Yang Shao-Liang, Niu Tian-Tian, Li Xue-Lian, Li Da-Jin, Li Ming-Qing, Wang Hai-Yan
a Department of Gynecology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine , Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China.
b Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology , Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China.
Gynecol Endocrinol. 2018 Aug;34(8):675-679. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2018.1425988. Epub 2018 Jan 15.
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a common health problem that affects about 5% of fertile women, when it occurs for unknown reasons, it is called unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Traditional Chinese medicine, such as Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula which consists of Dangshen, Tusizi, Baizhu, Baishuo, Duzhong, Sangjisheng, Sugeng, and Tiaohuangqin, has played an invaluable role in the treatment of RSA since ancient times. However, the mechanism of how it takes effect is still not clear. To identify Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula could modulate immune condition at maternal-fetal interface via its effect on trophoblasts, HTR-8 of different treatment were co-cultured with peripheral or decidual natural killer (NK) cells, and the receptors such as NKP30 and NKP46 expression on NK cells were measured by flow cytometry (FCM). In this study, we found that herb medium could increase the IDO expression at appropriate concentrations. As an inhibitor of IDO, 1-MT could impair the inhibitory function of trophoblasts on NK cells. Furthermore, Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula could enhance the inhibitory function of trophoblasts on NK cells. In conclusion, Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formula can inhibit NK cytotoxicity by up-regulating IDO expression in trophoblasts and play a role in the treatment of URSA patients.
