Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla) promotes thin endometrium repair via upregulation of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signalling axis in a mouse model
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background Thin endometrium (TE) severely impairs embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes in reproductive medicine, while first-line oestrogen-based therapy has marked limitations including receptor insensitivity and systemic side effects. Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla), a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine tonic, is widely used for gynecological disorders, yet its mechanism in endometrial regeneration remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Ejiao on TE and its regulation of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signalling axis.Methods A TE mouse model was established via intrauterine infusion of 95% ethanol in female C57BL/6J mice. Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6 per group): sham operation control group, TE model group, oestradiol positive control group (0.04 mg/kg/d), and Ejiao intervention group (0.2 g/kg/d), with 4 weeks of daily gavage intervention. Oestrous cycle stability was verified by vaginal smears, endometrial morphology was evaluated by HE staining, and SDF-1/CXCR4 mRNA expression in uterine tissues was detected by qPCR.Results All mice maintained stable oestrous cycling throughout the experiment. Ejiao treatment markedly restored endometrial thickness and glandular density in TE mice, with a superior reparative effect to oestradiol, and significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4 in uterine tissue (P < 0.05 vs. model and oestradiol groups).Conclusions Ejiao effectively promotes endometrial regeneration in TE mice via upregulating the SDF-1/CXCR4 signalling axis, providing preclinical mechanistic evidence for its clinical application in TE treatment.
Authors: Mingdan Tan, Hui Wei, Dongyun Wei, Tingli Lai, Jing Xiao
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,390
OpenAlex ID: W7221306138