Shandong Science ›› 2024, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (5): 25-34.doi: 10.3976/j.issn.1002-4026.20240015

• Pharmacology and Toxicology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The molecular mechanisms by which Xinjia Cistanche Tusi Decoction promotes follicular development through mitophagy

YAN Jin1(), LI Fei2,*(), WU Keming3, YANG Haobo1   

  1. 1. School of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China
    2. Affiliated Hospital ofShaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712000, China
    3. Affiliated Hospital ofChengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, China
  • Received:2024-01-22 Online:2024-10-20 Published:2024-09-29
  • Contact: LI Fei E-mail:yanjin0106@163.com;13595024@qq.com

Abstract:

Using light chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), network pharmacology, and animal experiments, we explored the molecular mechanism by which Xinjia Cistanche Tusi Decoction (XJCRTST) promotes follicular development through granulosa cell mitophagy. LC-MS and network pharmacology were used to screen for the main components of XJCRTST and its therapeutic targets and pathways related to hypoovarianism. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: model group, western medicine group, and XJCRTST high dose, medium dose, and low dose groups. The morphological changes of the ovary were observed through hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the structure and morphology of mitochondria and mitophagosomes in ovarian granulosa cells were observed through transmission electron microscopy. Two hundred and fifty-two compounds were identified in XJCRTST, with 42 potential targets for treating hypoovarianism, and the Gene Ontology enrichment mainly involved biological process (1 168 items), cell composition(45 items), and molecular function(59 items). KEGG pathway enrichment showed that the pathways involved were AGE-RAGE, Prolactin and TNF signaling pathways. Three target genes Parkin/PINK1, HIF1A and MAPK8 were enriched in the Mitophagy-animal process.Animal experiments showed that the number of follicles increased and the atretic follicles decreased in the Chinese medicine treatment group. Electron microscopy found that mitochondrial swelling and mitophagy decreased in the Chinese medicine group. XJCRTST may play a therapeutic role in treating hypoovarianism by regulating mitochondrial function and mitophagy-related pathways in ovarian granulosa cells.

Key words: Xinjia Cistanche Tusi Decoction, ovarian hypoplasia, network pharmacology, LC-MS, mitochondria

CLC Number: 

  • R282