Chinese Yam Polypeptide Endogenous Estrogen Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for menopausal syndrome and osteoporosis, such as hormone replacement therapy and selective estrogen receptor modulators, are ineffective in increasing endogenous estrogen levels and often come with side effects, and existing therapies do not adequately address cognitive decline associated with low estrogen and progesterone levels.

Innovation Solution

A novel polypeptide isolated from Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita) that increases circulating estrogen levels by up-regulating ovarian follicle stimulating hormone receptor and aromatase, exhibiting anti-osteoporotic activity and improving cognitive function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to increase circulating estrogen levels, then menopausal symptoms are relieved, but side effects including endometrioma, breast and ovarian cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in relieving menopausal symptomsVSAvoidside effects including cancer and cardiovascular disease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses yam protein as an intermediary substance that indirectly increases endogenous estrogen production through up-regulating FSHR and aromatase expression, rather than directly administering exogenous estrogen. This mediator approach achieves the desired hormonal effect while avoiding the direct harmful effects of HRT

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables the body's own ovarian cells to produce estrogen endogenously by up-regulating FSHR and aromatase expression. The body serves itself by increasing its own hormone production rather than relying on external hormone administration, thereby avoiding HRT-related side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) is used to treat osteoporosis, then bone density is improved, but endogenous estrogen levels are not increased and other menopausal syndromes are not relieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone densityVSAvoidability to relieve multiple menopausal syndromes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The yam protein exhibits multi-functionality by simultaneously addressing multiple menopausal concerns: it increases endogenous estrogen levels (relieving hot flushes, mood changes), up-regulates FSHR (improving ovarian function), and enhances bone density. A single agent performs multiple therapeutic functions that SERMs cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If vigorous weight-bearing exercises are used to achieve osteogenic effect, then bone formation is enhanced, but the exercise intensity required is too high for elderly patients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebone formationVSAvoidexercise intensity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physiological parameters of bone remodeling by up-regulating FSHR and aromatase expression, thereby increasing endogenous estrogen levels. This biochemical parameter change promotes bone formation without requiring mechanical stress from vigorous exercise, making it suitable for elderly patients who cannot perform high-intensity exercises

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9273105B2Bioactive protein isolated from Chinese yam and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 VERSITECH LTD

AI summary

A protein isolated from the Chinese yam Dioscorea opposita that stimulates estrogen and progesterone release in vitro and in vivo but does not stimulate the proliferation of breast and ovarian cancer cells is disclosed. The protein exhibits anti-osteoporotic activity in vivo. Also provided are the procedure for isolation and purification of the protein and the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein.