Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39933394›Full record

ArticleTranslational oncology2025

Chaihu Shugan San and Zuogui Yin synergistically improve premature ovarian failure in a rat model via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Fei Zhang, RuiFang Liu, ZhenLing Xu, WenJie Chen, XiYa Lu, Yang Wang

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Translational oncology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Fei ZhangFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China.
RuiFang LiuFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China. Electronic address: 1220105001@fjtcm.edu.cn.
ZhenLing XuFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China. Electronic address: 623510248@qq.com.
WenJie ChenFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China. Electronic address: 2905529931@qq.com.
XiYa LuFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China. Electronic address: 1181016916@qq.com.
Yang WangFujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 350122, China. Electronic address: wyfjtcm@126.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundpremature ovarian failure (POF) is a significant condition characterized by the early loss of ovarian function, often leading to infertility and other health complications. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations, such as Chaihu Shugan San and Zuogui Yin, have been used to address various gynecological disorders. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Chaihu Shugan San, Zuogui Yin, and their combination on POI in a rat model and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

methodsIn this study, a premature ovarian failure (POF) rat model was established using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with cyclophosphamide injections. Rats were treated with Chaihu Shugan San, Zuogui Yin, or their combination. Key outcomes, including ovarian granulosa cell proliferation, follicular integrity, and hormonal levels (FSH and E2), were assessed. Histopathological changes in ovarian tissue were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, while apoptosis was detected through immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis of proteins such as Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase3, and Caspase9. The activity of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was quantified using Western blot, and statistical significance was determined (P < 0.05).

resultsThe results showed that all three treatments significantly improved ovarian function in the POF rat model. Compared to the model group, Chaihu Shugan San, Zuogui Yin, and their combination increased granulosa cell proliferation (P < 0.01), reduced follicular atresia (P < 0.05), and normalized hormone levels (FSH: reduced by 36.5 %; E2: increased by 42.8 %, P < 0.05). Histopathological analysis confirmed preserved follicular structure and reduced apoptosis in treated groups. Western blot results revealed enhanced PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activity, with upregulated Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.01), downregulated Bax expression (P < 0.01), and decreased Caspase3 and Caspase9 levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, CyclinD2 and P70S6 K expression were significantly increased in treated groups, suggesting enhanced cell cycle progression and protein synthesis.

conclusionChaihu Shugan San, Zuogui Yin, and their combination exhibit potential efficacy as treatments for POF in rats by enhancing granulosa cell proliferation, preserving follicular integrity, and inhibiting apoptosis. These therapeutic effects are mediated through the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and regulation of apoptosis-related proteins. This study highlights the importance of further exploring apoptosis-related pathways to understand the therapeutic mechanisms of these TCM formulations, providing a foundation for new clinical strategies to manage POF and related reproductive health issues.

Indexed as

ApoptosisChaihu Shugan SanHistopathologyPI3K/Akt/mTOR pathwayPremature ovarian failureRat modelZuogui Yin

Identifiers

PMID39933394
PMCPMC11869595

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.