Astragaloside IV, a saponin from Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus, induces expressions of heme recycle proteins via signaling of Nrf2/ARE in cultured macrophages

Ethnopharmacological relevance: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, Qi is classified as energetic essence supporting the life activities in human. Blood is categorized as nourishing essence and circulating in the body. Blood and Qi have an intimate relationship. Astragali Radix (AR; root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. Var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao) has a broad spectrum of application for Qi-Blood enrichment. Astragaloside IV, a major saponin in AR, has therapeutic functions in erythropoietic, cardiovascular and immune systems. However, the efficacy of astragaloside IV in erythrophagocytosis has not been elucidated. Aim of the study: The possible functions of astragaloside IV in heme iron recycling during erythrophagocytosis in cultured macrophage were elucidated. Methods: The translational and transcriptional expressions of heme recycling enzymes were determined after incubating of astragaloside IV for 24 h in cultured macrophage. Results: In astragaloside IV-treated macrophage, the expressions, both RNA and protein levels, of regulators of heme recycling, e.g. heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), ferroportin (FPN), biliverdin reductase A and B (BVRA, BVRB), were markedly induced in dose-dependent manners. In parallel, the transcriptional activity of antioxidant response element, cloned within an expression vector as pARE-Luc and transfected in cultured macrophages, was markedly induced after a challenge with astragaloside IV in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the translocation of Nrf2, a transcriptional factor in regulating expression of heme recycling protein, was induced by astragaloside IV, leading to an enrichment at nucleus fraction. Conclusion: Astragaloside IV shed lights in enhancing the expression of heme recycle proteins via Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Automated summary

Astragaloside IV enhances the expression of heme recycling proteins through the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, promoting heme iron recycling during erythrophagocytosis.