Background: Endometritis is a common gynecological disease
characterized by inflammation of the endometrium. The gynecological Tiaoqi Jiedu
formula has been widely used to treat endometritis with dampness and heat.
However, the mechanism of action remains unclear. Methods: A mouse model
of endometritis with dampness and heat was established. The pathological changes
of the uterus and tongue were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining.
Gastric aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and uterine cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14)
protein were detected by immunohistochemistry. Concentrations of serum
inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1, tumor necrosis factor
(TNF-), IL-10, and IL-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels and protein expressions of
nucleotide binding oligomerization domain- (NOD-), leucine-rich repeat- (LRR-)
and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3),
gasdermin D (GSDMD), caspase-1, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), p65, and
phosphorylation of p65 (p-p65) were determined by real-time polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) and Western Blot, respectively. Results: In the mouse
model of endometritis, the medium- and high-doses of Tiaoqi Jiedu formula, and
western medicine significantly downregulated the inflammatory factors IL-6,
IL-1, TNF-, and IL-8. It upregulated the anti-inflammatory
factor IL-10, and inhibited pyroptosis and the expression of key proteins in the
TLR4/nuclear factor-B (NF-B) signaling pathway.
Conclusions: The Tiaoqi Jiedu formula demonstrated anti-inflammatory,
anti-pyroptosis, and protective effects in endometritis. It has the potential to
be a therapeutic option for the treatment of endometritis.