Bu Shen Tiao Chong recipe restores diminished ovary reserve through the BDNF pathway.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular pathway of BSTCR (Bu Shen Tiao Chong recipe) in retrieving diminished ovary reserve (DOR). METHODS: The DOR model was established through injecting cyclophosphamide and the effect of BSTCR was examined under this background. RESULTS: BSTCR was shown to restore depleted brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), CDC2, cyclin B, GSH1, and P38 levels as well as impaired oocyte maturation and the higher apoptosis induced in DOR. BSTCR also enhances the response of oocytes to in vitro fertilization, with higher implantation rate, birth rate, and placenta weight. CONCLUSION: BSTCR might exert its beneficial role in oocyte maturation and restore DOR through regulating the BDNF pathway. And this pathway itself is probably through the consequence on several serum hormones such as FSH, E2, Inhibin B, etc.