Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3): 220-226.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20240607

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Mechanism of Chinese Medicine Monomers and Compounds in Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

MA Ying-qi, LI Jia-li, FENG Meng-zhi, SHI Bai-chao, WANG Yu, GAO Jing-shu, WU Xiao-ke()   

  1. Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China (MA Ying-qi, LI Jia-li, FENG Meng-zhi, SHI Bai-chao); The First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China (WANG Yu, GAO Jing-shu, WU Xiao-ke)
  • Received:2024-12-18 Published:2025-05-15 Online:2025-06-04
  • Contact: WU Xiao-ke, E-mail: xiaokewu2002@vip.sina.com

Abstract:

The pathophysiological process of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves multiple dysfunctions such as abnormal insulin signaling pathway and chronic inflammatory response, among which the phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway is an important intracellular signaling pathway. The PI3K/Akt pathway involves in regulating biological processes such as cell growth, proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis. Studies have shown that the abnormal activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is closely related to the pathological processes of insulin resistance (IR), ovarian and /or endometrial dysfunction in PCOS patients. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown unique advantages in the treatment of PCOS. TCM monomers and compound preparations can significantly improve the status of insulin receptor, regulate glucose and lipid metabolism and sex hormone levels, promote follicle development and ovulation, and increase pregnancy rate. It has been found that TCM monomers and compound preparations can effectively regulate the growth, proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its downstream target factors. Compared with western medicine, TCM has the advantages of overall regulation and fewer adverse reactions. In order to provide ideas for the treatment of PCOS, and a theoretical reference for the modernization of TCM, we review the research progress of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the treatment of PCOS.

Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases, Proto-oncogene proteins c-akt, Traditional Chinese drugs, Compounds