Tanshinone IIA contributes to the pathogenesis of endometriosis via renin angiotensin system by regulating the dorsal root ganglion axon sprouting

Publication date: Available online 20 November 2019Source: Life SciencesAuthor(s): Zhen-zhen Chen, Xin GongAbstractAimsOur study was designed to explore the function and mechanism of Tanshinone IIA in alleviating pain syndrome caused by endometriosis (EMs).Main methodsFemale Sprague-Dawley rats went through autotransplantation operation to establish EMs model. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham, model, positive, Tanshinone IIA (L) (3 mg/kg/d) and Tanshinone IIA (H) (12 mg/kg/d) group. Volume of ectopic endometrium was measured after 21 days of continuous administration. Serum estradiol (E2) was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa). The protein expression of angiotensinogen (AGT), renin (REN), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II (ANGII) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western Blotting. The mRNA expression levels of AGT and ANGII were measured by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Key findingsTissue measurements showed that tanshinone IIA significantly inhibited the growth of ectopic endometrium. Tanshinone IIA could improve the paw withdrawal threshold thus reducing the mechanical hyperalgesia of EMs rats. Moreover, Tanshinone IIA regulated the DRG renin angiotensin system (RAS) by reducing the protein expression of AGT, REN, ACE, ANGII and AT2 in DRG neurons. Furthermore, Real-time PCR results also showed that the mRNA e...
Source: Life Sciences - Category: Biology Source Type: research