Changes in the M1/M2 ratio due to andrographolide therapy for deep endometriosis: An experimental study using a BALB/C endometriosis model.

Abstract

Background: Andrographolide is a compound that serves as an anti-inflammatory agent. M2 macrophages promote the disease, while M1 macrophages inhibit endometriosis progression.

Aim: Andrographolide can modify the M1/M2 ratio, aligning with the pattern observed with standard treatment for deep endometriosis.

Methods: This experimental study used a post-test-only research design with a control group of 42 female Balb/C divided into 6 groups. Mice in group N (normal), normal control (KN) endometriosis (END) without therapy, while the positive control (KP) group received endometriosis + dienogest, group (P1) END and 0.05 mg/kg BW andrographolide (AND), group (P2) END + 0.1 mg/kg BW AND, group (P3) (END + 0.2 mg/kg BW AND. CD86 (M1) macrophages, while CD163 (M2) macrophages examine the number of M1 and M2 cells via flow cytometry in a specific color.

Results: There was a significant difference in M1, which was higher than M2 in the AND group, compared with KP. The number of M2 macrophages in the P2 group was significantly lower than that in the KN group. Similarly, the number of M2 macrophages in the P3 group was significantly lower than that in the KN group.

Conclusion: M1 was superior to M2 in the andrographolide group and exhibited a similar trend in the visanne group. This study serves as a preliminary investigation using experimental animals and can be further developed as a foundation for research on andrographolide as an alternative therapy for endometriosis.