Polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis attenuates SNP-induced apoptosis in osteoarthritis chondrocytes by inducing autophagy via the ERK1/2 pathway

Abstract Objective Chondrocyte apoptosis plays a vital role in osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), traditional Chinese medicine, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties chondrocytes. This study aimed to determine the protective of ASP on sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, explore underlying mechanism. Method Human primary chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage OA patients were treated with SNP alone or combination different doses ASP. Cell viability assessed, apoptosis-related proteins including Bcl-2 Bax detected. Autophagy levels evaluated by light chain 3 (LC3) II immunofluorescence staining, mRFP-GFP-LC3 fluorescence localization, western blot (LC3II, p62, Beclin-1, Atg5). Meanwhile, activation ERK 1/2 pathway was determined blot. The autophagy inhibitors, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), chloroquine (CQ), specific inhibitor ERK1/2, SCH772984, used confirm autophagic effect Results results showed that SNP-induced significantly rescued ASP, whereas promoted proliferation. related enhanced depended ERK1/2 pathway. Conclusion markedly activating ERK1/2-dependent chondrocytes, it made as potential therapeutic supplementation for treatment.