Efficacy of Bushenjianpi prescription on autoimmune premature ovarian failure in mice.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Bushenjianpi prescription (BSJPP), a formula from Traditional Chinese Medicine, on a mouse model of autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF) induced by mouse zona pellucida (ZP3) and to investigate the mechanisms underlying the action.

Methods: After randomization, POF was induced in the model mice by immunization with ZP3. One week later, mice received low (8.1 mg/kg), moderate (16.2 mg/kg) and high (32.4 mg/kg) doses of BSJPP by gastrogavage once daily for 90 days. Premarin (0.03 mg/kg) served as the positive group. Serum samples were collected 1 week after the last dose and stored at -20 for analysis. After cervical dislocation, the uterus and ovaries were collected aseptically for evaluation by histological assessment, scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses.

Results: Serum E2 levels in POF model mice were decreased, whereas follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were dramatically increased. Serum levels of E2, LH and FSH were reduced in POF model mice treated with BSJPP (moderate and high doses) and premarin. Anti-bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15) and connexin 43 (Cx43) were repressed in autoimmune POF model mice, whereas high expression was observed in control mice and those treated with BSJPP (moderate and high doses) and premarin.

Conclusion: BSJPP is effective in treating ZP3-induced POF in mice and the increase in the expression of BMP-15 and Cx43 may be implicated in the mechanism underpinning the action.