Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Xingnao Yizhi prescription on mRNA expression levels of serum hormone and estrogen receptor(Erα and Erβ) for type 2 diabetic dementia mice. Method: Kunming mice were set as blank group. KK-AY mice with blood sugar ≥13.9 mmol·L-1 were randomly divided into model group

piracetam group

and Xingnao Yizhi prescription group. Piracetam tablets (150 mg·kg-1) were given by ig administration in piracetam group. Xingnao Yizhi prescription (7.2 g·kg-1) was given by ig administration in Xingnao Yizhi prescription group. Equal volume of saline was given in normal group and model group by ig administration. Morris water maze test was conducted before and after drug administration

and latent period was recorded. Plasma

hippocampus samples and frontal cortex were collected as soon as possible after anesthesia in mice. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to test plasma sex hormone level

such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

progesterone (P)

estradiol (E2)

and testost erone (T). Real-time PCR was used to test Erα

Erβ mRNA expression levels. Result: As compared with model group

the latent period was significantly shortened in blank group

piracetam group

and Xingnao Yizhi prescription group (P<0.05); LH and T levels were significantly reduced in blank group and Xingnao Yizhi prescription group (P<0.05)

and E2 and P levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). As compared with piracetam group

LH level was significantly reduced in Xingnao Yizhi prescription group (P<0.05). As compared with the model group

Erβ mRNA expression level was significantly increased in piracetam group and Xingnao Yizhi prescription group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The emergence of diabetic dementia may be related to the sex hormone pathway. Xingnao Yizhi prescription can improve the mild cognitive impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus

and the mechanism may be associated with improving plasma E2

P levels and Erβ mRNA expression levels

and reducing LH and T levels.