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The Protection of Astragalus Polysaccharide in BALB/C Mice during Brucella melitensis M5 Infection
Yuanqiang Zheng1,2, Yajing Chen2, Jianlong Zhao3
1School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
Introduction:
Brucellosis is an important zoonosis worldwide, affecting humans and animals. There are no specific medicines available to treat brucellosis. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is derived from Astragalus membranaceus and exhibits impressive bioactivity, including anti-aging, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory functions.
Methods:
Mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with Brucella melitensis M5 and then treated with APS intraperitoneally injection daily for 7 d.
Results:
Compared to the M5-infected group, the lower bacteria loads in the APS-treated groups were proved, especially at the acute stage of infection. APS treatment relieved splenomegaly, excess expressions of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (including CXCL1, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-12p70, and TNF-α). The raised level of IL-4 was observed in APS-treated mice. APS contributed to raising the ratio of M1 macrophage and reducing the ratio of M2 macrophage in the blood.
Discussion:
The present study provides some evidence on the potential application of APS in controlling and treating brucellosis and should be further explored.
Insights
Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) effectively reduced Brucella melitensis bacteria loads and inflammation in mice. This study suggests APS as a potential therapeutic agent for brucellosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Brucellosis is a significant global zoonotic disease with no specific treatments.
- Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), derived from Astragalus membranaceus, possesses known immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of APS in a mouse model of Brucellosis.
- To evaluate the effect of APS on bacterial load, inflammation, and immune cell profiles during Brucella melitensis infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with Brucella melitensis M5 and subsequently treated with daily intraperitoneal injections of APS for seven days.
- Bacterial loads, spleen size, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (CXCL1, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-12p70, TNF-α), IL-4 levels, and macrophage polarization (M1/M2 ratio) were assessed.
Main Results:
- APS treatment significantly reduced Brucella melitensis bacterial loads, particularly during the acute infection stage.
- APS administration alleviated splenomegaly and decreased elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- APS treatment increased IL-4 levels and shifted the M1/M2 macrophage ratio favorably.
Conclusions:
- Astragalus polysaccharide demonstrates therapeutic potential in managing Brucellosis by reducing bacterial burden and modulating the immune response.
- Further research is warranted to explore APS as a viable treatment strategy for brucellosis in both humans and animals.
