Effect of nomegestrol acetate on the apoptosis of endometriosis in rat models and its mechanism

Aim To explore the effect of nomegestrol acetate(NOMAc) on the apoptosis of endometriosis(EMs) in rat models and its mechanism.Methods The rat models of NOMAc were established by surgical operation method;histopathologic changes of ectopic endometrium were tested by HE staining;the level of antiendometrium antibody(EMAb) was tested by Elisa;the expression levels of apoptosis factors were tested by Western blot.Results NOMAc(0.5,1.5,15 mg·kg-1)shriveled ectopic endometrium;the number of endometrial gland was fewer;glandular cavity was smaller in NOMAc groups than those of model groups.NOMAc reduced dose-dependently the endometrial thickness and the level of EMAb.NOMAc(0.5,1.5,15 mg·kg-1)increased Caspase-9,Caspase-3 and Bax protein expression and reduced Bcl-2 protein expression.Conclusion The inhibitory effect of NOMAc on ectopic endometrium of rat models may be related to reducing the level of EMAb,increasing Bax,reducing Bcl-2 protein expression,and activating Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 protein expression in endogenous apoptosis pathway.