[Experimental study on rat model of endometriosis treated with tamoxifen and rhizoma curcumae oil]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Tamoxifen in conjunction with a cell apoptosis contributor--Rhizoma curcumae oil on the rat endometriosis models. METHODS: The rat endometriosis models were established and were randomly assigned into the control group, Tamoxifen group, Alarelin (GnRHa) group, and the group of Tamoxifen (by gastrogavage) plus Rhizoma curcumae oil (by intraperitoneal injection). After 4 weeks of treatment, the growth of ectopic endometrial implants was observed; then eutopic and ectopic endometria were excised in preparation for HE staining and streptavedin-peroxi-dase immunohisto chemical analysis. RESULTS: After treatment, the volume of the ectopic implants of each treatment group was markedly smaller than that of control and before treatment (P < 0.05); the score of VEGF showed significant difference when each treatment group was compared with control (P < 0.05). The score of VEGF exhibited marked difference between Tamoxifen group and Alarelin (GnRHa) group, between Tamoxifen group and Tamoxifen plus Rhizoma curcumae oil group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tamoxifen in conjunction with Rhizoma curcumae oil could decrease markedly the volume and VEGF expression of ectopic implants.