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.

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.

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.

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 Rb1 improves energy metabolism after spinal cord injury

Mitochondrial damage caused by oxidative stress and energy deficiency induced by focal ischemia and hypoxia are important factors that aggravate diseases.Studies have shown that ginsenoside Rb1 has neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects.However,whether it influences energy metabolism after spinal cord injury remains unclear.In this study,we treated mouse and cell models of spinal cord injury with ginsenoside Rb1.We found that ginsenoside Rb1 remarkably inhibited neuronal oxidative stress,protected mitochondria,promoted neuronal metabolic reprogramming,increased glycolytic activity and ATP production,and promoted the survival of motor neurons in the anterior horn and the recovery of motor function in the hind limb.Because sirtuin 3 regulates glycolysis and oxidative stress,mouse and cell models of spinal cord injury were treated with the sirtuin 3 inhibitor 3-TYP.When Sirt3 expression was suppressed,we found that the therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on spinal cord injury were remarkably inhibited.Therefore,ginsenoside Rb1 is considered a potential drug for the treatment of spinal cord injury,and its therapeutic effects are closely related to sirtuin 3.

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.

Ginsenoside F1 administration promotes UCP1-dependent fat browning and ameliorates obesity-associated insulin resistance

Obesity-induced type 2 diabetes is mainly due to excessive free fatty acids leading to insulin resistance.Increasing thermogenesis is regarded as an effective strategy for hypolipidemia and hypoglycemia.Ginsenoside is a natural active component in Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer,and some of them enhance thermogenesis.However,there are few studies on the mechanism and target of ginsenosides enhancing thermogenesis.Using thermogenic protein uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)-luciferase reporter assay,we identifi ed ginsenoside F1 as a novel UCP1 activator in the ginsenosides library.Using pull down assay and inhibitor interference,we found F1 binds toβ3-adrenergic receptors(β3-AR)to enhance UCP1 expression via cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway.We also investigated the ability of F1 on energy metabolism in obesity-induced diabetic mice,including body weight,body composition and energy expenditure.The results of proteomics showed that F1 signifi cantly up-regulated thermogenesis proteins and lipolytic proteins,but down-regulated fatty acid synthesis proteins.Ginsenoside F1 increased thermogenesis and ameliorated insulin resistance specifi cally by promoting the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice.Additionally,ginsenoside F1 improves norepinephrine-induced insulin resistance in adipocytes and hepatocytes,and shows a stronger mitochondria respiration ability than norepinephrine.These fi ndings suggest that ginsenoside F1 is a promising lead compound in the improvement of insulin resistance.

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.

人参皂苷Rb_(1)脂质体的制备及对脂肪细胞中脂滴积聚的抑制作用

[目的]制备β-谷甾醇修饰的人参皂苷Rb_(1)脂质体(β-Rb_(1)-Lip),减少Rb_(1)降解并增强人参皂苷Rb_(1)降脂效果。[方法]采用薄膜水和法制备了β-谷甾醇修饰的人参皂苷Rb_(1)脂质体,利用MTT法评估脂质体的生物安全性,借助油红O染色试验和酶标仪测量TG含量,考察了脂质体β-Rb_(1)-Lip对脂肪细胞3T3-L1的脂滴积聚抑制作用。[结果]制备的β-Rb_(1)-Lip脂质体的包封率为83.74%,平均粒径为198 nm,β-Rb_(1)-Lip在12 h内Rb_(1)释放率约为80%,表现出良好的缓释效果。对于降脂活性,50μmol/L的β-Rb_(1)-Lip表现出显著的细胞内脂滴抑制率,与同浓度Rb_(1)单体相比,β-Rb_(1)-Lip对3T3-L1细胞内脂滴的抑制效果更为显著,且对细胞没有毒副作用。[结论]β-Rb_(1)-Lip具有包封率高、粒径小和缓释效果明显的特征,能够持续释放活性成分人参皂苷Rb_(1),增强其降脂功效并减少用量。

HPLC法同时测定腰息痛胶囊中3种活性成分含量

目的 建立HPLC法同时测定腰息痛胶囊中的三七皂苷R_(1)、人参皂苷Rg_(1)、人参皂苷Rb_(1)的含量。方法 采用Omini MP C_(18)(4.6 mm×200 mm,5μm)为色谱柱;流动相为乙腈-0.1%磷酸溶液,梯度洗脱;流速为0.7 ml/min;检测波长为203 nm;柱温为25℃。结果 三七皂苷R_(1)、人参皂苷Rg_(1)、人参皂苷Rb_(1)分别在40.402~1010.500,40.480~1012.000,41.480~1037.000μg范围内呈线性关系(r<0.99);平均加样回收率分别为97.8%,97.5%,98.7%(RSD<2.0%,n=6);精密度、重复性等试验均符合规定。结论 此法简便易行、结果科学,可为中西药复方制剂腰息痛胶囊中的3种皂苷类成分定量控制提供技术依据。

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.

UPLC-MS/MS测定心悦胶囊中6个皂苷类成分的含量

目的:采用超高效液相色谱-质谱法(UPLC-MS/MS)建立心悦胶囊中主要成分人参皂苷Rg_(1)、人参皂苷Re、人参皂苷Rb_(1)、拟人参皂苷F_(11)、人参皂苷Rd和20(S)-人参皂苷F1的含量测定方法。方法:使用Waters ACQUITY BEH C_(18)色谱柱(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.7μm),以乙腈-水为流动相,梯度洗脱,流速为0.5 mL·min^(–1),柱温为40℃,电喷雾电离源,多反应离子监测扫描方式进行检测。结果:6个成分分别在质量浓度为9.638~963.800、9.839~983.900、9.951~995.100、5.270~1054.000、9.608~960.800、4.905~981.000 ng·mL^(–1)时与峰面积线性关系良好(r>0.998),平均加样回收率(RSD)分别为96.9%(2.2%)、100.1%(1.5%)、97.2%(1.8%)、98.5%(2.3%)、96.6%(2.8%)、100.2%(3.5%)。结论:所建立的方法快速、准确、灵敏度高,可用于心悦胶囊中西洋参茎叶总皂苷的质量控制。

人参皂苷Rd通过下调DRP1介导的线粒体分裂缓解哮喘

目的:探讨人参皂苷Rd通过发动蛋白相关蛋白1(DRP1)介导的线粒体分裂缓解蟑螂提取物(CRE)诱导的哮喘小鼠气道炎症的分子机制。方法:动物(BALB/c小鼠)和细胞(人气道上皮BEAS-2B细胞)实验均设置对照组、模型组(CRE组)、CRE+低剂量人参皂苷Rd组、CRE+高剂量人参皂苷Rd组和CRE+地塞米松组。利用HE染色法观察肺组织病理改变;ELISA及流式细胞术检测辅助性T细胞(Th1/Th2)因子水平;Western blot和荧光染色法检测活性氧(ROS)产生、线粒体分裂蛋白及线粒体形态。结果:人参皂苷Rd显著减轻CRE诱导的小鼠气道周围炎症细胞浸润,降低血清总免疫球蛋白E(IgE)和CRE特异性IgE水平(P<0.05),以及支气管肺泡灌洗液中嗜酸性粒细胞比例(P<0.05),纠正Th1/Th2失衡(P<0.05)。人参皂苷Rd还可降低模型小鼠肺组织和CRE诱导的BEAS-2B细胞中DRP1、p-DRP1(Ser616)和线粒体分裂蛋白1(FIS1)水平(P<0.05),改善线粒体形态,抑制ROS产生。结论:人参皂苷Rd通过下调DRP1介导的线粒体分裂,减轻CRE诱导的哮喘气道炎症。本研究对人参皂苷Rd在哮喘模型中的免疫药理作用提出了新的见解。

UPLC-MS/MS同时测定腰息痛胶囊中5种成分含量

目的建立同时测定腰息痛胶囊中5种成分含量的超高液相色谱-串联质谱法(UPLC-MS/MS)。方法采用Endeavorsil C_(18)(50 mm×2.1 mm,1.8μm)色谱柱;流动相为乙腈(A)-0.1%甲酸(B),梯度洗脱;体积流量0.3 ml/min;柱温30°C;进样量5μl;质谱为电喷雾离子源(ESI源),负离子扫描模式,定量采用多重反应监测模式。结果腰息痛胶囊人参皂苷Rb_(1)、Rb_(3)、Rd、Re和人参皂苷Rg1MS图谱与对照品相同;5种成分在各自范围呈良好线性关系(r>0.9931),平均加样回收率96.7%~97.7%,RSD 0.6%~1.7%,5种成分在5 min内可完全分离。结论该方法高效准确、选择性好,可用于腰息痛胶囊中5种活性成分定量研究。

人参皂苷Rg_(3)对人晶状体上皮细胞氧化应激损伤的影响

目的探讨人参皂苷Rg_(3)对过氧化氢诱导的人晶状体上皮细胞氧化损伤的改善作用及对核转录因子E2相关因子2(nuclear factor E2 related factor 2,Nrf2)/血红素加氧酶-1(heme oxygenase 1,HO-1)信号通路的调节作用。方法用不同浓度人参皂苷Rg_(3)处理过氧化氢诱导的SRA01/04细胞,用噻唑盐(methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium,MTT)法检测细胞存活率。将第3代对数生长期SRA01/04细胞随机分为正常组、氧化损伤组(用200μmol∙mL^(−1)过氧化氢处理)、人参皂苷Rg_(3)低剂量组和人参皂苷Rg_(3)高剂量组(分别用40、80μg∙mL^(−1)人参皂苷Rg_(3)处理6 h,更换培养基后用200μmol∙mL^(−1)过氧化氢处理12 h),用MTT法检测细胞存活率,用流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率,用试剂盒检测丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxidedismutase,SOD)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathioneperoxidase,GSH-Px)的含量,用蛋白印迹法检测Nrf2、Kelch样环氧氯丙烷相关蛋白1(Kelch like epichlorohydrin related protein 1,Keap1)和HO-1蛋白的相对表达量。结果与0μg∙mL^(−1)人参皂苷Rg_(3)组比较,10、20、40、80μg∙mL^(−1)人参皂苷Rg_(3)组的细胞存活率逐渐升高(P<0.05)。与正常组比较,氧化损伤组的细胞存活率、SOD和GSHPx含量以及Nrf2、Keap1和HO-1蛋白相对表达量降低,细胞凋亡率和MDA含量升高(P<0.05);与氧化损伤组比较,人参皂苷Rg_(3)低剂量和人参皂苷Rg_(3)高剂量组的细胞存活率、SOD和GSH-Px含量以及Nrf2、Keap1和HO-1蛋白的相对表达量升高,细胞凋亡率和MDA含量降低(P<0.05);人参皂苷Rg_(3)低剂量和人参皂苷Rg_(3)高剂量组各项指标水平变化规律相同,人参皂苷Rg_(3)高剂量组更显著(P<0.05)。结论人参皂苷Rg_(3)可抑制过氧化氢诱导的人晶状体上皮细胞凋亡,减轻氧化应激损伤,其可能是通过激活Nrf2/HO-1信号通路发挥调节作用的。

人参皂苷Rg1对小鼠慢性间歇性缺氧诱导脑损伤的减轻作用及其机制

目的:探讨人参皂苷Rg1对小鼠慢性间歇性缺氧(CIH)诱导脑损伤的减轻作用,并阐明其可能的作用机制。方法:40只C57BL/6雄性小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、抑制剂组(给予钙蛋白酶1抑制剂)、低剂量人参皂苷Rg1组(给予10 mg·kg^(-1)人参皂苷Rg1)和高剂量人参皂苷Rg1组(给予20 mg·kg^(-1)人参皂苷Rg1)。除对照组外,其余各组小鼠均置于自动调节氧浓度的低氧舱中以诱导小鼠缺氧性脑损伤。检测各组小鼠尾外周血氧饱和度(SpO_(2)),采用Morris水迷宫实验检测各组小鼠逃逸潜伏期、路径长度和游泳路线穿过目标象限频次,采用试剂盒检测血清中血尿素氮(BUN)、乳酸(LA)、丙二醛(MDA)、白细胞介素6 (IL-6)和肿瘤坏死因子α (TNF-α)水平以及血清中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活性,采用HE染色观察各组小鼠脑组织损伤程度,采用二氢乙啶(DHE)探针检测各组小鼠海马组织CA1区中活性氧(ROS)表达水平,采用Western blotting法检测各组小鼠脑组织中钙蛋白酶1、IL-6、和TNF-α蛋白表达水平。结果:与对照组比较,模型组小鼠SpO_(2)明显降低(P<0.01),表明模型建立成功。与模型组比较,抑制剂组和低及高剂量人参皂苷Rg1组小鼠SpO_(2)明显升高(P<0.01)。Morris水迷宫实验,与对照组比较,模型组小鼠逃逸潜伏期和路径长度明显延长(P<0.01),游泳路线穿过目标象限频次明显减少;与模型组比较,抑制剂组、低和高剂量人参皂苷Rg1组小鼠逃逸潜伏期和路径长度明显缩短,游泳路线穿过目标象限频次明显增多。与对照组比较,模型组小鼠血清中BUN、LA、MDA、IL-6和TNF-α水平明显升高(P<0.01),LDH活性明显升高(P<0.01),SOD活性明显降低(P<0.01);与模型组比较,抑制剂组、低和高剂量人参皂苷Rg1组小鼠血清中BUN、LA、MDA、IL-6和TNF-α水平明显降低(P<0.01),LDH活性明显降低(P<0.01),SOD活性明显升高(P<0.01)。HE染色,与对照组比较,模型组小鼠海马组织CA1区中锥体神经元排列疏松,部分神经元呈三角形,核固缩,胞质浓染,少数神经元脱失,呈明显缺氧性神经元损伤形态;与模型组比较,抑制剂组、低和高剂量人参皂苷Rg1组小鼠海马组织CA1区中缺氧性神经元损伤表现有效改善。DHE探针检测,与对照组比较,模型组小鼠海马组织CA1区中ROS水平明显升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,抑制剂组、低和高剂量人参皂苷Rg1组小鼠海马组织CA1区中ROS水平明显降低(P<0.01)。Western blotting法检测,与对照组比较,模型组小鼠海马组织中钙蛋白酶1、TNF-α和IL-6蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01);与模型组比较,抑制剂组、低和高剂量人参皂苷Rg1组小鼠海马组织中钙蛋白酶1、TNF-α和IL-6蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.01)。结论:人参皂苷Rg1可减轻小鼠CIH诱导的脑组织损伤,其机制可能与抑制脑组织炎症反应和氧化应激并下调钙蛋白酶1表达有关。

基于网络药理学和分子对接技术探究人参皂苷Rb_(1)抗脑缺血再灌注损伤的作用机制

目的:通过网络药理学和分子对接技术寻找人参皂苷Rb_(1)抗脑缺血再灌注损伤的可能作用机制,为今后实验研究提供一定的理论依据。方法:通过SuperPred数据库获取人参皂苷Rb_(1)相关作用靶点,利用GEO、GeneCards和OMIM数据库获取脑缺血再灌注损伤的异常表达分子,通过交集分析获得人参皂苷Rb_(1)作用于脑缺血再灌注损伤的可能靶点。对所选靶点进行蛋白-蛋白相互作用网络构建、GO功能富集分析和KEGG信号通路富集分析,获得有效靶点的基因和信号通路。最后运用AutoDock软件对关键靶点与人参皂苷Rb_(1)进行分子对接,获得最佳结合靶点。结果:在SuperPred数据库中获得人参皂苷Rb_(1)的潜在作用靶点163个,在GeneCards和OMIM数据库中获得脑缺血再灌注损伤的潜在作用靶点228个,分析后获得14个人参皂苷Rb_(1)与脑缺血再灌注损伤的交集靶点。GO功能富集分析得150个条目,KEGG信号通路富集分析得24条信号通路。分子对接结果显示,人参皂苷Rb_(1)与NFKB1和STAT3有较强的亲和力。结论:人参皂苷Rb_(1)可能通过NFKB1和STAT3信号通路产生抗脑缺血再灌注损伤作用。

Effect of Ginsenoside-Rb_1 on Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis after Ischemia and Reper fusion in Rats

The effect of ginsenoside Rb 1 on cardiomyocyte apotosis after ischemia (30 min ) and reperfusion (6 h) in rats was observed. The ischemia/ reperfusion heart mo del was established by ligating left anterior descending branch of coronary arte ry in Wistar rats. The apoptotic cardiomyocytes were examined under transmission electron microscopy and counted by in situ nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and light microscopy. Results showed that (1) The apoptotic cardiomyocytes were found in ischemic regions in the ischemia/reperfusion group, but not in the sh am oper ating group under transmission electron microscopy; (2) The number of apoptotic cells were 134.45±45.61/field in the ischemia/reperfusion group, 0/field in the sham operating group and 51.65±13.71/field in the ginsenoside Rb 1 treated group. The differences were significant among the three groups ( P <0.01). It was concluded that myocardial ischemia reperfusion could induce cardiomyocyte a poptosis, and ginsenoside Rb 1 could significantly inhibit cardiomyocyte apopto sis induced by ischemia reperfusion in rats, indicating that ginsenoside Rb 1 could inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by ischemia reperfusion, thus alleviating ischemia reperfusion injury.

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.