Evaluating the protective mechanism of panax notoginseng saponins against oxidative stress damage by quantifying the biomechanical properties of single cell

Panax notoginseng saponins inhibits oxidative stress- induced human nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and delays disc degeneration in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen has been a popular traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of treating low back pain. Its main active ingredient, Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), can be found in several Chinese patent medicines that are frequently used to treat blood stasis type low back pain. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the most common cause of back pain, and the injection of PNS has been used to relieve IDD-induced back pain in clinical practice. Despite its effectiveness, the exact mechanisms of action for PNS injections remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

IDD as a consequence of aging involves apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and imbalanced degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) induced by several factors including oxidative stress. We hypothesized that PNS may have a therapeutic effect on IDD via inhibiting apoptosis of NP cells and degradation of ECM under oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, network pharmacology was initially employed to predict the targets of PNS against IDD. Subsequently, commercial PNS was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography to confirm the ingredients for in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments were conducted on human nucleus pulposus (HNP) cells, including CCK-8, RT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, autophagic flux detection, and TUNEL assay. In vivo experiments were also performed on rats with IDD of tail discs induced by annular fibrosus needle puncture, which involved MRI, HE staining, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrated the theoretical targets of PNS against IDD, including Caspase 3, MMP13, Akt, and autophagy, based on network pharmacology. Subsequently, in vitro experiments revealed that PNS attenuated cellular apoptosis of NP by suppressing the expression of cleaved-caspase 3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 under H2O2 stimulation. Autophagy was also inhibited by PNS treatment, and the protective effect was abolished with rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, indicating that autophagy inhibition was involved in the protective effect of PNS on IDD. Furthermore, Akt/mTOR pathway activation was observed in HNP cells responding to H2O2 with PNS treatment, which played a role in autophagy downregulation. PNS was also shown to promote the expression of anabolic genes such as COL2A1 and ACAN while inhibiting the expression of catabolic gene MMP13 in HNP cells. In addition, the in vivo study revealed that PNS treatment could ameliorate IDD in a puncture-induced rat tail model. The development of IDD was significantly reduced, and there was decreased MMP13 expression, as well as increased COL2A1 protein expression in NP tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that PNS could protect HNP cells against apoptosis via autophagy inhibition and ameliorate disc degeneration in vivo, indicating its potential to be a therapeutic agent for IDD.

Panax notoginseng saponins reverse steroid resistance in lupus nephritis: Involvement of the suppression of exosomal P-gp levels from lymphocytes to glomerular endothelial cells

Microangiopathy is the most basic pathological manifestation of lupus nephritis (LN), and glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) injury is an important pathological mechanism. LN patients with microangiopathy are prone to steroid resistance (SR). Our previous studies confirmed that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) could reverse SR by downregulating the expression of P-gp in SR lymphocytes of LN mice (SLCsL/S). However, the mechanism of how circulating lymphocytes transmit SR information to GECs and thus affect the efficacy of kidney treatment is not clear. Recent studies have found that exosomes (exos) are an important carrier for intercellular bioactive substance communication. But whether exosomes derived from SLCsL/S mediate SR in GECs and PNS interventions. To solve this problem, Exosomes isolated from SLCsL/S were characterized, and in vitro cell coculture was further conducted to investigate the effect of SLCsL/S-derived exosomes in the SR of GECs and PNS intervention. Sequencing was used to define the exosomal miRNA expression profiling of SR GECs. Moreover, the in vivo experiments were performed through the injection of exosomes extracted from SLCsL/S into the tail vein of mice. Our research results indicate that exosomes derived from SLCsL/S could transmit SR information to GECs and lead to the aggravation of inflammatory injury through conferring P-gp, which were negated by a P-gp inhibitor. Further, we identified higher levels of exosomal miR-125b-5p from SR GECs were associated with SR in LN and could serve as biomarker for the risk of developing SR. PNS could reverse the SR of GECs and alleviate inflammatory injury by suppressing exosomal P-gp levels from lymphocytes to GECs in vitro and in vivo. However, the specific molecular mechanism by which PNS regulates exosomes has not yet been elucidated, and we need to conduct more in-depth research in the future. Overall, Our findings suggest that exosomal transfer of SLCsL/S derived P-gp confer SR to GECs, and PNS can target exosome communication to reverse SR in LN, which provides new ideas and a scientific basis for improving the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of refractory LN.

Efficacy and safety of Panax notoginseng saponins (Xuesaitong) for patients with acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Stroke is the major cause of mortality and permanent disability and is associated with an astonishing economic burden worldwide. In the past few decades, accumulated evidence has indicated that Xuesaitong (XST) has therapeutic benefits in cases of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our study aimed to provide the best current body of evidence of the efficacy and safety of XST for patients with AIS. Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched eight electronic databases from inception to 17 July 2023 for relevant RCTs. The investigators independently screened trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and STATA 16.0 software. Results: In total, 46 RCTs involving 7,957 patients were included. The results showed that XST improved the long-term functional outcomes with lower modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (MD = -0.67; 95% CI [-0.92 to -0.42]; p < 0.00001) and a higher proportion of functional independence (mRS ≤2) (RR = 1.08; 95% CI [1.05 to 1.12]; p < 0.00001). Low-quality evidence indicated that XST improved the activities of daily living (MD = 10.17; 95% CI [7.28 to 13.06]; p < 0.00001), improved the neurological impairment (MD = -3.39; 95% CI [-3.94 to -2.84]; p < 0.00001), and enhanced the total efficiency rate (RR = 1.19; 95% CI [1.15 to 1.23]; p < 0.00001). No significant difference was found in the all-cause mortality or incidence of adverse events between the XST and control groups. The certainty of evidence was estimated as moderate to very low. Conclusion: Presently, the administration of XST within 14 days of AIS is associated with favorable long-term functional outcomes. In addition, XST can improve activities of daily living, alleviate neurological deficits, and has shown good tolerability. However, the current evidence is too weak, and the confidence of evidence synthesis was restricted by the high risk of bias. Given the insufficient evidence, appropriately sized and powered RCTs investigating the efficacy and safety of XST for patients with AIS are warranted. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=446208, CRD42023446208.

Pharmacokinetics and Oral Bioavailability of Panax Notoginseng Saponins Administered to Rats Using a Validated UPLC-MS/MS Method

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are the most important bioactive components of P. Notoginseng. In this paper, an evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and oral absolute bioavailability of PNS was carried out following intravenous and oral administration of PNS to Sprague-Dawley rats. The plasma concentration of 28 PNS was determined using a validated UPLC-MS/MS system. The results demonstrated that Rb1(32.8%), Rg1(41.4%), R1(9.4%), Re(4.5%), and Rd(3.5%) are the five main ingredients of PNS for administration. After oral administration, it was found that the area under the curve (AUC_0-72 h) for these five major saponins was significantly different. AUC_0-72 h of Rb1 and Rd accounted for about 60% of all PNS exposure, while AUC_0-72 h of Rg1 and R1 only accounted for 0.7%, and Re was undetectable in plasma. Also, PPD, PPT, and CK were detected as the major PNS metabolites in vivo. Furthermore, it was shown that the total oral bioavailability of PNS was only 1.2%.

Panax notoginseng saponins reverse P-gp-mediated steroid resistance in lupus: involvement in the suppression of the SIRT1/FoxO1/MDR1 signalling pathway in lymphocytes

Background

P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated steroid resistance (SR) has been suggested to play a significant role in lupus nephritis (LN) treatment failure. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the main effective components of the traditional Chinese medicine notoginseng, exhibited potent reversal capability of P-gp-mediated SR, but its mechanism remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PNS on reversing SR in lupus and its underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

In this study, an SR animal and splenic lymphocyte model were established using low-dose methylprednisolone (MP). Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of PNS on reversing P-gp-mediated SR and the expression of P-gp in different T-cells phenotypes. Serum levels of ANA and dsDNA in lupus mice were measured by ELISA. Apoptosis was identified by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. RT–PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of SIRT1, FoxO1, and MDR1 in SR splenic lymphocytes from lupus mice (SLCs/MPs).

Results

PNS could reverse the SR in lupus mice. Simultaneously, PNS increased the apoptotic effect of MP on SLCs/MP cells. The increased accumulation of rhodamine-123 (Rh-123) indicated that intracellular steroid accumulation could be increased by the action of PNS. Moreover, PNS decreased the expression of P-gp levels. Further experiments elucidated that the SIRT1/FoxO1/MDR1 signalling pathway existed in SLCs/MP cells, and PNS suppressed its expression level to reverse SR. The expression of P-gp in Th17 from SLCs/MP cells was increased, while PNS could reduce its level in a more obvious trend.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that PNS reversed P-gp-mediated SR via the SIRT1/FoxO1/MDR1 signalling pathway, which might become a valuable drug for the treatment of SR in lupus. Th17 might be the main effector cell of PNS reversing SR.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03499-5.

The protective effect of biomineralized BSA-Mn3O4 nanoparticles on HUVECs investigated by atomic force microscopy

BSA-Mn3O4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by one-step biomineralization method, the mechanism of antioxidant activity of BSA-Mn3O4 nanoparticles in HUVECs was investigated from the perspective of biomechanics.

Studying the effect of PDA@CeO2 nanoparticles with antioxidant activity on the mechanical properties of cells

Studying the influence of nanomaterials on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cells is essential to guide the biological applications of nanomaterials. In this article, the effects of the first synthesized PDA@CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) with multiple ROS scavenging activities on cell ultra-morphology and mechanical properties were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). After the cells were exposed to PDA@CeO₂ NPs, there was no obvious change in cell morphology, but the Young's modulus of the cells was increased. On the contrary, after the cells were damaged by H₂O₂, the secreted molecules appeared on the cell surface, and the Young's modulus was decreased significantly. However, PDA@CeO₂ NPs could effectively inhibit the reduction of the Young's modulus caused by oxidative stress damage. PDA@CeO₂ NPs could also protect F-actin from oxidative stress damage and maintain the stability of the cytoskeleton. This work investigates the intracellular antioxidant mechanism of nanomaterials from the changes in the microstructure and biomechanics of living cells, providing a new analytical approach to explore the biological effects of nanomaterials.

Exploring the protective effects of PNS on acute myocardial ischaemia-induced heart failure by Transcriptome analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) were extracted from Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen, a natural product often used as a therapeutic agent in China. PNS has showed obvious therapeutic effect in heart failure (HF) treatment. However, its targets and pharmacological mechanisms remain elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research attempted to determine both the effects and mechanisms of PNS involved in AMI treatment, namely, acute myocardial infarction-induced HF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An AMI-induced HF model was generated by left anterior descending (LAD) ligation in rats. Transcriptome analyses were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathway enrichment. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) verified the HF-related genes differentially expressed after PNS treatment. Finally, a model of H9C2 cells subjected to OGD/R, which is equivalent to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion, was established to identify the potential mechanism of PNS in the treatment of HF.

RESULTS

PNS ameliorated cardiac function and protected against structural alterations of the myocardium in HF rats. Transcriptome analysis showed that PNS upregulated 1749 genes and downregulated 1069 genes in the heart. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the metabolic process was enriched among the DEGs. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the PPAR signalling pathway was particularly involved in the protective function of PNS. The effects of PNS on the PPAR pathway were validated in vivo; PNS treatment effectively increased the expression of PPARα, RXRα, and PGC1α in rats with AMI-induced HF. In addition, PNS was shown to regulate the expression of downstream energy metabolism-related proteins. Interestingly, the addition of the PPARα inhibitor GW6471 abolished the beneficial effects of PNS.

CONCLUSIONS

PNS exerts a cardioprotective function in a multicomponent and multitarget manner. The PPAR signalling pathway is one of the key pathways by which PNS protects against HF, and PPARα is a possible target for HF treatment.

Comparative Analysis of Compatibility Influence on Invigorating Blood Circulation for Combined Use of Panax Notoginseng Saponins and Aspirin Using Metabolomics Approach

The combined use of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS)–based drugs and aspirin (ASA) to combat vascular diseases has achieved good clinical results. In this study, the superior efficacy was observed via the combined use of PNS and ASA on acute blood stasis rats, and untargeted metabolomics was performed to holistically investigate the therapeutic effects of coupling application and its regulatory mechanisms. The combined use of PNS and ASA exhibited better improvement effects when reducing the evaluated hemorheological indicators (whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, platelet aggregation, and fibrinogen content) in the blood stasis rats vs. single use of PNS or ASA at the same dose. The combined use of both drugs was the most effective application method, as shown by the relative distance in partial least-squares discriminant analysis score plots. Twelve metabolites associated with blood stasis were screened as potential biomarkers and were mainly involved in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism. After coherently treated with PNS and ASA, the altered metabolites could be partially adjusted to be closer to normal levels than single use. The collective results revealed that PNS could cooperate with ASA to treat blood stasis and provided a scientific explanation for the superior efficacy of their combined use.

Efficacy and Safety of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (Xueshuantong) in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke (EXPECT) Trial: Rationale and Design

Background: Although revascularization treatment is recommended as the first-line therapy for patients with non-minor acute ischemic stroke (AIS), it only benefits a minority of patients. Previous studies have reported the positive effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) (Xueshuantong lyophilized powder) on AIS, however, there have been no rigorous trials. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of PNS therapy for patients with AIS.

Methods: The Evaluation of Xueshuantong in Patients with acutE ischemiC sTroke (EXPECT) trial is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study aiming to enroll 480 patients in China. Eligible patients with AIS within 72 h of symptom onset will randomly receive either PNS or PNS placebo for 10 days and subsequently be followed up to 90 days. The primary outcome will be a change in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from baseline to 10 post-randomization days. The secondary outcomes include early neurological improvement (proportion of patients with NIHSS score 0–1), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Scale for Stroke score at 10 post-randomization days, the proportion of patients with life independence (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1), the proportion of patients with a favorable outcome (Barthel Index ≥90), and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life score at 90 days. Adverse events or clinically significant changes in vital signs and laboratory parameters, regardless of the severity, will be recorded during the trial to assess the safety of PNS.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study is the first double-blind trial to assess the efficacy and safety of PNS in patients with AIS. Findings of the EXPECT trial will be valuable in improving evidence regarding the clinical application of PNS therapy in patients with AIS ineligible for revascularization treatment in the reperfusion era.

Regulation of Mitochondrial Quality Control by Natural Drugs in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: Potential and Advantages

Mitochondria are double-membraned cellular organelles that provide the required energy and metabolic intermediates to cardiomyocytes. Mitochondrial respiratory chain defects, structure abnormalities, and DNA mutations can affect the normal function of cardiomyocytes, causing an imbalance in intracellular calcium ion homeostasis, production of reactive oxygen species, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is an important process that maintains mitochondrial homeostasis in cardiomyocytes and involves multi-level regulatory mechanisms, such as mitophagy, mitochondrial fission and fusion, mitochondrial energy metabolism, mitochondrial antioxidant system, and mitochondrial respiratory chain. Furthermore, MQC plays a role in the pathological mechanisms of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In recent years, the regulatory effects of natural plants, drugs, and active ingredients on MQC in the context of CVDs have received significant attention. Effective active ingredients in natural drugs can influence the production of energy-supplying substances in the mitochondria, interfere with the expression of genes associated with mitochondrial energy requirements, and regulate various mechanisms of MQC modulation. Thus, these ingredients have therapeutic effects against CVDs. This review provides useful information about novel treatment options for CVDs and development of novel drugs targeting MQC.

Modulation of Heat-Shock Proteins Mediates Chicken Cell Survival against Thermal Stress

Heat stress is one of the most challenging environmental stresses affecting domestic animal production, particularly commercial poultry, subsequently causing severe yearly economic losses. Heat stress, a major source of oxidative stress, stimulates mitochondrial oxidative stress and cell dysfunction, leading to cell damage and apoptosis. Cell survival under stress conditions needs urgent response mechanisms and the consequent effective reinitiation of cell functions following stress mitigation. Exposure of cells to heat-stress conditions induces molecules that are ready for mediating cell death and survival signals, and for supporting the cell's tolerance and/or recovery from damage. Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) confer cell protection against heat stress via different mechanisms, including developing thermotolerance, modulating apoptotic and antiapoptotic signaling pathways, and regulating cellular redox conditions. These functions mainly depend on the capacity of HSPs to work as molecular chaperones and to inhibit the aggregation of non-native and misfolded proteins. This review sheds light on the key factors in heat-shock responses for protection against cell damage induced by heat stress in chicken.

Correlation between Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one threat that seriously endangers human health. However, the mechanism of their occurrence is not completely clear. Increasing studies showed that mitochondrial dysfunction is closely related to CVD. Possible causes of mitochondrial dysfunction include oxidative stress, Ca²⁺ disorder, mitochondrial DNA mutations, and reduction of mitochondrial biosynthesis, all of which are closely related to the development of CVD. At present, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used in the treatment of CVD. TCM has the therapeutic characteristics of multitargets and multipathways. Studies have shown that TCM can treat CVD by protecting mitochondrial function. Via systematic literature review, the results show that the specific mechanisms include antioxidant stress, regulation of calcium homeostasis, antiapoptosis, and regulation of mitochondrial biosynthesis. This article describes the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and CVD, summarizes the TCM commonly used for the treatment of CVD in recent years, and focuses on the regulatory effect of TCM on mitochondrial function.

Natural Drugs as a Treatment Strategy for Cardiovascular Disease through the Regulation of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress (OS) refers to the physiological imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative processes leading to increased oxidation, which then results in the inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils, increased protease secretion, and the production of a large number of oxidative intermediates. Oxidative stress is considered an important factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). At present, active components of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used for the treatment of CVD, including coronary heart disease and hypertension. Since the discovery of artemisinin for the treatment of malaria by Nobel laureate Youyou Tu, the therapeutic effects of active components of CHM on various diseases have been widely investigated by the medical community. It has been found that various active CHM components can regulate oxidative stress and the circulatory system, including ginsenoside, astragaloside, and resveratrol. This paper reviews advances in the use of active CHM components that modulate oxidative stress, suggesting potential drugs for the treatment of various CVDs.

Comprehensive assessment for the residual characteristics and degradation kinetics of pesticides in Panax notoginseng and planting soil

Incorrect and excess usage of pesticides during crop cultivation poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. In this study, we tested for the presence of 201 pesticide residues in 90 batches of Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) and 10 batches of planting soil. Pesticide residue characteristics and the relationship between pesticides present in P. notoginseng and the soil were discussed. Twenty-nine pesticides were detected in P. notoginseng samples and 15 pesticides were found in the soil samples. In P. notoginseng samples, the 68.9% of the identified pesticides were fungicides, and six fungicides (procymidone, iprodione, pyrimethanil, propiconazole, dimethomorph and tebuconazole) were found in >90% of the samples. Nine insecticides were found, with one insecticide, chlorpyrifos, detected in 93.3% of the P. notoginseng samples. The residual concentrations of 17 pesticides were found at levels exceeded the "non-Chinese" maximum residue levels (MRLs) for Ginseng and 17 pesticides were found at levels exceeding the MRLs set by China for "pollution-free" P. notoginseng. We observed no significant differences in pesticide residues were found on P. notoginseng from different cultivation areas. We also analyzed the degradation kinetics of pesticides in the soil, as well as their bioconcentration factors (BCFs), and found that the fungicides iprodione and myclobutanil displayed strong uptake from the soil to the root of P. notoginseng. Together, our data suggest that fungicides should be considered as key monitoring substances in P. notoginseng and planting soil.

Rhizoma Paridis total saponins alleviate H2O2‑induced oxidative stress injury by upregulating the Nrf2 pathway

Rhizoma Paridis total saponins (RPTS) is an active substance isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Rhizoma Paridis, which possesses multiple biological activities. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles and mechanisms of RPTS in oxidative stress injury of ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis were determined by Cell Counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect the expression of oxidative stress markers. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the expression levels of related genes and proteins. The results revealed that RPTS enhanced cell viability and reduced H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress of ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells. RPTS increased the MMP of ARPE-19 cells compared with in H₂O₂-treated ARPE-19 cells. In addition, RPTS suppressed ROS production and apoptosis of H₂O₂-treated ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, RPTS modulated the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins and the nuclear factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. In conclusion, RPTS alleviated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress injury by upregulating the Nrf2 pathway. The potential effects of RPTS on protection against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells suggested that RPTS may be a potential therapeutic target for preventing age-related macular degeneration.

Panax notoginseng saponins promote liver regeneration through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cell proliferation pathway and upregulation of the AKT/Bad cell survival pathway in mice

Backgroud

The regenerative capacity of the liver is crucial for the host to survive after serious hepatic injuries, tumor resection, or living donor liver transplantation. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been reported to exert protective effects during organ injuries. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of PNS on liver regeneration(LR) and on injuries induced by partial hepatectomy (PH).

Methods

We performed 70% partial PH on C57BL/6 J mice treated with or without PNS. LR was estimated by liver weight/body weight, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and cell proliferation, and the related cellular signals were analyzed by Western blot.

Results

Different concentrations of PNS promoted hepatocyte proliferation in vitro. Mice in the PNS group showed higher liver/body weight ratios at 2 d and 7 d (P < 0.05) after PH and lower levels of serum ALT and AST (P < 0.05) compared to those of mice in the normal control (NC) group. Histological analysis showed that the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) at 2 d and 7 d after PH was significantly higher in the PNS group than in the NC group (P < 0.05). Mechanistically, the AKT/mTOR cell proliferation pathway and AKT/Bad cell survival pathway were activated by PNS, which accelerated hepatocyte proliferation and inhibited apoptosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

PNS promoted liver regeneration through activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and upregulated the AKT/Bad cell pathways in mice.