IMPACT OF BU-SHEN-ZHU-YUN DECOCTION ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: MITIGATING APOPTOSIS IN OVARIAN GRANULOSA CELLS OF FEMALE ATHLETES TREATED WITH MIFEPRISTONE

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of Bushen Zhuyun Decoction (BSZY-D) on ovarian granulosa cells against apoptosis induced by mifepristone, highlighting its implications for female athletes’ reproductive health. Methods: Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a mifepristone group, a progesterone + mifepristone group, and a BSZY-D + mifepristone group. Ovarian tissues were examined using H&E staining to assess pathological changes. Apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells was evaluated using TUNEL assay and flow cytometry. Additionally, protein expression levels of apoptosis-related factors were measured by Western blot. Results: BSZY-D treatment significantly mitigated the pathological alterations in rat ovarian follicles caused by mifepristone and reduced apoptosis in granulosa cells. Furthermore, BSZY-D notably downregulated the expression of key apoptosis-related proteins in these cells. Conclusion: BSZY-D demonstrates potential therapeutic benefits in protecting ovarian granulosa cells from apoptosis, which may be crucial for maintaining reproductive health in female athletes. The decoction’s ability to modulate apoptosis-related factors offers a promising avenue for supporting ovarian function, particularly in those exposed to mifepristone, thereby contributing to overall fertility preservation and hormonal balance crucial for athletic performance.