Abstract:Objective: To explore the effects of Taohe Chengqi decoction (THCQD) on endometriosis (EMs) rats through Wnt/β-catenin pathway and its mechanisms. Methods: An EMs rat model was constructed, and rats were randomly assigned into EMs group (Model group), L-THCQD (THCQD low dose) group, M-THCQD (THCQD medium dose) group, H-THCQD (THCQD high dose) group (The rats in these groups were fed 1.89, 3.78 and 7.56 g/kg THCQD, respectively), and LiCl group (orally administered 7.56 g/kg THCQD and orally administered 100mg/kg Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activator LiCl). Each group had 10 rats. Additionally, 10 rats were recruited as the NC group (Control group). The NC group and the EMs group were given equal volumes of sodium chloride solution. The volume and mass of ectopic lesions in rats were measured. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in rat ectopic endometrial tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure Ki67 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ectopic endometrial tissue. TUNEL staining was used to observe apoptosis in rat ectopic endometrial tissue. ELISA was performed to measure the inflammatory factors and sex hormones in serum. Western blot was performed to measure the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and apoptosis related proteins in rat ectopic endometrial tissue. Results: For the NC group, the EMs group showed severe pathological damage to ectopic endometrial tissue in rats, increased Ki67, VEGF, IL-8, IL-6, IL-18, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), Wnt, and β-catenin (P<0.05), decrease follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (P<0.05), while the apoptosis rate, Bcl-2, and Bax no statistically conspicuous difference (P>0.05). For the EMs group, the L-THCQD group, M-THCQD group, and H-THCQD group showed significant reduction in pathological damage to rat ectopic endometrial tissue, significantly reduced volume, mass, Ki67, VEGF, IL-8, IL-6, IL-18, E2, P, Bcl-2, Wnt, and β-catenin (P<0.05), and significantly increased apoptosis rate and the expression of FSH, LH, and Bax (P<0.05). For the H-THCQD group, the LiCl group had aggravated pathological damage in rat ectopic endometrial tissue, significantly increased volume, mass, Ki67, VEGF, IL-8, IL-6, IL-18, E2, P, Bcl-2, Wnt, and β-catenin (P<0.05), and significantly reduced apoptosis rates and the expression of FSH, LH, and Bax (P<0.05). Conclusion: THCQD has therapeutic effects on EMs rats by inhibiting inflammatory responses and promoting apoptosis of ectopic endometrial tissue, which may be related to the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.