Amelioration of oestradiol valerate-induced endometrial hyperplasia in female rats by methanol fraction of Mangifera indica Linn. through modulation of oestrogen receptor signalling pathway

Abstract

Objectives: Mangifera indica is a medicinal plant that is folklorically used in the treatment of certain disorders connected with women reproductive organs, especially, uterine fibroids. This study investigated the effect of methanol fraction of M. indica (MFMI) extract on oestradiol valerate (OV)-induced endometrial hyperplasia (EH). Materials and Methods: The animals were randomly divided into four groups of seven rats each. These include a control group, an MFMI-alone group, a model (OV-alone) group and MFMI treatment (OV+MFMI) group. The EH was induced by intraperitoneal injection of OV. The levels of oestrogen (E2), progesterone (PG) and total cholesterol (TC) were determined using ELISA technique. The uterine histological and immunohistochemical assessments of oestrogen receptor, β-catenin and Ki-67 were carried out. Fibroblast cell count/μm2 using histomorphometry as well as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of MFMI was carried out. Results: Severe EH was induced on oestradiol valerate administration. The MFMI was able to improve the pathological features of the animal model. Furthermore, the levels of oestrogen, PG and TC were reduced by MFMI. The immune reactive expression of oestrogen receptor alpha, β-catenin and Ki-67 was downregulated by MFMI coadministration. The histomorphometric analysis of the fibroblast cell count/μm2 showed increased cell count density in the OV-treated group which was significantly ameliorated by MFMI coadministration. The GC– MS analysis revealed the presence of some pharmacologically relevant phytochemicals. Conclusion: This study suggests that MFMI contains phytochemicals that can ameliorate OV-induced EH in female Wistar and the possible mechanism of action involves modulation of oestrogen signalling pathway.