Hematopoietic and myeloprotective activities of an acidic Angelica sinensis polysaccharide on human CD34+ stem cells

Exploring the mechanism by which Angelica sinensis improves haematopoietic function in aplastic anaemia

Angelica sinensis (AS) can improve the haematopoietic function, but the treatment mechanism is unknown. Transfusion dependency was estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and Cox proportional-hazard model in AS treated apalstic anemia (AA) patients. After that, the AA GEO database was analysed, the up differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of AA were combined with AS targets for the intersection of targets. After the AA mouse model was established, the effect of AS was confirmed by haematopoietic function tests. The same experiment plus mitochondrial apoptotic pathway tests in vivo were performed in Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP)-treated mice, the key ingredient in AS. For in vitro experiment, bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNCs) were tested. Clinical data confirmed that the level of transfusion dependency and IL17A were lower in AS-users compared to non-AS users (p < 0.001). The intersection of targets between AA and AS most concentrated on inflammation and apoptosis. Then, the same effect was found in AS treated AA mice model. In both in vivo and in vitro tests, ASP demonstrated the ability to mitigate P38/MAPK-induced Bax-associated mitochondrial apoptosis, while also reducing the levels of activated Th17 cells and alleviating abnormal cytokine levels. So, the protective effect of AS and ASP on hematopoietic function lies in their ability to prevent apoptosis.

Structural analysis and blood-enriching effects comparison based on biological potency of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides

Angelica sinensis is a long-standing medicine used by Chinese medical practitioners and well-known for its blood-tonic and blood-activating effects. Ferulic acid, ligustilide, and eugenol in Angelica sinensis activate the blood circulation; however, the material basis of their blood-tonic effects needs to be further investigated. In this study, five homogeneous Angelica sinensis polysaccharides were isolated, and their sugar content, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and infrared characteristics determined. Acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) were used as inducers to establish a blood deficiency model in mice, and organ indices, haematological and biochemical parameters were measured in mice. Results of in vivo hematopoietic activity showed that Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (APS) could elevate erythropoietin (EPO), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and interleukin-3 (IL-3) serum levels, reduce tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level in mice, and promote hematopoiesis in the body by regulating cytokine levels. Biological potency test results of the in vitro blood supplementation indicated strongest tonic activity for APS-H2O, and APS-0.4 has the weakest haemopoietic activity. The structures of APS-H2O and APS-0.4 were characterized, and the results showed that APS-H2O is an arabinogalactan glycan with a main chain consisting of α-1,3,5-Ara(f), α-1,5- Ara(f), β-1,4-Gal(p), and β-1,4-Gal(p)A, and two branched chains of β-t-Gal(p) and α-t-Glc(p) connected to each other in a (1→3) linkage to α-1,3,5-Ara(f) on the main chain. APS-0.4 is an acidic polysaccharide with galacturonic acid as the main chain, consisting of α-1,4-GalA, α-1,2-GalA, α-1,4-Gal, and β-1,4-Rha. In conclusion, APS-H2O can be used as a potential drug for blood replenishment in patients with blood deficiency, providing a basis for APS application in clinical treatment and health foods, as well as research and development of new polysaccharide-based drugs.

The angelica Polysaccharide: a review of phytochemistry, pharmacology and beneficial effects on systemic diseases

Angelica sinensis is a perennial herb widely distributed around the world, and angelica polysaccharide (APS) is a polysaccharide extracted from Angelica sinensis. APS is one of the main active components of Angelica sinensis. A large number of studies have shown that APS has hematopoietic, promoting blood circulation, radiation resistance, lowering blood glucose, enhancing the body immunity and other pharmacological effects in a variety of diseases. However, different extraction methods and extraction sites greatly affect the efficacy of APS. In recent years, with the emerging of new technologies, there are more and more studies on the combined application and structural modification of APS. In order to promote the comprehensive development and in-depth application of APS, this narrative review systematically summarizes the effects of different drying methods and extraction sites on the biological activity of APS, and the application of APS in the treatment of diseases, hoping to provide a scientific basis for the experimental study and clinical application of APS.

A Role for Advanced Glycation End Products in Molecular Ageing

Ageing is a composite process that involves numerous changes at the cellular, tissue, organ and whole-body levels. These changes result in decreased functioning of the organism and the development of certain conditions, which ultimately lead to an increased risk of death. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a family of compounds with a diverse chemical nature. They are the products of non-enzymatic reactions between reducing sugars and proteins, lipids or nucleic acids and are synthesised in high amounts in both physiological and pathological conditions. Accumulation of these molecules increases the level of damage to tissue/organs structures (immune elements, connective tissue, brain, pancreatic beta cells, nephrons, and muscles), which consequently triggers the development of age-related diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular and kidney disorders. Irrespective of the role of AGEs in the initiation or progression of chronic disorders, a reduction in their levels would certainly provide health benefits. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of AGEs in these areas. Moreover, we provide examples of lifestyle interventions, such as caloric restriction or physical activities, that may modulate AGE formation and accumulation and help to promote healthy ageing.

Retraction

Zhao Y, Liu C, Zhang X, Yan X. Angelica polysaccharide alleviates TNF-α-induced MIN6 cell damage a through the up-regulation microRNA-143. BioFactors. 2022;49:200. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.1588 This article, published online on 20 November 2019 in Wiley Online Library, has been retracted by agreement between the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Editor in Chief (Dr. Angelo Azzi), and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed following an investigation based on allegations raised by a third party. Evidence for image manipulation was found in figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. As a result, the conclusions of this article are considered to be invalid.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharides prevents hematopoietic regression in D-Galactose-Induced aging model via attenuation of oxidative stress in hematopoietic microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Extrinsic molecular mechanisms that regulate hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) aging are still poorly understood, and a potential protective medication needs to be explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The senescent parameters of hematopoietic cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) including cell cycle analysis, senescence-associated SA-β-gal staining and signals, hematopoietic factors and cellular junction were analyzed in femur and tibia of rats. Furthermore, Sca-1⁺ HSPCs and BMSCs co-culture system was established to evaluate the direct effects of BMSC feeder layer to HSPCs. Oxidative DNA damage indicators in Sca-1⁺ HSCs and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of BMSCs, gap junction intercellular communication between BMSCs, osteogenesis/adipogenisis differentiation balance of BMSCs were detected.

RESULTS

In the D-gal pre-administrated rats, ASP treatment rescued senescence of hematopoietic cells and BMSCs, reserved CFU-GEMM; also, ASP treatment attenuated stromal oxidative load, ameliorated SCF, CXCL12, and GM-CSF production, increased Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression. BMSCs and Sca-1⁺ HSPCs co-cultivation demonstrated that ASP treatment prevented oxidative DNA damage response in co-cultured Sca-1⁺ HSPCs induced by D-gal pre-administration of feeder layer and the underlying mechanism may be related to ASP ameliorating feeder layer dysfunction due to D-gal induced senescence via inhibiting secretion of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and RANTES, enhancing Cx43-mediated intercellular communication, improving Runx2 expression whereas decreasing PPARγ expression in BMSCs.

CONCLUSION

The antioxidant property of ASP may provide a stroma-mediated potential therapeutic strategy for HSPC aging.

The Therapeutic Potential of Plant Polysaccharides in Metabolic Diseases

Plant polysaccharides (PPS) composed of more than 10 monosaccharides show high safety and various pharmacological activities, including immunoregulatory, antitumor, antioxidative, antiaging, and other effects. In recent years, emerging evidence has indicated that many PPS are beneficial for metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, obesity, and neurological diseases, which are usually caused by the metabolic disorder of fat, sugar, and protein. In this review, we introduce the common characteristics and functional activity of many representative PPS, emphasize the common risks and molecular mechanism of metabolic diseases, and discuss the pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of representative PPS obtained from plants including Aloe vera, Angelica sinensis, pumpkin, Lycium barbarum, Ginseng, Schisandra chinensis, Dioscorea pposite, Poria cocos, and tea in metabolic diseases. Finally, this review will provide directions and a reference for future research and for the development of PPS into potential drugs for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

A new method providing complementary explanation of the blood-enriching function and mechanism of unprocessed Angelica sinensis and its four kinds of processed products based on tissue-integrated metabolomics and confirmatory analysis

Angelica sinensis (AS) is a common Traditional Chinese Medicine used for tonifying blood in China. Unprocessed AS and its four kinds of processed products (ASs) are used to treat blood deficiency syndrome in the country. The different blood-tonifying mechanisms of ASs remain unclear. In this work, a novel method integrating metabolomics and hematological and biochemical parameters was established to provide a complementary explanation of blood supplementation mechanism of ASs. Our results revealed that different ASs exhibited various blood supplementation effect, and that AS parched with alcohol demonstrated the best blood supplementation effect. Eight metabolites from liver tissue and 12 metabolites from spleen tissue were considered to be potential biomarkers. These biomarkers were involved in four metabolic pathways. Correlation analysis results showed that l-aspartic acid and l-alanine (spleen tissue), linoleic acid, and l-cystathionine (liver tissue) exhibited a high positive or negative correlation with the aforesaid biochemical indicators. The blood-supplementation effect mechanism of ASs were related to four metabolic pathways. l-Aspartic acid and l-alanine (spleen tissue), linoleic acid, and l-cystathionine (liver tissue) were the four key metabolites associated with the blood supplementation effect of ASs. This study gives a complementary explanation of the blood supplementation effect and mechanism of action of ASs.

Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and drug carrier applications of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) is one of the main active components of Angelica sinensis (AS) that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. ASP is water-soluble polysaccharides, and it is mainly composed of glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), arabinose (Ara), rhamnose (Rha), fucose (Fuc), xylose (Xyl) and galacturonic acid (GalUA). The extraction methods of ASP include hot water extraction and ultrasonic wave extraction, and different extraction methods can affect the yield of ASP. ASP has a variety of pharmacological activities, including hematopoietic activity, promoting immunity, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-virus, liver protection, and so on. As a kind of natural polysaccharide, ASP has potential application as drug carriers. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest extraction and purification methods of ASP, the strategies used for monosaccharide compositional analysis plus polysaccharide structural characterization, pharmacological activities and drug carrier applications, and it can provide a basis for further study on ASP.

Novel advances in inhibiting advanced glycation end product formation using natural compounds

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a group of complex compounds generated by nonenzymatic interactions between proteins and reducing sugars or lipids. AGEs accumulate in vivo and activate various signaling pathways closely related to the occurrence of various chronic metabolic diseases. In this paper, we describe the process through which AGEs are formed, the classification of AGEs, and biological effects of AGEs on human health. Most importantly, we review recent progress in natural compound-based AGE formation inhibitors. Major classes of natural inhibitors, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, vitamins and alkaloids, have been described. Their mechanisms of action have been summarized as scavenging free radicals, chelating metal ions, capturing active carbonyl compounds, protecting protein glycation sites, and lowering blood glucose levels. Although these natural compounds have good antiglycation activity, to date, they are not widely used in the clinic, likely because of their low content levels. However, these natural compounds and their molecular frameworks will play a valuable role in inspiring drug discovery.

The Bioactivities and Potential Clinical Values of Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharides

Angelica sinensis Radix (ASR), one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese medicines, contains many chemical components such as polysaccharides, volatile oil, flavonoids, amino acids, and organic acids, among which polysaccharides play an indispensable role in the therapeutic effect of ASR. A. sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) has many biological activities, for instance, hematopoietic, anti-tumor, and liver protection, which are closely related to the treatment of human diseases such as chronic anemia, leukemia, and diabetes. In addition, there are excellent application prospects for drug delivery in nanoparticles. This paper reviews the chemical compositions, extraction methods, biological activity, action mechanism, potential clinical applications, nanoparticles, and research prospect of ASP from 2010 to 2020, so as to provide references for its further development.

Screening study of blood-supplementing active components in water decoction of Angelica sinensis processed with yellow rice wine based on response surface methodology

CONTEXT

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Apiaceae) (syn. Angelica polymorpha Maxim var. sinensis Oliver) processed with yellow rice wine (WAS) has a blood-supplementing effect.

OBJECTIVE

To establish an optimal technology for preparing water decoction of WAS (WASD), and screen blood-supplementing fractions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ferulic acid and crude polysaccharide were used in optimizing the preparation technology for WASD through response surface methodology. The independent variables were liquid-solid ratio, soaking time, and extraction time. Eighty Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control, model, and six intervention groups (n = 10). The intervention groups were given different WASD fractions by gavage (5 or 10 g/kg). The model intervention groups received acetylphenyl hydrazine (subcutaneous injection) and cyclophosphamide (intraperitoneal injection). Duration of study, 9 days. The components of blood-supplementing fractions were analyzed.

RESULTS

The optimum extraction parameters were liquid-solid ratio, 7.69:1 mL/g; soaking time, 119.78 min; and extraction time, 143.35 min. The optimal OD value was 0.8437. RBC, WBC, and Hb in the water fraction (5, 10 g/kg) and n-butanol fraction (10 g/kg) intervention groups increased significantly compared with the model group (p < 0.05). Polysaccharide and caffeic acid contents of water fraction were 252.565 and 0.346 μg/mg, respectively; ferulic acid was not detected. Caffeic acid and ferulic acid contents of n-butanol fraction were 1.187 and 0.806 μg/mg, respectively, polysaccharide was not detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimum preparation technology of WASD was obtained, and the water, n-butanol fractions were blood-supplementing fractions. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further application of WAS in the pharmaceutical industry.

Immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides from Ganoderma on immune effector cells

Polysaccharides are the most abundant bioactive compounds in Ganoderma and have been widely used as dietary supplements in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Polysaccharides from Ganoderma exhibit unique biological properties, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Herein, the sources and structures of polysaccharides from Ganoderma were presented. This work also reviews the immunomodulatory activities and possible mechanisms of polysaccharides from Ganoderma on different immune effector cells, including lymphocytes and myeloid cells. As an available adjunctive remedy, polysaccharides from Ganoderma can potentially be applied for the modulation of the host immune system, namely the innate immunity, the cellular immunity, and the humoral immunity.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide prevents mitochondrial apoptosis by regulating the Treg/Th17 ratio in aplastic anemia

Background

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) is an effective medicine for aplastic anemia (AA). The present study aims to investigate whether mitochondrial apoptosis in aplastic anemia could be corrected by ASP by adjusting an abnormal level of regulatory T cell (Treg)/ IL-17 secreting CD4 T cell (Th17) ratio.

Methods

BALB/c mice were treated with 5.0 Gy Co60 γ -radiation. Then 2 × 10⁶ lymph node cells from DBA/2 donor mice were transplanted within 4 h after radiation. The mice in the various groups were fed saline or ASP for 2 weeks. For the in vitro experiment, bone marrow nucleated cells (BMNCs) and Treg cells were sorted from the mice on the 2nd day of modeling, and then cultured with or without ASP.

Results

The mice treated with the medium dose of ASP for 14 days showed increased white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT), BMNC counts and Lin–Sca-1 + c-Kit+ (LSK) populations viability compared with the mice in the AA group mice. The data showed that ASP decreased damage to the mitochondrial outer membrane, improved the stabilization of the mitochondrial membrane, and corrected the abnormal levels of ROS and mitochondrial-associated apoptosis proteins, including the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression, in BMNCs which were sorted from the bone marrow cells of AA mice. The changes to the p-P38/P38 and Treg/Th17 ratios induced by AA were also reversed by the medium dose of ASP. The same ASP effect including the Bcl-2/Bax and p-P38/P38 ratio, caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression of BMNCs were observed in vivo. The viability of Treg cells were increased by treatment of ASP in vivo.

Conclusions

ASP might prevent mitochondrial apoptosis to restore the function of hematopoietic stem cells by suppressing abnormal T-cell immunity in AA.

Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation of the System-Level Molecular Mechanisms of the Hematopoietic Activity of Samul-Tang, a Traditional Korean Herbal Formula

Hematopoiesis is a dynamic process of the continuous production of diverse blood cell types to meet the body's physiological demands and involves complex regulation of multiple cellular mechanisms in hematopoietic stem cells, including proliferation, self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptosis. Disruption of the hematopoietic system is known to cause various hematological disorders such as myelosuppression. There is growing evidence on the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on hematopoiesis; however, their mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a network pharmacological-based investigation of the system-level mechanisms underlying the hematopoietic activity of Samul-tang, which is an herbal formula consisting of four herbal medicines, including Angelicae Gigantis Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Cnidii Rhizoma. In silico analysis of the absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion model identified 16 active phytochemical compounds contained in Samul-tang that may target 158 genes/proteins associated with myelosuppression to exert pharmacological effects. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the targets of Samul-tang were significantly enriched in multiple pathways closely related to the hematopoiesis and myelosuppression development, including the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, IL-17, TNF, FoxO, HIF-1, NF-kappa B, and p53 signaling pathways. Our study provides novel evidence regarding the system-level mechanisms underlying the hematopoiesis-promoting effect of herbal medicines for hematological disorder treatment.

Polyethylenimine-coated PLGA nanoparticles-encapsulated Angelica sinensis polysaccharide as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses

Nanoparticle delivery systems have been widely investigated as new vaccines strategy to enhance the immune responses to antigens against infectious diseases. The positively charged nanoparticles could efficiently improve the immune responses due to targeting and activating the antigen-presenting cells. In this study, the immunopotentiator Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) was encapsulated into Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, and the polyethylenimine, one of the cationic polymers, was used to coat nanoparticles to develop a new nanoparticle delivery system (ASP-PLGA-PEI) with positively charged. The ASP-PLGA-PEI nanoparticles significantly activated macrophages, and promoted the expression of the MHCII and CD86 and the production of IL-1β and IL-12p70 cytokines of macrophages. Furthermore, the antigen adsorbed on the surface of the ASP-PLGA-PEI nanoparticles enhanced the antigen uptake by macrophages. Moreover, the mice immunized with PCV2 antigen adsorbed ASP-PLGA-PEI nanoparticles significantly enhanced PCV2-specific IgG immune response and the levels of cytokines, induced a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response with Th1 bias compared with other groups. These findings demonstrate that the positively charged nanoparticles (ASP-PLGA-PEI) have the potential to serve as an effective vaccine delivery and adjuvant system to induce vigorous and long-term immune responses.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide encapsulated into PLGA nanoparticles as a vaccine delivery and adjuvant system for ovalbumin to promote immune responses

Nanoparticles (NPs)-based vaccine delivery systems are widely used for their ability to control the release of antigens and promote immune responses against cancer or infectious diseases. In this study, the immunopotentiator Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) and model protein antigen ovalbumin (OVA) were encapsulated into Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to formulate the novel NPs-based vaccine delivery system (ASP-PLGA/OVA). These formulations were subcutaneously administered to mice, then the magnitude and kinetics of antibody and cellular immune responses were assessed. The ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs were pherical in shape with smooth surfaces, approximately 225.2 nm in average size, negatively charged (around -11.27 mV), and the encapsulation efficiency of OVA at around 66.28%, respectively. Furthermore, ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs could keep stable at 4 °C over 30 days and provide a sustained and controlled release of OVA from the NPs. The results demonstrated that mice immunized with ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs could significantly enhance lymphocyte proliferation and improve the ratio of CD4⁺ to CD8⁺ T cells, thereby ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs could induce a strong cellular immune response. Moreover, the ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs could induce vigorous and long-term IgG immune responses with a mixed Th1 and Th2 responses and up-regulate the levels of Th-associated cytokines. These results suggested that ASP-PLGA/OVA NPs, which stimulated strong and continuous antibody responses and induced cellular immune responses, could potentially serve as an efficient and safe vaccine delivery and adjuvant system against infections and diseases.

Correction of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease With Angelica sinensis Polysaccharide via Restoring EPO Production and Improving Iron Availability

Given the limited efficacy and potential disadvantages of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in treating anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the development of better alternative therapies has become a priority. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) and its underlying mechanism in the treatment of renal anemia. In the present study, we found that ASP could enhance hypoxic induction of EPO in Hep3B cells, with a mechanism that involved the stabilization of HIF-2α protein. In parallel, ASP rescued the inhibition of EPO, induced by proinflammatory factor TNF-α through blocking GATA2 and NF-κB activation. In a rat model of adenine-induced anemia of CKD, oral administration of ASP corrected anemia and alleviated renal damage and inflammation. By increasing the accumulation of HIF-2α protein and reducing the expression of NF-κB and GATA2 as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines, ASP stimulated both renal and hepatic EPO production, and resulted in an elevation of serum EPO. The restoration of EPO production and EPOR mRNA expression with ASP treatment activated EPOR downstream JAK2/STAT5 and PI3K/Akt signaling, induced their target genes, such as Bcl-xL, Fam132b and Tfrc, and increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio in bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells of CKD rats. Furthermore, we found that ASP suppressed hepatic hepcidin expression, mobilized iron from spleen and liver and increased serum iron. These findings demonstrate that ASP elicits anti-anemic action by restoring EPO production and improving iron availability in the setting of CKD in rats.

Haematopoietic effects of Angelica sinensis root cap polysaccharides against lisinopril-induced anaemia in albino rats

CONTEXT

Angelica sinensis L. (Umbelliferae) has medicinal properties.

OBJECTIVES

The present study evaluates the haematopoietic effects of A. sinensis polysaccharides (ASP) against lisinopril-induced anaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty healthy adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). Group I was control group. Group II was treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI, 20 mg/kg/day) to induce anaemia. In group III, erythropoietin (EPO, 100 IU/kg/each) was administered in combination with ACEI. Group IV was treated with ASP (1 g/kg/day), extracted from A. sinensis root caps. In Group V, ASP (1 g/kg/day) was treated with ACEI. After 28 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for haematological and histopathological analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that ACEI significantly reduced the haemoglobin (Hb, 10.0 g/dL), packed cell volume (PCV, 39.5%), red blood cells (RBCs, 6.2 million/mm³), mean corpuscular volume (MCV, 53.5 fL) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH, 16.2 pg/cell) values. In the group treated with ASP, the Hb (13.7 g/dL) and RBCs (7.8 million/mm³) increased significantly (p < 0.05). The combination of ASP and ACEI led to the significant (p < 0.05) reduction in Hb (10.7 g/dL), PCV (33.3%), RBCs (6.0 million/mm³), MCV (54.42 fL) and MCH (16.44 pg/cell) values. While histopathological examination of the liver and kidney cells showed a mild degree of toxicity in the ASP-treated group.

CONCLUSION

ASP has a potentiating effect on haematological parameters when given alone. However, when administered simultaneously with lisinopril, it showed an unfavourable effect with more complicated anaemia so it should not be used with ACEIs.

Angelica sinensis Polysaccharides Ameliorate Stress-Induced Premature Senescence of Hematopoietic Cell via Protecting Bone Marrow Stromal Cells from Oxidative Injuries Caused by 5-Fluorouracil

Myelosuppression is the most common complication of chemotherapy. Decline of self-renewal capacity and stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) induced by chemotherapeutic agents may be the cause of long-term myelosuppression after chemotherapy. Whether the mechanism of SIPS of hematopoietic cells relates to chemotherapeutic injury occurred in hematopoietic microenvironment (HM) is still not well elucidated. This study explored the protective effect of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), an acetone extract polysaccharide found as the major effective ingredients of a traditional Chinese medicinal herb named Chinese Angelica (Dong Quai), on oxidative damage of homo sapiens bone marrow/stroma cell line (HS-5) caused by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and the effect of ASP relieving oxidative stress in HM on SIPS of hematopoietic cells. Tumor-suppressive doses of 5-FU inhibited the growth of HS-5 in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. 5-FU induced HS-5 apoptosis and also accumulated cellular hallmarks of senescence including cell cycle arrest and typical senescence-associated β-galactosidase positive staining. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased in 5-FU treated HS-5 cells and coinstantaneous with attenuated antioxidant capacity marked by superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Oxidative stress initiated DNA damage indicated by increased γH2AX and 8-OHdG. Oxidative damage of HS-5 cells resulted in declined hematopoietic stimulating factors including stem cell factor (SCF), stromal cell-derived factor (SDF), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), however, elevated inflammatory chemokines such as RANTES. In addition, gap junction channel protein expression and mediated intercellular communications were attenuated after 5-FU treatment. Significantly, co-culture on 5-FU treated HS-5 feeder layer resulted in less quantity of human umbilical cord blood-derived hematopoietic cells and CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and SIPS of hematopoietic cells. However, it is noteworthy that ASP ameliorated SIPS of hematopoietic cells by the mechanism of protecting bone marrow stromal cells from chemotherapeutic injury via mitigating oxidative damage of stromal cells and improving their hematopoietic function. This study provides a new strategy to alleviate the complication of conventional cancer therapy using chemotherapeutic agents.

Effects of traditional oriental medicines as anti-cytotoxic agents in radiotherapy

The primary goal of radiotherapy in oncology is to enhance the efficacy of tumor cell death while decreasing damage to surrounding normal cells. Positive therapeutic outcomes may be accomplished by improved targeting, precisely targeting tumor cells or protecting normal cells against radiation-induced damage. The potential for antioxidants to decrease normal tissue damage induced by radiation has been investigated in animal models for a number of decades. In attempts for radioprotection, certain synthetic chemicals are suggested as antioxidants and normal tissue protectors against radiation-induced damage, but they have exhibited limitations in pharmacological application due to undesirable effects and high toxicities at clinical doses. The present review focuses on the radioprotective efficacy of traditional oriental medicines with the advantage of low toxicity at pharmacological doses and how such treatments may influence various harmful effects induced by radiation in vitro and in vivo. In addition, medicinal plants and their active constituents with biological activities that may be associated with alleviation of radiation-induced damage through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and immunostimulatory properties are discussed.

Advances on Bioactive Polysaccharides from Medicinal Plants

In recent decades, the polysaccharides from the medicinal plants have attracted a lot of attention due to their significant bioactivities, such as anti-tumor activity, antioxidant activity, anticoagulant activity, antidiabetic activity, radioprotection effect, anti-viral activity, hypolipidemic and immunomodulatory activities, which make them suitable for medicinal applications. Previous studies have also shown that medicinal plant polysaccharides are non-toxic and show no side effects. Based on these encouraging observations, most researches have been focusing on the isolation and identification of polysaccharides, as well as their bioactivities. A large number of bioactive polysaccharides with different structural features and biological effects from medicinal plants have been purified and characterized. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most recent developments in physiochemical, structural features and biological activities of bioactive polysaccharides from a number of important medicinal plants, such as polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus, Dendrobium plants, Bupleurum, Cactus fruits, Acanthopanax senticosus, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Aloe barbadensis Miller, and Dimocarpus longan Lour. Moreover, the paper has also been focused on the applications of bioactive polysaccharides for medicinal applications. Recent studies have provided evidence that polysaccharides from medicinal plants can play a vital role in bioactivities. The contents and data will serve as a useful reference material for further investigation, production, and application of these polysaccharides in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Angelica sinensis in China-A review of botanical profile, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and chemical analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, known as Dang Gui (in Chinese), is a traditional medicinal and edible plant that has long been used for tonifying, replenishing, and invigorating blood as well as relieving pain, lubricating the intestines, and treating female irregular menstruation and amenorrhea. A. sinensis has also been used as a health product and become increasingly popular in China, Japan, and Korea.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper aims to provide a systemic review of traditional uses of A. sinensis and its recent advances in the fields of phytochemistry, analytical methods and toxicology. In addition, possible trends, therapeutic potentials, and perspectives for future research of this plant are also briefly discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive review of the literature was conducted, and electronic databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Reaxys were used to assemble the data. Ethnopharmacological literature and digitalised sources of academic libraries were also systematically searched. In addition, information was obtained from local books and The Plant List (TPL, www.theplantlist.org).

RESULT

This study reviews the progress in chemical analysis of A. sinensis and its preparations. Previously and newly established methods, including spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis (NMR), are summarized. Moreover, identified bioactive components such as polysaccharides, ligustilide and ferulic acid were reviewed, along with analytical methods for quantitative and qualitative determination of target analytes, and fingerprinting authentication, quality evaluation of A. sinensis, and toxicology and pharmacodynamic studies. Scientific reports on crude extracts and pure compounds and formulations revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory activity, antifibrotic action, antispasmodic activity, antioxidant activities, and neuroprotective action, as well as cardio- and cerebrovascular effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the published scientific literature are numerous reports regarding analytical methods that use various chromatographic and spectrophotometric technologies to monitor various types of components with different physicochemical properties simultaneously. This review discusses the reasonable selection of marker compounds based on high concentrations, analytical methods, and commercial availabilities with the goal of developing quick, accurate, and applicable analytical approaches for quality evaluation and establishing harmonised criteria for the analysis of A. sinensis and its finished products. Compounds isolated from A. sinensis are abundant sources of chemical diversity, from which we can discover active molecules. Thus, more studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of the predominant active compounds of A. sinensis are needed. In addition, given that A. sinensis is one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines, its main therapeutic aspects, toxicity, and adverse effects warrant further investigation in the future.

A double-blind, randomized, and active-controlled phase III study of Herbiron drink in the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in premenopausal females in Taiwan

Background

About 468 million non-pregnant women are estimated to suffer from iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) worldwide. The highest prevalence of IDA occurs in the Taiwanese population.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of Herbiron to increase iron absorption in women with IDA.

Design

Phase III double-blind, randomized, active-controlled, and parallel comparative study enrolled 124 patients with IDA and consisted of a 2-week run-in period, randomization, 12 weeks of supplementation, and 4 weeks of follow-up. The treatment group received Herbiron drink 50 mL p.o., b.i.d., before meals (daily iron intake: 21 mg/day) plus placebo tablets. The control group received a ferrous sulfate tablet, t.i.d., plus placebo 50-mL drink before meals (daily iron intake: 195 mg/day).

Results

Both treatments significantly improved hemoglobin and all secondary efficacy endpoints. Most IDA patients treated with Herbiron or ferrous sulfate finished the study in the normal range. Ferrous sulfate treatment induced a rapid rate of hemoglobin synthesis, which plateaued by week 8, whereas Herbiron treatment increased the rate of hemoglobin synthesis more slowly, likely due to its nine-fold lower iron content. Gastrointestinal adverse events (diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and nausea) but not infectious adverse events were significantly more common in the ferrous sulfate group (n=11, 18.3%) than those in the Herbiron group (n=1, 1.6%) (p=0.004).

Conclusion

Twelve weeks of Herbiron treatment delivering 21mg of iron or ferrous sulfate treatment delivering 195 mg of iron induced normal hemoglobin levels in 62 or 91% of non-pregnant women with IDA in Taiwan, respectively, suggesting dose-dependent and bioavailability effects.

Development of SCAR Markers Based on Improved RAPD Amplification Fragments and Molecular Cloning for Authentication of Herbal Medicines Angelica sinensis, Angelica acutiloba and Levisticum officinale

Molecular cloning from DNA fragments of improved RAPD amplification of Angelica sinensis, Angelica acutiloba and Levisticum officinale, provided novel sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers A13, A23, Al-34 and Al-0 whose sequences were deposited in the GenBank database with the accession numbers KP641315, KP641316, KP641317 and KP641318, respectively. By optional PCR amplification, the SCAR markers A13 and A23 are Levisticum officinale-specific, whereas the SCAR marker Al-34 is Angelica acutiloba-specific, and the SCAR marker Al-0 is Angelica sinensis-specific. These diagnostic SCAR markers may be useful for genetic authentications, for ecological conservation of all three medicinal plants and as a helpful tool for the genetic authentication of adulterant samples.

Prescription patterns of Chinese herbal products for patients with fractures in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in the treatment of fracture for thousands of years. However, large-scale surveys examing the utilization of Chinese herbal products (CHPs) for treating fractures and their related symptoms are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prescription patterns of CHPs among patients with fractures in Taiwan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The TCM usage in patients with fractures was analyzed using a sample of one million individuals randomly selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database who were newly diagnosis with fractures in 2001-2008, with a followed-up period through 2010.

RESULTS

We identified 115,327 patients who were newly diagnosed with fractures in the study population. Among them, 4.97% (n=5731) adjunctively utilized TCM for fracture treatment. TCM users were mostly young or middle-aged, female, and resided in highly urbanized areas. With regard to the comorbidities of fractures, TCM users had a lower prevalence of coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and stroke than non-TCM users, except for osteoporosis. Shu-jing-huo-xue-tang was the most frequently prescribed Chinese herbal formula, while Rhizoma Drynariae (Gu-sui-bu) was the most common single herb for patients with fractures. The CHPs were found to cover not only bone healing but also fracture-related symptoms. TCM users had lower medical expenditure for hospitalization for the first six months after incident fractures than non-TCM users (1749±2650 versus 2274±3159 US dollars, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified the TCM utilization for patients with fractures in Taiwan. Integration of TCM treatment reduced the medical costs for hospitalization. Further basic research and clinical studies to investigate the mechanism and clinical efficacies of CHPs are warranted.

Tumor inhibition effects and mechanisms of Angelica sinensis and Sophorae flavescentis ait decoction combined with cisplatin in xenograft mice

BACKGROUND

To investigate tumor inhibition effects and mechanisms of Angelica sinensis and Sophorae flavescentis ait decoction (ASSF) combined with diamine-dichloroplatinum (DDP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bodyweight, tumor inhibition rate and q value were calculated for single ASSF or ASSF combined with DDP on H22 carcinoma xenograft KM mice. Biochemical methods for serum LDH, AST, ALT, and AKP, ELISA method for serum HIF-1α, pathological assessemnt of thymus, immunohistochemistry detection of tumor tissue caspase3 and mutant p53 protein, and qRT-PCR detection of bax/ bcl-2 mRNA were applied.

RESULTS

Compared with DDP control group, the bodyweight increased in ASSF-DDP group (p<0.01). Tumor inhibition rates for DDP, ASSF, ASSF-DDP were 62.7%. 43.7% and 71.0% respectively, with a q value of 0.90. Compared with other groups, thymus of DDP control group had obvious pathological injury (p<0.01), serum LDH, AST, ALT, AKP increased significantly in DDP control group (p<0.01), while serum HIF-1α was increased in the model control group. Compared with this latter, the expression of mutant p53 protein and bcl-2 mRNA were decreased in all treatment groups (p<0.01), but there were no statistical difference between DDP control p and ASSF-DDP groups. The expression of caspase3 protein and bax mRNA was increased in all treatment groups, with statistical differences between the DDP and ASSF-DDP groups (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

ASSF can inhibit bodyweight decrease caused by DDP, can inhibit tumor growth synergistically with DDP mainly through increasing serum HIF-1α and pro-apoptotic molecules such as caspase 3 and bax, rather than through decreasing anti-apoptotic mutant p53 and bcl-2. ASSF can reduce DDP toxicity due to decreasing the release of LDH, AST, ALT, AKP into blood and enhancing thymus protection.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide regulates glucose and lipid metabolism disorder in prediabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice through the elevation of glycogen levels and reduction of inflammatory factors

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of ASP in prediabetic and T2DM mice.

Simultaneous determination of 10 components in Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Wan by solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and evaporative light scattering detection

An effective, accurate and reliable method for the simultaneous separation and determination of 10 major components in Chinese medicine Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Wan (BZYQW) was developed and validated using solid phase extraction column-high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-evaporative light scattering detection (SPE-HPLC-DAD-ELSD). The chromatographic separation was performed on a Spursil™ C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) at 30°C with an acetonitrile-water gradient as mobile phase. The DAD detection wavelength 254 nm was utilized for the quantitative analysis. The drift tube temperature and the carrier gas flow rate of the ELSD detection was set at 110.5°C and 3.1 mL/min. The total run time is 103 min, these determined components peak out within 81 min. Excellent linear behaviors over the investigated concentration ranges were observed with the values of r(2) higher than 0.9990 for all the analytes. The Linear range over hesperidin, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide H, ononin, calycosin, formononetin, ligustilide, butylene phthalide, astragaloside IV, astragaloside I is 4.50-94.50 µg/mL, 22.75-364.00 µg/mL, 2.30-45.00 µg/mL, 11.76-125.14 µg/mL, 4.62-50.35 µg/mL, 1.90-28.93 µg/mL, 1.29-159.00 µg/mL, 2.90-36.00 µg/mL, 35.40-192.40 µg/mL, 41.40-96.60 µg/mL, respectively. The method was validated by its repeatability [relative standard deviation (RSD) < 3.54%] and intra-day (RSD < 2.11%) and inter-day precision (RSD < 3.45%). The limits of detection and quantification of each component were in the ranges of 0.04-10.24 and 0.12-39.22 µg/mL, respectively. The average recovery yields of the 10 compounds ranged from 95.79 to 101.25%. The validated method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of these principal components in 10 commercial samples of BZYQW from different manufacturers.

Polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis alleviate neuronal cell injury caused by oxidative stress

Angelica sinensis has antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we aimed to determine the neuroprotective effect of polysaccharides isolated from Angelica sinensis. In a preliminary experiment, Angelica sinensis polysaccharides not only protected PC12 neuronal cells from H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity, but also reduced apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential induced by H₂O₂ treatment. In a rat model of local cerebral ischemia, we further demonstrated that Angelica sinensis polysaccharides enhanced the antioxidant activity in cerebral cortical neurons, increased the number of microvessels, and improved blood flow after ischemia. Our findings highlight the protective role of polysaccharides isolated from Angelica sinensis against nerve cell injury and impairment caused by oxidative stress.

Angelica Sinensis polysaccharides stimulated UDP-sugar synthase genes through promoting gene expression of IGF-1 and IGF1R in chondrocytes: promoting anti-osteoarthritic activity

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joints disease characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage due to the loss of cartilage matrix. Previously, we found, for the first time, that an acidic glycan from Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharides (APSs), namely the APS-3c, could protect rat cartilage from OA due to promoting glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis in chondrocytes. In the present work, we tried to further the understanding of ASP-3c's anti-OA activity.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Human primary chondrocytes were treated with APS-3c or/and recombinant human interleukin 1β (IL-1β). It turned out that APS-3c promoted synthesis of UDP-xylose and GAG, as well as the gene expression of UDP-sugar synthases (USSs), insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), and attenuated the degenerative phenotypes, suppressed biosynthesis of UDP-sugars and GAG, and inhibited the gene expression of USSs, IGF1 and IGF1R induced by IL-1β. Then, we induced a rat OA model with papain, and found that APS-3c also stimulated GAG synthesis and gene expression of USSs, IGF1 and IGF1R in vivo. Additionally, recombinant human IGF1 and IGF1R inhibitor NP-AEW541 were applied to figure out the correlation between stimulated gene expression of USSs, IGF1 and IGF1R induced by APS-3c. It tuned out that the promoted GAG synthesis and USSs gene expression induced by APS-3c was mediated by the stimulated IGF1 and IGF1R gene expression, but not through directly activation of IGF1R signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCES

We demonstrated for the first time that APS-3c presented anti-OA activity through stimulating IGF-1 and IGF1R gene expression, but not directly activating the IGF1R signaling pathway, which consequently promoted UDP-sugars and GAG synthesis due to up-regulating gene expression of USSs. Our findings presented a better understanding of APS-3c's anti-OA activity and suggested that APS-3c could potentially be a novel therapeutic agent for OA.

Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Radix Angelica sinensis

The roots of Angelica sinensis (RAS), are a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used in prescriptions for replenishing blood, treating abnormal menstruation, and other women's diseases. It has also been widely marketed as health food for women's care in Asia, and as a dietary supplement in Europe and America. RAS is well-known for its hematopoietic, antioxidant, and immunoregulatory activities. RAS also possesses anti-cancer, memory, radioprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Phytochemical investigations on this plant led to organic acids, phthalides, polysaccharides, and other metabolites. Based on recent animal studies and clinical trials, RAS has been used in the treatment of gynecologic diseases, cardio-cerebrovascular disease, nervous system diseases, and nephrotic syndrome. In this review, the recent phytochemical and pharmacological studies, drug-drug interactions, clinical applications, and toxicity of RAS are summarized.

Danggui to Angelica sinensis root: are potential benefits to European women lost in translation? A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui (Chinese Angelica root; Dong quai; Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels.) is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy with a long history of use in China, Korea and Japan. Even today it is still one of the herbs most commonly used by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners in China, as well as Europe. It is mainly used for the treatment of women's reproductive problems, such as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhoea, menopause, among others. Using Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. root as the example, this Review examines the ease with which the use of a Traditional Chinese Herbal Remedy can be transposed from one culture to another. By examining the more recent literature, a number of aspects are considered by the author to be potentially lost in translation: (i) identity and quality (phytochemistry); (ii) tradition of use and processing (smoke-drying, stir-frying, with and without wine); (iii) method of use and traditional types of Chinese herbal medicines; (iv) ethnic differences (Caucasian vs. Asian); (v) efficacy, safety and potential for western drug-herb interactions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review is based on evaluation of the literature available in scientific journals, textbooks, electronic sources such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, etc., as well as other web-sites.

RESULTS

A vast amount of information concerning the use of Angelica sinensis exists in the public domain. Many aspects associated with the use of the root are deemed problematical, such as identity, processing, amount and types of constituents, tradition of use in combination with other Chinese herbs, ethnicity of users, etc. Numerous constituents have been isolated with phthalides, ferulic acid and polysaccharides showing biological activities.

CONCLUSION

In spite of the potential activities associated with the traditional use of danggui, and the many trials using the Chinese system of 'Zheng differentiation', well-designed western-style clinical trials carried out using the authenticated, chemically standardized crude drug material to confirm clinical efficacy are in short supply. However increasing research into Angelica sinensis extracts and constituents shows that many of the traditional uses are not without scientific basis.

Study to establish the role of JAK2 and SMAD1/5/8 pathways in the inhibition of hepcidin by polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) is one of the major active ingredients in Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. This traditional Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years for treating gynecological diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Previous studies have suggested that ASP from the roots of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels suppresses hepcidin expression, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not known. The present study was designed to establish the role of the janus-kinases 2 (JAK2) and son of mothers against decapentaplegic 1/5/8 (SMAD1/5/8) pathways in the inhibition of hepcidin by polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis in normal rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ASP was administered orally (0.3, 0.6 and 1.2g/kg body weight) to male Sprague-Dawley rats every day for 20 days. Intraperitoneal injections of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO; 800 and 2000U/kg body weight) were given to the positive control group every day for 3 days. After administration, hepcidin levels, blood parameters, serum iron status and non-heme iron concentrations in the liver were examined. Western blot analyses were used to investigate the expression of five relevant signaling proteins in the liver.

RESULTS

RhEPO injection significantly stimulated erythropoiesis and expression of the serum transferrin receptor (sTfR), and decreased serum iron status and non-heme iron concentrations in the liver. However, blood parameters barely changed in the ASP groups. sTfR, serum iron, and liver iron levels altered only in the ASP high-dose group (1.2g/kg body weight). rhEPO and ASP significantly reduced hepcidin expression by inhibiting the expression of phospho-SMAD1/5/8 and JAK2 in the liver, but not through transmembrane protease serine 6 (TMPRSS6) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggested that ASP can interrupt the JAK2 and SMAD1/5/8 pathways, which eventually results in lower expression of hepcidin.

Preparation of blood-deficient model and research of angelica polysaccharide on enriching blood in chickens

In this study cyclophosphamide was used to prepare the blood-deficient model. The red blood cell count and hemoglobin content were measured. The experimental chickens presented the symptoms of blood-deficient syndrome, dullness, shrinkinginto oneself, broken winded, loose feather, waxy eyelid, and pale tongue. At the same time, red blood cell count and hemoglobin content decreased significantly. Angelica polysaccharide as the effective component of Angelica Sinensis could significantly increase the red blood cell count and the hemoglobin content of blood-deficient chickens. The results indicated that cyclophosphamide could significantly reduce the red blood count and hemoglobin content, and make the ideal blood-deficient model successfully. Angelica polysaccharide had the function of enriching blood in different ways. On the one hand Angelica polysaccharide enriched he blood directly, increased the number of RBC and hemoglobin; on the other hand it regulated the hematopoietic factors, enriched the blood indirectly.