Abstract

This study aims to investigate the influence of Astragalus polysaccharides on angiogenesis in human adiposederived stem cells. Three experimental groups were established; control group (group A), a low-dose Astragalus polysaccharides intervention group (group B), and a high-dose Astragalus polysaccharides intervention group (group C). Group A comprised untreated human adipose-derived stem cells cultured under standard conditions. Group B received an Astragalus polysaccharides concentration of 80 μg/ml, while group C was treated with 160 μg/ml of Astragalus polysaccharides. Cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenic potential were assessed using cell counting kit-8 assay, Western blot analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Transwell migration assays. Relative to group A, group B exhibited enhanced cell migration and proliferation, with further increases observed in group C. Angiopoietin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were elevated in group B compared to group A, with an additional increase in group C. Conversely, the expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2-associated X protein and caspase-3 were decreased in group B relative to group A, and further reduced in group C. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and nuclear factor kappa B expression were diminished in group B compared to group A, with a more pronounced reduction in group C. Astragalus polysaccharides modulate angiogenesis in human adipose-derived stem cells by downregulating nuclear factor kappa B expression, thereby inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and nuclear factor kappa B pathways. This modulation facilitates the proliferation and angiogenic activity of adipose-derived stem cells, suggesting a promising therapeutic potential of Astragalus polysaccharides in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.