Astragaloside IV protects against polymicrobial sepsis through inhibiting inflammatory response and apoptosis of lymphocytes

Background: Sepsis is a major clinical challenge in modern medicine, representing one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. The syndrome is a consequence of a dysregulated immune response, including early uncontrolled systemic inflammation and prolonged immunosuppression in the late phase. The present study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of astragaloside IV (ASI-IV) on the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in mice. Materials and methods: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham control + vehicle, CLP + vehicle, and CLP + ASI-IV groups. ASI-IV (3mg/kg) was intravenously injected 1 h after CLP surgery. Survival rate, bacterial clearance, inflammatory mediators, phagocytes emigration, histopathology, and lymphocyte apoptosis were examined. The effects of ASI-IV on peritoneal macrophage activation and its underlying mechanisms were also evaluated. Results: We reported that treatment with ASI-IV significantly improved survival in septic mice. In agreement with this protective effect, the pathologic damage that was typically seen in lung and spleen was ameliorated; the level of bacterial burden was lessened; inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in circulation were profoundly reduced; lymphocyte apoptosis was inhibited. ASI-IV suppressed LPS-induced macrophage activation through inhibiting NF-kappa B and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Conclusions: ASI-IV protected mice against polymicrobial sepsis by inhibiting inflammatory response and lymphocyte apoptosis. Therefore, ASI-IV might provide a novel therapeutic approach for septic patients. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.