Effect of Luo's Neiyi Prescription on Estrogen Synthesis in Local Ectopic Endometrium of Endometriosis Model Rats

Objective:To reveal the pathogenic mechanism of endometriosis,and to demonstrate the effect of Luo's Neiyi Prescription(LNP)on regulation network of estrogen synthesis in local ectopic endometrium of endometriosis model rats.Methods:Endometrium autotransplantation method was used to establish rat models of endometriosis.The model rats except for the blank control group were administered with high-dosage LNP(LNP-H),and low-dosage LNP(LNP-L) and Danazol,respectively.After three weeks,ectopic endometrium was taken out for the examination of the levels of estrogen(E2) and prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and mRNA expression levels of immediate early response gene C-FOS,chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor(COUP-TF),steroid synthesis factor(SF-1),and aromatase cytochrome P450(P450arom).Results:LNP groups had least endometrial adhesion,LNP-L had the smallest cyst.The contents of E2 and PGE2 as well as C-FOS expression level were lower in the medication groups than those in the blank control group.The expression of P450 arom in ectopic endometrium of LNP groups was decreased,and was lower in LNP-L group than that in LNP-H group and Danazol group.The expression of SF-1 in ectopic endometrium of LNP-L group was decreased.There was no significant difference of COUP-TF expression among the groups.In the blank control group,E2 content was positively correlated with PGE2,P450arom and C-FOS,but negatively correlated with COUP-TF.PGE2 had positive correlation with P450arom expression,and P450arom expression had positive correlation with SF-1.Conclusion:There are two independent ways of estrogen accumulation in ectopic endometrium,the network of SF1-P450arom-PGE2,and the early response to estrogen of C-FOS,which promote the development of endometriosis.LNP in certain concentration can decrease E2 level in ectopic endometrium through inhibiting the expression of SF-1 and C-FOS.