Astragalus polysaccharides decrease muscle wasting through Akt/mTOR, ubiquitin proteasome and autophagy signalling in 5/6 nephrectomised rats

Astragalus polysaccharide mediates lnc-GD2H to regulate proliferation and differentiation of C2C12 muscle cells under hypoxic condition

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a bioactive component of Astragalus species that shows protective effects on C2C12 muscle cell proliferation and differentiation under hypoxic conditions. In this study, EdU staining, cell scratch testing, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunofluorescence analysis, and lnc-GD2H silencing were used to investigated the protective effects and mechanisms of action of APS against CoCl2-induced hypoxic injury of muscle cells. Our results showed that APS promoted cell proliferation and increased the expression of lnc-GD2H, c-Myc, and Ki-67. In addition, APS protected against the effect of CoCl2 on differentiation and increased the levels of Myog and MyHC expression. Silencing lnc-GD2H attenuated the protective effects of APS outlined above. Considering that APS may mediate the regulation of proliferation and differentiation by lnc-GD2H in C2C12 cells, and alleviates hypoxic injury induced by CoCl2.

Review of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides: Extraction process, structural features, bioactivities and applications

Astragalus membranaceus possesses the function of enhancing immunity, protecting the liver, diuretic, anti-aging, anti-stress, anti-hypertensive, and more extensive antibacterial effects. Polysaccharides, one kind of the major active ingredients of A. membranaceus, are considered to be responsible for their versatile use. Now, a systematic summary of research progress and prospects of polysaccharides from A. membranaceus polysaccharides (AMPs) is necessary to facilitate their further study and application. In this review, the optimal extraction methods, structural features, biological activities, and applications of AMPs were emphasized. The structure-activity relationships are also analyzed and elucidated. Solvent, ultrasonic, microwave, enzyme-assisted, ultra-high pressure, and combined methods have been used to extract AMPs. Among them, solvent extraction is the most commonly used method because it is simple and easy to operate, but the efficiency needs to be improved further. The ultra-high pressure method is the most efficient but has a low economic return. AMPs exhibited various bioactivities, including immunomodulation, antitumor, and antidiabete. The structure-activity relationships revealed that different structure configurations, chain conformations, and physical properties would have different bioactivities. However, the new method for purification of certain polysaccharides, detailed structure-activity relationships (SAR), mechanisms of bioactivities, and quality control of AMPs need to be extensively investigated.

Astragulus embranaceus (Fisch.) Bge-Dioscorea opposita Thunb herb pair ameliorates sarcopenia in senile type 2 diabetes mellitus through Rab5a/mTOR-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The combination of Astragulus embranaceus (Fisch.) Bge (Huangqi) and Dioscorea opposita Thunb (Shanyao) are one of the most widely accepted herb pairs in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for treating sarcopenia. However, the mechanisms underlying the combination of these herbs for anti-sarcopenia treatment are not yet fully understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the potential effect of the Astragulus embranaceus (Fisch.) Bge and Dioscorea opposita Thunb herb pair (Ast-Dio) on sarcopenia in mice that have been induced with senile type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms related to the Rab5a/mTOR signaling pathway and mitochondrial quality control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Network pharmacology was utilized to identify the main active ingredients of Ast-Dio and potential therapeutic targets for sarcopenia. Gene Ontology function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of Ast-Dio in treating sarcopenia. The high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was developed to quantify the major constituents of Ast-Dio. Male C57/BL6 mice, aged 12 months, induced with type 2 diabetes mellitus via streptozotocin were divided into three groups for 8 weeks: the model group, Ast-Dio treatment group (7.8 g/kg), and metformin treatment group (100 mg/kg). Normal control groups included mice aged 3 and 12 months, respectively. The study monitored changes in fasting blood glucose levels, grip strength, and body weight during 8 weeks of intragastric administration. Liver and kidney function in mice was evaluated by measuring the levels of serum creatinine, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase. Skeletal muscle mass condition was evaluated by muscle weight, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Protein and mRNA expressions related to muscle atrophy, mitochondrial quality control, and the Rab5a/mTOR signaling pathway were detected using immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemical staining, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, transmission electron microscopy was employed to investigate the condition of mitochondria in the groups.

RESULTS

Through the prediction analysis of network pharmacology, we identified mTOR as one of the primary targets for Ast-Dio therapy of sarcopenia. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis revealed that mitochondrial control quality is crucial in the treatment of sarcopenia with Ast-Dio. Our findings showed that senile type 2 diabetes mellitus induced muscle mass loss and a reduction in grip strength, both of which were dramatically restored by Ast-Dio treatment. Notably, Ast-Dio increased Myogenin expression while decreasing Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 expression. Additionally, Ast-Dio activated Rab5a/mTOR and its downstream effector AMPK. Moreover, Ast-Dio modulated mitochondrial quality control by decreasing Mitofusin-2 expression while increasing the expression of TFAM, PGC-1α, and MFF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that Ast-Dio treatment may alleviate sarcopenia in mice with senile type 2 diabetes mellitus through its effects on the Rab5a/mTOR pathway and mitochondrial quality control.

Dietary supplementation with different alternative to in-feed antibiotic improves growth performance of broilers during specific phases

The effects of substituting Bacillus subtilis, Astragalus membranaceus, and enzymes for aureomycin to improve the growth performance of broilers during specific phases were studied to develop alternatives to in-feed antibiotics and decrease drug residues in meat food and antibiotic resistance. Six hundred one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to 5 groups. Broilers in the control group were supplied with basal diets (CT), and those in the remaining 4 groups were supplied with feed containing aureomycin premix (AU), B. subtilis powder (BS), A. membranaceus root powder (AM), and enzyme compound powder (EN), respectively. Compared to the control group, broilers in the other groups exhibited better growth performance during different phases. Microbial analysis of cecal contents suggested that treatment with BS or EN significantly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacteria but inhibited Escherichia coli or Clostridium welchii; however, these bacteria were suppressed by AU treatment except C. welchii. The digestibility of the feed in vitro was significantly enhanced by adding BS or EN to the feed, consistent with findings for growth performance. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 3 additives could improve the growth performance of broilers during specific phases. Future studies should focus on designing suitable schedules to partially replace in-feed antibiotics.

Lobetyolin Alleviates Ferroptosis of Skeletal Muscle in 5/6 Nephrectomized Mice via Activation of Hedgehog-GLI1 Signaling

BACKGROUND

Muscle wasting increases morbidity and mortality and is related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis. It is still unclear whether ferroptosis occurs during this progression and whether it is a potential intervention target for the treatment of CKD-related muscle injury.

PURPOSE

The objective is to identify potential compounds for treating ferroptosis and muscle wasting and explore the potential mechanisms in vivo/in vitro.

METHODS

Initially, we explored whether ferroptosis is present in the skeletal muscle of 5/6 nephrectomized (NPM) mice via RNA-Seq analysis, TUNEL staining, Oil red O staining, MDA/GSH/GSSG level detection and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Subsequently, utilizing our established molecular phenotyping strategy, we screened potential traditional Chinese herb-derived compounds for alleviation of muscle wasting and ferroptosis. HE staining, Oil red O staining, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence staining, MDA/GSH/GSSG level detection, Fe level detection, western blotting and qPCR were applied to assess the effects of the identified compound on muscle wasting and ferroptosis and explore the potential mechanism. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis, ChIP-Seq analysis and further experiments in vitro were performed to determine the role of Hedgehog signaling in the effect of Lobetyolin (LBT) on ferroptosis.

RESULTS

In NPM mice, skeletal muscle dysfunction, lipogenesis, reduced GSH/GSSG ratio, decreased GSH content, increased MDA production and and higher levels of ferroptosis markers were observed. LBT treatment (30 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) significantly alleviates skeletal muscle injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Additionally, in an in vitro investigation, C2C12 cells exposed to Indolyl sulfate (IS) induced ferroptosis and LBT treatment (20 μM and 50 μM) protected C2C12 from such injury, consistent with the results from the in vivo analysis. Furthermore, it was found LBT increased the levels of protein involving Hedgehog signaling pathway (SMO and GLI1), and rescue analysis revealed that this pathway played a crucial role in the regulation of ferroptosis. Further experiments demonstrated that LBT upregulated a series of suppressors of ferroptosis by activating Gli1 transcription.

CONCLUSION

LBT alleviates CKD-induced muscle injury by inhibiting ferroptosis through activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

A molecular phenotypic screen reveals that lobetyolin alleviates cardiac dysfunction in 5/6 nephrectomized mice by inhibiting osteopontin

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney diseases. The predominant abnormality observed among this population is cardiac dysfunction secondary to myocardial remodelings, such as hypertrophy and fibrosis, emphasizing the need to develop potent therapies that maintain cardiac function in patients with end-stage renal disease.

AIMS

To identify potential compounds and their targets as treatments for cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS) using molecular phenotyping and in vivo/in vitro experiments.

METHODS

Gene expression was assessed using bioinformatics and verified in animal experiments using 5/6 nephrectomized mice (NPM). Based on this information, a molecular phenotyping strategy was pursued to screen potential compounds. Picrosirius red staining, wheat germ agglutinin staining, Echocardiography, immunofluorescence staining, and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were utilized to evaluate the effects of compounds on CRS in vivo. Furthermore, qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were applied to assess the effects of these compounds on macrophages/cardiac fibroblasts/cardiomyocytes. RNA-Seq analysis was performed to locate the targets of the selected compounds. Western blotting was performed to validate the targets and mechanisms. The reversibility of these effects was tested by overexpressing Osteopontin (OPN).

RESULTS

OPN expression increased more remarkably in individuals with uremia-induced cardiac dysfunction than in other cardiomyopathies. Lobetyolin (LBT) was identified in the compound screen, and it improved cardiac dysfunction and suppressed remodeling in NPM mice. Additionally, OPN modulated the effect of LBT on cardiac dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Further experiments revealed that LBT suppressed OPN expression via the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

LBT improved CRS by inhibiting OPN expression through the JNK pathway. This study is the first to describe a cardioprotective effect of LBT and provides new insights into CRS drug discovery.

Zhen-Wu decoction and lactiflorin, an ingredient predicted by in silico modelling, alleviate uremia induced cardiac endothelial injury via Nrf2 activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS type 4), with high rates of morbidity and mortality, has become a social and economic problem worldwide over the last few decades. Zhen-Wu decoction, a traditional medicine used in East Asia, has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, and has shown potential therapeutic effects for the clinical treatment of CRS type 4. However, the underlying mechanism has not been extensively explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of Zhen-Wu decoction on uremic cardiomyopathy, offering a potential target for clinical treatment of CRS type 4.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five/six nephrectomized mice were utilized for experiments in vivo. The cardioprotective effects of Zhen-Wu decoction were evaluated by echocardiography and tissue staining. RNA-Seq data were used to investigate the potential pharmacological mechanism. The prediction of targets and active components was based on our previous strategy. Subsequently, the protective effect of the selected compound was verified in experiments in vitro.

RESULTS

Zhen-Wu decoction alleviated cardiac dysfunction and endothelial injury in 5/6 nephrectomized mice, and the mechanism may involve the inflammatory process and oxidative stress. The activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway was predicted to be a potential target of Zhen-Wu decoction in protecting endothelial cells. Through our machine learning strategy, we found that lactiflorin as an ingredient in Zhen-Wu decoction, alleviates IS-induced endothelial cell injury by blocking Keap1 and activating Nrf2.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that Zhen-Wu decoction and lactiflorin could protect endothelial cells against oxidative stress in mice after nephrectomy by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Loquat Leaf Extract Enhances Muscle Contraction-Induced Activation of Protein Synthesis Signaling in Rat Skeletal Muscle

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) leaves are traditionally used to improve muscle weakness, but their effects on muscle protein synthesis require further research. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether loquat leaf extract (LLE) enhances muscle contraction-induced activation of muscle protein synthesis signaling. Male Wistar rats (12 weeks old, n = 6/group) were categorized into water treatment (CON) and LLE treatment (LLE) groups. The rats were administered distilled water or LLE (1.5 g/kg/day) once a day by oral gavage for 7 days. On day 7, at 3 h post-LLE administration, the gastrocnemius muscle in the right leg of each rat was stimulated by electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) (100 Hz, 30 V) through five sets of 10 isometric contractions (7 s contraction, 3 s rest) with 3 min interset intervals. The rats were then sacrificed, and the gastrocnemius muscles of both legs were excised at 3 h post-EMS. The phosphorylation levels of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway molecules (Akt, mTOR, and p70S6K) were determined by Western blotting. Regarding the muscle contraction-induced protein synthesis signaling pathway, Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 was not significantly different between the CON and LLE groups. mTOR phosphorylation at Ser2448 was increased by EMS but did not show a significant difference between the CON and LLE groups. p70S6K phosphorylation at Thr389 was significantly increased in response to EMS, whereas the LLE group showed significantly higher p70S6K phosphorylation at Thr389 than that in the CON group. This suggests that LLE enhances muscle contraction-induced activation of p70S6K phosphorylation in rat skeletal muscles.

The growth performance, body composition and nonspecific immunity of white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) affected by dietary Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (AMP) on the growth performance, body composition and non-specific immune index of white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei). AMP was used to replace 0 (control), 10, 30, and 50 g kg^-1 of the cellulose in the basic diet to formulate four kinds of test feeds. Sixplicate groups of shrimps with an average weight of 0.51 ± 0.03 g were fed with one of diets four times daily. Dietary 50 and 30 g kg^-1 of AMP increased body weight gain, feed efficiency, body protein, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, acid phosphatase activity, lysozyme, disease resistance ability against Vibrio alginolyticus and decreased body lipid level of shrimps compared with those of the control group. However, a high level of AMP (50 g kg^-1) did not improve the efficiency of AMP on the growth performance, body composition and non-specific immune index of shrimps further compared to moderate level of AMP (30 g kg^-1). The results demonstrated that AMP with appropriate dose could promote the growth of shrimps and improve their disease resistance.

Astragalus Polysaccharide Protects Against Cadmium-Induced Autophagy Injury Through Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Pathway in Chicken Embryo Fibroblast

Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful heavy metal pollutant, which can cause oxidative stress in the body and induce cell damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a general term for substances that contain oxygen and are active in the body. However, excessive ROS can damage the body. Cadmium poisoning can cause a large amount of ROS in cells and autophagy. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a plant polysaccharide with biological functions, such as antioxidant and anti-stress activities. In this study, chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF) were used to determine the relationship between ROS and autophagy damage of Cd-infected cells and the mechanism of APS on cadmium-induced autophagy damage. The results showed that a 10-μL dose of 10 μmol/L cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) can induce CEF autophagy and damage when CEF was added for 36 h. Cadmium induced CEF autophagy damage by increasing ROS production. APS could significantly reduce ROS production and LC3-II and Beclin-1 protein expression, increase the expression of mTOR and the level of antioxidation, and restore the viability and morphological damage of CEF exposed to Cd. Our study suggests that APS can alleviate Cd-induced CEF autophagy damage by reducing the production of ROS.

Natural products are an important source for proteasome regulating agents

BACKGROUND

Natural medicines have a long history in the prevention and treatment of various diseases in East Asian region, especially in China. Modern research has proved that the pharmacological effects of numerous natural medicines involve the participation of ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). UPS can degrade the unwanted and damaged proteins widely distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of various eukaryotes.

PURPOSE

The objective of the present study was to review and discuss the regulatory effects of natural products and extracts on proteasome components, which may help to find new proteasome regulators for drug development and clinical applications.

METHODS

The related information was compiled using the major scientific databases, such as CNKI, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, Wiley Online, and GeenMedical. The keywords "natural product" and "proteasome" were applied to extract the literature. Nature derived extracts, compounds and their derivatives involved in proteasome regulation were included, and the publications related to synthetic proteasome agents were excluded.

RESULTS

The pharmacological effects of more than 80 natural products and extracts derived from phytomedicines related to the proteasome regulation were reviewed. These natural products were classified according to their chemical properties. We also summarized some laws of action of natural products as proteasome regulators in the treatment of diseases, and listed the action characteristics of the typical natural products.

CONCLUSION

Natural products derived from nature can induce the degradation of damaged proteins through UPS or act as regulators to directly regulate the activity of proteasome. But few proteasome modulators are applied clinically. Summary of known rules for proteasome modulators will contribute to discover, modify and synthesize more proteasome modulators for clinical applications.

Sulfated glucuronomannan hexasaccharide G6S1 enhanced lipolysis and lipophagy via PPARα pathway

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, ranging from benign steatosis to severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Recently, it has been found that lipophagy plays a pivotal role in lipid turnover, which can alleviate NAFLD in hepatocytes. In this study, we found that a highly sulfated glucuronomannan hexamer G6S1 has the ability to enhance lipophagy. When treated with G6S1, the number and the size of lipid droplet (LD) decreased significantly on hepatocytes AML12 cells. Western blot results showed that the expressions of the lipolysis-related proteins increased, while the expressions of proteins that is responsible for lipid transportation and synthesis exhibited no significant change. Immunofluorescence assay and electron microscopy results showed an increase of autophagy related protein expression level and lysosome number in hepatocytes treated with G6S1, suggesting that G6S1 could also promote lipophagy. A significant increase of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) expression level was detected in G6S1 treated cells, suggesting that G6S1 may promote autophagy via enhancing the expression of PPARα. In addition, these effects could be inhibited after treatment with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and PPARα inhibitor MK-886. These findings indicate that G6S1 can promote lipophagy via enhanced PPARα expression and can result in a slowdown of lipids accumulation.

Differential protective effects of Radix astragali, herbal medicine, on immobilization-induced atrophy of slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscles

Radix astragali is a popular traditional herbal medicine that provides significant protection against tissue injury in various models of oxidative stress-related diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether administration of Radix astragali prevented atrophy in both slow- and fast-twitch muscles following cast immobilization. Twenty-seven 12-week-old male F344 rats were divided into three experimental groups: control (CON), immobilized (IM), and immobilized with Radix astragali administration (IM+AR). Rats in the IM and IM+AR groups were subjected to immobilization of both lower extremities using casting-tape for 14 days. Rats in the IM+AR group were orally administered a decoction of Radix astragali daily for 21 days beginning 7 days before cast immobilization. As expected, rats in the IM group showed significant decreases (P < 0.05) in soleus and plantaris muscle-to-body weight ratios by 74.3% and 70.5%, respectively, compared with those in the CON group. Administration of Radix astragali significantly reversed (+35.5%) the weight reduction observed in soleus muscle, but not in the plantaris muscle, compared with that in the IM group. Furthermore, administration of Radix astragali inhibited MuRF1 mRNA expression only in the soleus muscle during cast immobilization. Our results demonstrated that administration of Radix astragali suppressed the immobilization-induced reductions in skeletal muscle mass and expression of MuRF1 mRNA in slow-twitch soleus muscles, but not in fast-twitch plantaris muscles.

Dietary supplementation with daidzein and Chinese herbs, independently and combined, improves laying performance, egg quality and plasma hormone levels of post-peak laying hens

This experiment examined the separate and combined effects of daidzein (Da) and Chinese herbs (CH) on laying performance and egg quality of post-peak laying hens. Additionally, we explored potential mechanisms of action for these 2 additives by examining plasma hormone levels. After 4 wk of acclimation to caging, 60-week-old Hyline Brown hens (360) were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates and 15 chickens per replicate. The following 4 dietary groups were utilized: 1) control group (basal diet); 2) Da group (basal diet + 0.03 kg/t DA); 3) CH group (basal diet +0.6 kg/t CH); 4) Da + CH group (basal diet + 0.03 kg/t Da + 0.6 kg/t CH). Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Egg production and FCR treatment averages were analyzed in the following 3 phases: wk 1-4, 5-8, and 1-8 of treatment administration. Results revealed that Da increased egg production but decreased FCR (P < 0.05) for wk 1-8 and especially during wk 5-8 (P < 0.05). CH decreased FCR in wk 1-4 and 5-8 (P < 0.05), but increased egg production only during wk 5-8 (P < 0.05). Da increased Haugh units (P < 0.05) on wk 4 and 8; CH increased Haugh units (P < 0.05) but decreased yolk ratio (P < 0.05) on wk 4 and 8. Da increased the plasma levels of T3, PROG, FSH, LH and E2 (P < 0.05); CH increased the plasma level of T3 (P < 0.05). Additionally, Da x CH interactions existed for albumen height, Haugh units, albumen ratio and the level of T3 on wk 8 (P < 0.05), indicating that the combination of Da and CH was more effective than administration of either of these dietary components independently. In conclusion, Da and CH, both independently and in combination, increase laying performance, egg quality and plasma hormones levels in post-peak laying hens. Therefore, these treatments may be able to provide prolonged economic benefits to aged laying hens.

A standardized herbal combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia japonica, protects against muscle atrophy in a C26 colon cancer cachexia mouse model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) and Bunge and Paeonia japonica (Makino)Miyabe & H.Takeda have been traditionally used to improve the poor quality of life such as weakness, lack of appetite, fatigue, and malaise which is considered with cachexia condition.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We investigated anti-cachectic effects of a herbal formula composed of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia japonica (APX) and the molecular mechanisms of APX in C26 cancer-induced cachexia mice and TNF-a-treated C2C12 myotubes. Additionally synergistic anti-cachectic effects of APX were compared to those of individual herbal extracts and megestrol acetate.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The forty-two BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal (nontreatment), control (C26 injection), AM (C26 injection with Astragalus membranaceus), PJ (C26 injection with Paeonia japonica), APX (C26 injection with combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia japonica and MA (C26 injection with megestrol acetate). All mice were orally administered DW (normal and control groups) or 100 mg/kg AM, PJ, APX or MA for 10 days. In the animal model, several tissues were weighed, and muscle tissue and blood were used to measure pro-inflammatory cytokines. C2C12 myotubes were exposed to 100 ng/mL TNF- α with or without 10 μg/mL of AM, PJ, APX or MA for 48 h. The cells were used to immunofluorescence staining and western blot analyses.

RESULTS

C26 injection induced notable body and muscle weight loss while APX administration significantly attenuated these alterations and the decrease of muscle weights and strength. APX also significantly attenuated the abnormal elevations in the concentration of three muscle atrophy-inducible cytokines; serum and muscle TNF-α,muscle TWEAK and IL-6 in C26 tumor-bearing mice. In the TNF-α-treated C2C12 myotube model, TNF-α treatment notably decreased MyH but activated atrophic proteins (MuRF and Fbx32) along with p38 and NFκB while these molecular alterations were significantly ameliorated by APX treatment. These pharmacological actions of APX were supported by the results of immunofluorescence staining to MyH expression and the translocation of NFκB into the nucleus in C2C12 myotubes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate the potential of an herbal formula, APX as an anti-cachexia agent; the effect of APX was superior to that of megestrol acetate overall especially for muscle atrophy. The underlying mechanisms of this herbal formula may involve the modulation of muscle atrophy-promoting molecules including p38, NFκB, TNF-α and TWEAK.

A Review of the Pharmacological Action of Astragalus Polysaccharide

Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus) is a type of traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of clinical application. It is used in the improvement and treatment of various diseases as medicine and food to invigorate the spleen and replenish qi. The main components of A. membranaceus are Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), flavonoids compounds, saponins compounds, alkaloids, etc. APS is the most important natural active component in A. membranaceus, and possesses multiple pharmacological properties. At present, APS possess the huge potential to develop a drug improving or treating different diseases. In this review, we reveal the potential approaches of pre-treating and preparation on APS as much as possible and the study on content of APS and its chemical composition including different monosaccharides. More importantly, this paper summarize pharmacological actions on immune regulation, such as enhancing the immune organ index, promoting the proliferation of immune cells, stimulating the release of cytokines, and affecting the secretion of immunoglobulin and conduction of immune signals; anti-aging; anti-tumor by enhancing immunity, inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibiting the proliferation and transfer of tumor cells; antiviral effects; regulation of blood glucose such as type I diabetes mellitus, type II diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications; lipid-lowering; anti-fibrosis; antimicrobial activities and anti-radiation. It provided theoretical basis for the further research such as its structure and mechanism of action, and clinical application of APS.

Dietary Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide ameliorates the growth performance and innate immunity of juvenile crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

This study aimed to explore the effects of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (AMP) on the growth and innate immunity of crucian carp (Carassius auratus). Crucian carps were randomly divided into a control group (fed with basal diet) and three AMP groups (received basal diet supplemented with 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg AMP). After 60 days of culture, the crucian carps from each group were weighed, and their immune indexes were measured. Another batch crucian carps from each group was injected with 0.15 ml of 10⁷ CFU/ml Aeromonas hydrophila. The body weight gain, feed conversion rate, specific growth rate and digestive enzyme activity of the crucian carps in the low and middle doses of AMP groups were higher than those in the control group. The AMP groups had significantly higher survival rate and alkaline phosphatase level but lower glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-alanine transaminase and serum bacteria number compared with the control group. The optimal dose of dietary AMP required for the maximum growth of crucian carp was 100 mg/kg. These results showed that AMP could promote the growth of crucian carps, improve their disease resistance and thus may be developed as a dietary supplement.

A mixture of daidzein and Chinese herbs increases egg production and eggshell strength as well as blood plasma Ca, P, antioxidative enzymes, and luteinizing hormone levels in post-peak, brown laying hens

Dietary supplementation with the isoflavone, daidzein, has been shown to improve egg production in poultry. Additionally, providing Chinese herbs (CH) in the broiler diet has led to increased antioxidative enzyme activity. However, the combined effect of these dietary supplements on hen performance has not been examined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if dietary supplementation with a mixture of daidzein and CH would alter laying performance, egg quality, and blood plasma constituents of post-peak laying hens. At 59 wk of age, Hyline brown hens (240) were randomly allocated to 2 dietary groups and fed for 16 wk. The control group received the basal diet, and a treatment group was fed the basal diet that contained 0.02% of a mixture of daidzein and CH. Egg production and weight were recorded daily and egg quality data were collected at 75 wk of age. Blood plasma antioxidant activity, hormone levels, mineral (Ca and P) content, and osteocalcin content were determined at the end of the study. The results showed that laying rate, egg mass, and shell strength were greater in the daidzein-CH mixture group than the controls (P < 0.05). The plasma glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and luteinizing hormone levels were also greater in the daidzein-CH mixture group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The results of this study reveal that supplementing diets with a daidzein-CH mixture can improve laying performance perhaps by increasing plasma antioxidant activity, luteinizing hormone levels, and mineral content.

The effects of Astragalus Membranaceus Active Extracts on Autophagy-related Diseases

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved 'self-eating' process that maintains cellular, tissue, and organismal homeostasis. New studies on autophagy, mediated by subsets of autophagy proteins, are emerging in many physiological and pathological processes. Astragalus membranaceus (AM), also named Huangqi, is one of the fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine and its extracts have been proved to possess many biological activities related to autophagy, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anticancer, anti-photoaging, and improvement of cardiomyocyte function. Evidence suggests that AM extracts can have therapeutic potential in autophagy dysregulation-associated diseases because of their biological positive effects. Here we will review the literature concerning the effects of AM extracts on autophagy dysregulation-associated diseases.

Ganoderma lucidum extract ameliorates MPTP-induced parkinsonism and protects dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress via regulating mitochondrial function, autophagy, and apoptosis

Neuroprotection targeting mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed as an important therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease. Ganoderma lucidum (GL) has emerged as a novel agent that protects neurons from oxidative stress. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying GL-induced neuroprotection have not been documented. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of GL extract (GLE) and the underlying mechanisms in the classic MPTP(1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine)-induced mouse model of PD. Mice were injected with MPTP to induce parkinsonism. Then the mice were administered GLE (400 mg kg^-1 d^-1, ig) for 4 weeks. We observed that GLE administration significantly improved locomotor performance and increased tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the substantia nigra pars compact (SNpc) of MPTP-treated mice. In in vitro study, treatment of neuroblastoma neuro-2a cells with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺, 1 mmol/L) caused mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, radical oxygen species accumulation, and ATP depletion. Application of GLE (800 μg/mL) protected neuroblastoma neuro-2a cells against MPP⁺ insult. Application of GLE also improved mitochondrial movement dysfunction in cultured primary mesencephalic neurons. In addition, GLE counteracted the decline in NIX (also called BNIP3L) expression and increase in the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio evoked by MPP⁺. Moreover, GLE reactivated MPP⁺-inhibited AMPK, mTOR, and ULK1. Similarly, GLE was sufficient to counteract MPP⁺-induced inhibition of PINK1 and Parkin expression. GLE suppressed MPP⁺-induced cytochrome C release and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. In summary, our results provide evidence that GLE ameliorates parkinsonism pathology via regulating mitochondrial function, autophagy, and apoptosis, which may involve the activation of both the AMPK/mTOR and PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway.

Hispaglabridin B, a constituent of liquorice identified by a bioinformatics and machine learning approach, relieves protein-energy wasting by inhibiting forkhead box O1

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Liquorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which is a popular food in Europe and China that has previously shown benefits for skeletal fatigue and nutrient metabolism. However, the mechanism and active ingredients remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the active ingredients of liquorice for muscle wasting and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analysis were applied to predict the main target of liquorice. A machine learning model and a docking tool were used to predict active ingredients. Isotope labelling experiments, immunostaining, Western blots, qRT-PCR, ChIP-PCR and luciferase reporters were utilized to test the pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo. The reverse effects were verified through recombination-based overexpression.

KEY RESULTS

The liposoluble constituents of liquorice improved muscle wasting by inhibiting protein catabolism and fibre atrophy. We further identified FoxO1 as the target of liposoluble constituents of liquorice. In addition, hispaglabridin B (HB) was predicted as an inhibitor of FoxO1. Further studies determined that HB improved muscle wasting by inhibiting catabolism in vivo and in vitro. HB also markedly suppressed the transcriptional activity of FoxO1, with decreased expression of the muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases MuRF1 and Atrogin-1.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

HB can serve as a novel natural food extract for preventing muscle wasting in chronic kidney disease and possibly other catabolic conditions.

Modulation of growth performance and nonspecific immunity of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkia upon dietary fulvic acid supplementation

An eight-week experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary fulvic acids (FAs) on the growth performance, digestive enzymes and nonspecific immunity of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkia. Three diets supplemented with three different levels of FAs (0.1, 0.5 and 1 g kg^-1) were formulated and tested for the growth performance, digestive enzymes and nonspecific immunity of the crayfish, and a diet without FAs served as control. After eight weeks of feeding, survival rate, phenoloxidase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione peroxidase level, total haemocyte count and number of hyaline cells, semigranular cells and granular cells and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila of crayfishes fed with FA-containing diets were higher than those of the control. Moreover, based on the efficiency of FAs on the growth performance and nonspecific immunity of crayfish, the optimum dose of FAs was found to be 0.5 g (kg diet)^-1. A high level of FA administration (1 g kg^-1) did not further increase the efficiency of FAs compared with those in the moderate group (0.5 g kg^-1, p > 0.05). Results indicated that oral administration of FA-containing diets can enhance the growth performance, intestinal digestive enzymes, immune responses and resistance of crayfish to infection by A. hydrophila. Thus, FAs may be utilized as a diet supplement for crayfish.

A Review of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies on Muscular Atrophy: A Literature Review of In Vivo/In Vitro Studies

Objective

The objective of this review is to evaluate the recent treatment and study trends of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments on muscular atrophy by reviewing in vivo/in vitro studies.

Materials and Methods

The searches were conducted via electronic databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang MED, and five Korean databases. Only in vivo and in vitro studies were included in this study.

Results

A total of 44 studies (27 in vivo studies, 8 in vitro studies, and 9 in vivo with in vitro) were included. No serious maternal or fetal complications occurred. There were various animal models induced with muscular atrophy through “hindlimb suspension”, “nerve damage”, ‘alcohol or dexamethasone treatment', “diabetes”, “CKD”, “stroke”, “cancer”, “genetic modification”, etc. In 28 of 36 articles measuring muscle mass, CAM significantly increased the mass. Additionally, 10 of them showed significant improvement in muscle function. In most in vitro studies, significant increases in both the diameter of myotubes and muscle cell numbers were reported. The mechanisms of action of protein synthesis, degradation, autophagy, and apoptotic markers were also investigated.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that CAM could prevent muscular atrophy. Further studies about CAM on muscular atrophy are needed.

Relationship between structural properties and antitumor activity of Astragalus polysaccharides extracted with different temperatures

This study investigated the effects of different temperatures on structural characterization and antitumor activity of polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus. APS4 and APS90 were extracted at 4°C and 90°C, respectively, and purified by Sephadex G-200 column. APS4-90 were obtained from APS4 after treatment at 90°C for 6h. MTT results showed that APS4 possessed the highest inhibitory effects on MGC-803, A549 and HepG2 cells. HPGPC analysis showed that the average molecular weights of these polysaccharides were approximately 1.5×10⁶Da, while the asymmetrical peak of APS4-90 suggested heat degradation and configuration changes of APS4. GC, NMR and methylation results showed that these three polysaccharides had similar monosaccharide components (mainly contain glucose), and their backbones were composed of (1→2)‑α‑d‑Glcp. However, APS4 showed higher content of (1→2,6)‑α‑d‑Glcp compared to APS4-90 and APS90, which indicated that higher branched degree would be responsible for the stronger in vitro antitumor activity in APS4. These results were also confirmed by specific rotation and SEM analysis. Our study suggested that APS4 had the potential application for cancer treatment.

Effect of dietary Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide on the growth performance and immunity of juvenile broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (AMP) supplementation on the growth performance and immunity of juvenile broilers. High-performance liquid chromatography spectrum and sugar composition analysis indicated that AMP is a heteropolysaccharide with a molecular weight of 11,078 Da and consists of glucose, galactose, rhamnose, and arabinose. Four diets supplemented with four different levels of AMP (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g kg-1) were formulated and tested for their effects on the growth performance and immunity of juvenile broilers. After 6 wk of feeding, the juvenile broilers fed with AMP-containing diets exhibited higher body weight gains; the activities of digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase, and protease), superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase; and serum IgG, IgM, and IgA levels; and lower malondialdehyde level than the control. However, excessive AMP dose (>1 g kg-1) could not improve its efficiency further. Results indicate that dietary administration of AMP can improve the growth performance and immune responses of juvenile broilers.

Modulation of the renin-angiotensin system in white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle: focus on exercise training

Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin (Ang) system (RAS) increases the classical arm (Ang-converting enzyme (ACE)/Ang II/Ang type 1 receptor (AT1R)) to the detriment of the protective arm (ACE2/Ang 1-7/Mas receptor (MasR)). The components of the RAS are present locally in white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle, which act co-operatively, through specific mediators, in response to pathophysiological changes. In WAT, up-regulation of the classical arm promotes lipogenesis and reduces lipolysis and adipogenesis, leading to adipocyte hypertrophy and lipid storage, which are related to insulin resistance and increased inflammation. In skeletal muscle, the classical arm promotes protein degradation and increases the inflammatory status and oxidative stress, leading to muscle wasting. Conversely, the protective arm plays a counter-regulatory role by opposing the effect of Ang II. The accumulation of adipose tissue and muscle mass loss is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, which could be related, in part, to overactivation of the RAS. On the other hand, exercise training (ExT) shifts the balance of the RAS towards the protective arm, promoting the inhibition of the classical arm in parallel with the stimulation of the protective arm. Thus, fat mobilization and maintenance of muscle mass and function are facilitated. However, the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced changes in the RAS remain unclear. In this review, we present the RAS as a key mechanism of WAT and skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction. Furthermore, we discuss the interaction between the RAS and exercise and the possible underlying mechanisms of the health-related aspects of ExT.