A mechanistic study of italicZishen Quyu Jiedu Formula /italic（滋肾祛瘀解毒方） in alleviating oxidative stress in endometriosis rats via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Key Points

• The study aims to investigate the effect of Zishen Quyu Jiedu Formula on endometriosis through the regulation of the Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway.
• Established endometriosis model in rats using autologous transplantation.
• Divided rats into four groups: control, model, mifepristone, and Zishen Quyu Jiedu Formula.
• Assessed morphological changes using HE staining and performed immunohistochemistry to detect NRF2, HO1, NQO1 expressions.
• Measured serum levels of SOD, MDA, GSH-PX, 8-epi-PGF2α, IL-6, TNF-α, E2 using ELISA.
• Employed Western blot to analyze protein expression levels of NRF2, HO1, NQO1, and KEAP1.
• Zishen Quyu Jiedu Formula and mifepristone significantly increased serum SOD and GSH-PX levels (P<0.01).
• Levels of MDA, 8-epi-PGF2α, and E2 decreased significantly in treatment groups (P<0.05).
• Total volume of ectopic tissue reduced, with more organized cell arrangement and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration.
• Positive expression areas of NRF2 and NQO1 expanded, showing significant increase in protein levels of NRF2, HO1, NQO1 (P<0.01).