Objective: To observe the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the BG, insulin and C-peptide in serum, ultrastructure and Fas expression of pancreatic beta-cells in diabetes mellitus (DM) rats.
Methods: Thirty DM rats induced by streptozotocin (STZ) were randomly divided into three groups: DM group, APS 200 mg/kg group, APS 400 mg/kg group, another 10 normal rats were taken as the control group. The drug was given by intraperitoneal for 6 weeks. The level of BG was determined by ONE TOUCH II machine. The levels of insulin and C-peptide in serum were measured by radioimmunoassay. The expression of Fas was observed by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the TEM was used to observe the ultrastructure of pancreatic beta-cells.
Results: (1) DM rats showed significant increase in BG compared with control group (P < 0.05). APS could decrease the level of FG (P < 0.05). (2) DM rats showed significant decrease in insulin and C-peptide in serum compared with control group (P < 0.05). APS has no appearance effects on the levels of them (P > 0.05). (3) The expression of Fas of beta-cells was significantly increased in DM rats, which was significantly inhibited by APS treatment. (4) It showed degenerative changes of pancreatic beta-cells ultramicroscopic structure of the DM rats, while APS treatment could significantly improve the damage.
Conclusion: APS exerts its therapeutic effects on DM, which maybe related to the significant decreasing of the Fas expression and inhibiting the apoptosis of beta-cells.