Objective: To investigate the effect of Bushen Tiaochong prescription on protein and mRNA expression levels of sex hormone

B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in ovaries of rats with premature ovarian failure(POF) induced by triptergium wilfordii (GTW)

and explore the prevention effect of Bushen Tiaochong prescription. Method: Forty-two healthy female SD rats were randomly divided into normal group

model group

estrogen group

Bushen Tiaochong prescription low

middle and high dose groups. 17-estradiol (E2)

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P) levels in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax protein and mRNA in rats ovarian were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR methods. Result: As compared with the normal group

FSH and LH contents were significantly increased in model group rats; E2 contents were significantly decreased; Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression levels in ovarian were significantly decreased; while Bax protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). E2 content in Bushen Tiaochong prescription groups and estrogen group was higher than that in model group (P<0.01)

but middle

high dose groups and estrogen group had no statistically significant differences in E2 as compared with the normal group. The FSH and LH contents in Bushen Tiaochong prescription groups and estrogen group were lower than those in model group(P<0.01)

and there were no statistically significant differences as compared with normal group. All dose groups had no significant difference with normal group in P content. Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression levels in middle and high dose Bushen Tiaochong prescription groups and estrogen group were significantly higher than those in model group (P<0.01); Bax protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly lower than those in model group(P<0.01). Conclusion: It is indicated that Bushen Tiaochong prescription has some protective effects for ovaries and prevents POF. It can regulate sex hormone level

maintain Bcl-2 and Bax balance to decrease follicles atresia and death speed

and improve ovarian function.