Astragalus Polysaccharide Enhances Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function in Cardiomyocytes Through AMPK Activation.
- 1Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine - Department of Second Clinical Medical College, Guiyang - China.
Abstract
Background
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of heart failure, underscoring the need for therapies that promote mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a bioactive compound from Astragalus membranaceus, has demonstrated cardioprotective properties, but its direct effects on mitochondrial homeostasis in cardiomyocytes remain unclear.Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the effects of APS on mitochondrial function and biogenesis in HL-1 cardiomyocytes and to elucidate the involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway.Methods
HL-1 cardiomyocytes were treated with non-toxic concentrations of APS (1.25-2.5 g/L) for 48 hours. Mitochondrial respiration was assessed via Seahorse XF Analyzer, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were quantified, and Complex IV activity was measured. Mitochondrial biogenesis was evaluated by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/ nuclear DNA (nDNA) ratio, cytochrome B levels, and mitochondrial mass. Key proteins and genes, including PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF2), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), were analyzed by Western blot and qPCR. The AMPK inhibitor Compound C was used to confirm the pathway's role.Results
APS treatment significantly enhanced mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, and Complex IV activity. It promoted mitochondrial biogenesis, evidenced by increased mtDNA/nDNA ratio and mitochondrial mass. APS upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, NRF2, TFAM, and UCP2, and activated AMPK phosphorylation. All these beneficial effects were abolished by AMPK inhibition with Compound C.Conclusions
APS enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and function in cardiomyocytes through activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, identifying it as a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
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BibTeX
@article{wang2026astragalus,
title = {{Astragalus Polysaccharide Enhances Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function in Cardiomyocytes Through AMPK Activation.}},
author = {Chengbin Wang and Shuhan Lv and Xingde Liu},
journal = {Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.36660/abc.20250854},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42848624},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Astragalus Polysaccharide Enhances Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function in Cardiomyocytes Through AMPK Activation.
AU - Chengbin Wang
AU - Shuhan Lv
AU - Xingde Liu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/02
JO - Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia
DO - 10.36660/abc.20250854
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42848624
AB - Background Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of heart failure, underscoring the need for therapies that promote mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a bioactive compound from Astragalus membranaceus, has demonstrated cardioprotective properties, but its direct effects on mitochondrial homeostasis in cardiomyocytes remain unclear.Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of APS on mitochondrial function and biogenesis in HL-1 cardiomyocytes and to elucidate the involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway.Methods HL-1 cardiomyocytes were treated with non-toxic concentrations of APS (1.25-2.5 g/L) for 48 hours. Mitochondrial respiration was assessed via Seahorse XF Analyzer, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were quantified, and Complex IV activity was measured. Mitochondrial biogenesis was evaluated by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)/ nuclear DNA (nDNA) ratio, cytochrome B levels, and mitochondrial mass. Key proteins and genes, including PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF2), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), were analyzed by Western blot and qPCR. The AMPK inhibitor Compound C was used to confirm the pathway's role.Results APS treatment significantly enhanced mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, and Complex IV activity. It promoted mitochondrial biogenesis, evidenced by increased mtDNA/nDNA ratio and mitochondrial mass. APS upregulated the expression of PGC-1α, NRF2, TFAM, and UCP2, and activated AMPK phosphorylation. All these beneficial effects were abolished by AMPK inhibition with Compound C.Conclusions APS enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and function in cardiomyocytes through activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, identifying it as a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
SN - 0066-782X
SN - 1678-4170
ER -