Astragaloside IV reduces cardiac aging in mice by restoring mitochondrial balance
The compound lowered senescence markers and improved heart function through SIRT3-driven DRP1 deacetylation in aged mice and cultured cardiomyocytes.
FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · Chen X et al. · Paper published 28 Sep 2026
In naturally aged mice and D-galactose-induced senescent H9c2 cells, Astragaloside IV mitigated cardiac aging and improved heart function. Treatment reduced classic senescence markers, including p16INK4a, p21, and p53, as well as senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. It also lowered senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors, including Il6, Il1b, and Tnfa, while ameliorating myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. Furthermore, the researchers observed enhanced cardiomyocyte mitochondrial morphology and performance. Astragaloside IV increased mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ATP production, and lowered reactive oxygen species levels. Mechanistically, the compound upregulated SIRT3 expression, promoting its interaction with DRP1 and facilitating DRP1 deacetylation. This suppressed excessive mitochondrial fission. Silencing SIRT3 with siRNA blunted these protective effects.
Why it matters
Mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive fission drive cardiovascular decline during aging. Targeting SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial dynamics may offer a therapeutic strategy to preserve cardiac health in late life.
Caveats
The findings rely solely on aged mice and an in vitro cell culture model, so they cannot confirm efficacy or safety in humans.
Written from the paper’s abstract, and every claim checked against it before publishing. Read the paper for the full methods and data.
The paper
Astragaloside IV Attenuates Cardiac Aging Through Restoring Mitochondrial Dynamics Homeostasis by Promoting SIRT3-Mediated DRP1 Deacetylation
Chen X, Huang H, Yang Y et al.
FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · 28 Sep 2026 · Peer-reviewed
- Relevance
- Core geroscience
- News value
- Notable
- Evidence
- Animals
- Status
- Peer-reviewed
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