Radix AstragaliStimulates p38 MARK Phosphorylation in Pediatric Patients withβ-Thalassemia

Abstract

A previous study conducted by our group demonstrated thatRadix Astragalicompounded withCodonopsis pilosulaandPlastrum testudiniswas effective in treating pediatricβ-thalassemia in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. However, the mechanism of action that underpins this treatment remains to be elucidated. Blood was collected from patients participating in this clinical trial and nucleated red blood cell-enriched mononuclear cells were isolated to facilitate the extraction of RNA and protein. RT-PCR was used to monitor the expression of globin genes and p38 MAPK, and total and phosphorylated p38 MAPK expression was assessed using Western blot analysis. Expression ofα-,β-, and Aγ-globin mRNAs was not significantly affected following treatment withR. Astragalior the compounded formulation. However, Gγ-globin mRNA levels increased significantly in both treatment groups (when compared with pretreatment levels) following 12 weeks of treatment. Moreover, posttreatment Gγ-globin expression was significantly higher in both treatment groups compared with the control group. Although neither p38 MAPK mRNA nor protein levels were affected by the treatments, posttreatment phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was significantly increased in theR. Astragaliand compounded formulation groups compared with the control group. These data suggest that the molecular mechanisms that underpin the efficacious use ofR. Astragali(and its compounded formulation) in pediatricβ-thalassemia treatment facilitate the induction of Gγ-globin expression following activation of p38 MAPK.