Yijing Decoction improves oocyte quality and inhibits lactate accumulation in mice with diminished ovarian reserve
- 1First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , ,
Abstract
Background
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is characterized by a decline in both oocyte quantity and quality, leading to compromised fertility. Yijing Decoction (YJD) has demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in DOR management. Nevertheless, the mechanisms driving this phenomenon are still largely unclear. This study is designed to comprehensively assess the effects of YJD on ovarian reserve function and oocyte quality in DOR mice, while investigating its potential underlying mechanisms of action.Methods
A DOR mouse model was established by administering cyclophosphamide via a single intraperitoneal injection. The therapeutic efficacy of YJD was systematically assessed through multiple functional and histological parameters, including ovarian index, estrous cycle regularity, serum sex hormone levels (FSH, LH, E₂, AMH, and INH-B), and follicle counts, as well as the number, quality, and spindle morphology of metaphase I (MI) oocytes. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, ATP levels, pyruvate uptake, and lactate production were further quantified using commercially available ATP, pyruvate, and lactate assay kits. Additionally, immunofluorescence microscopy was employed to assess the protein expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, including GLUT1, GLUT4, and LDHA, as well as components of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/PDK1 signaling axis in MI oocytes.Results
YJD treatment improved ovarian reserve function and oocyte quality in DOR mice, as evidenced by increased ovulated oocyte numbers, improved spindle integrity, and restored ATP levels. In addition, YJD treatment was associated with reduced expression of glycolysis-related proteins, including GLUT1, GLUT4, and LDHA, as well as decreased pyruvate uptake and lactate production in MI oocytes. YJD treatment also partially restored the expression pattern of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/PDK1 signaling pathway in DOR oocytes.Conclusion
YJD improves oocyte quality in DOR mice, and its protective effects may be associated with the regulation of lactate metabolism and the SIRT3/HIF-1α/PDK1 signaling pathway.
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BibTeX
@article{yang2026yijing,
title = {{Yijing Decoction improves oocyte quality and inhibits lactate accumulation in mice with diminished ovarian reserve}},
author = {Jiaqi Yang and Mengyuan Chu and Han Zhang and Wenman Meng and Chi Zhang and Yunfei Han and Genping Zeng and Qianyi Zhou and XiaoYu Zhang and Fengrong Zhang and Ying Yan},
journal = {Frontiers in molecular biosciences},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fmolb.2026.1946851},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13716630},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Yijing Decoction improves oocyte quality and inhibits lactate accumulation in mice with diminished ovarian reserve
AU - Jiaqi Yang
AU - Mengyuan Chu
AU - Han Zhang
AU - Wenman Meng
AU - Chi Zhang
AU - Yunfei Han
AU - Genping Zeng
AU - Qianyi Zhou
AU - XiaoYu Zhang
AU - Fengrong Zhang
AU - Ying Yan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/15
JO - Frontiers in molecular biosciences
DO - 10.3389/fmolb.2026.1946851
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13716630
AB - Background Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is characterized by a decline in both oocyte quantity and quality, leading to compromised fertility. Yijing Decoction (YJD) has demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in DOR management. Nevertheless, the mechanisms driving this phenomenon are still largely unclear. This study is designed to comprehensively assess the effects of YJD on ovarian reserve function and oocyte quality in DOR mice, while investigating its potential underlying mechanisms of action.Methods A DOR mouse model was established by administering cyclophosphamide via a single intraperitoneal injection. The therapeutic efficacy of YJD was systematically assessed through multiple functional and histological parameters, including ovarian index, estrous cycle regularity, serum sex hormone levels (FSH, LH, E₂, AMH, and INH-B), and follicle counts, as well as the number, quality, and spindle morphology of metaphase I (MI) oocytes. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, ATP levels, pyruvate uptake, and lactate production were further quantified using commercially available ATP, pyruvate, and lactate assay kits. Additionally, immunofluorescence microscopy was employed to assess the protein expression levels of glycolysis-related proteins, including GLUT1, GLUT4, and LDHA, as well as components of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/PDK1 signaling axis in MI oocytes.Results YJD treatment improved ovarian reserve function and oocyte quality in DOR mice, as evidenced by increased ovulated oocyte numbers, improved spindle integrity, and restored ATP levels. In addition, YJD treatment was associated with reduced expression of glycolysis-related proteins, including GLUT1, GLUT4, and LDHA, as well as decreased pyruvate uptake and lactate production in MI oocytes. YJD treatment also partially restored the expression pattern of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/PDK1 signaling pathway in DOR oocytes.Conclusion YJD improves oocyte quality in DOR mice, and its protective effects may be associated with the regulation of lactate metabolism and the SIRT3/HIF-1α/PDK1 signaling pathway.
SN - 2296-889X
ER -