Up-regulation of Fas/FasL activation contribute to the apoptosis enhancement of RU486 by Gong-Qing Decoction, a traditional Chinese prescription

Abstract

Aim of the study: To elucidate the mechanisms of Gong Qing Decoction(GQD) on human trephocytes and decidual cells in vivo based upon the effective practice of alleviating uterine bleeding in RU486 medical abortion.

Materials and methods: 90 intrauterine pregnancy women within 7 weeks, presenting for elective termination of pregnancy, were divided into the GQD-RU486 group, the RU486 group and the vacuum aspiration group. Duration of uterine bleeding was recorded and volume of uterine bleeding was measured by the method of alkaline hematin photometric. Ultramicrostructure of trephocytes and decidual cells were observed with transmission electron microscope (TEM), and apoptosis rate (AR) was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. At the same time, immunohistochemical staining was performed and integral optical density was analyzed to evaluate the protein expression of Fas, FasL, Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 in both trephocytes and decidual cells preliminarily.

Results: In comparison with the RU486 group and the vacuum aspiration group, both the duration and volume of uterine bleeding decreased significantly in the GQD-RU486 group. At the same time, both trephocytes and decidual cells in the GQD-RU486 group showed typical character of apoptotic ultramicrostructure and displayed up-regulated apoptosis rate. Synchronously, the integral optical density showed increased protein expression of Fas, FasL, Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 in both trephocytes and decidual cells in the GQD-RU486 group compared with other groups.

Conclusion: These data suggest that GQD can alleviate uterine bleeding effectively in RU486 medical abortion by way of apoptosis induction. The apoptosis enhancement of RU486 by GQD may be attributable to the activation of Fas and FasL.