• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2002

This work examines the effect of treatment with Gyukhachukeotang on the growth of uterine myomal cells. Comparisons of cell growth, MAP kinase activity and expression of bcl-2 (apoptosis-related gene) were made between the control and experimental samples. The results as fallows; 1. Any concentration of Gyukhachukeotang above 0.01% yielded growth inhibition. Concentrations of 5% and 10% stopped all cell growth, demonstrating the effectiveness of Gyukhachukeotang as a growth inhibitor on uterine myomal cells. 2. The MAP kinase activity in uterine myomal cells treated with Gyukhachukeotang was decreased to a high degree at the concentration of 10%, and some inhibition of activity was detected at a concentration of 5%. 3. The expression of bcl-2, a Cell Apoptosis-related gene, in uterine myoma cells treated with Gyukhachukeotang was gradually increased with increasing concentration of Gyukhachukeotang. These results indicate the ability of Gyukhachukeotang to control uterine myomal cell growth, with concurrent reduction of MAP kinase activity. Treatment with Gyukhachukeotang appears to trigger a normal apoptosis response, as indicated by increased bcl-2 expression. This observed increase in apoptosis indicates that Gyukhachukeotang is an appropriate prescription to treat uterine myomal cells.