Inhibition of Fibroblast Activation by Components of Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii in A Rat Model of Uterine Leiomyoma

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) often uses Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii (RCRS) ，the natural herbs for the treatment of UL. RCRS has been shown to be effective in the treatment of UL in our previous study. This study was to investigate the molecular mechanism by which RCRS inhibits fibroblast activation protein (FAP) activation and prevents uterine leiomyoma in rats. Methods: The SD rat model of uterine leiomyoma was established by estrogen and progesterone load combined with external stimulation. Subsequently, histological analyses, enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assays, western blotting were performed to evaluate the effect of the drug on uterine leiomyoma and its mechanism. Results: Our data showed that treatment of rats with RCRS significantly reduced the expression of FAP, TGF-β (the FAP activating factor), and significantly decreased the phosphorylation of cell proliferation pathway-related signaling factors AKT/MEK/ERK, as well as the expression of the extracellular matrix component collagen. Conclusions: Our results showed that RCRS is very effective in prevention and treatment of uterine leiomyoma in rats, and RCRS may exert its actions by inhibiting the activation of tumor-associated fibroblasts, inhibiting the cell proliferation, and improving tumor extracellular matrix.