AUTHOR=Feng Yewen , Zhao Yumin , Li Yao , Peng Teng , Kuang Yu , Shi Xingming , Wang Gang , Peng Fu , Yu Chenghao 

TITLE=Inhibition of Fibroblast Activation in Uterine Leiomyoma by Components of Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.650022

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.650022

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> The herbs <italic>Rhizoma Curcumae</italic> and <italic>Rhizoma Sparganii</italic> (RCRS) are often used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma (UL). The effectiveness of RCRS for the treatment of UL has been confirmed in our previous studies.</p><p><bold>Purpose:</bold> This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which RCRS inhibits the activation of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and prevents UL in rats.</p><p><bold>Study Design and Methods:</bold> A Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model of UL was established via estrogen and progesterone load combined with external stimulation. Histological analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and western blotting were performed to evaluate the effect of RCRS on UL and elucidate its mechanism of action.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Our data showed that the treatment of SD rats with RCRS significantly reduced the expression of extracellular matrix component collagen, FAP, and transforming growth factor beta (a FAP-activating factor) and the phosphorylation of the cell proliferation pathway-related signaling factors AKT/MEK/ERK.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> Our results suggest that RCRS is effective in the prevention and treatment of UL in rats, and RCRS may exert its functions by inhibiting the activation of tumor-associated fibroblasts and cell proliferation and by improving the tumor extracellular matrix.</p>