Astragalus polysaccharide reduces inflammatory response by decreasing permeability of LPS-infected Caco2 cells

Int J Biol Macromol. 2013 Oct:61:347-52. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.07.013. Epub 2013 Aug 2.

Abstract

As the major constituent of Radix Astragali, Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is known for its anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory functions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of APS on inflammatory response and structural changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-infected Caco2 cells. Caco2 cells were co-cultured with APS and LPS, with APS added after the addition of LPS (post-addition), before the addition of LPS (pre-addition), or simultaneously with the addition of LPS (simultaneous addition). The mRNA expression of inflammatory indicators and tight junctions was measured by RT-qPCR. Short circuit current (Isc) was recorded by an Ussing chamber system. Addition of APS significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 (P<0.05) and the Isc levels (P<0.05) of LPS-infected Caco2 cells for all three administration treatments. The minimum anti-inflammatory concentration of APS was 50, 100, and 100 μg/mL for pre-, post-, and simultaneous additions of APS, respectively. The mRNA expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin was significantly up-regulated for post- and pre-additions of APS, respectively (P<0.05). Results suggested that APS had anti-inflammatory and structure protective properties for LPS-infected Caco2 cells, and may be used as a preventative treatment for intestine cells.

Keywords: Astragalus polysaccharide; Inflammatory response; Lipopolysaccharide.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / toxicity
  • Astragalus Plant / chemistry*
  • Caco-2 Cells
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Occludin / genetics
  • Occludin / metabolism
  • Permeability / drug effects
  • Polysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Polysaccharides / toxicity
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein / genetics
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Occludin
  • Polysaccharides
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein