Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates diabetic nephropathy via SIRT1-dependent activation of FOXO3a/BNIP3 pathway to enhance podocyte autophagy.

ABSTRACT: Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a major bioactive component of Astragalus membranaceus, has received considerable attention for its potential in treating diabetes and its complications. However, whether its renoprotective effects in diabetic nephropathy (DN) involve autophagy modulation remains poorly understood. Here, Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN rats and high glucose (HG)-exposed mouse podocyte clone-5 (MPC5) cells were established as in vivo and in vitro models, respectively. APS effects were evaluated using renal function indicators, renal histopathology, and autophagy markers. Autophagic flux was assessed by MDC staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, SIRT1 silencing or overexpression in vitro was used to confirm its role in regulating autophagy and its i

SUBMITTER: Guo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12830802 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature