Astragaloside protects myocardial cells from apoptosis through suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Abstract

Astragaloside is a monomer isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-apoptotic affect of astragaloside on myocardial cells through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Astragaloside, NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) blocking antibody solution were prepared in vitro, and myocardial cells were incubated and cultured in serum-free medium overnight. Cells were divided into five groups: the normal control group, serum-free group, astragaloside group, TLR4 blocking antibody group and NF-κB inhibitor PDTC group. The myocardial cell apoptosis in each group was detected using flow cytometry, and the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB were detected via western blotting. The apoptosis rate in the serum-free group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group. The apoptosis rate of myocardial cells in the TLR4 blocking antibody group and NF-κB inhibitor PDTC group was lower than that in the serum-free group. In addition, the myocardial cell apoptosis was more obviously decreased in the astragaloside group, and the protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the serum-free group were significantly higher than those in normal control group. The protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the astragaloside group were obviously lower than those in the serum-free group, and the protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in the TLR4 blocking antibody group and NF-κB inhibitor PDTC group were decreased. In conclusion, astragaloside reduced myocardial cell apoptosis and protected myocardial cells, which may be one of the mechanisms of a traditional Chinese medicine monomer in treating heart failure.

Expression and function of Toll‑like receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that β-D-mannuronic acid inhibited the activity of AS by blocking the TLR2/4/NF-κB pathway (55,56). Zhao et al (58) reported that astragaloside protected myocardial cells against cell apoptosis by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Therefore, the expression of NF-κB pathway in patients with AS, and PBMCs from these patients.…”

Astragalus mongholicus (Fisch.) Bge Improves Peripheral Treg Cell Immunity Imbalance in the Children With Viral Myocarditis by Reducing the Levels of miR-146b and miR-155

“…Calycosin can effectively inhibit allergic inflammation and has anti-inflammatory properties ( 32 ). Astragaloside has been found to prevent myocardial cell apoptosis and protect myocardial cells, which is a kind of potential drug in the prevention of heart failure ( 33 ). Astragaloside IV has been found to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities ( 34 ).…”

Yixin Granules Reduce Myocardial Inflammation and Fibrosis in Rats with Heart Failure by Inhibiting the Expression of ADAMTS8

“…18) Astragaloside, another active substance of astragalus, showed anti-apoptotic effects in myocardial cells and reduced acute myocardial infarction, which was associated with inactivation of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway. 19,20) Astragalus polysaccharide could also ameliorate myocardial inflammation and fibrosis by blocking the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in mice with coxsackievirus B3induced viral myocarditis. 21) These findings provide a basis for in-depth analysis of the function of astragalus extracts in HF.…”