[Objectives]To explore the extraction and in vitro antioxidant effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)and Ganoderma lucidum mycelia polysaccharides(GLMPS).[Methods]By studying the polysaccharides of the herbal medi...[Objectives]To explore the extraction and in vitro antioxidant effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)and Ganoderma lucidum mycelia polysaccharides(GLMPS).[Methods]By studying the polysaccharides of the herbal medicinal material Astragalus membranaceus and the fungal medicinal material Ganoderma lucidum mycelia,two polysaccharides were mixed according to different proportions and concentrations by using the principle of traditional Chinese medicine compound combination.The effect of polysaccharides on the scavenging ability of hydroxyl radical system was determined by salicylic acid method.[Results]When the compound ratios of GLMPS and APS were 1∶1,1∶4,1∶5,4∶1,and 5∶1,the scavenging effect of compound polysaccharides was better than that of single-component polysaccharides,and with the increase of concentration,the scavenging effect increased.When the ratio of GLMPS and APS was 5∶1,the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of the compound polysaccharide reached 59.77%,which was 18.72%higher than that of single GLMPS and 28.58%higher than that of single APS.The scavenging effect of compound polysaccharide is closely related to the compound ratio and concentration.[Conclusions]APS and GLMPS can obtain better hydroxyl radical scavenging ability than single-component polysaccharides through compounding in appropriate proportions.In addition,within a suitable concentration range,as the concentration increases,the scavenging ability also increases.展开更多
BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a main form of inflammatory bowel disease.Due to complicated etiology and a high rate of recurrence,it is quite essential to elucidate the underlying mechanism of and search for eff...BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a main form of inflammatory bowel disease.Due to complicated etiology and a high rate of recurrence,it is quite essential to elucidate the underlying mechanism of and search for effective therapeutic methods for UC.AIM To investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)combined with matrine on UC and associated lung injury.METHODS UC was induced in rats by colon mucosal tissue sensitization combined with trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid-ethanol.Then,the effects of the treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine on histopathological changes of lung and colon tissues,disease activity index(DAI),colon mucosal damage index(CMDI),serum endotoxin(ET)level,serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activity,the contents of tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin-1β,and the activities of myeloperoxidase,superoxide dismutase,and malondialdehyde in lung tissues,as well as the protein expression of zonula occludens(ZO)-1,Occludin,and trefoil factor 3(TFF3)were detected in UC rats.RESULTS The treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine reduced DAI scores and improved histopathological changes of colon and lung tissues,as well as decreased CMDI scores,ET levels,and DAO activities in UC rats.Moreover,in lung tissues,inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury were relieved after the treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine in UC rats.Furthermore,the expression of ZO-1,Occludin,and TFF3 in lung and colon tissues was increased after different treatments in UC rats.Notably,APS combined with matrine exerted a better protective effect against UC and lung injury compared with other treatments.CONCLUSION APS combined with matrine exert a synergistic protective effect against UC and lung injury,which might be associated with regulating TFF3 expression.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Although the underlying mechanism is largely unknown,gut dysbiosis has emerged as a central initiator of obesity-related diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),type 2 diabetes and metabol...OBJECTIVE Although the underlying mechanism is largely unknown,gut dysbiosis has emerged as a central initiator of obesity-related diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.The emerging evidence support the use of prebiotics like herb-derived polysaccharides for treating NAFLD by modulating gut microbiome.So,our study focused on the microbiota-dependent anti-NAFLD effect and the exact mechanisms of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)extracted from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge in high-fat diet(HFD)fed mice.METHODS Co-housing experiment was used to assess the microbiota dependent anti-NAFLD effect of APS.Then,targeted metabolomics and metagenomics were adopted for determining short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)and bacteria that were specifically enriched by APS.Further in vitro experiment was carried out to test the capacity of SCFAs-producing of identified bacterium.Finally,the anti-NAFLD efficacy of identified bacterium was tested in HFD fed mice.RESULTS Our results first demonstrated the anti-NAFLD effect of APS in HFD fed mice and the contribution of gut microbiota.Moreover,our results indicated that SCFAs,predominantly acetic acid were elevated in APS-supplemented mice and ex vivo experiment.Metagenomics revealed that D.vulgaris from Desulfovibrio genus was not only enriched by APS,but also a potent generator of acetic acid,which showed significant anti-NAFLD effects in HFD fed mice.In addition,D.vulgaris modulated the hepatic gene expression pattern of lipids metabolism,particularly suppressed hepatic fatty acid synthase(FASN)and CD36 protein expression.CONCLUSION APS enriched D.vulgaris is effective on attenuating hepatic steatosis possibly through producing acetic acid,and modulation on hepatic lipids metabolism in mice.Further studies are warranted to explore the long-term impacts of D.vulgaris on host metabolism and the underlying mechanism.展开更多
Polysaccharides are widely present in herbs with multiple activities,especially immunity regulation and metabolic benefits for metabolic disorders.However,the underlying mechanisms are not well under-stood.Functional ...Polysaccharides are widely present in herbs with multiple activities,especially immunity regulation and metabolic benefits for metabolic disorders.However,the underlying mechanisms are not well under-stood.Functional metabolomics is increasingly used to investigate systemic effects on the host by iden-tifying metabolites with particular functions.This study explores the mechanisms underlying the metabolic benefits of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)by adopting a functional metabolomics strategy.The effects of APS were determined in eight-week high-fat diet(HFD)-fed obese mice.Then,gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry(GC–TOFMS)-based untargeted metabolomics was performed for an analysis of serum and liver tissues,and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrom-etry(LC–MS/MS)-based targeted metabolomics was performed.The potential functions of the metabo-lites were tested with in vitro and in vivo models of metabolic disorders.Our results first confirmed the metabolic benefits of APS in obese mice.Then,metabolomics analysis revealed that APS supplemen-tation reversed the HFD-induced metabolic changes,and identified 2-hydroxybutyric acid(2-HB)as a potential functional metabolite for APS activity that was significantly decreased by a HFD and reversed by APS.Further study indicated that 2-HB inhibited oleic acid(OA)-induced triglyceride(TG)accumula-tion.It was also found to stimulate the expression of proteins in lipid degradation in hepatocytes and TG lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells.Moreover,it was found to reduce serum TG and regulate the proteins involved in lipid degradation in high-fat and high-sucrose(HFHS)-fed mice.In conclusion,our study demonstrates that the metabolic benefits of APS are at least partially due to 2-HB generation,which modulated lipid metabolism both in vitro and in vivo.Our results also highlight that functional metabolomics is practical for investigating the mechanism underlying the systemic benefits of plant polysaccharides.展开更多
Objective:To examine the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on immune function in B16 melanoma mice.Method:Forty male C57BL/6 mice were divided equally into a control group,model group,Astragalus polysaccharide low-...Objective:To examine the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on immune function in B16 melanoma mice.Method:Forty male C57BL/6 mice were divided equally into a control group,model group,Astragalus polysaccharide low-dose group,and Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,with 10 mice per group.B16 cells were used to develop a mouse model of melanoma.After B16 engraftment,40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharide was administered by gavage every day to the Astragalus polysaccharide low-dose group and Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,respectively.Splenic index,thymic index,tumor growth curves,and tumor inhibition rates were measured.Flow cytometry was used to measure proportions of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine histopathological changes in tumors.Immunofluorescence double staining was used to identify myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor tissues.Results:In the Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,splenic and thymic indices were significantly increased and tumor growth was inhibited in melanoma mice.Flow cytometry demonstrated increased CD4^(+)and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratios in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.HE staining demonstrated significantly decreased numbers of tumor cells among mice with melanoma in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.Immunofluorescence double staining demonstrated significantly decreased numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor tissues in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.Conclusion:Astragalus polysaccharide inhibits tumor growth,increases splenic and thymic indices,increases CD4^(+)and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratios,and decreases myeloid-derived suppressor cell numbers in melanoma mice.Our results indicate Astragalus polysaccharide may enhance immune function resulting in inhibition of tumorigenesis and tumor progression.展开更多
Astragalus polysaccharide has the beneficial effect of Qi-deficiency,and it also has several anti-tumor mechanisms,including pharmacological actions and clinical functions.Through literature review,this work concluded...Astragalus polysaccharide has the beneficial effect of Qi-deficiency,and it also has several anti-tumor mechanisms,including pharmacological actions and clinical functions.Through literature review,this work concluded anti-tumor mechanism and clinical application of astragalus polysaccharide,which was of considerable significance to expand and optimize its anti-tumor function and clinical application.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)on bone marrow suppression and hematopoietic stem cells during chemotherapy in elderly patients with lung cancer.Methods:120 elderly patients with...Objective:To investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)on bone marrow suppression and hematopoietic stem cells during chemotherapy in elderly patients with lung cancer.Methods:120 elderly patients with lung cancer treated in the first hospital of Xingtai city from January 2019 to early December 2019 were divided into the treatment group and the control group by the random number table method,all of whom received pemetrexed+carboplatin chemotherapy,and the treatment group was treated with APS at the same time.The efficacy was evaluated after 2 cycles of chemotherapy,bone marrow suppression was observed,and levels of TCM symptoms score,peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroup index,L-selectin(CD62L)and macrophage differentiation antigen-1(Mac-1)were measured before and after 2 cycles of chemotherapy.Results:The response rate(RR)was 56.67%in the treatment group and 45.00%in the control group,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05);The disease control rate(DCR)in the treatment group was 81.67%,which was significantly higher than 65.00%in the control group(P<0.05);The reduction degree of leukopenia in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);The treatment group had a platelet reduction of grade 1+2 at a rate of 40.00%,and hemoglobin reduction of grade 1+2 at a rate of 28.33%,which were significantly lower than the control group at 65.00%and 58.33%(P<0.05);Compared with those before chemotherapy,the total score of TCM symptoms,serum CD62L and Mac-1 levels in the two groups all decreased significantly after chemotherapy,and they were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05);After chemotherapy,CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+in the treatment group increased significantly and they were all higher in the treatment group than in the control group,while CD8+decreased significantly and was lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in T lymphocyte subsets before and after chemotherapy in the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Astragalus polysaccharide can improve the chemotherapy effect and improve the bone marrow suppression in elderly patients with lung cancer,which may be related to its obvious enhancement of immune function and decrease of CD62L and Mac-1 levels.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)on myocardial remodeling and expression of miR-21 after myocardial infarction.Methods:Sixty SPF grade healthy male rats were divided into the sham ...Objective:To investigate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)on myocardial remodeling and expression of miR-21 after myocardial infarction.Methods:Sixty SPF grade healthy male rats were divided into the sham operation group,the model group,astragalus polysaccharide low,medium and high dose groups and atorvastatin group randomly with 10 rats in each group.The left anterior descending coronary artery(LAD)was ligated to establish myocardial infarction model in rats,and the corresponding drug intervention was given for 4 weeks.The changes of myocardial morphology and collagen were observed by HE and Masson staining.The levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-αand IL-10 were detected by ELISA.The mRNA expressions of miR-21,MMP2,TIMP-2,Col-I,and Col-III was detected by RT-PCR.The protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the model group,APS could improve the pathological morphology of myocardial tissue,increase the level of IL-10 in myocardial tissue,reduce the staining area of collagen and the contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.05).At the same time,APS could decreased the expression of MMP2,Col-I and Col-ⅢmRNA and the ratio of MMP2/TIMP-2,and increased the expression of TIMP-2 mRNA and miR-21 significantly(P<0.05).Furthermore,APS could significantly reduce the expression of TLR4,p-NF-κB p65 and MyD88 protein in myocardial tissue of rats with myocardial infarction,and the differences were statistically significant when compared with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion:APS can inhibit the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway by upregulating the expression of miR-21,which plays a therapeutic role in ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the antitumor effect of combination treatment of Astragalus polysaccharide and PD-L1 antibody on mice with Lewis lung carcinoma.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6 mice were selected and divided equall...Objective:To investigate the antitumor effect of combination treatment of Astragalus polysaccharide and PD-L1 antibody on mice with Lewis lung carcinoma.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6 mice were selected and divided equally into Model group,PD-L1 group,APSgroup,and APS+PD-L1 group.Lewis lung carcinoma cells were used to establish the lung carcinoma mouse model.After successful modeling,the PD-L1 group was injected with 200μg of PD-L1 antibody intraperitoneally on day 0/4/8/12;the APS group was gavaged with 80 mg/kg of APS daily for 14 days;the APS+PD-L1 group was gavaged with 80 mg/kg of APS daily for 14 days,and in addition,200μg of PD-L1 antibody was injected intraperitoneally on day 0/4/8/12.The spleen and thymus indices of each group of mice were observed,to plot the tumor growth curve and calculate the tumor suppression rate.The ratio of T-lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry;the level of T cell-related cytokines in peripheral blood was detected by ELISA;MTT assay was used to detect the tumor-killing function of spleen lymphocytes in vitro.Results:PD-L1,APS,and APS+PD-L1 groups significantly increased spleen and thymus indices and inhibited tumor growth in lung carcinoma mice;flow cytometry results showed that PD-L1,APS,and APS+PD-L1 groups increased CD4^(+)T-cell ratio and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratio;ELISA results showed that PD-L1,APS,and APS+PD-L1 groups significantly increased T cell-associated cytokine levels;MTT results showed that PD-L1,APS,and APS+PD-L1 groups enhanced the tumor-killing function of splenic lymphocytes in vitro.Conclusions:Astragalus polysaccharide can inhibit tumor growth,increase spleen and thymus indices,increase CD4^(+)T-cell ratio and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratio,aswell as improve T-cell-related cytokine levels and splenic lymphocyte tumor-killing function in vitro in a mouse model of lung carcinoma,essentially inhibiting tumorigenesis and progression.展开更多
AIM: To explore probable mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide(APS) against experimental colitis.METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Colit...AIM: To explore probable mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide(APS) against experimental colitis.METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Colitis was induced with 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS). The rats with colitis were treated with 400 mg/kg of APS for 7 d. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by colonic weight, weight index of the colon, colonic length, and macroscopic and histological scores. The levels of regulatory T(Treg) cells in Peyer's patches were measured by flow cytometry, and cytokines in colonic tissue homogenates were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of related orphan receptor-gt(ROR-gt), IL-23 and STAT-5a was measured by Western blot.RESULTS: After 7-d treatment with APS, the weight index of the colon, colonic weight, macroscopical and histological scores were decreased, while the colonic length was increased compared with the model group. The expression of interleukin(IL)-2, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23 and ROR-gt in the colonic tissues was down-regulated, but Treg cells in Peyer's patches, TGF-β and STAT5 a in the colonic tissues were up-regulated.CONCLUSION: APS effectively ameliorates TNBSinduced experimental colitis in rats, probably through restoring the number of Treg cells, and inhibiting IL-17 levels in Peyer's patches.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the adjunct anticancer effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in H22 tumor-bearing mice.METHODS:To establish a solid tumor model,5.0 × 10 6 /mL H22 hepatoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously i...AIM:To investigate the adjunct anticancer effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in H22 tumor-bearing mice.METHODS:To establish a solid tumor model,5.0 × 10 6 /mL H22 hepatoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit region of Kunming mice(6-12 wk old,18-22 g).When the tumors reached a size of 100 mm 3,the animals were treated as indicated,and the mice were randomly assigned to seven groups(n = 10 each).After ten days of treatment,blood samples were collected from mouse eyes,and serum was harvested by centrifugation.Mice were sacrificed,and the whole body,tumor,spleen and thymus were weighed immediately.The rate of tumor inhibition and organ indexes were calculated.The expression levels of serum cytokines,P-glycoprotein(P-GP) and multidrug resistance(MDR) 1 mRNA in tumor tissues were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,Western blotting,and quantitative myeloid-derived suppressor cells reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,respectively.RESULTS:The tumor inhibition rates in the treatment groups of Adriamycin(ADM) + Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)(50 mg/kg),ADM + APS(100 mg/kg),and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) were significantly higher than in the ADM group(72.88% vs 60.36%,P = 0.013;73.40% vs 60.36%,P = 0.010;77.57% vs 60.36%,P = 0.001).The spleen indexes of the above groups were also significantly higher than in the ADM group(0.65 ± 0.22 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.023;0.62 ± 0.34 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.022;0.67 ± 0.20 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.012),and the thymus indexes of the ADM + APS(100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) groups were significantly higher than in the ADM group(0.20 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.04,P = 0.029;0.47 ± 0.12 vs 0.13 ± 0.04,P = 0.000).APS was found to exert a synergistic antitumor effect with ADM and to alleviate the decrease in the sizes of the spleen and thymus induced by AMD.The expression of interleukin-1α(IL-1α),IL-2,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) was significantly higher in the ADM + APS(50 mg/kg),ADM + APS(100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) groups than in the ADM group;and IL-10 was significantly lower in the above groups than in the ADM group.APS could increase IL-1α,IL-2,IL-6,and TNF-α expression and decrease IL-10 levels.Compared with the ADM group,APS treatment at a dose of 50-200 mg/kg could downregulate MDR1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner(0.48 ± 0.13 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000;0.36 ± 0.03 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000;0.21 ± 0.04 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000).The expression level of P-GP was significantly lower in the ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) group than in the ADM group(137.35 ± 9.20 mg/kg vs 282.19 ± 20.54 mg/kg,P = 0.023).CONCLUSION:APS exerts a synergistic anti-tumor effect with ADM in H22 tumor-bearing mice.This may be related to its ability to enhance the expression of IL1α,IL-2,IL-6,and TNF-α,decrease IL-10,and downregulate MDR1 mRNA and P-GP expression levels.展开更多
Two hundred and forty specific pathogen free leghorn chickens were randomly divided into four groups and reared in isolated pens. The tested chickens were negative to infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) at 25 d old...Two hundred and forty specific pathogen free leghorn chickens were randomly divided into four groups and reared in isolated pens. The tested chickens were negative to infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) at 25 d old. Group 1 was treated with saline,whereas Groups 2,3,and 4 were inoculated with 0.3 mL IBDV suspension intranasally the next day. Groups 3 and 4 were also administered with Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) intramuscularly twice daily at 5 or 10 mg kg-1 BW,respectively,until 31 d old. The erythrocyte-C3b receptor rosette rate (E-C3bRR) and the erythrocyte-C3b immune complex rosette rate (E-ICRR) were measured at 25,29,32,35,and 38 d old. The results showed that IBDV significantly reduced E-C3bRR and E-ICRR when compared with the control group (P < 0.05),while simultaneous administration of APS with IBDV maintained E-C3bRR at similar levels to the control group (P > 0.05) and increased E-ICRR when compared with the control group and the group non-treated with APS (P < 0.05). APS treatment reduced the morbidity and mortality of chickens inoculated with IBDV (P < 0.05). The results suggest that APS may enhance the immune adherence of chickens erythrocytes by affecting the activity and/or the number of complement receptors on the erythrocyte membrane. These findings can be beneficial in providing an understanding of the basic mechanisms required for the rational application of APS in modern medicine.展开更多
This study investigated the humoral immunization of Astragalus polysaccharide(APS) against H9N2 avian influenza virus(H9N2 AIV) infection in chickens. The effects of APS treatment on H9N2 infection was evaluated by an...This study investigated the humoral immunization of Astragalus polysaccharide(APS) against H9N2 avian influenza virus(H9N2 AIV) infection in chickens. The effects of APS treatment on H9N2 infection was evaluated by an MTT [3(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 3-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay and analysis of MHC and cytokine mRNA expression. The effect on lymphocyte and serum antibody titers in vivo was also investigated. IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, LITAF, IL-12 and antibody titers to H9N2 AIV were enhanced in the first week after APS treatment. The results indicated that APS treatment reduces H9N2 AIV replication and promotes early humoral immune responses in young chickens.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the anti-viral effect of emodin plus Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mice.METHODS: Sixty HBV transgenic mice (HBV TGM) whose weight varied between 18 and 24 g wer...AIM: To evaluate the anti-viral effect of emodin plus Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mice.METHODS: Sixty HBV transgenic mice (HBV TGM) whose weight varied between 18 and 24 g were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 20 mice in each group. Group A was the normal control, where the mice were treated with physiological saline; group B was the positive control where the mice were treated with lamivudine solution (100 mL/kg per day). Group C was the experimental group where the mice were treated with physiological saline containing emodin and APS (57.59 mg/kg per day and 287.95 mg/kg per day, respectively). The mice were treated daily for 3 wk. After 1 wk recovery time, the mice were sacrifi ced and serum as well as liver tissues were collected for ELISA and histological examination.RESULTS: After 21 d treatment, HBV DNA levels in group B and group C significantly declined when compared with group A (P < 0.05). However, a signif icant increase in HBV DNA content was observed in group B, whereas this phenomenon was not observed in group C. A reduction in the contents of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAg in the mice from group B and C was observed when compared with group A.CONCLUSION: Emodin and APS have a weak but persistent inhibitory effect on HBV replication in vivo, which may function as a supplementary modality in the treatment of hepatitis B infection.展开更多
Objective: To study the effects of astragalus polysaccharide on cell injury and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in the hypoxia reoxygenation of myocardial cells. Methods: H9c2 myocardial cell lines were cultured and d...Objective: To study the effects of astragalus polysaccharide on cell injury and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in the hypoxia reoxygenation of myocardial cells. Methods: H9c2 myocardial cell lines were cultured and divided into negative control group (NC group), hypoxia reoxygenation group (H/R group) and astragalus polysaccharide group (APS), H/R group underwent hypoxia reoxygenation treatment, and APS group underwent both hypoxia reoxygenation treatment and astragalus polysaccharides intervention. The cell viability was measured 8 h, 16 h and 24 h after reoxygenation;the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis genes, apoptosis pathway genes as well as the contents of ROS metabolism indexes were determined 24 h after reoxygenation. Results: 8 h, 16 h and 24 h after reoxygenation, the cell viability of H/R group were lower than those of NC group, and the cell viability of APS group were higher than those of H/R group;24 h after reoxygenation, BIM, BAX, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-FoxO3a protein expression as well as ROS, HSP70 and p-p38MAPK contents in H/R group were significantly higher than those in NC group whereas BCL2 protein expression and SOD content were significantly lower than those in NC group;BIM, BAX, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-FoxO3a protein expression as well as ROS, HSP70 and p-p38MAPK contents in APS group were significantly lower than those in H/R group whereas BCL2 protein expression and SOD content were significantly higher than those in H/R group. Conclusion: Astragalus polysaccharide can reduce the cell damage and inhibit the mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in the hypoxia reoxygenation process of myocardial cells.展开更多
The study of tumor nanovaccines(NVs)has gained interest because they specifically recognize and eliminate tumor cells.However,the poor recognition and internalization by dendritic cells(DCs)and insufficient immunogeni...The study of tumor nanovaccines(NVs)has gained interest because they specifically recognize and eliminate tumor cells.However,the poor recognition and internalization by dendritic cells(DCs)and insufficient immunogenicity restricted the vaccine efficacy.Herein,we extracted two molecular-weight Astragalus polysaccharides(APS,12.19 k D;APSHMw,135.67 k D)from Radix Astragali and made them self-assemble with OVA257–264directly forming OVA/APS integrated nanocomplexes through the microfluidic method.The nanocomplexes were wrapped with a sheddable calcium phosphate layer to improve stability.APS in the formed nanocomplexes served as drug carriers and immune adjuvants for potent tumor immunotherapy.The optimal APS-NVs were approximately 160 nm with uniform size distribution and could remain stable in physiological saline solution.The FITC-OVA in APS-NVs could be effectively taken up by DCs,and APS-NVs could stimulate the maturation of DCs,improving the antigen cross-presentation efficiency in vitro.The possible mechanism was that APS can induce DC activation via multiple receptors such as dectin-1 and Toll-like receptors 2 and 4.Enhanced accumulation of APS-NVs both in draining and distal lymph nodes were observed following s.c.injection.Smaller APS-NVs could easily access the lymph nodes.Furthermore,APS-NVs could markedly promote antigen delivery efficiency to DCs and activate cytotoxic T cells.In addition,APS-NVs achieve a better antitumor effect in established B16-OVA melanoma tumors compared with the OVA+Alum treatment group.The antitumor mechanism correlated with the increase in cytotoxic T cells in the tumor region.Subsequently,the poor tumor inhibitory effect of APS-NVs on the nude mouse model of melanoma also confirmed the participation of antitumor adaptive immune response induced by NVs.Therefore,this study developed a promising APS-based tumor NV that is an efficient tumor immunotherapy without systemic side effects.展开更多
Objective To investigate whether astragalus polysaccharides(APS)combined with berberine(BBR)can reduce high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obesity in mice.Methods Except for normal mice,32 HFD-induced obese mice were randomize...Objective To investigate whether astragalus polysaccharides(APS)combined with berberine(BBR)can reduce high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obesity in mice.Methods Except for normal mice,32 HFD-induced obese mice were randomized into HFD,APS(1,000 mg/kg APS),BBR(200 mg/kg BBR),and APS plus BBR(1,000 mg/kg APS plus 200 mg/kg BBR)groups,respectively.After 6-week treatment(once daily by gavage),the obesity phenotype and pharmacodynamic effects were evaluated by histopathological examination of epididymal fat,liver,and colon using hematoxylin-eosin staining and serum biochemical analyses by an automated chemistry analyzer.The feces were collected at the 12 th week,and taxonomic and functional profiles of gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid(16S rRNA)sequencing.Results Compared with HFD group,the average body weight of APS plus BBR group was decreased(P<0.01),accompanied with the reduced fat accumulation,enhanced colonic integrity,insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Importantly,APS combined with BBR treatment was more effective than APS or BBR alone in improving HFD-induced insulin resistance(P<0.05 or P<0.01).16S rRNA sequence-based analysis of fecal samples demonstrated that APS combined with BBR treatment exhibited a better impact on HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis,exclusively via the enriched abundances of Bacteroides,which corresponded to the large increase of predicted bacterial genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.Conclusion APS combined with BBR may synergistically reduce obesity and modulate the gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice.展开更多
The syndrome of dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency(DSSD)is relatively common globally.Although the pathogenesis of DSSD remains unclear,evidence has suggested that the gut microbiota might play a significant ...The syndrome of dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency(DSSD)is relatively common globally.Although the pathogenesis of DSSD remains unclear,evidence has suggested that the gut microbiota might play a significant role.Radix Astragali,used as both medicine and food,exerts the effects of tonifying spleen and qi.Astragalus polysaccharide(APS)comprises a macromolecule substance extracted from the dried root of Radix Astragali,which has many pharmacological functions.However,whether APS mitigates the immune disorders underlying the DSSD syndrome via regulating gut microbiota and the relevant mechanism remains unknown.Here,we used DSSD rats induced by high-fat and low-protein(HFLP)diet plus exhaustive swimming,and found that APS of moderate molecular weight increased the body weight gain and immune organ indexes,decreased the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,and endotoxin,and suppressed the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB(TLR4/NF-κB)pathway.Moreover,a total of 27 critical genera were significantly enriched according to the linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe).APS increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and changed its composition,such as reducing the relative abundance of Pseudoflavonifractor and Paraprevotella,and increasing that of Parasutterella,Parabacteroides,Clostridium XIVb,Oscillibacter,Butyricicoccus,and Dorea.APS also elevated the contents of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs).Furthermore,the correlation analysis indicated that 12 critical bacteria were related to the body weight gain and immune organ indexes.In general,our study demonstrated that APS ameliorated the immune disorders in DSSD rats via modulating their gut microbiota,especially for some bacteria involving immune and inflammatory response and SCFA production,as well as the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.This study provides an insight into the function of APS as a unique potential prebiotic through exerting systemic activities in treating DSSD.展开更多
Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no cure.Astragalus membranaceus is used in Chinese culture as a food supplement to boost immunity.The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotect...Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no cure.Astragalus membranaceus is used in Chinese culture as a food supplement to boost immunity.The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of total flavonoids extracted from A.membranaceus(TFA)and their protective mechanisms.TFA offered neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)in the mouse model of Parkinsonism,by improving behavior performance in the gait analysis and pole test,and inhibiting the decline of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)positive neurons and TH protein expression in substantia nigra of mice.TFA also prevented 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+)induced neurotoxicity in SHSY5Y cells,by increasing GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio,and reducing reactive oxygen species.In addition,the neuroprotective effects of TFA were associated with its ability to restore MPTP/MPP+induced downregulation of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX-4).In conclusion,we demonstrated that TFA exerted significant neuroprotection against MPTP/MPP+induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis through the regulation of SLC7A11/GPX-4 axis,suggesting the use of TFA as a possible food supplement in the prevention of PD.展开更多
基金Supported by the Project of"Striving to Be First-classImproving Weak LinksBuilding Strong Feature"in 2019–Tropical and South China Sea Biological Resources Comprehensive Utilization Program(000301900410)。
文摘[Objectives]To explore the extraction and in vitro antioxidant effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)and Ganoderma lucidum mycelia polysaccharides(GLMPS).[Methods]By studying the polysaccharides of the herbal medicinal material Astragalus membranaceus and the fungal medicinal material Ganoderma lucidum mycelia,two polysaccharides were mixed according to different proportions and concentrations by using the principle of traditional Chinese medicine compound combination.The effect of polysaccharides on the scavenging ability of hydroxyl radical system was determined by salicylic acid method.[Results]When the compound ratios of GLMPS and APS were 1∶1,1∶4,1∶5,4∶1,and 5∶1,the scavenging effect of compound polysaccharides was better than that of single-component polysaccharides,and with the increase of concentration,the scavenging effect increased.When the ratio of GLMPS and APS was 5∶1,the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of the compound polysaccharide reached 59.77%,which was 18.72%higher than that of single GLMPS and 28.58%higher than that of single APS.The scavenging effect of compound polysaccharide is closely related to the compound ratio and concentration.[Conclusions]APS and GLMPS can obtain better hydroxyl radical scavenging ability than single-component polysaccharides through compounding in appropriate proportions.In addition,within a suitable concentration range,as the concentration increases,the scavenging ability also increases.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81704059
文摘BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a main form of inflammatory bowel disease.Due to complicated etiology and a high rate of recurrence,it is quite essential to elucidate the underlying mechanism of and search for effective therapeutic methods for UC.AIM To investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)combined with matrine on UC and associated lung injury.METHODS UC was induced in rats by colon mucosal tissue sensitization combined with trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid-ethanol.Then,the effects of the treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine on histopathological changes of lung and colon tissues,disease activity index(DAI),colon mucosal damage index(CMDI),serum endotoxin(ET)level,serum diamine oxidase(DAO)activity,the contents of tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin-1β,and the activities of myeloperoxidase,superoxide dismutase,and malondialdehyde in lung tissues,as well as the protein expression of zonula occludens(ZO)-1,Occludin,and trefoil factor 3(TFF3)were detected in UC rats.RESULTS The treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine reduced DAI scores and improved histopathological changes of colon and lung tissues,as well as decreased CMDI scores,ET levels,and DAO activities in UC rats.Moreover,in lung tissues,inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury were relieved after the treatments of salazopyrine,APS,matrine,and APS combined with matrine in UC rats.Furthermore,the expression of ZO-1,Occludin,and TFF3 in lung and colon tissues was increased after different treatments in UC rats.Notably,APS combined with matrine exerted a better protective effect against UC and lung injury compared with other treatments.CONCLUSION APS combined with matrine exert a synergistic protective effect against UC and lung injury,which might be associated with regulating TFF3 expression.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(81873059,82004016)。
文摘OBJECTIVE Although the underlying mechanism is largely unknown,gut dysbiosis has emerged as a central initiator of obesity-related diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.The emerging evidence support the use of prebiotics like herb-derived polysaccharides for treating NAFLD by modulating gut microbiome.So,our study focused on the microbiota-dependent anti-NAFLD effect and the exact mechanisms of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)extracted from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge in high-fat diet(HFD)fed mice.METHODS Co-housing experiment was used to assess the microbiota dependent anti-NAFLD effect of APS.Then,targeted metabolomics and metagenomics were adopted for determining short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)and bacteria that were specifically enriched by APS.Further in vitro experiment was carried out to test the capacity of SCFAs-producing of identified bacterium.Finally,the anti-NAFLD efficacy of identified bacterium was tested in HFD fed mice.RESULTS Our results first demonstrated the anti-NAFLD effect of APS in HFD fed mice and the contribution of gut microbiota.Moreover,our results indicated that SCFAs,predominantly acetic acid were elevated in APS-supplemented mice and ex vivo experiment.Metagenomics revealed that D.vulgaris from Desulfovibrio genus was not only enriched by APS,but also a potent generator of acetic acid,which showed significant anti-NAFLD effects in HFD fed mice.In addition,D.vulgaris modulated the hepatic gene expression pattern of lipids metabolism,particularly suppressed hepatic fatty acid synthase(FASN)and CD36 protein expression.CONCLUSION APS enriched D.vulgaris is effective on attenuating hepatic steatosis possibly through producing acetic acid,and modulation on hepatic lipids metabolism in mice.Further studies are warranted to explore the long-term impacts of D.vulgaris on host metabolism and the underlying mechanism.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81673662 and 81873059)the Program for Professor of Special Appointment (Eastern Scholar)&Shuguang Scholar (16SG36) at the Shanghai Institutions of Higher Learning from Shanghai Municipal Education
文摘Polysaccharides are widely present in herbs with multiple activities,especially immunity regulation and metabolic benefits for metabolic disorders.However,the underlying mechanisms are not well under-stood.Functional metabolomics is increasingly used to investigate systemic effects on the host by iden-tifying metabolites with particular functions.This study explores the mechanisms underlying the metabolic benefits of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)by adopting a functional metabolomics strategy.The effects of APS were determined in eight-week high-fat diet(HFD)-fed obese mice.Then,gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry(GC–TOFMS)-based untargeted metabolomics was performed for an analysis of serum and liver tissues,and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrom-etry(LC–MS/MS)-based targeted metabolomics was performed.The potential functions of the metabo-lites were tested with in vitro and in vivo models of metabolic disorders.Our results first confirmed the metabolic benefits of APS in obese mice.Then,metabolomics analysis revealed that APS supplemen-tation reversed the HFD-induced metabolic changes,and identified 2-hydroxybutyric acid(2-HB)as a potential functional metabolite for APS activity that was significantly decreased by a HFD and reversed by APS.Further study indicated that 2-HB inhibited oleic acid(OA)-induced triglyceride(TG)accumula-tion.It was also found to stimulate the expression of proteins in lipid degradation in hepatocytes and TG lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells.Moreover,it was found to reduce serum TG and regulate the proteins involved in lipid degradation in high-fat and high-sucrose(HFHS)-fed mice.In conclusion,our study demonstrates that the metabolic benefits of APS are at least partially due to 2-HB generation,which modulated lipid metabolism both in vitro and in vivo.Our results also highlight that functional metabolomics is practical for investigating the mechanism underlying the systemic benefits of plant polysaccharides.
文摘Objective:To examine the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on immune function in B16 melanoma mice.Method:Forty male C57BL/6 mice were divided equally into a control group,model group,Astragalus polysaccharide low-dose group,and Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,with 10 mice per group.B16 cells were used to develop a mouse model of melanoma.After B16 engraftment,40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharide was administered by gavage every day to the Astragalus polysaccharide low-dose group and Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,respectively.Splenic index,thymic index,tumor growth curves,and tumor inhibition rates were measured.Flow cytometry was used to measure proportions of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine histopathological changes in tumors.Immunofluorescence double staining was used to identify myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor tissues.Results:In the Astragalus polysaccharide high-dose group,splenic and thymic indices were significantly increased and tumor growth was inhibited in melanoma mice.Flow cytometry demonstrated increased CD4^(+)and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratios in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.HE staining demonstrated significantly decreased numbers of tumor cells among mice with melanoma in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.Immunofluorescence double staining demonstrated significantly decreased numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor tissues in the high-dose Astragalus polysaccharide group.Conclusion:Astragalus polysaccharide inhibits tumor growth,increases splenic and thymic indices,increases CD4^(+)and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratios,and decreases myeloid-derived suppressor cell numbers in melanoma mice.Our results indicate Astragalus polysaccharide may enhance immune function resulting in inhibition of tumorigenesis and tumor progression.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81603438).
文摘Astragalus polysaccharide has the beneficial effect of Qi-deficiency,and it also has several anti-tumor mechanisms,including pharmacological actions and clinical functions.Through literature review,this work concluded anti-tumor mechanism and clinical application of astragalus polysaccharide,which was of considerable significance to expand and optimize its anti-tumor function and clinical application.
基金Project Description of Xingtai Science and Technology Plan(No.2019ZC206)
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides(APS)on bone marrow suppression and hematopoietic stem cells during chemotherapy in elderly patients with lung cancer.Methods:120 elderly patients with lung cancer treated in the first hospital of Xingtai city from January 2019 to early December 2019 were divided into the treatment group and the control group by the random number table method,all of whom received pemetrexed+carboplatin chemotherapy,and the treatment group was treated with APS at the same time.The efficacy was evaluated after 2 cycles of chemotherapy,bone marrow suppression was observed,and levels of TCM symptoms score,peripheral blood T lymphocyte subgroup index,L-selectin(CD62L)and macrophage differentiation antigen-1(Mac-1)were measured before and after 2 cycles of chemotherapy.Results:The response rate(RR)was 56.67%in the treatment group and 45.00%in the control group,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05);The disease control rate(DCR)in the treatment group was 81.67%,which was significantly higher than 65.00%in the control group(P<0.05);The reduction degree of leukopenia in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);The treatment group had a platelet reduction of grade 1+2 at a rate of 40.00%,and hemoglobin reduction of grade 1+2 at a rate of 28.33%,which were significantly lower than the control group at 65.00%and 58.33%(P<0.05);Compared with those before chemotherapy,the total score of TCM symptoms,serum CD62L and Mac-1 levels in the two groups all decreased significantly after chemotherapy,and they were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05);After chemotherapy,CD3+,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+in the treatment group increased significantly and they were all higher in the treatment group than in the control group,while CD8+decreased significantly and was lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in T lymphocyte subsets before and after chemotherapy in the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Astragalus polysaccharide can improve the chemotherapy effect and improve the bone marrow suppression in elderly patients with lung cancer,which may be related to its obvious enhancement of immune function and decrease of CD62L and Mac-1 levels.
基金Zhejiang basic public welfare research project(No.LGD19H020001)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)on myocardial remodeling and expression of miR-21 after myocardial infarction.Methods:Sixty SPF grade healthy male rats were divided into the sham operation group,the model group,astragalus polysaccharide low,medium and high dose groups and atorvastatin group randomly with 10 rats in each group.The left anterior descending coronary artery(LAD)was ligated to establish myocardial infarction model in rats,and the corresponding drug intervention was given for 4 weeks.The changes of myocardial morphology and collagen were observed by HE and Masson staining.The levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-αand IL-10 were detected by ELISA.The mRNA expressions of miR-21,MMP2,TIMP-2,Col-I,and Col-III was detected by RT-PCR.The protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the model group,APS could improve the pathological morphology of myocardial tissue,increase the level of IL-10 in myocardial tissue,reduce the staining area of collagen and the contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α(P<0.05).At the same time,APS could decreased the expression of MMP2,Col-I and Col-ⅢmRNA and the ratio of MMP2/TIMP-2,and increased the expression of TIMP-2 mRNA and miR-21 significantly(P<0.05).Furthermore,APS could significantly reduce the expression of TLR4,p-NF-κB p65 and MyD88 protein in myocardial tissue of rats with myocardial infarction,and the differences were statistically significant when compared with the model group(P<0.05).Conclusion:APS can inhibit the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway by upregulating the expression of miR-21,which plays a therapeutic role in ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction.
基金supported by Tianjin Key Medical Discipline(Specialty)Construction Project,Scientific research project of traditional Chinese medicine and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine of Tianjin Health Commission and Tianjin Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2021136)Scientific Project in Fuzhou(No.2019-SZ-3).
文摘Objective:To investigate the antitumor effect of combination treatment of Astragalus polysaccharide and PD-L1 antibody on mice with Lewis lung carcinoma.Methods:Forty male C57BL/6 mice were selected and divided equally into Model group,PD-L1 group,APSgroup,and APS+PD-L1 group.Lewis lung carcinoma cells were used to establish the lung carcinoma mouse model.After successful modeling,the PD-L1 group was injected with 200μg of PD-L1 antibody intraperitoneally on day 0/4/8/12;the APS group was gavaged with 80 mg/kg of APS daily for 14 days;the APS+PD-L1 group was gavaged with 80 mg/kg of APS daily for 14 days,and in addition,200μg of PD-L1 antibody was injected intraperitoneally on day 0/4/8/12.The spleen and thymus indices of each group of mice were observed,to plot the tumor growth curve and calculate the tumor suppression rate.The ratio of T-lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry;the level of T cell-related cytokines in peripheral blood was detected by ELISA;MTT assay was used to detect the tumor-killing function of spleen lymphocytes in vitro.Results:PD-L1,APS,and APS+PD-L1 groups significantly increased spleen and thymus indices and inhibited tumor growth in lung carcinoma mice;flow cytometry results showed that PD-L1,APS,and APS+PD-L1 groups increased CD4^(+)T-cell ratio and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratio;ELISA results showed that PD-L1,APS,and APS+PD-L1 groups significantly increased T cell-associated cytokine levels;MTT results showed that PD-L1,APS,and APS+PD-L1 groups enhanced the tumor-killing function of splenic lymphocytes in vitro.Conclusions:Astragalus polysaccharide can inhibit tumor growth,increase spleen and thymus indices,increase CD4^(+)T-cell ratio and CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)T-cell ratio,aswell as improve T-cell-related cytokine levels and splenic lymphocyte tumor-killing function in vitro in a mouse model of lung carcinoma,essentially inhibiting tumorigenesis and progression.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNo.81260595 and No.81460679+5 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi ProvinceNo.20122BAB215046Chinese Scholarship Council and Jiangxi Province as visiting scholar(CSC:No.201408360106No.201408360110)the Science and Technology project of TCM from the Department of Health of Jiangxi ProvinceNo.2012A017
文摘AIM: To explore probable mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Astragalus polysaccharide(APS) against experimental colitis.METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Colitis was induced with 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS). The rats with colitis were treated with 400 mg/kg of APS for 7 d. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by colonic weight, weight index of the colon, colonic length, and macroscopic and histological scores. The levels of regulatory T(Treg) cells in Peyer's patches were measured by flow cytometry, and cytokines in colonic tissue homogenates were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of related orphan receptor-gt(ROR-gt), IL-23 and STAT-5a was measured by Western blot.RESULTS: After 7-d treatment with APS, the weight index of the colon, colonic weight, macroscopical and histological scores were decreased, while the colonic length was increased compared with the model group. The expression of interleukin(IL)-2, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23 and ROR-gt in the colonic tissues was down-regulated, but Treg cells in Peyer's patches, TGF-β and STAT5 a in the colonic tissues were up-regulated.CONCLUSION: APS effectively ameliorates TNBSinduced experimental colitis in rats, probably through restoring the number of Treg cells, and inhibiting IL-17 levels in Peyer's patches.
文摘AIM:To investigate the adjunct anticancer effect of Astragalus polysaccharides in H22 tumor-bearing mice.METHODS:To establish a solid tumor model,5.0 × 10 6 /mL H22 hepatoma cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the right armpit region of Kunming mice(6-12 wk old,18-22 g).When the tumors reached a size of 100 mm 3,the animals were treated as indicated,and the mice were randomly assigned to seven groups(n = 10 each).After ten days of treatment,blood samples were collected from mouse eyes,and serum was harvested by centrifugation.Mice were sacrificed,and the whole body,tumor,spleen and thymus were weighed immediately.The rate of tumor inhibition and organ indexes were calculated.The expression levels of serum cytokines,P-glycoprotein(P-GP) and multidrug resistance(MDR) 1 mRNA in tumor tissues were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,Western blotting,and quantitative myeloid-derived suppressor cells reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,respectively.RESULTS:The tumor inhibition rates in the treatment groups of Adriamycin(ADM) + Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)(50 mg/kg),ADM + APS(100 mg/kg),and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) were significantly higher than in the ADM group(72.88% vs 60.36%,P = 0.013;73.40% vs 60.36%,P = 0.010;77.57% vs 60.36%,P = 0.001).The spleen indexes of the above groups were also significantly higher than in the ADM group(0.65 ± 0.22 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.023;0.62 ± 0.34 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.022;0.67 ± 0.20 vs 0.39 ± 0.17,P = 0.012),and the thymus indexes of the ADM + APS(100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) groups were significantly higher than in the ADM group(0.20 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.04,P = 0.029;0.47 ± 0.12 vs 0.13 ± 0.04,P = 0.000).APS was found to exert a synergistic antitumor effect with ADM and to alleviate the decrease in the sizes of the spleen and thymus induced by AMD.The expression of interleukin-1α(IL-1α),IL-2,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) was significantly higher in the ADM + APS(50 mg/kg),ADM + APS(100 mg/kg) and ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) groups than in the ADM group;and IL-10 was significantly lower in the above groups than in the ADM group.APS could increase IL-1α,IL-2,IL-6,and TNF-α expression and decrease IL-10 levels.Compared with the ADM group,APS treatment at a dose of 50-200 mg/kg could downregulate MDR1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner(0.48 ± 0.13 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000;0.36 ± 0.03 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000;0.21 ± 0.04 vs 4.26 ± 1.51,P = 0.000).The expression level of P-GP was significantly lower in the ADM + APS(200 mg/kg) group than in the ADM group(137.35 ± 9.20 mg/kg vs 282.19 ± 20.54 mg/kg,P = 0.023).CONCLUSION:APS exerts a synergistic anti-tumor effect with ADM in H22 tumor-bearing mice.This may be related to its ability to enhance the expression of IL1α,IL-2,IL-6,and TNF-α,decrease IL-10,and downregulate MDR1 mRNA and P-GP expression levels.
文摘Two hundred and forty specific pathogen free leghorn chickens were randomly divided into four groups and reared in isolated pens. The tested chickens were negative to infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) at 25 d old. Group 1 was treated with saline,whereas Groups 2,3,and 4 were inoculated with 0.3 mL IBDV suspension intranasally the next day. Groups 3 and 4 were also administered with Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) intramuscularly twice daily at 5 or 10 mg kg-1 BW,respectively,until 31 d old. The erythrocyte-C3b receptor rosette rate (E-C3bRR) and the erythrocyte-C3b immune complex rosette rate (E-ICRR) were measured at 25,29,32,35,and 38 d old. The results showed that IBDV significantly reduced E-C3bRR and E-ICRR when compared with the control group (P < 0.05),while simultaneous administration of APS with IBDV maintained E-C3bRR at similar levels to the control group (P > 0.05) and increased E-ICRR when compared with the control group and the group non-treated with APS (P < 0.05). APS treatment reduced the morbidity and mortality of chickens inoculated with IBDV (P < 0.05). The results suggest that APS may enhance the immune adherence of chickens erythrocytes by affecting the activity and/or the number of complement receptors on the erythrocyte membrane. These findings can be beneficial in providing an understanding of the basic mechanisms required for the rational application of APS in modern medicine.
基金supported by funds provided by South China Agricultural University and Guangzhou work team project(No 2011A020102009)
文摘This study investigated the humoral immunization of Astragalus polysaccharide(APS) against H9N2 avian influenza virus(H9N2 AIV) infection in chickens. The effects of APS treatment on H9N2 infection was evaluated by an MTT [3(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 3-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay and analysis of MHC and cytokine mRNA expression. The effect on lymphocyte and serum antibody titers in vivo was also investigated. IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, LITAF, IL-12 and antibody titers to H9N2 AIV were enhanced in the first week after APS treatment. The results indicated that APS treatment reduces H9N2 AIV replication and promotes early humoral immune responses in young chickens.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the anti-viral effect of emodin plus Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mice.METHODS: Sixty HBV transgenic mice (HBV TGM) whose weight varied between 18 and 24 g were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 20 mice in each group. Group A was the normal control, where the mice were treated with physiological saline; group B was the positive control where the mice were treated with lamivudine solution (100 mL/kg per day). Group C was the experimental group where the mice were treated with physiological saline containing emodin and APS (57.59 mg/kg per day and 287.95 mg/kg per day, respectively). The mice were treated daily for 3 wk. After 1 wk recovery time, the mice were sacrifi ced and serum as well as liver tissues were collected for ELISA and histological examination.RESULTS: After 21 d treatment, HBV DNA levels in group B and group C significantly declined when compared with group A (P < 0.05). However, a signif icant increase in HBV DNA content was observed in group B, whereas this phenomenon was not observed in group C. A reduction in the contents of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAg in the mice from group B and C was observed when compared with group A.CONCLUSION: Emodin and APS have a weak but persistent inhibitory effect on HBV replication in vivo, which may function as a supplementary modality in the treatment of hepatitis B infection.
文摘Objective: To study the effects of astragalus polysaccharide on cell injury and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in the hypoxia reoxygenation of myocardial cells. Methods: H9c2 myocardial cell lines were cultured and divided into negative control group (NC group), hypoxia reoxygenation group (H/R group) and astragalus polysaccharide group (APS), H/R group underwent hypoxia reoxygenation treatment, and APS group underwent both hypoxia reoxygenation treatment and astragalus polysaccharides intervention. The cell viability was measured 8 h, 16 h and 24 h after reoxygenation;the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis genes, apoptosis pathway genes as well as the contents of ROS metabolism indexes were determined 24 h after reoxygenation. Results: 8 h, 16 h and 24 h after reoxygenation, the cell viability of H/R group were lower than those of NC group, and the cell viability of APS group were higher than those of H/R group;24 h after reoxygenation, BIM, BAX, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-FoxO3a protein expression as well as ROS, HSP70 and p-p38MAPK contents in H/R group were significantly higher than those in NC group whereas BCL2 protein expression and SOD content were significantly lower than those in NC group;BIM, BAX, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-FoxO3a protein expression as well as ROS, HSP70 and p-p38MAPK contents in APS group were significantly lower than those in H/R group whereas BCL2 protein expression and SOD content were significantly higher than those in H/R group. Conclusion: Astragalus polysaccharide can reduce the cell damage and inhibit the mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in the hypoxia reoxygenation process of myocardial cells.
基金supported by Key Project at Central Government Level:the ability establishment of sustainable use for valuable Chinese medicine resources(2060302-2305-04)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2021-1-I2M-031,2022-I2M-1-018,2022-I2M-2-002)+1 种基金Jilin Provincial Fiscal Construction Program for High-Tech Industries and Technologies(2022C041-5,20220401117YY)Hohhot Science and Technology Program(2021-Social-4)。
文摘The study of tumor nanovaccines(NVs)has gained interest because they specifically recognize and eliminate tumor cells.However,the poor recognition and internalization by dendritic cells(DCs)and insufficient immunogenicity restricted the vaccine efficacy.Herein,we extracted two molecular-weight Astragalus polysaccharides(APS,12.19 k D;APSHMw,135.67 k D)from Radix Astragali and made them self-assemble with OVA257–264directly forming OVA/APS integrated nanocomplexes through the microfluidic method.The nanocomplexes were wrapped with a sheddable calcium phosphate layer to improve stability.APS in the formed nanocomplexes served as drug carriers and immune adjuvants for potent tumor immunotherapy.The optimal APS-NVs were approximately 160 nm with uniform size distribution and could remain stable in physiological saline solution.The FITC-OVA in APS-NVs could be effectively taken up by DCs,and APS-NVs could stimulate the maturation of DCs,improving the antigen cross-presentation efficiency in vitro.The possible mechanism was that APS can induce DC activation via multiple receptors such as dectin-1 and Toll-like receptors 2 and 4.Enhanced accumulation of APS-NVs both in draining and distal lymph nodes were observed following s.c.injection.Smaller APS-NVs could easily access the lymph nodes.Furthermore,APS-NVs could markedly promote antigen delivery efficiency to DCs and activate cytotoxic T cells.In addition,APS-NVs achieve a better antitumor effect in established B16-OVA melanoma tumors compared with the OVA+Alum treatment group.The antitumor mechanism correlated with the increase in cytotoxic T cells in the tumor region.Subsequently,the poor tumor inhibitory effect of APS-NVs on the nude mouse model of melanoma also confirmed the participation of antitumor adaptive immune response induced by NVs.Therefore,this study developed a promising APS-based tumor NV that is an efficient tumor immunotherapy without systemic side effects.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82130112,81903786,81773891)Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2019-ZZ-JC018)+1 种基金the National Great New Drugs Development Project of China(No.2017ZX09301-040)the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province(No.2019JQ-054)。
文摘Objective To investigate whether astragalus polysaccharides(APS)combined with berberine(BBR)can reduce high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obesity in mice.Methods Except for normal mice,32 HFD-induced obese mice were randomized into HFD,APS(1,000 mg/kg APS),BBR(200 mg/kg BBR),and APS plus BBR(1,000 mg/kg APS plus 200 mg/kg BBR)groups,respectively.After 6-week treatment(once daily by gavage),the obesity phenotype and pharmacodynamic effects were evaluated by histopathological examination of epididymal fat,liver,and colon using hematoxylin-eosin staining and serum biochemical analyses by an automated chemistry analyzer.The feces were collected at the 12 th week,and taxonomic and functional profiles of gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid(16S rRNA)sequencing.Results Compared with HFD group,the average body weight of APS plus BBR group was decreased(P<0.01),accompanied with the reduced fat accumulation,enhanced colonic integrity,insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Importantly,APS combined with BBR treatment was more effective than APS or BBR alone in improving HFD-induced insulin resistance(P<0.05 or P<0.01).16S rRNA sequence-based analysis of fecal samples demonstrated that APS combined with BBR treatment exhibited a better impact on HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis,exclusively via the enriched abundances of Bacteroides,which corresponded to the large increase of predicted bacterial genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.Conclusion APS combined with BBR may synergistically reduce obesity and modulate the gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81903947)the Key Research and Development Project of Shandong Province(No.2019GSF108209),China.
文摘The syndrome of dampness stagnancy due to spleen deficiency(DSSD)is relatively common globally.Although the pathogenesis of DSSD remains unclear,evidence has suggested that the gut microbiota might play a significant role.Radix Astragali,used as both medicine and food,exerts the effects of tonifying spleen and qi.Astragalus polysaccharide(APS)comprises a macromolecule substance extracted from the dried root of Radix Astragali,which has many pharmacological functions.However,whether APS mitigates the immune disorders underlying the DSSD syndrome via regulating gut microbiota and the relevant mechanism remains unknown.Here,we used DSSD rats induced by high-fat and low-protein(HFLP)diet plus exhaustive swimming,and found that APS of moderate molecular weight increased the body weight gain and immune organ indexes,decreased the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-6,and endotoxin,and suppressed the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB(TLR4/NF-κB)pathway.Moreover,a total of 27 critical genera were significantly enriched according to the linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe).APS increased the diversity of the gut microbiota and changed its composition,such as reducing the relative abundance of Pseudoflavonifractor and Paraprevotella,and increasing that of Parasutterella,Parabacteroides,Clostridium XIVb,Oscillibacter,Butyricicoccus,and Dorea.APS also elevated the contents of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs).Furthermore,the correlation analysis indicated that 12 critical bacteria were related to the body weight gain and immune organ indexes.In general,our study demonstrated that APS ameliorated the immune disorders in DSSD rats via modulating their gut microbiota,especially for some bacteria involving immune and inflammatory response and SCFA production,as well as the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.This study provides an insight into the function of APS as a unique potential prebiotic through exerting systemic activities in treating DSSD.
文摘Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no cure.Astragalus membranaceus is used in Chinese culture as a food supplement to boost immunity.The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of total flavonoids extracted from A.membranaceus(TFA)and their protective mechanisms.TFA offered neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)in the mouse model of Parkinsonism,by improving behavior performance in the gait analysis and pole test,and inhibiting the decline of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)positive neurons and TH protein expression in substantia nigra of mice.TFA also prevented 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+)induced neurotoxicity in SHSY5Y cells,by increasing GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio,and reducing reactive oxygen species.In addition,the neuroprotective effects of TFA were associated with its ability to restore MPTP/MPP+induced downregulation of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX-4).In conclusion,we demonstrated that TFA exerted significant neuroprotection against MPTP/MPP+induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis through the regulation of SLC7A11/GPX-4 axis,suggesting the use of TFA as a possible food supplement in the prevention of PD.
