Dandelion T-1 extract up-regulates reproductive hormone receptor expression in mice

Abstract

Reproductive hormones exert their actions via receptors in diverse tissues. In this study, we examined the expression of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), progesterone receptor (PR), and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in the adipose tissue and reproductive organs of mice following oral treatment with Dandelion T-1 extract (DT-1E) for 6 weeks. Quantitative assays by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed enhanced expression of ERα and ERβ mRNA in the adipose tissue of mice fed a diet containing DT-1E compared with the control group fed a plain diet. Furthermore, following gonadotropin injection, higher mRNA expression of ERα, ERβ and PR in the uterus and FSHR in the ovary was found in the DT-1E group compared with the control group. An immunohistochemical study also showed increased levels of the abovementioned receptors in the DT-1E group. The present study shows that oral intake of DT-1E up-regulates ERα, ERβ, PR and FSHR expression in mice, suggesting the potential application of DT-1E for the clinical treatment of reproductive hormone-related disturbances.