The Effects of Korea Red Ginseng on Inflammatory Cytokines and Apoptosis in Rat Model with Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis

The Protective Effects of Bushen Daozhuo Granule on Chronic Non-bacterial Prostatitis

Background: Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP), one of the most common chronic diseases in urology, leads to pain in the prostate and dysuria, critically affecting the physical or mental health of patients. However, there are no standard treatment approaches for the treatment of CNP in the clinic. Although the clinical application of Bushen Daozhuo granule (BSDZG) offers hope to CNP patients in China, the mechanisms of BSDZG in treating CNP are still not entirely clear. Hence, we aimed to investigate the novel therapeutic mechanisms of BSDZG on CNP. Methods: In this study, we first assayed the prostate index of rats and then determined the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of BSDZG on CNP in vivo and in vitro by employing ELISA kits and TUNEL staining. Next, we investigated whether the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms of BSDZG on prostate protein-induced rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RWPE-1 cells were related to the AKT, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathways with the help of Western blot. Finally, the influence of BSDZG on the interaction between the p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathway in LPS-induced RWPE-1 cells was explored by adopting dehydrocorydaline (DHC, p38 MAPK activator) with the help of ELISA kits and Western blot. Results: In vivo, BSDZG effectively reduced the prostate index. In vivo and in vitro, BSDZG dramatically declined the level of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the apoptosis rate. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro, BSDZG memorably upregulated the expression level of p-AKT, and substantially downregulated the expression level of p-p38 MAPK and NF-κB2. The activation of p38 MAPK significantly reversed the moderation effects of BSDZG on the level of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the expression level of p-p38 MAPK and NF-κB2 in vitro. Conclusion: To sum up, the in vivo and in vitro therapeutic mechanisms of BSDZG on CNP were reflected as the anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis that was formed by inhibiting the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, to regulate the AKT, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathways, and the anti-inflammatory effect of BSDZG was realized by suppressing the p38 MAPK pathway to inhibit the downstream NF-κB pathway.

Comparison of cytokine levels in prostatic secretion between the IIIa and IIIb subtypes of prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), also known as National Institutes of Health (NIH) type III prostatitis, is a common disorder with an unclear etiology and no known curative treatments. Based on the presence or absence of leukocytes in expressed prostatic secretion (EPS), CP/CPPS is classified further into IIIa (inflammatory) and IIIb (noninflammatory) subtypes. However, the severity of symptoms is not entirely consistent with the white blood cell (WBC) count. Following the preliminary finding of a link between inflammatory cytokines and CP/CPPS, we performed this clinical study with the aim of identifying cytokines that are differentially expressed according to whether the prostatitis subtype is IIIa or IIIb. We found that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels were significantly elevated and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) levels were downregulated in the EPS of patients with type IIIa prostatitis. In a word, it is a meaningful study in which we investigate the levels of various cytokines in EPS according to whether prostatitis is the IIIa or IIIb subtype. The combination of G-CSF, IL-18, MCP-1, IP-10, and PDGF-BB expression levels could form a basis for classification, diagnosis, and therapeutic targets in clinical CP/CPPS.

The role of red ginseng in men's reproductive health: a literature review

BACKGROUND

Red ginseng (RG) is a traditional herb commonly used in China, Korea, and other East Asian countries. Recently, it has demonstrated a better clinical value in men's reproductive health (MRH). The present review aimed to examine the effects of RG treatment on MRH.

RESULTS

Overall, 42 articles related to RG application in MRH were reviewed, of which 31 were animal experiments and 11 were clinical studies. Furthermore, this review analyzed the use of RG in some male reproductive diseases in clinical trials and determined the associated mechanisms of action. The mechanism of action of RG in MRH may be related to oxidative stress, regulation of sex hormones and spermatogenesis-related proteins, and anti-inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of RG for the treatment of male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and prostate diseases has the potential to contribute to MRH.

Electroacupuncture stimulating Zhongji (CV3), Guanyuan (CV4), and bilateral Dahe (KI12) attenuates inflammation in rats with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis induced by estradiol through inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), also known as chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP), and explore its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

A CNP rat was established by surgical castration combined with 17-β estradiol injection in male Sprague-Dawley rats for thirty consecutive days. The CNP rats received EA treatment once a day for eight days. Chronic pelvic pain was evaluated by mechanical withdrawal threshold measurement. The histological change was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The inflammatory cytokines in prostates were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The expressions of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), inhibitors of kappa-B alpha (IκBα), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were detected by Western blotting. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the location of TLR4 were observed with immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

The results showed that EA decreased the prostate index, upregulated the mechanical withdrawal threshold, restored the histomorphology of the prostate, reduced the inflammatory factor levels, inhibited NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, and downregulated the expression levels of critical proteins involved in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in prostates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that EA could relieve pelvic pain and attenuate prostatic inflammation in estradiol-induced CNP rats. The underlying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Korean Red Ginseng and Ginsenoside Rg3 Suppress Asian Sand Dust-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Nasal Epithelial Cells

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa with epithelial dedifferentiation toward the mesenchymal phenotype, known as the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Asian sand dust (ASD) can induce nasal mucosal inflammation and cause the development of EMT. Korean red ginseng (KRG) and ginsenoside Rg3 have been used as traditional herbal medicines to treat various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate their effect on ASD-induced EMT in nasal epithelial cells. Primary nasal epithelial cells were incubated with ASD with or without KRG or Rg3, and the production of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin (IL)-8 was measured. EMT markers were determined by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and confocal microscopy, and transcription factor expression by Western blot analysis. The effect on cell migration was evaluated using the wound scratch assay. Results showed ASD-induced TGF-β1 production, downregulation of E-cadherin, and upregulation of fibronectin in nasal epithelial cells. KRG and Rg3 suppressed TGF-β1 production (31.7% to 43.1%), upregulated the expression of E-cadherin (26.4% to 88.3% in mRNA), and downregulated that of fibronectin (14.2% to 46.2% in mRNA and 52.3% to 70.2% in protein). In addition, they suppressed the ASD-induced phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and mTOR, as well as inhibiting the ASD-induced migration of nasal epithelial cells (25.2% to 41.5%). The results of this study demonstrate that KRG and Rg3 inhibit ASD-induced EMT by suppressing the activation of ERK, p38, and mTOR signaling pathways in nasal epithelial cells.

Effects of red ginseng on gut, microbiota, and brain in a mouse model of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and bowel habit changes. Although diverse complicated etiologies are involved in its pathogenesis, a dysregulated gut–brain axis may be an important factor. Red ginseng (RG), a traditional herbal medicine, is proven to have anti-inflammatory effects and improve brain function; however, these effects have not been investigated in IBS.

Methods

Three-day intracolonic zymosan injections were used to induce post-infectious human IBS-like symptoms in mice. The animals were randomized to receive either phosphate-buffered saline (CG) or RG (30/100/300 mg/kg) for 10 days. Amitriptyline and sulfasalazine were used as positive controls. Macroscopic scoring was performed on day 4. Visceral pain and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by colorectal distension and elevated plus maze and open field tests, respectively, on day 10. Next-generation sequencing of gut microbiota was performed, and biomarkers involved in gut–brain axis responses were analyzed.

Results

Compared to CG, RG significantly decreased the macroscopic score, frequency of visceral pain, and anxiety-like behavior in the IBS mice. These effects were comparable to those after sulfasalazine and amitriptyline treatments. Moreover, RG significantly increased the proliferation of beneficial microbes, including Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii. RG significantly suppressed expression of IL-1β and c-fos in the gut and prefrontal cortex, respectively. Further, it restored the plasma levels of corticosterone to within the normal range, accompanied by an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Conclusion

RG may be a potential therapeutic option for the management of human IBS.

Effects of Xialiqi capsules on rats with nonbacterial prostatitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of Xialiqi capsules in rats with nonbacterial prostatitis.

METHODS

A total of 90 healthy male SD rats, weighing 200-220 g, were randomly divided into a blank control group (BCG, n=30), a model group (MG, n=30), and an intervention group (IG, n=30). After establishing the model of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, IG was treated with 50 mg/kg Xialiqi capsules via gavage. The three groups received the same dose of saline via gavage for 7 consecutive days. The differences in leukocytes, phospholipid vesicle density, number of colonies, prostate mass, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), degree of inflammatory cell infiltration in the prostate fluid, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, CD3+, CD8+ levels after intervention were compared in the three groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the BCG, the number of leukocytes and colonies in the prostate fluid of the MG was elevated, and the density of lipid vesicles was decreased, and the number of leukocytes and colonies in the prostate fluid of the MG significantly decreased and the density of lipid vesicles rebounded after the intervention of Xialiqi capsules (P>0.05). Compared with the BCG, the prostate mass, ADC and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration were elevated in the MG. There was a significant reversion of the above indices after the intervention of Xialiqi capsules (P<0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in the MG were significantly higher than those in the IG, and the levels in the IG were higher than that in the BCG (P<0.05). The serum levels of CD3+ and CD8+ in the MG were significantly lower than those in the IG, and the levels in the IG were lower than that in the BCG (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Xialiqi capsules have a good intervention effect on nonbacterial prostatitis, which can significantly alleviate the immune status and reduce the level of cytokines in the serum and tissues of rats.

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng and Rg3 on Asian Sand Dust-Induced MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC8 Expression in Bronchial Epithelial Cells

Korean Red ginseng (KRG), commonly used in traditional medicine, has anti-inflammatory, anti- oxidative, and anti-tumorigenic properties. Asian sand dust (ASD) is known to aggravate upper and lower airway inflammatory responses. BEAS-2B cells were exposed to ASD with or without KRG or ginsenoside Rg3. Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), MUC5B, and MUC8 mRNA and protein expression levels were determined using quantitative RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase expression and activity were determined using western blot analysis. ASD induced MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC8 mRNA and protein expression in BEAS-2B cells, which was significantly inhibited by KRG and Rg3. Although ASD-induced mucin expression was associated with NF-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, KRG and Rg3 significantly suppressed only ASD-induced NF-κB expression and activity. KRG and Rg3 inhibited ASD-induced mucin gene expression and protein production from bronchial epithelial cells. These results suggest that KRG and Rg3 have potential for treating mucus-producing airway inflammatory diseases.

Beneficial Effects of Inflammatory Cytokine-Targeting Aptamers in an Animal Model of Chronic Prostatitis

Non-bacterial prostatitis is an inflammatory disease that is difficult to treat. Oligonucleotide aptamers are well known for their stability and flexibility in conjugating various inflammatory molecules. In this study, we investigated the effects of inflammatory cytokine-targeting aptamers (ICTA), putative neutralizers of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta activation, on local carrageenan-induced prostate inflammation, allodynia, and hyperalgesia in rats. In vitro evaluation confirmed the binding capability of ICTA. Intraprostatic injection of carrageenan or control vehicle was performed in six-week-old rats, and ICTA (150 µg) or vehicle was administered in the prostate along with carrageenan injection. The von Frey filament test was performed to determine mechanical allodynia, and prostate inflammation was examined seven days after drug administration. Local carrageenan administration resulted in a reduction of the tactile threshold. The levels of mononuclear cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (b), caspase-1 (casp-1), and Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine rich Repeat and Pyrin domain containing proteins 1 and 3 (NALP1 and NALP3) in the prostate of rats were increased seven days after carrageenan injection. Treatment with ICTA significantly attenuated the carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia and reduced the elevated levels of proteins including TNF-a and IL-1b in the rats. Apoptosis markers, B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3, were elevated in ICTA-treated Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) rats. These results suggest that ICTA provides protection against local carrageenan-induced enhanced pain sensitivity, and that the neutralization of proinflammatory cytokines may result in inflammatory cell apoptosis.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of the protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng against the influence of bisphenol A in the liver and uterus of ovariectomized mice

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA), known as an endocrine disruptor, is widely used in the world. BPA is reported to cause inflammation-related diseases. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been used safely in human for a long time for the treatment of diverse diseases. KRG has been reported of its mitigating effect on menopausal symptoms and suppress adipose inflammation. Here, we investigate the protective effect of orally administered KRG on the impacts of BPA in the liver and uterus of menopausal mice model.

Methods

The transcriptome analysis for the effects of BPA on mice liver was evaluated by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database–based data (GSE26728). In vivo assay to evaluate the protective effect of KRG on BPA impact in ovariectomized (OVX) mice were designed and analyzed by RNA sequencing.

Results

We first demonstrated that BPA induced 12 kinds of gene set in the liver of normal mice. The administration of BPA and KRG did not change body, liver, and uterine weight in OVX mice. KRG downregulated BPA-induced inflammatory response and chemotaxis-related gene expression. Several gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA)–derived inflammatory response genes increased by BPA were inhibited by KRG in OVX mice.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that BPA has commonly influenced inflammatory response effects on both normal and OVX mice. KRG protects against BPA impact of inflammatory response and chemotaxis in OVX mouse models. Our comparative analysis will provide new insight into the efficacy of KRG on endocrine disrupting chemicals and OVX mouse.