Astragaloside IV ameliorates radiation‐induced nerve cell damage by activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway

Abstract

Radiation can induce nerve cell damage. Synapse connectivity and functionality are thought to be the essential foundation of all cognitive functions. Therefore, treating and preventing damage to synaptic structure and function is an urgent challenge. Astragaloside IV (AS‐IV) is a glycoside extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.). Bunge is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine in China with various pharmacological properties, including protective effects on the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the effect of AS‐IV on synapse damage and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in radiated C57BL/6 mice with X‐rays was investigated. PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons were exposed to UVA in vitro. Open field test and rotarod test were used to observe the effects of AS‐IV on the motor and explore the abilities of radiated mice. The pathological changes in the brain were observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to detect the synapse damage. The expressions of the BDNF/TrkB pathway and neuroprotection‐related molecules were detected by Western blotting and Quantitative‐RTPCR, respectively. The results showed that AS‐IV could improve the motor and explore abilities of radiated mice, reduce pathological damage to the cortex, enhance neuroprotection functions, and activate BDNF/TrkB pathway. In conclusion, AS‐IV could relieve radiation‐induced synapse damage, at least partly through the BDNF/TrkB pathway.

Suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by astragaloside IV via promotion of mitophagy to ameliorate radiation-induced renal injury in mice

“…As a natural compound, AS-IV has been identified as having antiradiation, antioxidation, antiinflammation, ant-hypertension, antiapoptosis, and other effects ( 28 , 29 ). Our previous studies suggest that AS-IV can substantially reduce the apoptosis and senescence of brain cells under IR exposure ( 16 , 17 ). Interestingly, recent studies have shown that AS-IV can exert a protective role by regulating mitophagy ( 18 , 19 ).…”

“…AS-IV with a purity >98% was obtained from Dalian Meilun Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Dalian, China), DMSO was purchased from Solarbio (Beijing, China), and CsA was purchased from AbMole Bioscience Inc (Houston, TX, USA). The AS-IV dosages were selected based on previous studies ( 16 , 17 ). After 1 month of administration, Cobalt-60 ( 60 Co) radiation (Lanzhou Weite Radiation Co., Ltd., Lanzhou, China) was used in mice, and the cumulative radiation dose was 8 Gy.…”

“…Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a primary active ingredient of Astragalus , has marked antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties ( 15 ). In a previous study, we introduced AS-IV as a potential neuroprotective agent for the prevention of IR-induced brain damage ( 16 , 17 ). Thus far, however, no reports have surfaced regarding a potential protective effect of AS-IV on IR-induced renal injury.…”