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.

Ginsenoside Rg1 protects against ischemia-induced neuron damage by regulating the rno-miRNA-27a-3p/PPARγaxis

A preliminary miRNA screening showed that expression levels of rno-miRNA-27a-3p were significantly increased in the serum and brain tissues of rats undergoing cerebral ischemia.In recent years,there is evidence of the protective capacity of the saponins extracted from panax ginseng and its primary active ingredient ginsenosideRg1oncerebral ischemic injury.Methods:Fetal rat neurons(FRNs)were cultured in glucose-and-serumfree medium and exposed to hypoxia to establish a cerebral ischemia model in vitro(oxygen and glucose deprivation model,OGD).Antioxidant indexes(CAT,SOD),inflammatory markers(MPO,TNF-αand IL-6),and the expression of apoptosis and proliferation associated proteins(NF kB-p65,Caspase 3-cleaved,BCL-2)were examined.Results:Pre-treatment of Rg1(30–100μg/mL)could effectively inhibit the decline of antioxidant indexes(CAT,SOD)and increase in inflammatory markers(MPO,TNF-αand IL-6),and effectively inhibited the apoptosis in FRNs induced by OGD in a gradient-dependent manner.The mechanism analysis showed that the role of Rg1 in protecting against ischemia-induced neuron damage depends on its indirect up-regulation of PPAR protein via suppression of rnomiRNA-27a-3p.Moreover,these effects of Rg1 could be reversed by exogenous rno-miRNA-27a-3p and PPAR gene silencing in FRNs exposed to OGD.Conclusion:To summarize,our study demonstrates that Rg1 could effectively attenuate neuronal damage caused by cerebral ischemia via the rno-miRNA-27a-3p/PPARγpathway.Further,clarification of the novel mechanism will certainly improve our previous understanding of the role of Rg1 and enhancing its level in treatments for alleviating ischemic brain injury.

Protective effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on 661W cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion via keap1/nrf2 pathway

AIM:To construct an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R)induced injury to the optic nerve and to study the oxidative damage mechanism of ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury in 661W cells and the protective effect of ginsenoside Rg1.METHODS:The 661W cells were treated with different concentrations of Na2S2O4 to establish OGD/R model in vitro.Apoptosis,intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels and superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels were measured at different time points during the reperfusion injury process.The injury model was pretreated with graded concentrations of ginsenoside Rg1.Real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was used to measure the expression levels of cytochrome C(cyt C)/B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl2)/Bcl2 associated protein X(Bax),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),caspase9,nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(nrf2),kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(keap1)and other genes.Western blot was used to detect the expression of nrf2,phosphorylated nrf2(pnrf2)and keap1 protein levels.RESULTS:Compared to the untreated group,the cell activity of 661W cells treated with Na2S2O4 for 6 and 8h decreased(P<0.01).Additionally,the ROS content increased and SOD levels decreased significantly(P<0.01).In contrast,treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 reversed the cell viability and SOD levels in comparison to the Na_(2)S_(2)O_(4)treated group(P<0.01).Moreover,Rg1 reduced the levels of caspase3,caspase9,and cyt C,while increasing the Bcl2/Bax level.These differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed no significant difference in the protein expression levels of keap1 and nrf2 with Rg1 treatment,however,Rg1 significantly increased the ratio of pnrf2/nrf2 protein expression compared to the Na_(2)S_(2)O_(4)treated group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:The OGD/R process is induced in 661W cells using Na_(2)S_(2)O_(4).Rg1 inhibits OGD/R-induced oxidative damage and alleviates the extent of apoptosis in 661W cells through the keap1/nrf2 pathway.These results suggest a potential protective effect of Rg1 against retinal I/R injury.

Antidepressant-like Effects of Ginsenoside Rg1 in the Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Rat Model

Objective To investigate the ameliorating effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on the depression-like behaviors induced by chronic restraint stress(CRS)in rats and the underlying mechanisms.Methods Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups according to their baseline sucrose preference:control group,model group,and Rg1-treated groups(5 and 10 mg/kg).Except for control group,the groups were exposed to CRS(6 h/day)for 28 days.All drugs were intraperitoneally administered once daily to CRS rats after restraint stress for 14 days.The behavioral tests were carried out via the open field test(OFT),sucrose preference test(SPT),forced swim test(FST),and the Morris water maze(MWM)4 weeks following CRS induction.The levels of serum corticosterone(CORT)and the activities of the antioxidant defense biomarkers(SOD,MDA and GSH-x)in the prefrontal cortex(PFC)were analyzed using commercial ELISA kits.The levels of the neurotransmitter(5-HT,5-HIAA,Ach,NE,GABA and Glu)in the PFC were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The protein expression of BDNF,Trkb,Bax and Bcl-2 in the PFC was detected by western blotting.Results Owing to increased sucrose consumption in the SPT,decreased immobility time in the FST,and the improved cognitive performance in MWM,chronic treatment with Ginsenoside Rg1 was found to significantly attenuate depressionlike behaviors(anhedonia,behavioral despair and poor spatial memory)in rats.Moreover,CRS exposure caused evident alterations in the levels of the neurotransmitters(5-HT,5-HIAA,Ach,GABA and Glu)and the activities of the antioxidant defense biomarkers(SOD,MDA and GSH-x)in the PFC and the levels of corticosterone in serum.However,Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment could restore these levels to normal values.Additionally,Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment significantly reverted the decreased expression of BDNF,Trkb and Bcl-2 and the increased expression of Bax in the PFC of CRS rats.Conclusions Ginsenoside Rg1 could attenuate the CRS-induced depression-like behaviors,in part,by regulating neurotransmitter levels and HPA function,antagonizing oxidative stress and apoptosis,and restoring BDNF-TrkB signaling in PFC.Altogether,our results provide a novel basis regarding the potential therapeutic effects of Rg1 on depression.

Ginsenoside Rg1 and Resveratrol Alleviate Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Cisplatin via Downregulation of Autophagy in Mice

Background: Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent, is widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors. Nephrotoxicity, especially acute kidney injury (AKI), is the most common and severe adverse reaction of cisplatin. Resveratrol and ginsenoside Rg1, two natural products, have been found to have renal protective effects. However, the effects and the mechanisms in cisplatin-induced AKI need further investigation. Methods: The mouse models of cisplatin-induced AKI and several treatment groups were established. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: saline control group, cisplatin injury group, resveratrol treatment group, Rg1 treatment group, resveratrol and Rg1 combined treatment group. Serological analysis of serum urea nitrogen was aimed to reflect the function of kidney, and histological analysis of renal tissue sections was aimed to assess the damage of proximal convoluted tubules. The expression levels of autophagy-related proteins Beclin 1 and LC3 were detected by western blotting and qRT-PCR respectively. Results: The renal function was improved and renal damage was alleviated in Rg1 and resveratrol alone or combined treatment groups compared with the cisplatin injury group. For the mechanism, treatment with Rg1 and resveratrol alone or in combination decreased the expressions of Beclin 1 both at protein and mRNA levels, decreased LC3II/I protein levels, indicating that autophagy was inhibited by treatment with Rg1 and resveratrol alone or in combination. Conclusion: Resveratrol and Rg1 alleviated the kidney damage caused by cisplatin, and reduced autophagy was involved in the renoprotective effects of resveratrol and Rg1 against cisplatin-induced AKI. This study may provide new evidence to alleviate cisplatin-induced AKI.

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 Rg1 protects against ischemia reperfusion-induced neurotoxicity through miR-144/Nrf2/ARE pathway

OBJECTIVE Ginsenoside Rg1(Rg1),a purified compound from Panax ginseng,has been well documented to be effective against ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) neurotoxicity.However,the underlying mechanism is stil obscure.METHODS The anti-I/R effect of Rg1 were investigated in vitro and in vivo,and the dynamics of nuclear accumulation and the transcriptional activity of NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) determined by Western blotting and Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay,respectively.Nrf2 siRNA was employed to investigate Nrf2′s role in the protective effect of Rg1 against I/R.Furthermore,the role of miR-144,which could regulate post-translational Nrf2 levels,was investigated in the anti-I/R effect of Rg1 by injection of AAV-hypoxia-inducible factor miR-144-shRNA in the predicted ischemic penumbra.RESULTS It was found that the anti-I/R effect of Rg1 was related to its anti-oxidative capacity,which is mainly regulated by the Nrf2/antioxidant response element(ARE) pathway.Further study suggested that Rg1 contributes to the enhancement of the Nrf2/ARE pathway,as manifested by increasing the dynamic peak content of Nrf2,which prolonged the maintenance stage,and promoting the expression of ARE-target genes after oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R) in PC12 cells.Nrf2-siRNA application significantly reduced these changes.Furthermore,the enhancement of the Nrf2/ARE pathway by Rg1 was independent of disassociation from Keap1;rather it was a result of posttranslational regulations.It was found that Rg1 significantly reduced the expression of miR-144,which down-regulates Nrf2 production by targeting its 3′-untranslated region,after OGD/R.Knockdown of Nrf2 showed no effect on the expression of miR-144,indicating that miR-144 is an upstream regulator of Nrf2.Moreover,direct binding between Nrf2 and miR-144 in the PC12 cells was identified.Application of anti-miR-144 significantly reduced Rg1′s anti-OGD/R capacity.Final y,the role of miR-144 in Rg1′ s anti-I/R effect was tested by inhibiting miR-144 in the predicted ischemic penumbra when hypoxia-inducible-factor was activated.The results showed that loss of miR-144 abolished the anti-I/R effect of Rg1,which included reduced infarct volume,improved neurological scores,attenuated oxidative impairment,as well as activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway.CONCLUSION Oxidative stress after I/R is alleviated by Rg1 through inhibition of miR-144 activity and subsequent promotion of the Nrf2/ARE pathway at the post-translational level.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on the pro-apoptosis/anti-apoptosis balance in lesions of model rats with spinal cord compression injury

Objective:To study the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on the pro-apoptosis/anti-apoptosis balance in lesions of model rats with spinal cord compression injury.Methods: Wistar rats were selected as the experimental animals and randomly divided into sham operation group, compression injury group and ginsenoside group, and spinal cord compression injury models were made and then given intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg ginsenoside Rg1 for intervention. 14 d after intervention, the spinal cord tissue was collected from the injured area to determine the mRNA expression of pro-apoptosis genes, anti-apoptosis genes and apoptosis-related signaling pathway genes.Results: Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, NAIP, Survivin, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, JNK, STAT3 and STAT5 mRNA expression in spinal cord tissue of compression injury group were significantly lower than those of sham operation group while Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9 and caspase-12 mRNA expression were significantly higher than those of sham operation group;Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, NAIP, Survivin, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, JNK, STAT3 and STAT5 mRNA expression in spinal cord tissue of ginsenoside group were significantly higher than those of compression injury group while Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9 and caspase-12 mRNA expression were significantly lower than those of compression injury group.Conclusion:Ginsenoside Rg1 can regulate the pro-apoptosis/anti-apoptosis balance in lesions of model rats with spinal cord compression injury.

Role of Notoginsenoside Rg1 in Improving Spatial Cognitive Ability and Lowering Phosphorylation Level of Tau Protein in AD Model Rats

[Objectives] To study the effects and mechanism of notoginsenoside Rg1 on the spatial learning and memory and phosphorylated tau protein in the AD( Alzheimer's Disease) model rat. [Methods]The AD model rat was replicated by injection of Aβ_(25-35) in the left lateral ventricles of SD rats. The low dose( 25 mg/kg),middle dose( 50 mg/kg) and high dose( 100 mg/kg) notoginsenoside Rg1 was used for intragastric administration,respectively,two times every day. After 4 weeks,the Morris water maze test was done to detect the learning and memory capacity,and the immunoblotting,immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the changes in the phosphorylation level and distribution of tau protein in hippocampus of the rats. [Results] After the intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ_(25-35),the learning and memory capacity of the model rats was significantly lower than the learning and memory capacity of the normal control rats. The immunoblotting test results showed that the phosphorylation level of tau protein threonine 231 site( Thr231) in hippocampus was significantly increased,and the nonphosphorylation level was significantly decreased. The morphological testing results showed that the phosphorylation level of tau protein Thr231 of AD model rats was increased markedly in region of DG,CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus. The intervention of the middle dose notoginsenoside Rg1 could significantly improve the learning and memory capacity of the model rats in Morris water maze. The notoginsenoside Rg1 in three different doses could all reduce the phosphorylation level of tau protein Thr231 in the hippocampal DG,CA1,CA3 regions,and there were no significant differences among the three doses. [Conclusions]The notoginsenoside Rg1 could improve Aβ_(25-35)-induced spatial learning and memory impairment of the AD model rats,and decreased the phosphorylation level of tau protein in hippocampus.

Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates motor impairment and neuroinflammation in the MPTP-probenecid-induced parkinsonism mouse model

OBJECTIVE To evaluate these activities of Rg1 in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)/probenecid(MPTP/p)-induced PD mouse model for the first time and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to six groups.One hour prior to MPTP/p injection,GroupⅢ-Ⅵmice received 10 mg·kg^(-1),20 mg·kg^(-1),or 40 mg·kg^(-1) Rg1 or 3 mg·kg^(-1) selegiline,respectively,orally from D(-3) to D49.GroupⅠ-Ⅱmice received solvent water.Subsequently,GroupⅡ-Ⅵmice received by injection MPTP-HCl(25 mg·kg^(-1) bw dissolved in0.9%saline,sc)on a 40-d schedule at intervals of 4 d between consecutive doses in combination with an adjuvant drug,probenecid(250 mg·kg^(-1) bw in 0.03 mL of DMSO,ip);GroupⅠmice were injected with saline and probenecid.Behavioral performance was assessed in the open field test,pole test and rotarod test.Neurotransmitters in the striatum were detected using HPLC.Protein levels were measured by Western blot.Pathological characteristics were examined by immunohistochemistry.Ultrastructure changes were observed by electron microscopy.RESULTS Oral treatment with Rg1 significantly attenuated the high MPTP-induced mortality,behavior defects,loss of dopamine neurons and abnormal ultrastructure changes in the SNpc.Other assays indicated that the protective effect of Rg1 may be mediated by its anti-neuroinflammatory properties.Rg1 regulated MPTP-induced reactive astrocytes and microglia and decreased the release of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-1b(IL^(-1)b)in the SNpc.Rg1 also al eviated the unusual MPTP induced increase in oligomeric,phosphorylated and disease-related a-synuclein in the SNpc.CONCLUSION Rg1 protects dopaminergic neurons,most likely by reducing aberrant a-synuclein-mediated neuroinflammation,and holds promise for Parkinson disease therapeutics.

Pharmacological effects of ginsenoside Rg1 in neuropsychopharmacology

Panax Ginseng has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)as a tonic to improver stamina and vitality.Ginsenoside Rg1(Rg1),a saponin extracted from Panax ginseng,is considered one of the most potent pharmacological candidates among TCM.In various diseases related to nervous system,Rg1 has shown excellent pharmacological activities.①Stroke:Rg1 has been well documented to be effective against ischemic/reperfusion(I/R)neuronal injury.A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a marked efficacy of Rg1 in experi⁃mental acute ischemic stroke,as manifested by its ability to reduce infract volume and improve neurological score.The protective effects of Rg1 were abolished by injecting of AAV-HIF-miR-144-shRNA into the predicted ischemic penumbra.②Depression:In addition,Rg1 showed antidepressive effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model of depression and in gonadectomized(GDX)model of neuroendocrine disturbance.Rg1 displayed antidepressant activity through the modulation of HPA and HPG axis,markedly alleviated depression-like behavior in rats.Long-term Rg1 treat⁃ment of CUS-exposed rats also significantly prevented the decrease in dye diffusion and improved the ultrastructure of astrocyte gap junctions in the PFC.Rg1 upregulated Cx43 expression in PFC reduced by CUS exposure,indicating beneficial effects on the functional activity of gap junction channels in the brain.③Parkinson disease(PD):Oral treatment with Rg1 significantly attenuated high MPTP-induced mortality,behavior defects,loss of dopamine neurons and abnormal unltrastructure changes in SNpc.It regulated MPTP-induced reactive astrocytes and microglia and decreased the release of cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1βin SNpc.Rg1 also alleviated the unusual MPTP-induced increase in oligomeric,phosphorylated and disease-relatedα-synuclein in SNpc.④Alzheimer disease(AD):Okadaic acid(OKA)intracerebroventricular injection induced memory impairment,including changes in the ability of orientation navigate,spatial probe and relearning memory in behavioral test of Morris water maze(MWM).OKA treated rats showed memory impair⁃ment including increasing of phospho-tau,decreasing of phospho-GSK3βand the formation ofβ-amyloid in special brain regions,which were reversed by Rg1.The possible neuroprotective mechanism might be that Rg1 decreases OKAinduced memory impairment through GSK3β/tau signaling pathway and/or attenuating Aβformation.Meanwhile,Rg1 activated ERK/MAPK pathway by CaMKIIα,and the activation of CREB was not only dependent on ERK induced by Rg1.Additionally,Rg1 inhibited microglial activation by suppressing Iba1 expression.Rg1 inhibited the inflammation mediated by LPS through suppressing NF-κB and MAPK pathway,which provided the explanation for its therapeutic ef⁃fect on neurodegenerative diseases.

Notoginseng Saponin Rg1 Prevents Cognitive Impairment through Modulating APP Processing in Aβ1-42-injected Rats

With the intensification of the aging process of the world,Alzheimer's disease(AD),which is the main type of senile dementia,has become a primary problem in the present society.Lots of strategies have been used to prevent and treat AD in animal nlodels and clinical trials,but most of them ended in failure.Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)contain a variety of monomer compositions which have been separated and identified.Among of the monomer compositions,notoginseng saponin Rg1(Rg1)accounts for 20%of the cultivation of panax notoginseng roots.And now PNS have been reported to be widely used to treat cardicerebrovascular diseases and have neuroprotective effects to restrain theβ-amyloid peptide(Aβ)25-35-niediated apoptosis.Moreover,it is reported that PNS could accelerate the growth of nerve cells,increase the length of axons and promote synaptic plasticity.Whether Rg1 can ameliorate the cognitive impairment and the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated.To study the preventive effect of Rg1 on cognitive impairment and the possible mechanism,we established the cognitive impairment model in rats through Aβ1-42(2.6μg/μL,5μL)injection and then treated the rats with Rg1(25,50 and 100 mg/kg)administered intragastrically for 4 weeks.We observed that Aβ1-42 could induce spatial learning and memory deficits in rats.Simultaneously,Aβ1-42 injection also resulted in the reduced neuron number in comuammonis 1(CA1)and dentate gyrus(DG)of hippocampus,as well as the increased level of hyperphosphorylatedβ-amyloid precursor protein(APP)at Thr668 site with up-regulation ofβ-APP cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1)and presenilin 1(PS1)and down-regulation of a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain-containing protein 10(ADAM 10)and insulindegrading enzyme(IDE).Administration of Rg1 effectively rescued the cognitive impairment and neuronal loss,and inhibited theβ-secretase processing of APP through reducing APP-Thr668 phosphorylation and BACE1/PS1 expression,and increasing the expression of ADAM 10 and IDE.We concluded that Rg1 might have neuroprotective effects and could promote learning and memory ability,which might be a viable candidate in AD therapy probably through reducing the generation of Aβand increasing the degradation of Aβ.

Separation and Purification of Ginsenoside Rg1 from Triol Saponins

[Objectives] This study aimed to optimize the medium-pressure preparation process of high-purity ginsenoside Rg1 from triol saponins. [Methods] The reversed-phase C18 chromatographic separation method was used,and the purity and yield of ginsenoside Rg1 were examined as indicators. [Results]The diameter-height ratio of the C18 column was 1∶ 3. 25. Triol saponins of 0. 2 times the volume of the column were loaded with 20% ethanol. At the elution flow rate of 8 BV/h,1,3 and 0. 5 times the volume of the column was eluted with 30%,30%-40% and 40% ethanol,respectively. Crude ginsenoside Rg1 was concentrated,dissolved in 4-time-voume 95% ethanol,added with 0. 5%activated carbon,refluxed for 40 min,and dried to obtain good-quality ginsenoside Rg1. [Conclusions] After purification,ginsenoside Rg1 with purity higher than 99. 5% can be isolated from triol saponins. The medium-pressure preparation process of ginsenoside Rg1 with purity higher than 99. 5% is provided for the first time. It has been proved by many experiments that the process is stable,feasible and reproducible,and can be used for industrial scale-up production.

年龄及人参皂甙 Rg1 对大鼠大脑皮层 NO 释放的影响

探讨了ＮＯ与衰老的关系及与Ｒｇ１抗衰老机制的关系。用Ｇｒｉｅｓｓ法，３ＨＬ精氨酸转化法分别研究大鼠大脑皮层细胞ＮＯ含量及ＮＯＳ活性，观察其随龄变化及人参皂甙Ｒｇ１（Ｒｇ１）对老年鼠ＮＯ及ＮＯＳ的影响。实验表明，成年鼠（９月龄）与青年鼠（３月龄）ＮＯ含量及ＮＯＳ活性无显著性差异。老年鼠（２７月龄）脑皮层ＮＯ含量明显高于青年鼠和成年鼠，ＮＯＳ活性也明显增高。老年鼠给予Ｒｇ１后可显著减少大脑皮层ＮＯ含量和降低ＮＯＳ活性。结果提示，ＮＯ与衰老关系密切，Ｒｇ１的抗衰老作用与其对ＮＯＳ活性的抑制有关。

人参皂甙 Rg1 抗神经细胞凋亡作用机制的研究

研究人参皂甙Ｒｇ１对神经细胞凋亡的抑制作用。用原代培养的大鼠脑皮层神经细胞为实验模型。结果表明，Ｒｇ１能增强细胞活性，降低ＬＤＨ的释放，减轻细胞核形态的改变，减少ＤＮＡ断裂，增加细胞膜流动性，抑制细胞凋亡。提示细胞凋亡与细胞膜流动性关系密切；Ｒｇ１的抗衰老作用与抗凋亡作用有关。

人参皂苷Rb1 Rg1与5-氟脲嘧啶对地塞米松诱导S_(180)荷瘤小鼠脾淋巴细胞凋亡影响的实验研究

目的:探讨人参皂苷Rb1、Rg1与5-氟脲嘧啶对地塞米松诱导S180荷瘤小鼠脾淋巴细胞凋亡的影响。方法:建立荷瘤小鼠模型,随机分为6组,人参皂苷Rb1和Rg1灌胃给药,每天0.2mL/20g,日1次;5-氟脲嘧啶腹腔注射,每天0.2mL/20g,日1次;模型组给予生理盐水0.2mL/20g,日1次。10天后检测脾细胞凋亡率。结果:人参皂苷Rb1与Rg1均能够抑制地塞米松对脾淋巴细胞诱导的凋亡,5-氟尿嘧啶与人参皂苷Rb1无拮抗作用、与人参皂苷Rg1有拮抗作用。结论:人参皂苷Rb1、Rg1在体内具有抑制地塞米松对脾淋巴细胞诱导的凋亡作用。

人参皂苷Rg1调节Nrf2/ARE信号通路对大鼠妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症的影响

目的探讨人参皂苷Rg1(GRg1)调节核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)/抗氧化反应原件(ARE)信号通路对大鼠妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症(ICP)的作用。方法将雌性孕SD大鼠随机分为正常组(Normal组)、ICP模型组(Model组)、低剂量GRg1组(GRg1⁃L组,20 mg/kg GRg1)、高剂量GRg1组(GRg1⁃H组,40 mg/kg GRg1)、高剂量GRg1+Nrf2抑制剂全反式维甲酸(ATRA)组(GRg1⁃H+ATRA组,40 mg/kg GRg1+10 mg/kg ATRA),每组12只。采用苯甲酸雌二醇、黄体酮联合注射的方式建立大鼠ICP模型。给药结束后ELISA法检测大鼠血清总胆红素(TBIL)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)和总胆汁酸(TBA)、肿瘤坏死因子⁃α(TNF⁃α)、γ⁃干扰素(IFN⁃γ)和白细胞介素⁃1β(IL⁃1β)及肝组织中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)水平。HE染色观察大鼠肝切片的病理学变化。免疫印迹法检测大鼠肝组织Nrf2/ARE信号通路相关蛋白的表达。结果与Normal组相比,Model组大鼠血清ALT、AST、TBIL、ALP、TBA水平均显著升高(P<0.05),Normal组炎症因子TNF⁃α、IFN⁃γ、IL⁃1β和肝组织MDA水平[分别为(248.26±27.64)pg/mL、(153.68±18.47)pg/mL、(189.53±23.21)pg/mL和(2.89±0.36)nmol/mg]均较Model组大鼠[分别为(53.47±8.69)pg/mL]、(24.72±2.94)pg/mL、(46.89±6.82)pg/mL和(1.05±0.14)nmol/mg]显著升高(P<0.05),Normal组肝组织SOD水平和Nrf2、ARE蛋白表达水平[分别为(53.18±8.77)U/mg、0.34±0.03、0.40±0.04]均较Model组大鼠[分别为(128.95±16.34)U/mg、0.87±0.09、0.94±0.09]显著降低(P<0.05);与Model组相比,GRg1⁃L组、GRg1⁃H组大鼠相关指标变化与上述相反(P<0.05)。Nrf2抑制剂减轻了GRg1对ICP大鼠的治疗作用。结论GRg1可能通过激活Nrf2/ARE信号通路对大鼠ICP具有一定的治疗作用。

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.

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.