Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits growth of ectopic endometrium in rat model and its mechanism of action

Aim To investigate the effect of Ginsenoside Rh2 on the growth of ectopic endometrium in rat model of endometriosis and its mechanism of action.Methods The rat model of endometriosis was established by transplantation surgery.The model rats were randomly divided into five groups: model control group(0.5% CMC-Na),gestrinone(1.5 mg·kg-1) group,and Rh2 low-,medium-and high-dose(5,10,40 mg·kg-1) groups.At the end of three weeks treatment,the rats were sacrificed,and serum and ectopic endometrium were collected.Histopathologic changes of ectopic endometrium were tested by HE staining.The levels of estrogen(E2),progesterone(P) and endometrial antibody(EMAb) were observed by ELISA method.The expression of apoptotic factors were tested by western blotting.Results Rh2(40 mg·kg-1) obviously suppressed the ectopic endometrium,and reduced the numbers of endometrial gland and the volume of glandular cavity.Rh2(5,10,40 mg·kg-1) reduced dose-dependently the level of E2,P and EMAb,and increased the expression of Caspase-9,Caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2.Conclusion Ginsenoside Rh2(40 mg·kg-1) obviously inhibits the growth of ectopic endometrium in the established rat model of endometriosis,and its mechanism of action may relate to reducing the level of E2,P and EMAb,and increasing the protein expression of Caspase-9,Caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2.