Astragalus polysaccharide suppresses melanoma progression via modulation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathwayOA

Background:To investigate the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides(APS)on melanoma-bearing mice via the Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway.Methods:Fifty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups:model group,positive control group,APS low-dose group,APS middle-dose group,and APS high-dose group(10 mice per group).B16 cell-bearing melanoma mouse models were established in all groups.The low,middle,and high-dose APS groups received daily injections of APS solution at 20,40,and 80 mg/kg,respectively.Spleen and thymus indices were measured,tumor volumes were observed,and tumor inhibition rates were calculated.Tumor histopathological changes were examined via H&E staining.Ki67 and PCNA expression in tumor tissues were assessed via immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis RT-qPCR.Western blot was used to examine the expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-related factors in tumor tissues.Results:APS significantly increased the spleen and thymus indices in melanoma mice and inhibited tumor growth.H&E staining revealed that APS significantly reduced the number of tumor cells in melanoma mice.Immunofluorescence results indicated that APS significantly decreased Ki67-positive expression in tumor tissues,while Western blot results showed that APS significantly reduced PCNA protein expression in tumor tissues.RT-qPCR and Western blot results indicated that APS significantly suppressed the expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-related genes and proteins.Conclusion:APS may inhibit tumor growth in a melanoma mouse model by enhancing immune function through suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.