Anti-inflammatory and DNA Repair Effects of Astragaloside IV on PC12 Cells Damaged by Lipopolysaccharide

Objective This study aimed to establish a neural cell injury model in vitro by stimulating PC12 cells with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and to examine the effects of astragaloside IV on key targets using high-throughput sequence technology and bioinformatics analyses.Methods PC12 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were treated with LPS at final concentrations of 0.25,0.5,0.75,1,and 1.25 mg/mL for 24 h.Cell morphology was evaluated,and cell survival rates were calculated.A neurocyte inflammatory model was established with LPS treatment,which reached a 50%cell survival rate.PC12 cells were treated with 0.01,0.1,1,10,or 100µmol/L astragaloside IV for 24 h.The concentration of astragaloside IV that did not affect the cell survival rate was selected as the treatment group for subsequent experiments.NOS activity was detected by colorimetry;the expression levels of ERCC2,XRCC4,XRCC2,TNF-α,IL-1β,TLR4,NOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting.The differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between the groups were screened using a second-generation sequence(fold change>2,P<0.05)with the following KEGG enrichment analysis,RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of DEGs related to the IL-17 pathway in different groups of PC12 cells.Results The viability of PC12 cells was not altered by treatment with 0.01,0.1,or 1µmol/L astragaloside IV for 24 h(P>0.05).However,after treatment with 0.5,0.75,1,or 1.25 mg/mL LPS for 24 h,the viability steadily decreased(P<0.01).The mRNA and protein expression levels of ERCC2,XRCC4,XRCC2,TNF-α,IL-1β,TLR4,NOS,and COX-2 were significantly increased after PC12 cells were treated with 1 mg/mL LPS for 24 h(P<0.01);however,these changes were reversed when PC12 cells were pretreated with 0.01,0.1,or 1µmol/L astragaloside IV in PC12 cells and then treated with 1 mg/mL LPS for 24 h(P<0.05).Second-generation sequencing revealed that 1026 genes were upregulated,while 1287 genes were downregulated.The DEGs were associated with autophagy,TNF-α,interleukin-17,MAPK,P53,Toll-like receptor,and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways.Furthermore,PC12 cells treated with a 1 mg/mL LPS for 24 h exhibited increased mRNA and protein expression of CCL2,CCL11,CCL7,MMP3,and MMP10,which are associated with the IL-17 pathway.RT-qPCR and Western blotting analyses confirmed that the DEGs listed above corresponded to the sequence assay results.Conclusion LPS can damage PC12 cells and cause inflammatory reactions in nerve cells and DNA damage.astragaloside IV plays an anti-inflammatory and DNA damage protective role and inhibits the IL-17 signaling pathway to exert a neuroprotective effect in vitro.

Determination of Astragaloside IV in Yupingfeng Oral Solution by HPLC-ELSD Method

[Objective] This study aimed to establish a method for determining the content of Astragaloside IV in Yupingfeng oral solution.[Method] The HPLC-ELSD method was adopted.The chromatographic column was Venusil MP（4.6 mm × 150 mm,5 μm）.The mobile phase was acetonitrile-water（35∶65）.The ELSD evaporator tube temperature was 65 ℃.N2 was used as the carrier gas（pressure,30 psi）.[Result] When the content of Astragaloside IV ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 μg,the Astragaloside IV content showed a good linear relationship with peak area（r=0.999,n=6）.The average recovery was 96.36%,and the RSD was 2.46%.[Conclusion] This method is accurate and reliable,and can be applied in the quality control of Yupingfeng oral solution.

Protective effect of astragaloside IV on cardiac hypertrophy in rats and its mechanism

Objective:To investigate the effect of astragaloside IV on cardiac hypertrophy and its regulation on autophagy.Methods:Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group and abdominal aortic coarctation group(AAC group).There were 10 rats in sham operation group and 40 rats in the AAC group.One week after the operation,there were 32 rats in AAC group,10 rats in sham group.AAC group was randomly divided into model group,low-dose astragaloside group,high-dose astragaloside group and rapamycin group,8 rats in each group.Rapamycin group was a positive autophagy contrast agent group.They were given the corresponding solvents once a day by gavage for six weeks.At the end of study,three rats were randomly selected from each group,left ventricular mass index(LVW/BW),cardiac mass index(HW/BW)and the content of hydroxyproline were measured.HE staining,masson staining and sirius red staining were used to observe the morphological changes of myocardium.The expression of LC3II,LC3I,Beclin1,AMPK and mTOR were detected by western blot.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,AAC group showed hypertrophy,LVW/BW,HW/BW,HYP and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly increased(P<0.05),p-AMPK/AMPK,LC3II/LC3I,Beclin1 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-dose astragaloside IV group showed the hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes was relatively light,LVW/BW and HW/BW were significantly decreased(P<0.05),there was no significant difference in HYP and p-mTOR/mTOR(P>0.05),LC3II/LC3I,Beclin1 and p-AMPK/AMPK were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,high-dose astragaloside IV group and rapamycin group showed reduced myocardial hypertrophy,LVW/BW,HW/BW,HYP and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly decreased(P<0.05),LC3II/LC3I,Beclin1 and p-AMPK/AMPK were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the low-dose astragaloside group,the high-dose astragaloside group showed reduced myocardial hypertrophy,there were significant differences in each index(P<0.05).Compared with rapamycin group,there was no obvious difference in morphology and structure of myocardial cells,LVW/BW,HYP and p-mTOR/mTOR were decreased(P<0.05),HW/BW and p-AMPK/AMPK had no significant difference(P>0.05),LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 were increased in high-dose astragaloside group(P<0.05).Conclusion:As IV has protective effect on cardiac hypertrophy in a dose-dependent manner and its mechanism may be related to regulate autophagy.

Astragaloside IV Ameliorates Inflammatory Damage in Mice with Acute Liver Failure

Acute liver failure is a life-threatening clinical syndrome with a high mortality rate. Currently, the research on Astragaloside IV in liver diseases primarily focuses on liver cancer, and there is limited understanding of its mechanism in acute liver failure’s innate immunity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential protective effect of Astragaloside IV on acute liver failure and its impact on innate immune cells. The study employed D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver failure mouse models and employed various techniques such as a range of molecular and analytical techniques. The experimental results demonstrated that treatment with Astragaloside IV significantly reduced the inflammatory response, alleviated liver injury, and improved the survival rate of mice with acute liver failure induced by D-GalN/LPS. Further investigations revealed that AS-IV played a beneficial role by regulating the proportion of CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory metabolites. These findings suggest that the pharmacological mechanism of AS-IV may involve targeted regulation of CD11b+Ly6Chi monocytes in both peripheral blood and liver. The implications of this study’s results are twofold. Firstly, they provide a basis for the clinical application of AS-IV in treating liver failure, offering potential therapeutic benefits. Secondly, they serve as a reference for further development of safer and more effective modified compounds.

Determination of the Content of Astragaloside IV in Yikangshu Granules by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

[Objectives]The research aimed to establish a high performance liquid chromatography method for the content determination of astragaloside IV in Yikangshu Granules.[Methods]Kromasil 5μm C18(2),100 A,250 mm×4.6 mm was used;the mobile phase was acetonitrile-water(32∶68);flow velocity was 1.0 mL/min;the temperature of evaporator and sprayer was 80 and 30℃;the column temperature was set at 30℃,and injection volume was 20μL.[Results]Astragaloside IV showed a good linear relationship in the range of 1.01-10.14μg with the peak area,and regression equation was lgY=1.7728lgX+1.597(r=0.9999).The limit of detection for astragaloside IV was 1.96 ng,and the average recovery rate was 95.31%.[Conclusions]This method is sensitive,accurate and reproducible,with good linearity,and it is suitable for the content determination of astragaloside IV in health food Yikangshu Granules.

Potential Role of Astragaloside IV in the Treatment of Fungal Keratitis

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a worldwide visual impairment disease. The pathogenesis of fungal keratitis involves fungi, corneal cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen degradation, inflammatory cytokines and their interactions. Accumulated evidence indicated that Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) possesses a broad range of pharmacological properties, such as efficacy in anti-inflammation, alleviating fibrosis, and immunomodulatory effects. This paper summarizes new findings regarding AS-IV in immune and inflammatory diseases and analyzes the perspective application of Astragaloside IV in fungal keratitis.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of ferulic acidpuerarin-astragaloside in combination with neuroprotective in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of the active ingredients combined therapy on inflammatory factors interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β)and neuropeptide Y(NPY)based on pharmacodynamics in rats.Methods:The animal model was built by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO).The method for evaluating the concentrations of the FA-Pr-AI components in rat plasma was established by using HPLC and the expression levels of IL-1βand NPY were determined by ELISA.A new mathematics method of the trend of percentage rate of change(PRC)was used to assess the correlation between pharmacokinetics(PK)and pharmacodynamics(PD).Results:FA-Pr-Al in combination reduced neurological deficits,decreased infarct volume and inhibited the expression levels of IL-1βand NPY(all P<0.05)compared with the model group.FA,Pr and Al all displayed two compartment open models in rats.Clockwise hysteresis loops were obtained by time-concentration-effect curves.IL-1βand NPY level changes in the plasma followed an opposite trend to the plasma concentration tendency after C_(max)was reached.Astragaloside's PRC value was significantly higher than those of FA and puerarin between 120 to 180 min.Conclusions:The pharmacokinetics of FA-PrAl in combination were closely related its pharmacodynamics in treating ischemia/reperfusion injury,and the components of FA-Pr-Al may have a synergistic pharmacological effect.Astragaloside may play a more pronounced role in regulating IL-1βand NPY levels compared with puerarin or FA.

Astragaloside IV prevents high-fat diet induced obesity partially through enhancing leptin signaling transduction

Aim To investigate the effects of astragaloside IV （ASI） on high-fat diet （HFD） induced obese mice. Methods The male mice aged 6 weeks were randomly divided into three groups （u- 18/group）, namely control group, model group and ASI-treated group. Control group were fed with standard diet, whereas the other two groups were given high fat diet. ASI-treated mice were daily intraperitoneally injected with ASI （25 nag · kg^-1）. Mean- while, the other group mice were treated with saline. Body weight of mice was monitored every week and lasted for 13 weeks. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride content were measured with respective kits. Serum leptin level was deter- mined by ELISA kit. Expression of leptin receptor in hypothalamus was measured by Western blot assay. Gene ex- pression of neuropeptide Y （NPY） and agouti-related protein （AGRP） in hypothalamus was detected by qPCR assay. In addition, leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice were given intraperitoneally with ASI （25 mg ~ kg-1） or saline for 13 weeks （u- 8/group）. Results ASI blocked body weight gain, suppressed appetite, improved leptin resistance, lowered serum triacylglycerol （TG） and total cholesterol （TC） contents, reduced accumulation of fat tissues and pre- vented enlargement of adipose cells in HFD fed mice. Furthermore, ASI increased the protein expression level of lep- tin receptor in hypothalamus, and inhibited the mRNA expression levels of NPY and AGRP. However, ASI could not decrease body gain in leptin receptor - deficient db/db mice as well as the mRNA expression levels of NPY and AGRP. Conclusion The study suggested that ASI could efficiently prevent HFD-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice,which was partially mediated through enhancing leptin signaling transduction.

Astragaloside IV Alleviates Acute Liver Failure Induced by D-GalN/LPS by Upregulating Autophagy and Reducing Inflammation

Acute liver failure(ALF)is a life-threatening condition that manifests in an extremely serious manner and progresses rapidly.The following study investigated the protective effect of astragaloside IV(AS-IV),a traditional Chinese drug,on ALF,and its underlying mechanisms,focusing on autophagy and inflammation regulation.Mice were randomly divided into a saline group,a D-galactosamine and lipopolysac-charide(D-GalN/LPS)group and an AS-IV group.Biochemical analysis,immunohistochemistry,cytometric bead array,high-throughput quantitative PCR,flow cytometry and Western analysis were used to assess inflammation and liver damage 5 hours after D-GalN/LPS ex-posure.Astragaloside IV treatment reduced mortality by alleviating D-GalN/LPS–induced hepatic damage and decreasing inflammation(decreasing Ly6c+monocyte levels,reducing inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory factors)as well as upregulating au-tophagy.Furthermore,PCR array was used to detect expression of autophagy-related genes,which demonstrated a Log2 fold change in gene expression between the AS-IV and D-GalN/LPS groups ranging from 1.19 to-3.53,with Tnfsf10 showing the largest alteration be-tween the two groups.These data suggest that AS-IV may alleviate ALF by upregulating autophagy and reducing inflammation,and it may therefore be an interesting drug for alleviating ALF.

Quantitative analysis of astragaloside IV in traditional Chinese medicine‘Huang-Qi-Si-Wu' Capsules by HPLC/UV

A reliable and accurate HPLC/UV method was developed for the quantitative determination of astragaloside IV in ＇Huang-Qi-Si-Wu＇ Capsules, a widely used prescription of traditional Chinese medicines （TCM）. The chromatographic separation conditions employed for HPLC/UV were optimized using a Hypersil-ODS column （250 mm^4.6 mm, 5.0 pm） with isocratic elution. Acetonitrile-water （32：68, v/v） were used as the mobile phase pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and a detection wavelength at 203 nm was used. The method was fully validated with respect to linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity and robustness. The validated method was applied successfully to the quantification of astragaloside IV in the extract of ＇Huang-Qi- Si-Wu＇ Capsules from different production batches. The results indicate that the established HPLC/UV method is suitable for the quantitative analysis and quality control of ＇Huang-Qi-Si-Wu＇ Capsules and other related botanical drugs.

Astragaloside Ⅳ Protects Against Aβ1-42-induced Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective action of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) on spatial learning and memory impairment induced by amyloid-beta 1-42(Aβ1-42) in rats and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods Adult-male Sprague-Dawley rats(230-250 g) were divided into six groups randomly: control, Aβ1-42, AS-Ⅳ, Aβ1-42 plus 5 mg/kg·d AS-Ⅳ, Aβ1-42 plus 25 mg/kg·d AS-Ⅳ, and Aβ1-42 plus 50 mg/kg·d AS-Ⅳ groups. Aβ1-42 were delivered by intracerebroventricular injection under the guidance of a brain stereotaxic apparatus. The Morris water maze test(hidden platform test, probe trials, visible platform test) was performed one week after Aβ1-42 injection to obtain the ability of rat spatial learning and memory. AS-Ⅳ(5, 25 and 50 mg/kg·d) was administrated intraperitoneally once per day from the 8 th day after Aβ1-42 injection for 5 consecutive days. Average escape latencies, distances for searching for the platform under water and the percentage of total time elapsed and distance swam in the right quadrant after removing platform were determined by behavior softwaresystem. The vision and swim speeds of rats were also determined to exclude the effect of these factors on the parameters of learning and memory. After behavioral tests, the rats were sacrificed immediately by decapitation. Hippocampus were collected. The enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-px) and catalase(CAT) in the hippocampus obtained from different-treated rat brain were measured by following the manufacturer’s instructions. The levels of interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) in tissue lysates were assayed with ELISA.Results The water maze test results indicated that chronic treatments with AS-Ⅳ effectively protected the rats from Aβ1-42-induced spatial learning and memory impairment. Furthermore, the activities of SOD, GSH-px and CAT decreased by Aβ1-42 were also restored by AS-Ⅳ treatment in the hippocampus of rats. In addition, AS-Ⅳ significantly decreased the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the hippocampus of Aβ1-42-induced amnesia’s rats. Conclusion Our findings suggest that AS-Ⅳ might be a useful chemical in improving the spatial memory and relieving the oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer patients.

Pharmacological effects of Astragaloside IV: a literature review

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of Astragaloside IV in Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolici). METHODS: Aticles focusing on Astragaloside IV in English and Chinese in databases were collected and reviewed in order to summarize the latest extraction separation, pharmacokinetics, and the pharmacological effects of astrageloside IV. RESULTS: Protective effects of Astrageloside IV on the cardiovascular system, immune, digestive, nervous system were identified, and the action mechanisms were associated with regulation of the calcium balance, anti-oxydant, antiapoptosis, antivirus, and so on. CONCLUSION: Astrageloside IV has broad application prospects, especially in cardiovascular diseases, digestive diseases, cancer and other modern high incidence, high-risk diseases, and could be developed as a medicine.

The mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ promoting sciatic nerve regeneration

3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-cycloastragenol （astragaloside IV）, the main active component of the traditional Chinese medicine astragalus membranaceus, has been shown to be neuroprotective. This study investigated whether astragaloside IV could promote the repair of injured sciatic nerve. Denervated sciatic nerve of mice was subjected to anastomosis. The mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10, 5, 2.5 mg/kg astragaloside IV per day for 8 consecutive days Western blot assay and real-time PCR results demonstrated that growth-associated protein-43 ex- pression was upregulated in mouse spinal cord segments L4-6 after intervention with 10, 5, 2.5 mg/kg astragaloside IV per day in a dose-dependent manner. Luxol fast blue staining and elec- trophysiological detection suggested that astragaloside IV elevated the number and diameter of myelinated nerve fibers, and simultaneously increased motor nerve conduction velocity and action potential amplitude in the sciatic nerve of mice. These results indicated that astragaloside IV con- tributed to sciatic nerve regeneration and functional recovery in mice. The mechanism underlying this effect may be associated with the upregulation of growth-associated protein-43 expression.

Astragaloside IV prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced injury in H9C2 cardiomyocytes

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of astragaloside IV(AS IV) on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced injury in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. H9C2 Cardiomyocytes were cultured with LPS(10 μg·mL-1) for 4 h and treated with AS IV at 50, 100, and 150 μmol·L-1 for various durations. Cell viability was determined by MTT. The content of released TNF-α and IL-6 from cardiomyocytes were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The levels of superoxidase dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), and creatine phosphate kinase(CK) were measured by using commercial available kits. The mR NA and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. And the NF-κB p65 activity was measured by ELISA. Our results demonstrated that AS IV at 50, 100, and 150 μmol·L-1 markedly inhibited the release of TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased NF-κB expression, compared with the model group. Moreover, the improved SOD activity and decreased MDA, LDH and CK levels were detected after AS IV treatment. In summary, AS IV could increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inhibite lipid peroxidation, and down-regulate the inflammatory mediators involved in the inflammatory responses. These results demonstrated that AS IV could prevent LPS-induced injury in cardiomyocytes.

Astragaloside IV Attenuates Polymicrobial Sepsis-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Rats via IKK/NF-κB Pathway

Objective To evaluate the protective effects of Astragaloside IV(AST)in a rat model of myocardial injury induced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).Methods The model of sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction was induced by CLP.Using a random number table,50 specific pathogen free grade of Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups:the sham group(sham),the model group(CLP,18 h/72 h)and AST group(18 h/72 h).Except the sham group,the rats in other groups received CLP surgery to induce sepsis.CLP groups received intragastric administration with normal saline after CLP.AST groups received intragastric administration with AST solution(40 mg/kg)once a day.The levels of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers in the serum of the septic rats were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)at different time point,such as interleukin 6(IL-6),IL-10,high mobility group box-1 protein B1(HMGB-1),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA).Cardiac function was determined by echocardiography.Moreover,changes in myocardial pathology were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining.The levels of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)were analysed to determine the status of CLP-induced myocardium.In addition,the apotosis of myocardial cells was analysed by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL).The protein levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X(Bax),IκB kinaseα(IKKα),nuclear factor kappa B p65(NF-κB p65)were detected by Western blot analysis.Moreover,survival rate was investigated.Results AST improved the survival rate of CLP-induced rats by up to 33.3%(P<0.05).The cardioprotective effect of AST was observed by increased ejection fraction,fractional shortening and left ventricular internal diameter in diastole respectively(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Subsequently,AST attenuated CLP-induced myocardial apoptosis and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the myocardium,as well as the histological alterations of myocardium(P<0.01 or P<0.05);the generation of inflammatory cytokines(IL-6,IL-10,HMGB-1)and oxidative stress markers(SOD,MDA)in the serum was significantly alleviated(P<0.01 or P<0.05).On the other hand,AST markedly suppressed CLP-induced accumulation of IKK-αand NF-κB p65 subunit phosphorylation(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Conclusions AST plays a significant protective role in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction and survival outcome.The possible mechanism of cardioprotection is dependent on the activation of the IKK/NF-κB pathway in cardiomyocytes.

Effect of astragaloside IV and salvianolic acid B on antioxidant stress and vascular endothelial protection in the treatment of atherosclerosis based on metabonomics

Vascular endothelial cells and oxidation reduction system play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis(AS).If these conditions are disordered,it will inevitably lead to plaque formation and even rupture.Astragaloside IV(AsIV)and salvianolic acid B(Sal B)are the main active ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza,respectively,and found to ameliorate vascular endothelial dysfunction and protect against oxidative stress in recent studies.However,it is still unknown if the combination of AsIV and Sal B(AsIV+Sal B)can inhibit the development of plaque through amplifying the protective effect of vascular endothelial cells and anti-oxidative stress effect.To clarify the role of AsIV+Sal B in AS,we observed the efficacy of each group(Control,Model,AsIV,Sal B,and AsIV+Sal B)by biomolecular assays,such as observing the pathological morphology of the aorta by oil red O staining,evaluating the level of oxidative stress and endothelial cells in the serum by the Elisa test,and analyzing the changes of all small molecule metabolites in liver tissue by UPLC-QTOF-MS.Results showed that AsIV,Sal B and AsIV+Sal B decreased the deposition of lipid in the arterial wall,so as to exert the effect of anti-oxidant stress and vascular endothelial protection,where the inhibitory effect of AsIV+Sal B was the most obvious.Metabonomics analysis showed that Sal B regulated the metabolic pathways of arginine and proline.AsIV regulated glycerol metabolism and saturated fatty acid biosynthesis metabolism.AsIV+Sal B is mainly related to the regulation of the citrate cycle(TCA cycle),alanine,aspartic acid,and glutamate metabolism,cysteine,and methionine metabolism.Succinic acid and methionine are synergistic metabolites that exert an enhancing effect when AsIV and Sal B were used in combination.In conclusion,we demonstrated that AsIV acompanied with Sal B can be successfully used for anti-oxidative stress and vascular endothelial protection of AS,and succinic acid and methionine are the synergistic metabolites.

Astragaloside IV Regulates Expression of ATP-sensitive Potassium Channel Subunits after Ischemia-reperfusion in Rat Ventricular Cardiomyocytes

Objective: Astragaloside IV (AsIV) is the major effective component extracted from the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus, which has been widely used to treat cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown that AsIV can potentially protect the heart from myocardial ischemic injury, but the mechanisms of action are unknown. ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are activated during ischemia and exert a compensatory protective effect on cardiomyocytes. We therefore examined the effects of AsIV on KATP channel currents and channel expression in isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group, ischemia-reperfusion (IP) group, IP + glibenclamide group, IP + pinacidil group and IP + AsIV group. The ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established in enzymatically isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes by perfusion with calcium-free Tyrode solution for 10 min, arrest for 30 min, and reperfusion for 45 min. The different drugs were applied for 10-15 min, and the KATP channel current (IKATP) was recorded with voltage-clamp mode by whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Protein and mRNA expression of the KATP channel subunits Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR2A and SUR2B was quantified using western blotting and real-time PCR. Results: The KATP current in IP group was significantly greater than that in control group (211.45±33.67 vs 83.51±23.67 pA; P<0.01). Glibenclamide (10 μmol/L) blocked KATP currents, whereas both AsIV (1 mg/L) and the known channel opener pinacidil (50 μmol/L) significantly increased IKATP (P<0.05). Consistent with this, AsIV significantly up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR2A, SUR2B (P<0.01 vs IP group). Conclusion: The protective effects of AsIV in ischemia-reperfusion injury may be related to the up-regulation of several KATP channel subunits and facilitation of KATP currents.

Effects of Astragaloside in Treating Myocardial Injury and Myocardial Sarco/Endoplasmic Ca^( 2+)-ATPase of Viral Myocarditis Mice

Objective: To investigate the effects on myocardial injury and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca^2+-ATPase of viral myocarditis mice treated with Astragaloside (AS) and Astragalus Injection (AI). Methods: Viral myocarditis model was created by intraperitoneal inoculation with coxsackievirus B 3m (CVB 3m ) solution and were divided into model, AS, AI and normal control groups. The mortality, myocardial pathological changes, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and the activity of myocardial Sarco/Endoplasmic Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA) were observed. Results: The mortality of model was higher than that of the normal control (P=0.0042), AS and AI (P<005). The serum level of cTnI of model was significantly higher than that of the normal control (P<0001), AS (P<0025) and AI (P<005). The myocardial necrosis and inflammatory changes of AS and AI groups were alleviated than that of model (P<001). The activity of myocardial SERCA of model were significantly lower than that of normal control (P<0001), AS (P<001) and AI (P<005). Conclusions: AS and AI have some protecting effects on myocardial injury of viral myocarditis mice. AS is the effective component of Astragalus membranaceus in treating viral myocarditis. One of the mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus and AS for viral myocarditis mice depriving of the myocardial injury may be due to improve the activity of myocardial SERCA in the mice.

Astragaloside 对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎小鼠的防治作用研究

目的:探讨Astragaloside对实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(EAE)小鼠的保护作用及机制。方法:采用髓鞘MOG 35-55诱导C57BL/6雌性小鼠建立EAE模型,随机分为EAE对照组、Astragaloside高、低剂量组。造模的第3天起,采用腹腔注射给药,持续25 d。EAE对照组给予PBS;Astragaloside高、低剂量组分别给予Astragaloside溶液30 mg/(kg·d),15 mg/(kg·d);各组小鼠给药0.2 ml/(次·只),每天记录小鼠症状、体征、体重变化和临床评分。HE染色检测脊髓炎细胞浸润。ELISA法检测外周血中IL-1β、IL-17、TNF-α、IL-10的表达量。Western blot法检测脊髓组织中ROCKⅡ、P-MYPT1、p-NF-κB/p65的表达变化。结果:与EAE对照组比较,Astragaloside高、低剂量组均可明显降低平均最高临床评分,减轻EAE临床症状(P<0.01,P<0.05),高剂量组治疗效果优于低剂量组;Astragaloside可抑制中枢神经系统炎症细胞浸润,显著降低血清中IL-1β、IL-17的表达(P<0.05,P<0.001),增加血清IL-10水平(P<0.05),明显抑制ROCKⅡ、P-MYPT1、p-NF-κB/p65的表达(P<0.05)。结论:Astragaloside可通过抑制Rock通路和调节细胞因子的表达改善EAE的临床症状。

Astragalus membranaceus(Fisch.)Bge.administered by dissolving microneedles achieves systemic therapeutic effects at low doses Author links open overlay panel

Objective:To determine the main components of Astragalus membranaceus(Fisch.)Bge(A.membranaceus,Huang Qi),Astragaloside IV(AIV)and Astragalus polysaccharides(AP),to characterize their properties,evaluate their in vivo efficacy,and to analyze drug diffusion using dissolving microneedle(DMN)technology in vivo.Methods: Respectively,AIV-and AP-loaded DMNs comprising chitosan(CTS)and polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)were prepared via dual-mold forming.Their morphology,mechanical properties,in vivo solubility,and skin irritation characteristics were tested.In vivo efficacy was assessed in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice,in vivo diffusion of AIV and AP by DMNs and conventional methods was compared,and the rheological properties of AIV-CTS-PVA and AP-CTS-PVA mixtures were measured.Results: Subcutaneous dissolution and absorption of AIV-CTS-PVA and AP-CTS-PVA microneedles(MNs)at low doses(50%–17%of intraperitoneal AIV injection and 12%–4%of intravenous AP injection)reduced the spleen index and acid phosphatase activity in immunosuppressed mouse models,increased the thymus index,and achieved equivalent or better systemic therapeutic effects.Compared with injections,AIV and AP achieved controllable solid-liquid conversion through delivery with CTS-PVA MNs,resulting in highly localized aggregation within 48 h,reducing the initial explosive effect of the drug,and achieving stable and slow drug release.Conclusion: The present study enhances our understanding of the efficacy and remote effects of drug-loaded DMNs from a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)perspective,thereby promoting the development of precise and efficient delivery of TCM and further expanding the drug-loading range and application scenarios for DMNs.