Icariin impacts molecular changes in estrogen receptors but not other reproductive parameters in female mice

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effects of icariin (ICA) an ingredient of Epimedium species, on reproductive parameters in mice. Serum, uterus and ovarian samples were collected after treatment. We determined the reproductive index (RI) and in vitro maturation (IVM) rates of oocytes. The serum was tested for 17b-estradiol (17b-E2) and progesterone (P4) using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and ovaries were analyzed for mRNA expression of Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star), Cytochrome p450 family 19 subfamilies a polypeptide 1 (Cyp19a1) and 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Hsd17b1), genes using Real-time Quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Protein expression of estrogen receptors (ER) a, b, and progesterone receptor A (PRA) were detected using western blot (WB). ERa from treatment group was increased (p less then 0.05) while ERb and PRA were decreased (p less then0.05). ICA regulated ovarian development through the estrogen receptor pathway. ERa expression was evidently increased and this may be the pathway that is utilized for its mode of action.