Oral administration of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide protects against pancreatic islets failure in type 2 diabetic mice: Pancreatic β-cell apoptosis inhibition

Abstract

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming an expanding global health concern, closely linked to the islet dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), derived from the roots of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, on pancreatic islets of T2DM mice. Our research showed that ASP could ameliorate hyperglycemia, restore lipid profile changes and protect against liver injury. ASP increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio to block caspase-9-caspase-3 cascade in islet β-cells. Simultaneously, the suppression of a caspase-8-driven extrinsic apoptotic pathway further inhibited the activation of subsequent substrate proteins, such as PARP. Results of immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry indicated that ASP could increase cell insulin stores. Additionally, ASP could promote the secretion of insulin to attenuate the glucotoxicity by stimulating the insulin gene expression. Taken together, this study suggested that ASP might be applied as a functional food or additive to treat diabetes.