Anti-atherosclerotic function of Astragali Radix extract: downregulation of adhesion molecules in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

BackgroundAtherosclerosis is considered to be a chronic inflammatory disease. Astragali Radix extract (ARE) is one of the major active ingredients extracted from the root of Astragalus membranaceus Bge. Although ARE has an anti-inflammatory function, its anti-atherosclerotic effects and mechanisms have not yet been elucidated.MethodsMurine endothelial SVEC4-10 cells were pretreated with different doses of ARE at different times prior to induction with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Cell adhesion assays were performed using THP-1 cells and assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses to detect the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), phosphorylated inhibitor of κB (p-iκB) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. We also examined the effect of ARE on atherosclerosis in the aortic endothelium of apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice.ResultsTNF-α strongly increased the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 accompanied by increased expression of p-iκB and NF-κB proteins. However, the expression levels of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were reduced by ARE in dose- and time-dependent manners, with the strongest effect at a dose of 120 μg/ml incubated for 4 h. This was accompanied by significantly decreased expression of p-iκB and inhibited activation of NF-κB. Immunofluorescence analysis also revealed that oral administration of ARE resulted in downregulation of adhesion molecules and decreased expression of macrophages in the aortic endothelium of apoE−/− mice. ARE could suppress the inflammatory reaction and inhibit the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in apoE−/− mice.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that ARE might be an effective anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis, possibly acting via the decreased expression of adhesion molecules.

Yu Ping Feng San, an Ancient Chinese Herbal Decoction Containing Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Saposhnikoviae Radix, Regulates the Release of Cytokines in Murine Macrophages

“…The final extractive was about 52.1362.46% for YPFS, 33.9962.25% for AR extract, 67.8260.38% for AMR extract, and 37.2260.88% for SR extract (n = 3). In order to standardize YPFS chemically, a typical HPLC (2), scopoletin (13), ononin (4), calycosin (1), astragaloside III (6), astragaloside IV (7), astragaloside II (5), formononetin (3), aesculetin (IS1), Rg1 (IS2) and chrysin (IS3) was made by a MS detector in the negative mode. Representative chromatograms are shown, n = 3; (B): The identification of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (11), 5-O-methylvisammioside (12), psoralen (14), isopsoralen (15), atractylenolide III (10), atractylenolide II (9), atractylenolide I (8), esculin (IS4), crytotanshinone (IS5) was made by a MS detector in the positive mode.…”

“…forming a solid screen to protect our body. AR, called ''the senior of all herbs'' in the Essentials of the Materia Medica (A.D. 1694), is considered the best immune tonic herb in stabilizing and strengthening the protective ''Qi'' [3][4][5][6][7]. AMR is bitter, sweet and warm in nature, and which is beneficial for anti-inflammation, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-ulcer, anti-obesity, anti-cancer and so on [8][9][10][11].…”

Chemical characterization and in vitro toxicity of diesel exhaust particulate matter generated under varying conditions

“…Endothelial cells play an important role in the vasculature and have been previously investigated as relevant targets in DEP-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress (Bai et al 2001; Hirano et al 2003; Mattingly and Klinge 2012; Weldy et al 2011). Murine SVEC4-10 endothelial cells, specifically, have also been used in several investigations of the vasculature and vascular reactivity (Choi et al 2011; Kang et al 2011; Wang et al 2012; Weldy et al 2011; You et al 2012). …”

Prediction and validation of potential molecular targets for the combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis in the treatment of atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology

“…[ 15 ] AS extracts have been shown to protect the liver, [ 16 ] treat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, [ 17 ] reduce inflammation, and alleviate atherosclerosis. [ 18 , 19 ]…”