The anti-hyperplasia of mammary gland effect of Thladiantha dubia root ethanol extract in rats reduced by estrogen and progestogen

Aim of the studyThladiantha dubia (Cucurbitaceae) has been used in Chinese manchu nationality folk medicine for treatment of various diseases, such as scrofula, carbuncle, lactation deficiency, etc. Its effects include softening hard masses, heat-clearing and detoxifying, reducing swelling, eliminating carbuncle, and promoting lactation. It has a history of use in the treatment of breast disorders and as an agent to increase lactation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-hyperplasia of mammary (HMG) effect of T. dubia root ethanol extract (TD-E) in estrogen combined with progestogen induced HMG rats.Materials and methodsForty virgin female Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control, HMG model, Rupixiao Tablet (RPXT, positive control), and TD-E groups, 10 in each. Injection of estrogen and progestogen were given to establish rat models of HMG, RPXT and TD-E were given at the same time. Changes of nipple heights were measured; uterus and ovory index were calculated; sex hormone levels (LH, E2, and P) in serum were estimated. Pathologic changes of MG in rats were also observed under light microscope.Results and ConclusionTD-E could decrease the increased nipple height, reduce the numbers of MG lobules and relieve the pathologic changes of HMG in rats. It could also decrease E2 and LH levels in serum compared with the control group, nipple height, uterus index, and the levels of E2 and LH in the HMG model group increased significantly, the level of P decreased significantly. Compared with the HMG model group, nipple height, uterus index, and the levels of E2 and LH in the TD-E group decreased, and no obvious effect on P content. The histopathological analysis suggested that TD-E obviously alleviated the degree of HMG. Those results suggest TD-E has protective and therapeutic effects on HMG rats induced by estrogen and progestogen.

Graphical abstractThladiantha dubia root ethanol extract could decrease the increased nipple height, reduce the numbers of MG lobules and relieve the pathologic changes of HMG in rats. It could also decrease E2 and LH levels in serum compared with the control group, nipple height, uterus index, and the levels of E2 and LH in the HMG model group increased significantly, the level of P decreased significantly. Compared with the HMG model group, nipple height, uterus index, and the levels of E2 and LH in the TD-E group decreased, and no obvious effect on P content. The histopathological analysis suggested that TD-E obviously alleviated the degree of HMG. Those results suggest TD-E has protective and therapeutic effects on HMG rats induced by estrogen and progestogen.Download high-res image (440KB)Download full-size image