Astragalus polysaccharides improves glycolipid metabolism in myocardium of diabetic hamsters

The effect of astragalns polysaccharides (AlaS)on diabetic cardiomyopathy was investigated. The mRNA expressions of PPAR-a and GLUT4, pathology of adipose tissue and myocardium, and myocardial uhrastructure were studied. The pathological changes of adipose tissue and myocardium, as well as myocardial uhrastructure were well-improved; the gene expressions of PPAR-α and GLUT4 were raised in APSgroup. APS may be partially effective in treating diabetic cardiomyopathy. Key words: Astragalus polysaccharide;  Diabetes;  PPAR-α;  GLUT4;  Cardiomyopathy;  Ultrastructure