Efficacy of electroacupuncture in regulating the imbalance of AMH and FSH to improve follicle development and hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats

Yin Shi; Liang Li; Jing Zhou; Jie Sun; Liu Chen; Jimeng Zhao; Luyi Wu; Yunhua Cui; Lingxiang Wu; Huangan Wu

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (May 2019)

Efficacy of electroacupuncture in regulating the imbalance of AMH and FSH to improve follicle development and hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats

Yin Shi,
Liang Li,
Jing Zhou,
Jie Sun,
Liu Chen,
Jimeng Zhao,
Luyi Wu,
Yunhua Cui,
Lingxiang Wu,
Huangan Wu

Affiliations

Yin Shi: Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Outpatient Department, Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Meridian, Shanghai 200030, China
Liang Li: Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
Jing Zhou: Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
Jie Sun: Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai 201600, China
Liu Chen: Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
Jimeng Zhao: Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
Luyi Wu: Qigong Institute, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
Yunhua Cui: Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
Lingxiang Wu: Editorial Department, Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Meridian, Shanghai 200030, China
Huangan Wu: Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Immunological Effects, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Corresponding author at: Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai 200030, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 113

Abstract

Read online

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest. These two characteristics may result from an imbalance between anti-Müllerian hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. Electroacupuncture is effective in improving hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest in PCOS; however, the mechanism is not sufficiently clear. This study aimed to elucidate whether electroacupuncture in PCOS is exerted by regulating an imbalance of anti-Müllerian hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. In this study, a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome was treated with low-frequency electroacupuncture at acupoints (CV-3 and CV-4). To observe the mechanism of electroacupuncture in PCOS, we first observed the estrous cycle. We then observed ovarian morphology by hematoxylin-eosin staining and evaluated levels of testosterone, estradiol, P450arom, follicle stimulating hormone and its receptor, and anti-Müllerian hormone and its receptor by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, double immunofluorescence assay and real-time PCR. Our results showed that in 80% of rats in the electroacupuncture acupoints group, their estrous cycle recovered, ovarian morphology significantly improved, testosterone level significantly decreased, and levels of estradiol and P450arom significantly increased in peripheral serum after 14 consecutive days of treatment (P < 0.01). The expression of anti-Müllerian hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor increased (P < 0.05). These results indicated that electroacupuncture improved hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest by decreasing the excessive expression of AMH to regulate FSH and AMH imbalance in granulosa cells in PCOS.

Published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

ISSN: 0753-3322 (Print); 1950-6007 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: France
LCC subjects: Medicine: Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/biomedicine-and-pharmacotherapy

About the journal

Abstract

Keywords