Dandelion T-1 extract up-regulates reproductive hormone receptor expression in mice

Int J Mol Med. 2007 Sep;20(3):287-92.

Abstract

Reproductive hormones exert their actions via receptors in diverse tissues. In this study, we examined the expression of estrogen receptors (ERalpha and ERbeta), progesterone receptor (PR), and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the adipose tissue and reproductive organs of mice following oral treatment with Dandelion T-1 extract (DT-1E) for 6 weeks. Quantitative assays by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed enhanced expression of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA in the adipose tissue of mice fed a diet containing DT-1E compared with the control group fed a plain diet. Furthermore, following gonadotropin injection, higher mRNA expression of ERalpha, ERbeta and PR in the uterus and FSHR in the ovary was found in the DT-1E group compared with the control group. An immunohistochemical study also showed increased levels of the above-mentioned receptors in the DT-1E group. The present study shows that oral intake of DT-1E up-regulates ERalpha, ERbeta, PR and FSHR expression in mice, suggesting the potential application of DT-1E for the clinical treatment of reproductive hormone-related disturbances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / drug effects
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / genetics*
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / genetics*
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Ovary / cytology
  • Ovary / drug effects
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, FSH / genetics*
  • Receptors, Progesterone / genetics*
  • Taraxacum*
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects
  • Uterus / drug effects
  • Uterus / metabolism

Substances

  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Estrogen Receptor beta
  • Plant Extracts
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, FSH
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • Estradiol