Effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on the erythroid lineage and microarray analysis in K562 cells

Biological Significance of EphB4 Expression in Cancer

Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands comprise a vital cell communication system with several functions. In cancer cells, there was evidence of bilateral Eph receptor signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting actions. As a member of the Eph receptor family, EphB4 has been linked to tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis, which makes it a viable and desirable target for drug development in therapeutic applications. Many investigations have been conducted over the last decade to elucidate the structure and function of EphB4 in association with its ligand ephrinB2 for its involvement in tumorigenesis. Although several EphB4-targeting drugs have been investigated, and some selective inhibitors have been evaluated in clinical trials. This article addresses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyses its possibility as an anticancer therapeutic target, and summarises knowledge of EphB4 kinase inhibitors. To summarise, EphB4 is a difficult but potential treatment option for cancers.

Astragalus membranaceus as a Drug Candidate for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Preclinical Evidence

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory disorders that include Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Today, IBD has no successful treatment. As a result, it is of paramount importance to develop novel therapeutic agents for IBD prevention and treatment. Astragalus membranaceus (AMS) is a traditional Chinese medicine found in the AMS root. Modern pharmacological studies indicate that AMS and its constituents exhibit multiple bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immune regulatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, expectorant, and diuretic effects. AMS and its active constituents, which have been reported to be effective in IBD treatment, are believed to be viable candidate drugs for IBD treatment. These underlying mechanisms are associated with anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, immunomodulation, intestinal epithelial repair, gut microbiota homeostasis, and improved energy metabolism. In this review, we summarize the efficacy and underlying mechanisms involved in IBD treatment with AMS and its active constituents in preclinical studies.

Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by regulating miR-200b-3p-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via inhibiting SP1 expression : Astragalus polysaccharide regulates SONFH via SP1

BACKGROUND

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is the necrosis of the femur bone caused by prolonged and massive use of corticosteroids. The present study probed into the significance of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in SONFH progression.

METHODS

SONFH cell model was constructed using murine long bone osteocyte Y4 (MLO-Y4) cells and then treated with APS. mRNA microarray analysis selected differentially expressed genes between control group and SONFH group. RT-qPCR determined SP1 and miR-200b-3p expression. Levels of SP1, β-catenin, autophagy-related proteins (LC3II/LC3I, Beclin1, p62) and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, C-caspase3, C-caspase9, Bcl-2) were tested by Western blot. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays confirmed relationship between SP1 and miR-200b-3p. Fluorescence intensity of LC3 in cells was detected by immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry assessed cell apoptosis. Osteonecrosis tissues from SONFH mice were examined by HE and TRAP staining.

RESULTS

APS induced autophagy and suppressed apoptosis in SONFH cell model. APS inhibited SP1 expression and SP1 overexpression reversed effects of APS on SONFH cell model. Mechanistically, SP1 targeted miR-200b-3p to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin pathway. MiR-200b-3p depletion rescued the promoting effect of SP1 on SONFH cell model by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. HE staining showed that APS treatment reduced the empty lacunae and alleviated inflammation in trabecular bone of SONFH mice. TRAP staining revealed decreased osteoclasts number in SONFH mice after APS treatment.

CONCLUSION

APS regulated osteocyte autophagy and apoptosis via SP1/miR-200b-3p axis and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby alleviating SONFH, shedding new insights for therapy of SONFH.

Seaweeds in the Oncology Arena: Anti-Cancer Potential of Fucoidan as a Drug—A Review

Marine natural products are a discerning arena to search for the future generation of medications to treat a spectrum of ailments. Meanwhile, cancer is becoming more ubiquitous over the world, and the likelihood of dying from it is rising. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the mainstays of cancer treatment worldwide, but their extensive side effects limit their curative effect. The quest for low-toxicity marine drugs to prevent and treat cancer is one of the current research priorities of researchers. Fucoidan, an algal sulfated polysaccharide, is a potent therapeutic lead candidate against cancer, signifying that far more research is needed. Fucoidan is a versatile, nontoxic marine-origin heteropolysaccharide that has received much attention due to its beneficial biological properties and safety. Fucoidan has been demonstrated to exhibit a variety of conventional bioactivities, such as antiviral, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory characteristics, and anticancer activity against a wide range of malignancies has also recently been discovered. Fucoidan inhibits tumorigenesis by prompting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, blocking metastasis and angiogenesis, and modulating physiological signaling molecules. This review compiles the molecular and cellular aspects, immunomodulatory and anticancer actions of fucoidan as a natural marine anticancer agent. Specific fucoidan and membranaceous polysaccharides from Ecklonia cava, Laminaria japonica, Fucus vesiculosus, Astragalus, Ascophyllum nodosum, Codium fragile serving as potential anticancer marine drugs are discussed in this review.

Effects of Jianpi Bushen Therapy for Treatment of CKD Anemia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically Jianpi Bushen (JPBS) therapy, for treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) anemia.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials of JPBS therapy for CKD anemia were searched and selected from seven electronic databases. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to conduct methodological quality assessment. RevMan v5.3 software was utilized to perform data analysis.

Results

In total, 12 randomized controlled trials with 799 patients met the meta-analysis criteria. The aggregated results indicated that JPBS therapy is beneficial for CKD anemia by improving the clinical efficacy rate [risk ratio (RR) = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.14, 1.33), P < 0.00001] and hemoglobin (Hb) [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 9.55, 95% CI: (7.97, 11.14), P < 0.00001], serum ferritin (SF) [WMD = 6.22, 95% CI: (2.65, 9.79), P = 0.0006], red blood cell (RBC) [WMD = 0.31, 95% CI: (0.24, 0.38), P < 0.00001], hematocrit (HCT) [WMD = 2.95, 95% CI: (2.36, 3.54), P < 0.00001], serum creatinine (SCr) [WMD = 64.57, 95% CI: (33.51, 95.64), P < 0.0001], and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels [WMD = 3.76, 95% CI: (2.21, 5.31), P <0.00001]. Furthermore, evidence suggests that JPBS therapy is safe and does not increase adverse reactions compared with western medicine (WM) alone.

Conclusion

This study found that JPBS therapy has a positive effect on the treatment of CKD anemia. However, more well-designed, double-blind, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of JPBS therapy in the treatment of CKD anemic patients.

Astragali Radix (Huangqi): A promising edible immunomodulatory herbal medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragali Radix (AR, Huangqi in Chinese), the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., possesses diverse therapeutic effects against fatigue, dyspepsia, diarrhea, heart diseases, hepatitis, and anemia. In recent years, increasing evidence has indicated the multiple immunomodulatory activities of AR in preclinical and clinical studies.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review attempts to elaborate the immunomodulatory effects of AR and its potential application in the treatment of immune related diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search AR was carried out using multiple internationally recognized databases (including Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS, Springer, Taylor & Francis, and CNKI).

RESULTS

The immunomodulatory effects of AR are closely attributed to its active constituents such as polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids. We also demonstrate that AR can be used as a potential therapeutic intervention for immune related diseases through regulating immune organs, mucosal immune, and immune system (innate immunity and acquired immunity).

CONCLUSION

AR promotes the development of immune organs, enhances mucosal immune function, increases the quantity and phagocytic capacity of innate immunity, promotes the maturation and differentiation of acquired immunity cells, and improves the expression of antibodies in acquired immunity. We believe that AR has a broad research space in the adjuvant treatment of immune related diseases, which could be a breakthrough point to improve the application value of AR.

The characteristics and prescription patterns of Chinese herbal medicine in clinical practice for the treatment of anemia

OBJECTIVE

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is frequently applied to patients to improve the symptoms and signs associated with anemia. The aim of this study is to use the claims data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan to analyze CHM prescription patterns and to identify the frequency and combinations of CHM commonly used to treat anemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 41,028 patients were diagnosed with anemia in Taiwan within the defined study period. After randomly equal matching for age and sex, data from 7682 patients characterized as CHM users and non-users were analyzed. Network analyses of the 30 most frequently applied herbs and formulas were used to indicate CHM combinations in patients with anemia.

RESULTS

Those patients with anemia who were older, office workers, and lived in central areas of Taiwan had higher tendencies toward CHM usage. Based on considerations of comorbidities, anemia patients associated with chronic kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive diseases preferred Western medical management and demonstrated a lesser likelihood of combining treatment with CHM; by contrast, those with coronary artery disease demonstrated a higher tendency for CHM use. Notably, Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Gui-Pi-Tang (GPT) were the most commonly prescribed CHM single herb and formula, respectively. The core prescription pattern consisted of AM, Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), Angelica sinensis (AS), GPT, and Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), as indicated by the associations and frequency of CHM utilization by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physicians.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that CHM may be applied as an integral element of treatment for patients with anemia. It also provides insight regarding individual therapy and common clinical practices of TCM physicians in the treatment of anemia. Further research is required to explore potential interactions and possible mechanisms at play with CHM management of anemia.

Astragalus membranaceus Extract Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via NF-κB Activation and Nrf2 Response

Astragalus membranaceus, dried root extract, also known as Astragali radix, is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic remedy. Moreover, it has been reported that Astragalus membranaceus could attenuate intestinal inflammation; however, the underlying mechanism for its anti-inflammatory activity in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated Astragalus membranaceus extract (5-100 µg/mL) in a model of inflammation and oxidative stress for IECs. We showed that Astragalus membranaceus extract reduced the inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide from E. coli (LPS) plus interferon-γ (IFN), decreasing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release, cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nitrotyrosine formation, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release in the non-tumorigenic intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6). The antioxidant potential of Astragalus membranaceus extract was also evaluated in a model of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in IEC-6, indicating that this extract reduced ROS release and increased nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) activation and the expression of antioxidant cytoprotective factors in these cells. The results contributed to clarify the mechanisms involved in Astragalus membranaceus extract-reduced inflammation and highlighted the potential use of this extract as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant remedy for intestinal diseases.

Targeting receptor tyrosine kinase EphB4 in cancer therapy

Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands together form an important cell communication system with diverse roles. Experimental evidence demonstrated Eph receptor bidirectional signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting activities in cancer cells. The tyrosine kinase EphB4, a member of the Eph receptor family, has been associated with tumor angiogenesis, growth and metastasis, thus making it a valuable and attractive target for drug design for therapeutic applications. In the past decade, many studies have focused on elucidating the structure and function of EphB4 in complex with its ligand ephrinB2 for their role in carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, an array of compounds targeting EphB4 have been studied and several selective inhibitors have been tested in clinical studies. This review discusses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyzes its potential as a target for anticancer therapy, and summarizes the information about inhibitors of EphB4 kinase activity. Conclusively, EphB4 is a challenging but promising therapeutic target in cancer.

Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates H2O2-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury

Endothelial dysfunction caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in numerous cardiovascular diseases. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), an important bioactive component extracted from the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus, has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of APS on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury. Following treatment with 400 µM H₂O₂ for 24 h, cell viability was decreased and apoptosis was increased. However, pretreatment with APS for 1 h significantly attenuated H₂O₂-induced injury in HUVECs. In addition, APS decreased intracellular ROS levels, increased the protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, elevated intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (an activity marker for nitric oxide) levels and restored the mitochondrial membrane potential, compared with cells treated with H₂O₂ only. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that APS may protect HUVECs from injury induced by H₂O₂ via increasing the cell antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which may contribute to the improvement of the imbalance between ROS and NO levels.

Astragalus polysaccharides exerts immunomodulatory effects via TLR4-mediated MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), which is widely used as a remedy to promote immunity of breast cancer patients, can enhance immune responses and exert anti-tumor effects. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of APS on macrophage RAW 264.7 and EAC tumor-bearing mice. Griess reaction and ELISA assays revealed that the concentrations of nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased by APS. However, this effect was diminished in the presence of TAK-242 (TLR4 inhibitor) or ST-2825(MyD88 inhibitor). In C57BL/10J (TLR4^+/+wild-type) and C57BL/6J (MyD88^+/+wild-type) tumor-bearing mice, the tumor apoptosis rate, immune organ indexes and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in blood increased and the tumor weight decreased by oral administration of APS for 25 days. APS had no obvious effects on IL-12p70. However, these effects were not significant in C57BL/10ScNJ (TLR4-deficient) and C57BL/B6.129P2(SJL)-Myd88^m1.1Defr/J (MyD88-deficient) tumor-bearing mice. qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that APS stimulated the key nodes in the TLR4-MyD88 dependent signaling pathway, including TLR4, MyD88, TRAF-6, NF-κB and AP-1, both in vitro and in vivo. However, TRAM was an exception. Moreover, TRAF-6 and NF-κB were not triggered by APS in gene-deficient tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, APS may modulate immunity of host organism through activation of TLR4-mediated MyD88-dependent signaling pathway.

Radix Astragali Stimulates p38 MARK Phosphorylation in Pediatric Patients with β-Thalassemia

A previous study conducted by our group demonstrated that Radix Astragali compounded with Codonopsis pilosula and Plastrum testudinis was effective in treating pediatric β-thalassemia in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. However, the mechanism of action that underpins this treatment remains to be elucidated. Blood was collected from patients participating in this clinical trial and nucleated red blood cell-enriched mononuclear cells were isolated to facilitate the extraction of RNA and protein. RT-PCR was used to monitor the expression of globin genes and p38 MAPK, and total and phosphorylated p38 MAPK expression was assessed using Western blot analysis. Expression of α-, β-, and Aγ-globin mRNAs was not significantly affected following treatment with R. Astragali or the compounded formulation. However, Gγ-globin mRNA levels increased significantly in both treatment groups (when compared with pretreatment levels) following 12 weeks of treatment. Moreover, posttreatment Gγ-globin expression was significantly higher in both treatment groups compared with the control group. Although neither p38 MAPK mRNA nor protein levels were affected by the treatments, posttreatment phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was significantly increased in the R. Astragali and compounded formulation groups compared with the control group. These data suggest that the molecular mechanisms that underpin the efficacious use of R. Astragali (and its compounded formulation) in pediatric β-thalassemia treatment facilitate the induction of Gγ-globin expression following activation of p38 MAPK.

Astragalus polysaccharide upregulates hepcidin and reduces iron overload in mice via activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Thalassemia is a genetic disease characterized by iron overload which is a major detrimental factor contributing to mortality and organ damage. The hepcidin secreted by liver plays an essential role in orchestrating iron metabolism. Lowering iron load in thalassemia patients by means of increasing hepcidin might be a therapeutic strategy. In this study, we first found that astragalus polysaccharide (APS) significantly increased hepcidin expression in HepG2 and L-02 cell lines originating from hepatocytes and mice liver, respectively. Following treatment with APS, the iron concentrations in serum, liver, spleen, and heart were significantly reduced in comparison to saline treated control mice. In further experiments, upregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and enhanced p38 MAPK phosphorylation were detected in APS treated cells and mice, and as documented in previous studies, IL-6 and P38 MAPK phosphorylation are involved in the regulation of hepcidin expression. We also found that the effects of APS on upregulating hepcidin and IL-6 expressions could be antagonized by pretreatment with SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK signaling. These findings suggest that activation of p38 MAPK and release of IL-6 might mediate induction of hepcidin by APS. It is concluded that APS might have therapeutic implications in patients with iron overload, especially for thalassemia patients.

A systematic review of anticancer effects of radix astragali

OBJECTIVE

To review the anticancer effects of Radix astragali (RA), one of the most commonly used herbs to manage cancer in East Asia, and its constituents and to provide evidence of clinical usage through previously performed clinical studies.

METHODS

Preclinical and clinical studies related to the anticancer effects of RA were searched from inception to November 2013 in electronic databases. Two reviewers independently investigated 92 eligible studies, extracted all the data of studies and appraised methodological quality of clinical trials. The studies were categorized into in vitro and in vivo experimental studies and clinical studies, and analyzed by saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids of RA constituents, RA fraction, and whole extract.

RESULTS

In preclinical studies, RA was reported to have tumor growth inhibitory effects, immunomodulatory effects, and attenuating adverse effects by cytotoxic agents as well as chemopreventive effects. Saponins seemed to be the main constituents, which directly contributed to suppression of tumor growth through the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway, modulation of intracellular signaling pathway, and inhibition of invasion and angiogenesis. Flavonoids suppressed tumor growth through the similar mechanisms with saponins. Polysaccharides showed immunomodulatory effects, contributing tumor shrinkages in animal models, despite the low cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Most of the clinical studies were performed with low evidence level of study designs because of various limitations. RA whole extracts and polysaccharides of RA were reported to improve the quality of life and ameliorate myelosuppression and other adverse events induced by cytotoxic therapies.

CONCLUSION

The polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids of RA, and the whole extract of RA have been widely reported with their anticancer effects in preclinical studies and showed a potential application as a adjunctive cancer therapeutics with the activities of immunomodulation, anti-proliferation and attenuation of adverse effects induced by cytotoxic therapy.

Astragalus polysaccharides inhibits PCV2 replication by inhibiting oxidative stress and blocking NF-κB pathway

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD). Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), as one kind of biological macromolecule extracted from Astragalus, has antiviral activities. This study was undertaken to explore the effect of APS on PCV2 replication in vitro and the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that adding APS before PCV2 infection decreased significantly PCV2 DNA copies, the number of infected cells, MDA level, ROS level and NF-κB activation in PK15 cells and increased significantly GSH contents and SOD activity compared to control without APS. Oxidative stress induced by BSO could eliminate the effect of PCV2 replication inhibition by APS. LPS, as a NF-κB activator, could attenuate the effect of PCV2 replication inhibition by APS. BAY 11-7082, as a NF-κB inhibitor, could increase the effect of PCV2 replication inhibition by APS. In conclusion, APS inhibits PCV2 replication by decreasing oxidative stress and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, which suggests that APS might be employed for the prevention of PCV2 infection.

Regulatory effect of astragalus polysaccharides on intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells of tumor bearing mice

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) possess multiple immunomodulatory activities. Due to its high molecular weight, orally administration of APS is not easily absorbed into the blood stream, and how APS exerts its capacity in vivo is still not well elucidated. We assume that enteric mucosal immune response might trigger the immune regulation of APS, and our previous studies demonstrated that APS had regulatory activity on intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the functions of APS on intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells, a major subset in IELs and an essential component of maintaining homeostasis and immune regulation in enteric mucosa. Results showed that APS could promote proliferation and function of intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells in vitro, the IFN-γ, FasL and GrB mRNA levels in γδT cells were all significantly increased. Moreover, APS also improved the activity of intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells in vivo, as cytokines production and cytotoxicity of γδT cells were all remarkably improved in tumor-bearing mice treated with APS. In addition, the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly increased, whereas the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β were significantly decreased in tumor-bearing mice treated with APS. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that APS could improve proliferation and function of intestinal intraepithelial γδT cells, which might an important pathway for immunomodulation of APS in cancer therapy.

Structural features and biological activities of the polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus

Recently, a great deal of interest has been developed to isolate and investigate novel bioactive components with health benefit effects from natural resources. The dried root of Astragalus membranaceus, one of the most popular health-promoting herbal medicines, has been used historically as an immunomodulating agent for the treatment of common cold, diarrhea, fatigue and anorexia for more than 2000 years. Modern phytochemistry and pharmacological experiments have proved that polysaccharide is one of the major active ingredients in the root of A. membranaceus with various important bioactivities, such as immunomodulation, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-diabetes, antiviral, hepatoprotection, anti-inflammation, anti-atherosclerosis, hematopoiesis and neuroprotection. The aim of the present review is to summarize previous and current references and give a comprehensive summary regarding the structural features and biological activities of A. membranaceus polysaccharides in order to provide new insight for further development of these macromolecules.

Astragalus polysaccharide improves muscle atrophy from dexamethasone- and peroxide-induced injury in vitro

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is an important bioactive component of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Leguminosae) that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating muscle wasting, a serious complication with complex mechanism manifested as myofibers atrophy and satellite cells apoptosis. In this study, the anti-atrophy and anti-apoptotic activity of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) was characterized in C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes and myoblasts. APS inhibited dexamethasone-induced atrophy by restoring phosphorylation of Akt, m-TOR, P70s6k, rpS6 and FoxO3A/FoxO1. The targets that protected C2C12 myoblasts from damage by H2O2 were promoting cells proliferation and inhibiting cells apoptosis. The protective mechanisms involved mitochondrial pathway and death receptor pathway. Moreover, Antioxidant effect of APS was also detected in this work. Our findings suggested that APS could be explored as a protective and perhaps as a therapeutic agent in the management of muscle wasting.

Astragalus polysaccharide enhances immunity and inhibits H9N2 avian influenza virus in vitro and in vivo

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.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on EA.hy926 cells

The aim of this study was to explore the role of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm children using an established BPD cell model. EA.hy926 cell cultures were divided into three groups: the air group as the blank control, the hyperoxia group as the experimental control and the APS group (2.5 mg/ml). The production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by biochemical assays. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to detect the RNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-8, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65. Compared with the hyperoxia group, the ROS and MDA levels of the APS group were significantly reduced. By contrast, SOD production was significantly increased. The expression of IL-8, ICAM-1 and NF-κB p65 in the APS group was downregulated. APS acts as an antioxidant by stimulating SOD production while inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the EA.hy926 cells. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that APS retards the inflammatory response, as shown by the reduced expression of NF-κB p65, IL-8 and ICAM-1 when APS was added.

Plastrum testudinis induces γ-globin gene expression through epigenetic histone modifications within the γ-globin gene promoter via activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway

The pharmacologically-induced expression of the γ-globin gene, to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production, is a therapeutic strategy used for the treatment of β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia (SCA). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Plastrum testudinis (PT) on differentiation, proliferation, γ-globin gene expression and HbF synthesis in human erythroid cells. For this purpose, we used the K562 human leukemia cell line and human erythroid progenitor cells from normal donors and patients with β-thalassemia cultured using the two-phase liquid culture system. The effects of PT on erythroid differentiation, proliferation, γ-globin gene expression and HbF synthesis, as well as the involvement of epigenetic histone modifications within the γ-globin gene promoter via activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, were assessed by benzidine staining, trypan-blue dye exclusion, quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). PT promoted the erythroid differentiation of K562 cells, and increased γ-globin mRNA accumulation and HbF synthesis without inhibiting cell proliferation in K562 cells and human erythroid progenitors. PT exerted no effect on α- and β-globin gene expression. In human erythroid cells, PT activated the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, and enhanced the acetylation of histone H3 and H4, the phosphorylation of histone H3 within the Gγ- and Aγ-globin gene promoter regions, γ-globin mRNA accumulation and HbF synthesis. These effects were suppressed by pre-treatment with the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580. Epigenetic histone modifications within γ-globin gene promoter regions, via activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, are important for the induction of γ-globin gene expression in human erythroid cells by PT. PT may be a novel potential therapeutic agent for β-hemoglobinopathies, including β-thalassemia and SCA.

Anticancer polysaccharides from natural resources: a review of recent research

Taking into account the rising trend of the incidence of cancers of various organs, effective therapies are urgently needed to control human malignancies. However, almost all of the chemotherapy drugs currently on the market cause serious side effects. Fortunately, several previous studies have shown that some non-toxic biological macromolecules, including polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes, possess anti-cancer activities or can increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy drugs. Based on these encouraging observations, a great deal of effort has been focused on discovering anti-cancer polysaccharides and complexes for the development of effective therapeutics for various human cancers. This review focuses on the advancements in the anti-cancer efficacy of various natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide complexes in the past 5 years. Most polysaccharides were tested using model systems, while several involved clinical trials.

Effects of Astragalus polysaccharides on P-glycoprotein efflux pump function and protein expression in H22 hepatoma cells in vitro

Background

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) are active constituents of Astragalus membranaceus. They have been widely studied, especially with respect to their immunopotentiating properties, their ability to counteract the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, and their anticancer properties. However, the mechanism by which APS inhibit cancer and the issue of whether that mechanism involves the reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR) is not completely clear. The present paper describes an investigation of the effects of APS on P-glycoprotein function and expression in H22 hepatoma cell lines resistant to Adriamycin (H22/ADM).

Methods

H22/ADM cell lines were treated with different concentrations of APS and/or the most common chemotherapy drugs, such as Cyclophosphamid, Adriamycin, 5-Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, Etoposide, and Vincristine. Chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity, P-glycoprotein function and expression, and MDR1 mRNA expression were detected using MTT assay, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

When used alone, APS had no anti-tumor activity in H22/ADM cells in vitro. However, it can increase the cytotoxicity of certain chemotherapy drugs, such as Cyclophosphamid, Adriamycin, 5-Fluorouracil, Cisplatin, Etoposide, and Vincristine, in H22/ADM cells. It acts in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to a blank control group, APS increased intracellular Rhodamine-123 retention and decreased P-glycoprotein efflux function in a dose-dependent manner. These factors were assessed 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after administration. APS down regulated P-glycoprotein and MDR1 mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner within a final range of 0.8–500 mg/L and in a time-dependent manner from 24–72 h.

Conclusion

APS can enhance the chemosensitivity of H22/ADM cells. This may involve the downregulation of MDR1 mRNA expression, inhibition of P-GP efflux pump function, or both, which would decrease the expression of the MDR1 protein.