulating righteousness and rejecting the evil outside;preventing disease;co-cultivating body and spirit,and regulating emotions.The incidence ofOR dysfunction is closely related to the uterus-related meridians and viscera.The mechanism of acupuncture treatment of OR dysfunction may be related to reproductive endocrine hormone levels,ovarian tissue morphology,immune system,granulosa cell apoptosis,and related signal transduction pathways.The clinical effect of acupuncture treatment of diminished OR is reflected in improving menstruation and ovulation;improving OR function,promoting pregnancy;improving local ovarian microenvironment;improving negative emotions,improving quality of life,and thus affecting pregnancy outcomes.This article summarizes the mechanism of action and clinical effect of acupuncture in the treatment of decreased OR function based on recent findings,analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of acupuncture in the treatment of disease,and provides the rationale for the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of decreased OR function.