Ginsenoside Rk3 modulates gut microbiota and regulates immune response of group 3 innate lymphoid cells to against colorectal tumorigenesis

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in the immunomodulatory and protumorigenic microenvironment of colorectal cancer(CRC).However,the effect of ginsenoside Rk3(Rk3)on CRC and gut microbiota remains unclear.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to explore the potential effect of Rk3 on CRC from the perspective of gut microbiota and immune regulation.Our results reveal that treatment with Rk3 significantly suppresses the formation of colon tumors,repairs intestinal barrier damage,and regulates the gut microbiota imbalance caused by CRC,including enrichment of probiotics such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Barnesiella intestinihominis,and clearance of pathogenic Desulfovibrio.Subsequent metabolomics data demonstrate that Rk3 can modulate the metabolism of amino acids and bile acids,particularly by upregulating glutamine,which has the potential to regulate the immune response.Furthermore,we elucidate the regulatory effects of Rk3 on chemokines and inflammatory factors associated with group 3 innate lymphoid cells(ILC3s)and T helper 17(Th17)signaling pathways,which inhibits the hyperactivation of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK-STAT3)signaling pathway.These results indicate that Rk3 modulates gut microbiota,regulates ILC3s immune response,and inhibits the JAK-STAT3 signaling pathway to suppress the development of colon tumors.More importantly,the results of fecal microbiota transplantation suggest that the inhibitory effect of Rk3 on colon tumors and its regulation of ILC3 immune responses are mediated by the gut microbiota.In summary,these findings emphasize that Rk3 can be utilized as a regulator of the gut microbiota for the prevention and treatment of CRC.

Crosstalk among Oxidative Stress,Autophagy,and Apoptosis in the Protective Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells:A Mixed Computational and Experimental Study

Objective Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were found to shift from their usually inactive state to an active state in ischemic stroke (IS) and cause neuronal damage. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1),a component derived from medicinal plants,is known for its pharmacological benefits in IS,but its protective effects on BMECs have yet to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of GRb1 on BMECs. Methods An in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Bulk RNA-sequencing data were analyzed by using the Human Autophagy Database and various bioinformatic tools,including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA),Gene Ontology (GO) classification and enrichment analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis,protein-protein interaction network analysis,and molecular docking. Experimental validation was also performed to ensure the reliability of our findings. Results Rb1 had a protective effect on BMECs subjected to OGD/R injury. Specifically,GRb1 was found to modulate the interplay between oxidative stress,apoptosis,and autophagy in BMECs. Key targets such as sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62),autophagy related 5 (ATG5),and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) were identified,highlighting their potential roles in mediating the protective effects of GRb1 against IS-induced damage. Conclusion GRbl protects BMECs against OGD/R injury by influencing oxidative stress,apoptosis,and autophagy. The identification of SQSTM1/p62,ATG5,and HIF-1α as promising targets further supports the potential of GRb1 as a therapeutic agent for IS,providing a foundation for future research into its mechanisms and applications in IS treatment.

Ginsenoside Rb1 induces hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis to alleviate liver fibrosis via the BECN1/SLC7A11 axis

Liver fibrosis is primarily driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),a process associated with ferroptosis.Ginsenoside Rb1(GRb1),a major active component extracted from Panax ginseng,inhibits HSC activation.However,the potential role of GRb1 in mediating HSC ferroptosis remains unclear.This study examined the effect of GRb1 on liver fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro,using CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and primary HSCs,LX-2 cells.The findings revealed that GRb1 effectively inactivated HSCs in vitro,reducing alpha-smooth muscle actin(a-SMA)and type I collagen(Col1A1)levels.Moreover,GRb1 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo.From a mechanistic standpoint,the ferroptosis pathway appeared to be central to the antifibrotic effects of GRb1.Specifically,GRb1 promoted HSC ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro,characterized by increased glutathione depletion,malondialdehyde production,iron overload,and accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Intriguingly,GRb1 increased Beclin 1(BECN1)levels and decreased the System Xc-key subunit SLC7A11.Further experiments showed that BECN1 silencing inhibited GRb1-induced effects on HSC ferroptosis and mitigated the reduction of SLC7A11 caused by GRb1.Moreover,BECN1 could directly interact with SLC7A11,initiating HSC ferroptosis.In conclusion,the suppression of BECN1 counteracted the effects of GRb1 on HSC inactivation both in vivo and in vitro.Overall,this study highlights the novel role of GRb1 in inducing HSC ferroptosis and promoting HSC inactivation,at least partly through its modulation of BECN1 and SLC7A11.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on hematopoietic stem cells in treating aplastic anemia in mice via MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND Aplastic anemia(AA)presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells,with the current the-rapeutic options being notably limited.AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA,specifically its protective effects,while elucidating the mechanism at play.METHODS We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide(CTX)in C57 mice,followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d.The invest-igation included examining the bone marrow,thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Moreover,orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations.Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice.Additionally,the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot.RESULTS Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow’s structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells,establishing a model of AA.Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice.In comparison to the AA group,ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX.Furthermore,it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle.Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression,primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway,which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA,highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.

GPCR-Gs mediates the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 against oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation-induced astrocyte injury

Objectives:To investigate whether the protective actions of ginsenoside Rb1(Rb1)on astrocytes are mediated through the G_(s)-type G-protein-coupled receptor(GPCR-G_(s)).Methods:Primary astrocyte cultures derived from neonatal mouse brain were used.Astrocyte injury was induced via oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation(OGD/R).Cell morphology,viability,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)leakage,apoptosis,glutamate uptake,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)secretion were assessed to gauge cell survival and functionality.Western blot was used to investigate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)and protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathways.GPCR-G_(s)-specific inhibitors and molecular docking were used to identify target receptors.Results:Rb1 at concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 5μM did not significantly affect the viability,glutamate uptake,or BDNF secretion in normal astrocytes.OGD/R reduced astrocyte viability,increasing their LDH leakage and apoptosis rate.It also decreased glutamate uptake and BDNF secretion by these cells.Rb1 had protective effects of astrocytes challenged by OGD/R,by improving viability,reducing apoptosis,and enhancing glutamate uptake and BDNF secretion.Additionally,Rb1 activated the cAMP and Akt pathways in these cells.When the GPCR-G_(s) inhibitor NF449 was introduced,the protective effects of Rb1 completely disappeared,and its activation of cAMP and Akt signaling pathways was significantly inhibited.Conclusion:Rb1 protects against astrocytes from OGD/R-induced injury through GPCR-G_(s) mediation.

Potential of ginsenoside Rg1 to treat aplastic anemia via mitogen activated protein kinase pathway in cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression mouse model

Aplastic anemia(AA)is a rare but serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient new blood cells,leading to fatigue,increased susceptibility to infection,and uncontrolled bleeding.In this editorial,we review and comment on an article by Wang et al published in 2024.This study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic benefits of ginsenoside Rg1 in AA,focusing on its protective effects and uncovering the underlying mechanisms.Cyclophosphamide(CTX)administration caused substantial damage to the structural integrity of the bone marrow and decreased the number of hematopoietic stem cells,thereby establishing an AA model.Compared with the AA group,ginsenoside Rg1 alleviated the effects of CTX by reducing apoptosis and inflammatory factors.Mechanistically,treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly mitigated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathway.Thus,this study indicates that ginsenoside Rg1 could be effective in treating AA by reducing myelosuppression,primarily through its influence on the mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathway.We expect that our review and comments will provide valuable insights for the scientific community related to this research and enhance the overall clarity of this article.

Transcriptome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of PgSQE08-01 Gene in Ginsenoside Biosynthesis in Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.

Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.is an important plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine,whose primary active ingredient is a ginsenoside.Ginsenoside biosynthesis is not only regulated by transcription factors but also controlled by a variety of structural genes.Nonetheless,the molecular mechanism underlying ginsenoside biosynthesis has always been a topic in the discussion of ginseng secondary metabolites.Squalene epoxidase(SQE)is a key enzyme in the mevalonic acid pathway,which affects the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as terpenoid.Using ginseng transcriptome,expression,and ginsenoside content databases,this study employed bioinformatic methods to systematically analyze the genes encoding SQE in ginseng.We first selected six PgSQE candidates that were closely involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis and then identified PgSQE08-01 to be highly associated with ginsenoside biosynthesis.Next,we constructed the overexpression vector pCAMBIA3301-PgSQE08-01 and the RNAi vector pART27-PgSQE08-01 and transformed ginseng adventitious roots using Agrobacterium rhizogenes,to obtain positive hairy-root clones.Thereafter,quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to determine the expression of relevant genes and ginsenoside content,respectively.Then,we focused on the function of PgSQE08-01 gene,which was noted to be involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis.Thus,these findings not only provided a molecular basis for the identification of important functional genes in ginseng but also enriched genetic resources for the biosynthesis of ginsenosides using synthetic biology.

A novel cabazitaxel liposomes modified with ginsenoside Rk1 for cancer targeted therapy

Objective:In this study,we aim to enhance the anti-prostate cancer efficacy of cabazitaxel(CTX)and reduce its immunosuppression and systemic toxicity by developing CTX-loaded liposomes modified with ginsenoside Rk1(Rk1/CTX-Lip).Methods:Physical and chemical properties of Rk1/CTX-Lip were investigated.We evaluated the biological functions of Rk1/CTXLip,both in vitro and in vivo.A subcutaneous prostate cancer(RM-1)-bearing mouse model was established to study the efficacy of Rk1/CTX-Lip inhibition in tumors.Simultaneously,a Candida albicans infection model was established in tumor-bearing mice to study the infection-relieving efficacy of Rk1/CTX-Lip.Finally,biocompatibility and in vivo safety of Rk1/CTX-Lip were evaluated.Results:We successfully prepared Rk1/CTX-Lip,achieving high CTX encapsulation efficiency(97.24±0.75)%and physical stability.Rk1/CTX-Lip demonstrated evasion of macrophage phagocytosis,effective tumor tissue targeting,and a significant reduction(>50%)in average tumor volume compared with Chol/CTX-Lip.Moreover,it relieved the concurrent infection burden and effectively regulated immune organs and cells,demonstrating superior biocompatibility.Conclusion:Rk1/CTX-Lip presents a promising new therapy for prostate cancer and holds potential for relieving concurrent fungal infections in cancer patients with low immunity.

Microbiological Transformation of Ginsenoside Rg_1

Forty-nine microbial strains were used to screen their ability for the microbiological transforma-tion of ginsenoside Rg1. Aspergillus niger (3.1858) and Absidia coerulea (3.3538) were found to convert ginsenoside Rg1 efficiently to less polar metabolites. Preparative scale transformation with both fungi Absidia coerulea (3.3538) and Aspergillus niger (3.1858) have resulted in the production of one same metabolite (MT1). Its structure was char-acterized as 6-O-b-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxatriol (Ginsenoside Rh1) on the basis of its TOF-MS and 1H, 13C NMR spectral data. The biotransformation kinetic curves for Ginsenoside Rg1 and MT1 were reported for the first time, and the biotransformation pathway was proposed.

Enrichment of the less polar ginsenoside (Rg3) from ginseng grown in New Zealand by post-harvest processing and extraction

Background:Previous studies showed that New Zealand-grown ginseng contains an abundance of ginsenosides and that rare less polar ginsenosides,such as Rg3,exhibit more pharmacological activities than polar ginsenosides,which are the major components of ginseng.Methods:The ginsenoside profile of New Zealand-grown Panax ginseng was manipulated by treatment with acetic acid,sodium hydroxide,pH,and high temperature.The abundance of 23 ginsenosides extracted by different treatments was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography.Results:Treatment with 0.5 mol/L acetic acid can stimulate the degradation of polar ginsenosides to less polar ginsenosides(5.6%Rg3 was accumulated,P<0.0001).Furthermore,when ginseng root was treated at 121℃ for 100 min in a pH 3.0 acetic acid aqueous solution,the majority of the polar ginsenosides were converted into less polar ginsenosides.Specifically,83.46±3.69%(P=0.0360)of the less polar ginsenosides and 41.01±2.39%(P=0.0412)of Rg3 were enriched.In contrast,alkali treatment did not convert the polar ginsenosides into less polar ginsenosides at mild temperature and less conversion was observed compared with acid treatment at high temperature.Conclusion:This is the first attempt to manipulate the ginsenoside profile of New Zealand-grown ginseng.The conditions(high temperature with low pH)may be modified to produce and enrich the less polar ginsenoside fraction(especially Rg3)from the total ginseng extract.

Ocotillone-type Ginsenoside from Leaves of Panax ginseng

An ocotillone type ginsenoside, together with 2 known ginsenosides was isolated from leaves of Panax ginseng and identified as pseudoginsenoside RT 5 on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidences. It has been so far the first example of ocotillone type ginsenoside discovered in Panax ginseng and its plausible biotransformation pathway also discussed.

Effects of Proliferation of CEF with Ginsenoside and Its Derivatives

Objective The research aimed to provide theoretical basis for studying anti-MDV mechanism of ginsenoside and its derivatives in vitro. Method Effects of ginsenoside and its derivatives on proliferation activity of chick embryo fibroblast （CEF） in vitro were determined by using neutral red dye absorption method. Result The results showed the proliferation effects of different drugs are not completely same, and are more obvious with low toxic drugs. Detected at different action times, the differences of OD values was biggest at 72 h when compared with normal control group, while there was no significant difference at 24 h. Conclusion Ginsenoside and its derivatives could promote the proliferation of CEF cells in medium as low concentrations, which have time-dependent characteristic.

High efficiency production of ginsenoside compound K by catalyzing ginsenoside Rb1 using snailase

The rare ginsenoside Compound K （C-K） is attracting more attention because of its good physiological activity and urgent need. There are many pathways to obtain ginsenoside C-K, including chemical and biological methods. Among these, the conversion of PPD-type ginsenosides by enzymatic hydrolysis is a trend due to its high efficiency and mild conditions. For effectively extracting from the other panaxadiol saponins, the conversion process for ginsenoside C-K was investigated using snailases in this study. The univariate experimental design and response surface methodology were used to determine the optimal hydrolysis conditions for the conversion of ginsenoside Rbl into ginsenoside C-K by snailases. The optimum conditions were as follows： pH 5,12, temperature 51 ℃, ratio of snailase/substrate 0.21, and reaction time 48 h. On the basis of these parameters, the addition of 1.0 mmol· L- 1 ferric ion was found to significantly improve the enzymolysis ofsnailases for the first time. With the above conditions, the maximum conversion rate reached 89.7%, suggesting that the process can obviously increase the yield of ginsenoside C-K. The bioassay tests indicated that the ginsenoside C-K showed anti-tumor activity in a series of tumor cell lines. Based on these results, we can conclude that the process of rare ginsenoside C- K production by enzymolysis with snailase is feasible, efficient, and suitable for the industrial production and application.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatographical Analysis of Ginsenosides in Panax ginseng,P.quinquef(?)lium and P.notoginseng

The compositions and contents of ginsenbsides in Panax ginseng,P.quinquefolium and P.notoginseng were determined and compared by reversed-phase High-Performance Liquid Chro- matography(HPLC).The method was performed on an Alltech Adsorbosphere HS C_(18) column,using 5×10^(-3)M NaH_2PO_4-H_3PO_4 buffer solution(pH 3.0)and acetonitrile-water(50:50)as gradient eluents. The baseline separation of ginsenosides Rb_1,Rb_2,Rb_1,Rc,Rd,Rf,Ro,and Re+Rg_1 was obtained in one analytical run.The ginsenosides are directly detected at 203 nm.The detection limit is 40μg at a signal to noise ratio of 3:1.The improved sample preparation and clean-up prior to injection with SEP-PAK C_(18)cartridge strongly reduced the front peaks caused by the impurities in the methanolic extracts of samples to afford a smooth baseline and clear background.The HPLC patterns of methanolic extracts mainly including the ginsenosides were found capable of serving as chemical fingerprints to differentiate the three species from each other.It was also found that there are no significant diffe- rences of the HPLC patterns between the wild Panax ginseng and the cultivated,the white and the red ginsengs,Chinese and Korean red ginsengs,and the tap roots of Panax ginseng collected in four consecutive months,only certain differences in contents of ginsenosides do exist.The contents of the nine major ginsenosides present in the rhizome,tap root and rootlet as well as the leaf of Panax quinquefolium were also determined and compared.

Inhibiting effect of Endostar combined with ginsenoside Rg3 on breast cancer tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice

Objective: To study the inhibiting effect of Endostar combined with ginsenoside Rg3 on breast cancer tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice. Methods: Female mice were selected as experimental animals, and breast cancer tumor-bearing mouse models were established and then divided into group A, B, C and D that respectively received saline, recombinant human endostatin, ginsenosides Rg3 and recombinant human endostatin combined with Rg3 intervention; 7 d, 14 d and 21 d after intervention, tumor tissue volume was measured; 21 d after intervention, mice were killed, tumor tissue was collected, and m RNA contents of angiogenesis molecules, invasion molecules, autophagy marker molecules and autophagy signaling pathway molecules were detected. Results: At 7 d, 14 d and 21 d after intervention, tumor tissue volume of group B, C and D was lower than that of group A, and tumor tissue volume of group D was lower than that of group B and C; m RNA contents of VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, MMP2, MMP9, p62, m TOR, PI3 K, Akt, JNK and Beclin-1 in tumor tissue of group B, C and D were significantly lower than those of group A, and LC3-II/LC3-I was significantly higher than that of group A; m RNA contents of VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, MMP2, MMP9, p62, m TOR, PI3 K, Akt, JNK and Beclin-1 in tumor tissue of group D were significantly lower than those of group B and C, and LC3-II/LC3-I was higher than that of group B and C. Conclusions: Endostar combined with ginsenoside Rg3 has stronger inhibiting effect on breast cancer tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice than single drug, and it can inhibit angiogenesis and cell invasion, and enhance cell autophagy.

Neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rg1-induced neural stem cell transplantation on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Ginsenoside Rgl is the major pharmacologically active component of ginseng, and is reported to have various therapeutic actions. To determine whether it induces the differentiation of neural stem cells, and whether neural stem cell transplantation after induction has therapeutic effects on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, we cultured neural stem cells in 10-80 ~tM ginsenoside Rgl. Immunohistochemistry revealed that of the concentrations tested, 20 mM ginsenoside Rgl had the greatest differentiation-inducing effect and was the concentration used for subsequent exper- iments. Whole-cell patch clamp showed that neural stem cells induced by 20 jaM ginsenoside Rgl were more mature than non-induced cells. We then established neonatal rat models of hypox- ic-ischemic encephalopathy using the suture method, and ginsenoside Rgl-induced neural stem cells were transplanted via intracerebroventricular injection. These tests confirmed that neural stem cells induced by ginsenoside had fewer pathological lesions and had a significantly better behavioral capacity than model rats that received saline. Transplanted neural stem cells expressed neuron-specific enolase, and were mainly distributed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The present data suggest that ginsenoside Rgl-induced neural stem cells can promote the partial recovery of complicated brain functions in models of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on growth and migration of pancreatic cancer cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on the human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3.METHODS:The human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3 was cultured in vitro and treated with or without ginsenoside Rh2.Growth rates for Bxpc-3 cells were assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) and colony formation assays.Cell cycle changes were analyzed by flow cytometry.Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining.A scratch assay and a Matrigel invasion assay were used to detect cell migration and invasion.Expression of Bax,Bcl-2,survivin,cyclin D1,matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2,MMP-9,cleaved caspase-3,caspase-8,and caspase-9 mRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Bax,Bcl-2,survivin,cyclin D1,cleaved caspase-3,caspase-8 and caspase-9 protein levels were examined by western blotting.Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins in culture supernatants were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS:Rh2 significantly inhibited Bxpc-3 cell proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner,as evaluated by the MTT(P < 0.05) and colony formation assays(P < 0.05).Compared to the control group,Rh2 significantly increased the percentage of Bxpc-3 cells in the G 0 /G 1 phase from 43.32% ± 2.17% to 71.32% ± 1.16%,which was accompanied by a decrease in S phase(from 50.86% ± 1.29% to 28.48% ± 1.18%) and G 2 /M phase(from 5.81% ± 1.19% to 0.20% ± 0.05%) in a dose-dependent manner(P < 0.05),suggesting that Rh2 arrested cell cycle progression at the G 0 /G 1 phase,as measured by flow cytometry.Compared to the control group,cells treated with Rh2 showed significantly higher apoptosis ratios in a dosedependent manner(percentage of early apoptotic cells:from 5.29% ± 2.28% to 38.90% ± 3.42%(F = 56.20,P < 0.05);percentage of late apoptotic cells:from 4.58% ± 1.42% to 36.32% ± 2.73%(F = 86.70,P < 0.05).Rh2 inhibited Bxpc-3 cell migration and invasion,as detected by scratch wound healing assay and Matrigel invasion assay [percentages of scratch wound healing for 12 h,24 h and 48 h(control vs experimental group):37.3% ± 4.8%vs 18.30% ± 1.65%,58.7% ± 3.5% vs 38.00% ± 4.09% and 93.83% ± 4.65% vs 65.50% ± 4.09%,respectively;t = 6.489,t = 6.656 and t = 7.926,respectively,P < 0.05;the number of cells invading at various concentrations(0 μmol/L,35 μmol/L,45 μmol/L and 55 μmol/L):81.10 ± 9.55,46.40 ± 6.95,24.70 ± 6.88 and 8.70 ± 3.34,respectively(F = 502.713,P < 0.05)].RT-PCR,western blotting or ELISA showed that mRNA and protein expression of Bax,cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 were upregulated(P < 0.05),while mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2,survivin,cyclin D1,MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits proliferation,migration and invasion and induces apoptosis of the human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3.

Ginsenoside Rg_3 inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma growth via intrinsic apoptotic pathway

AIM:To investigate the anti-tumor function of ginsenoside Rg3 on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in vitro and in vivo,and its mechanism.METHODS:Hep1-6 and HepG2 cells were treated by Rg3 in different concentrations(0,50,100 and 200 μg/mL) in vitro.After incubation for 0,6,12,24 and 48 h,cell viability was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.Apoptosis was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling.Caspase-3 activity was measured by chromophore p-nitroanilide and flow cytometry.Bcl-2 family proteins were ascertained by Western-blotting.Mitochondria membrane potentialwas detected by 5,5',6' 6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide.Forty liver tumor-bearing C57Bl6 mice were divided randomly into 4 groups for intra-tumor injection of saline,ginsenoside Rg3,cyclophosphamide(CTX) and ginsenoside Rg3 + CTX combination.RESULTS:The survival time was followed up to 102 d.The mice in the Rg3 + CTX group showed significant increased survival time compared with those in the control group(P < 0.05).Rg3 could inhibit HCC cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in vitro in the concentration and time dependent manner.It also induced mitochondria membrane potential to decrease.Caspase-3 activation can be blocked by the inhibitor z-DEVD-FMK.Bax was up-regulated while Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL were down-regulated after Rg3 treatment.CONCLUSION:Our data suggested that Rg3 alone or combined with CTX inhibited tumor growth in vivo and prolonged mouse survival time by inducing HCC cell apoptosis via intrinsic pathway by expression alterations of Bcl-2 family proteins.

Influence of ginsenoside Rg1, a panaxatriol saponin from Panax notoginseng, on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Total saponins of Panax notoginseng （PNS） have been shown to ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rg 1, a panaxatriol saponin, is one of the major active molecules from PNS. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rgl on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO）. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups： sham-operation （n=15）, UUO （n=15） and UUO with ginsenoside Rgl treatment （n=15, 50 mg per kg body weight, intraperitoneally （i.p.） injected）. The rats were sacrificed on Days 7 and 14 after the surgery. Histological examination demonstrated that ginsenoside Rgl significantly inhibited interstitial fibrosis including tubular injury as well as collagen deposition, u-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and E-cadherin are two markers of tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transition （TEMT）. Interestingly, ginsenoside Rgl notably decreased α-SMA expression and simultaneously enhanced E-cadherin expression. The messenger RNA （mRNA） of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, a key mediator to regulate TEMT, in the obstructed kidney increased dramatically, but was found to decrease significantly after administration of ginsenoside Rg 1. Further study showed that ginsenoside Rgl considerably decreased the levels of both active TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2 （pSmad2）. Moreover, ginsenoside Rgl substantially suppressed the expression of thrombospondin-1 （TSP-1）, a cytokine which can promote the transcription of TGF-β1 mRNA and the activation of latent TGF-β1. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rgl inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with UUO. The mechanism might be partly related to the blocking of TEMT via suppressing the expression of TSP-1.

Ginsenoside Rd inhibits apoptosis following spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ginsenoside Rd has a clear neuroprotective effect against ischemic stroke. We aimed to verify the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rd in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury and explore its anti-apoptotic mechanisms. We established a spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury model in rats through the occlusion of the abdominal aorta below the level of the renal artery for 1 hour. Successfully established models were injected intraperitoneally with 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 mg/kg per day ginsenoside Rd. Spinal cord morphology was observed at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury. Intraperitoneal injection of ginsenoside Rd in ischemia/reperfusion injury rats not only improved hindlimb motor function and the morphology of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, but it also reduced neuronal apoptosis. The optimal dose of ginsenoside Rd was 25 mg/kg per day and the optimal time point was 5 days after ischemia/ reperfusion. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis showed ginsenoside Rd dose-de- pendently inhibited expression of pro-apoptotic Caspase 3 and down-regulated the expression of the apoptotic proteins ASK1 and JNK in the spinal cord of rats with spinal cord ischemia/reper- fusion injury. These findings indicate that ginsenoside Rd exerts neuroprotective effects against spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury and the underlying mechanisms are achieved through the inhibition of ASK1-JNK pathway and the down-regulation of Caspase 3 expression.