Ginsenoside Rg1 enhances endothelial progenitor cell angiogenic potency and prevents senescence in vitro

The anti-aging mechanism of ginsenosides with medicine and food homology

With the acceleration of global aging and the rise in living standards, the achievement of healthy aging is becoming an imperative issue globally. Ginseng, a medicinal plant that has a long history of dietary intake and remarkable medicinal value, has become a research hotspot in the field of food and medicine. Ginsenosides, especially protopanaxadiol-type saponins and protopanaxatriol-type saponins, are among the most important active ingredients in ginseng. Ginsenosides have been found to exhibit powerful and diverse pharmacological activities, such as antiaging, antitumor, antifatigue and immunity enhancement activities. Their effects in antiaging mainly include (1) promotion of metabolism and stem cell proliferation, (2) protection of skin and nerves, (3) modulation of intestinal flora, (4) maintenance of mitochondrial function, and (5) enhancement of telomerase activity. The underlying mechanisms are primarily associated with the intervention of the signaling pathways in apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. In this review, the mechanism of action of ginsenosides in antiaging as well as the potential values of developing ginsenoside-based functional foods and antiaging drugs are discussed.

Biodistribution and pharmacokinetic evaluation of Korean Red Ginseng components using radioisotopes in a rat model

Background

Although many studies have evaluated the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) components (Rg1, Rb1, Rg3, Rd, etc.), few have examined the in vivo pharmacokinetics of the radiolabeled components. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides and their metabolite compound K (CK), 20(s)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), and 20(s)-protopanaxatriol (PPT) using radioisotopes in rat oral administration.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed orally once with 10 mg/kg of the tritium(3H) radiolabeled samples, and then the blood was collected from the tail vein after 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 168 h. Radioactivity in the organs, feces, urine, and carcass was determined using a liquid scintillation counter (LSC) and a bio-imaging analyzer system (BAS).

Results and conclusion

After oral administration, as the ³H-labeled ginsenosides were converted to metabolites, C_max and half-life increased, and T_max decreased. Interestingly, Rb1 and CK showed similar values, and after a single oral administration of components, the cumulative excretion ratio of urine and feces was 88.9%-92.4%. Although most KRG components were excreted within 96-168 h of administration, small amounts of components were detected in almost all tissues and mainly distributed to the liver except for the digestive tract when observed through autoradiography. This study demonstrated that KRG components were distributed to various organs in the rats. Further studies could be conducted to prove the bioavailability and transmission of KRG components to confirm the mechanism of KRG efficacy.

Effects of Dietary Ginsenoside Rg1 Supplementation on Growth Performance, Gut Health, and Serum Immunity in Broiler Chickens

The restriction and banning of antibiotics in farm animal feed has led to a search for promising substitutes for antibiotics to promote growth and maintain health for livestock and poultry. Ginsenoside Rg1, which is one of the most effective bioactive components in ginseng, has been reported to have great potential to improve the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative status of animals. In this study, 360 Chinese indigenous broiler chickens with close initial body weight were divided into 5 groups. Each group contained 6 replicates and each replicate had 12 birds. The experimental groups were: the control group, fed with the basal diet; the antibiotic group, fed basal diet + 300 mg/kg 15% chlortetracycline; and three Rg1 supplementation groups, fed with basal diet + 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg ginsenoside Rg1, respectively. The growth performance, immune function, and intestinal health of birds were examined at early (day 1-28) and late (day 29-51) stages. Our results showed that dietary supplementation of 300 mg/kg ginsenoside Rg1 significantly improved the growth performance for broilers, particularly at the late stage, including an increase in final body weight and decrease of feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Additionally, the integrity of intestinal morphology (Villus height, Crypt depth, and Villus height/Crypt depth) and tight junction (ZO-1 and Occludin), and the secretion of sIgA in the intestine were enhanced by the supplementation of Rg1 in chicken diet (P < 0.05). The immune organ index showed that the weight of the thymus, spleen, and bursa was significantly increased at the early stage in ginsenoside Rg1 supplementation groups (P < 0.05). Our findings might demonstrate that ginsenoside Rg1 could serve as a promising antibiotic alternative to improve the growth performance and gut health for broiler chickens mainly through its amelioration of inflammatory and oxidative activities.

Bioactive strontium ions/ginsenoside Rg1-incorporated biodegradable silk fibroin-gelatin scaffold promoted challenging osteoporotic bone regeneration

Autogenous healing of osteoporotic fractures is challenging, as the regenerative capacity of bone tissues is impaired by estrogen reduction and existed pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, a biofunctional ginsenoside Rg1 and strontium-containing mineral (SrHPO₄, SrP)-incorporated biodegradable silk fibroin-gelatin (SG) scaffold (Rg1/SrP/SG) was developed to stimulate the osteoporotic bone repair. The incorporation of 15 wt% SrP significantly enhanced the mechanical strength, stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and suppressed the osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 in a concentration-related manner. The loading of Rg1 in SG and 15SrP/SG scaffolds obviously promoted the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells via activating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor genes and proteins. The bioactive strontium ions (Sr²⁺) and Rg1 released from the scaffolds together mediated lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages polarizing into M2 type. They downregulated the expression of inflammatory-related genes (interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL-6) and stimulated the expression of genes related to anti-inflammation (Arginase and IL-10) as well as bone repair (BMP-2 and PDGF-BB) in the macrophages. The in vivo results also displayed that SrP and Rg1 significantly promoted the bone repair effect of SG scaffolds in osteoporotic critical-sized calvarial defects. Besides, the degradation rate of the scaffolds was close to the bone regeneration rate. Therefore, the simultaneous addition of SrP and Rg1 is a promising way for facilitating the osteoporotic bone repair activity of SG scaffolds via promoting the osteogenesis and angiogenesis, as well as inhibiting the osteoclastogenesis and inflammation.

Herb-Derived Products: Natural Tools to Delay and Counteract Stem Cell Senescence

Cellular senescence plays a very important role in organismal aging increasing with age and in age-related diseases (ARDs). This process involves physiological, structural, biochemical, and molecular changes of cells, leading to a characteristic trait referred to "senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)." In particular, with aging, stem cells (SCs) in situ exhibit a diminished capacity of self-renewal and show a decline in their functionality. The identification of interventions able to prevent the accumulation of senescent SCs in the organism or to pretreat cultured multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) prior to employing them for cell therapy is a main purpose of medical research. Many approaches have been investigated and resulted effective to prevent or counteract SC senescence in humans, as well as other animal models. In this work, we have reviewed the chance of using a number of herb-derived products as novel tools in the treatment of cell senescence, highlighting the efficacy of these agents, often still far from being clearly understood.

Genome-Protecting Compounds as Potential Geroprotectors

Throughout life, organisms are exposed to various exogenous and endogenous factors that cause DNA damages and somatic mutations provoking genomic instability. At a young age, compensatory mechanisms of genome protection are activated to prevent phenotypic and functional changes. However, the increasing stress and age-related deterioration in the functioning of these mechanisms result in damage accumulation, overcoming the functional threshold. This leads to aging and the development of age-related diseases. There are several ways to counteract these changes: 1) prevention of DNA damage through stimulation of antioxidant and detoxification systems, as well as transition metal chelation; 2) regulation of DNA methylation, chromatin structure, non-coding RNA activity and prevention of nuclear architecture alterations; 3) improving DNA damage response and repair; 4) selective removal of damaged non-functional and senescent cells. In the article, we have reviewed data about the effects of various trace elements, vitamins, polyphenols, terpenes, and other phytochemicals, as well as a number of synthetic pharmacological substances in these ways. Most of the compounds demonstrate the geroprotective potential and increase the lifespan in model organisms. However, their genome-protecting effects are non-selective and often are conditioned by hormesis. Consequently, the development of selective drugs targeting genome protection is an advanced direction.

Looking for immortality: Review of phytotherapy for stem cell senescence

In this paper, we discussed natural agents with protective effects against stem cell senescence. Different complications have been observed due to stem cell senescence and the most important of them is "Aging". Senescent cells have not normal function and their secretary inflammatory factors induce chronic inflammation in body which causes different pathologies. Stem cell senescence also has been investigated in different diseases or as drug adverse effects. We searched databases such as Embase, Pubmed and Web of Science with keywords "stem cell", "progenitor cell", "satellite", "senescence" and excluded keywords "cancer", "tumor", "malignancy" and "carcinoma" without time limitation until May 2019. Among them we chose 52 articles that have investigated protective effects of natural agents (extracts or molecules) against cellular senescence in different kind of adult stem cells. Most of these studies were in endothelial progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells and few were about other kinds of stem cells. Most studied agents were resveratrol and ginseng which are also commercially available as supplement. Most protective molecular targets were telomerase and anti-oxidant enzymes to preserve genome integrity and reduce senescence-inducing signals. Due to the safe and long history of herbal usage in clinic, phytotherapy can be used for preventing stem cell senescence and their related complication. Resveratrol and ginseng can be the first choice for this aim due to their protective mechanisms in various kinds of stem cells and their long term clinical usage.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Accelerates Paracrine Activity and Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Breast Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Dose-Dependent Manner In Vitro

Augmenting the biological function of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) is a promising approach to promoting tissue remodeling in regenerative medicine. Here, we examined the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on the paracrine activity and adipogenic differentiation capacity of human breast ASCs (hbASCs) in vitro. hbASCs were isolated and characterized in terms of stromal cell surface markers and multipotency. Third-passage hbASCs were cultured in basic media only or basic media containing different concentrations of G-Rg1 (0.1-100 μM). Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Paracrine activity was assessed using ELISA. Gene expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Adipogenic differentiation capacity was evaluated by Oil red O staining. We found that hbASCs differentiated into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes in appropriate induction culture medium. hbASCs showed expression of CD29, CD44, CD49d, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD133 but not CD31 and CD45 surface markers. G-Rg1 increased hbASC proliferation and adipogenic differentiation capacity at lower concentrations (0.1-1 μM) and had the opposite effects at higher concentrations (10-100 μM), while enhanced paracrine activity was observed in all experimental groups compared with control group, and the activation effect of lower concentration G-Rg1 was greater than at higher concentration. These results indicate that G-Rg1 can enhance the proliferation, paracrine activity, and adipogenic differentiation capacity of hbASCs within a certain concentration range. Therefore, the use of G-Rg1 may be beneficial to ASC-assisted fat graft regeneration and soft tissue engineering.

Ginsenoside Rb1 prevents homocysteine-induced EPC dysfunction via VEGF/p38MAPK and SDF-1/CXCR4 activation

Hyperhomocystinemia (HHcy) is known as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Our previous study showed that ginsenoside Rb1, the major active constituent of ginseng, prevents homocysteine (Hcy)-induced endothelial damage. However, the role of ginsenoside Rb1 in Hcy-induced dysfunction in endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) remains unknown. In the study, we found that ginsenoside Rb1 reversed the Hcy-induced impairment of adhesive and migratory ability in EPCs which were significantly abolished by CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 and VEGFR2 inhibitor SU5416. Ginsenoside Rb1 significantly reversed Hcy-induced SDF-1 reduction in the supernatant and in the serum. Ginsenoside Rb1 reversed downregulation of SDF-1 and VEGFR2 protein expression, inhibition of p38MAPK phosphorylation induced by Hcy. Re-endothelialization in balloon-injured carotid arteries significantly increased with EPCs transplant, and was even better with Rb1 treatment. This effect was significantly abolished by AMD3100. AMD3100 also decreased the number of CM-DiI labeled EPCs in injured arteries. Here we show for the first time that Rb1 prevents Hcy-induced EPC dysfunction via VEGF/p38MAPK and SDF-1/CXCR4 activation. These findings demonstrate a novel mechanism of the action of Rb1 that may have value in prevention of HHcy associated cardiovascular disease.

Oral administration of Ginsenoside Rg1 prevents cardiac toxicity induced by doxorubicin in mice through anti-apoptosis

Although Ginsenoside Rg1 has been reported to have protective cardiac effects, its effects on cardiac toxicity induced by doxorubicin needs to be studied. The present study investigated the effects of oral administration of Rg1 on the heart in mice treated with doxorubicin and found improved fractional shortening and ejection fraction of the heart and decreased cardiac apoptosis in mice treated with doxorubicin. The underlying mechanisms include increased phosphorylation of Akt and Erk by Rg1, increased ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax, and decreased release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, thereby protecting the heart from doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. This phenotype suggested that the oral administration of Rg1 may be a potential method preventing the cardiac toxicity caused by doxorubicin in clinical practice.

Chondroprotective Effects of Ginsenoside Rg1 in Human Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes and a Rat Model of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection

This study aimed to assess whether Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) inhibits inflammatory responses in human chondrocytes and reduces articular cartilage damage in a rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). Gene expression and protein levels of type II collagen, aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined in vitro by quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) amounts in the culture medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For in vivo assessment, a rat model of OA was generated by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Four weeks after ACLT, Rg1 (30 or 60 mg/kg) or saline was administered by gavage once a day for eight consecutive weeks. Joint damage was analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. Ginsenoside Rg1 inhibited Interleukin (IL)-1β-induced chondrocyte gene and protein expressions of MMP-13, COX-2 and PGE₂, and prevented type II collagen and aggrecan degradation, in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of Ginsenoside Rg1 to OA rats attenuated cartilage degeneration, and reduced type II collagen loss and MMP-13 levels. These findings demonstrated that Ginsenoside Rg1 can inhibit inflammatory responses in human chondrocytes in vitro and reduce articular cartilage damage in vivo, confirming the potential therapeutic value of Ginsenoside Rg1 in OA.

Effects of bioactive compounds on senescence and components of senescence associated secretory phenotypes in vitro

Senescence is a permanent cell cycle arrest that is accompanied by changes in cell morphology and physiology occurringin vitroandin vivo.

Ginsenoside nanoparticle: a new green drug delivery system

Ginsenoside Rb1 is shown to self-assemble with anticancer drugs to form stable nanoparticles, which have greater anticancer effectsin vitroandin vivothan the free drugs.

Ginsenoside-Rg1 induces angiogenesis by the inverse regulation of MET tyrosine kinase receptor expression through miR-23a

Therapeutic angiogenesis has been implicated in ischemic diseases and wound healing. Ginsenoside-Rg1 (Rg1), one of the most abundant active components of ginseng, has been demonstrated as an angiogenesis-stimulating compound in different models. There is increasing evidence implicating microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of non-coding RNAs, as important regulators of angiogenesis, but the role of microRNAs in Rg1-induced angiogenesis has not been fully explored. In this report, we found that stimulating endothelial cells with Rg1 could reduce miR-23a expression. In silico experiments predicted hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET), a well-established mediator of angiogenesis, as the target of miR-23a. Transfection of the miR-23a precursor or inhibitor oligonucleotides validated the inverse relationship of miR-23a and MET expression. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed the interaction between miR-23a and the MET mRNA 3'-UTR. Intriguingly, ginsenoside-Rg1 was found to increase MET protein expression in a time-dependent manner. We further demonstrated that ginsenoside-Rg1-induced angiogenic activities were indeed mediated through the down-regulation of miR-23a and subsequent up-regulation of MET protein expression, as confirmed by gain- and loss-of-function angiogenic experiments. In summary, our results demonstrated that ginsenoside-Rg1 could induce angiogenesis by the inverse regulation of MET tyrosine kinase receptor expression through miR-23a. This study has broadened our understanding of the non-genomic effects of ginsenoside-Rg1, and provided molecular evidence that warrant further development of natural compound as novel angiogenesis-promoting therapy.

Human breast adipose‑derived stem cells: characterization and differentiation into mammary gland‑like epithelial cells promoted by autologous activated platelet‑rich plasma

Human adipose‑derived stem cells (ASCs) isolated from various body sites have been widely investigated in basic and clinical studies. However, ASCs derived from human breast tissue (hbASCs) have not been extensively investigated. In order to expand our understanding of hbASCs and examine their potential applications in stem cell research and cell‑based therapy, hbASCs were isolated from discarded surgical fat tissue following reduction mammoplasty and a comprehensive characterization of these hbASCs was performed, including analysis of their cellular morphology, growth features, cell surface protein markers and multilineage differentiation capacity. These hbASCs expressed cluster of differentiation (CD)44, CD49d, CD90 and CD105, but did not express CD31 and CD34. Subsequently, the hbASCs were differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes in vitro. In order to examine the potential applications of hbASCs in breast reconstruction, an approach to promote in vitro differentiation of hbASCs into mammary gland‑like epithelial cells (MGECs) was developed using activated autologous platelet‑rich plasma (PRP). A proliferation phase and a subsequent morphological conversion phase were observed during this differentiation process. PRP significantly promoted the growth of hbASCs in the proliferation phase and increased the eventual conversion rate of hbASCs into MGECs. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, the present study provided the first comprehensive characterization of hbASCs and validated their multipotency. Furthermore, it was revealed that activated autologous PRP was able to enhance the differentiation efficiency of hbASCs into MGECs. The present study and other studies of hbASCs may aid the development of improved breast reconstruction strategies.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on proliferation and neural phenotype differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells in vitro

AIMS

To investigate whether ginsenoside Rg1 can promote neural phenotype differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) in vitro.

METHODS

hASCs were isolated from lipo-aspirates, and characterized by specific cell markers and multilineage differentiation capacity after culturing to the 3rd passage. Cultured hASCs were treated with neural inductive media alone (group A, control) or inductive media plus 10, 50, or 100 μg/mL ginsenoside Rg1 (groups B, C, and D, respectively). Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Neuron specific enolase (NSE) and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) levels were measured by Western blot. mRNA levels of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), and synapsin-1 (SYN-1) were determined by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Ginsenoside Rg1 promoted the proliferation of hASCs (groups B, C, and D) and resulted in higher expression of NSE and MAP-2 compared with the control group. Gene expression levels of GAP-43, NCAM, and SYN-1 in the test groups were higher than that in thw control. The results displayed a dose-dependent effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell proliferation and neural phenotype differentiation.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 promotes cell proliferation and neural phenotype differentiation of hASCs in vitro, suggesting a potential use for hASCs in neural regeneration medicine.

A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of drug-drug interaction between ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and schizandrin after intravenous administration to rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and schizandrin are main bioactive components from Panax ginseng and Schisandra chinensis. They have been found in many prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) and proven to be effective for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It is valuable to investigate their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior and potential synergistic effect for better drug development and clinical application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pharmacokinetic and nitric oxide (NO) release pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions of ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and schisandrin were studied after intravenous administration of each compound with the dose of 10 mg/kg and their mixture with the total dose of 10 mg/kg to isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischemia rats. Drug concentrations in serum were determined using LC-MS method. Nitrite and nitrate (NOx(-)), the predominant oxidation product of NO in serum was used as an effective marker and quantitated by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FL). The main pharmacokinetic parameters of T(1/2β), MRT(0-∞), Vd, Cl, and AUC, and the main pharmacodynamic parameters of Cmax, Tmax and AUEC were calculated by non-compartment model.

RESULTS

The results indicated ginsenoside Rb1 and (or) schisandrin in mixture could significantly postpone the elimination of ginsenoside Rg1 in rat serum. Co-administration of three compounds markedly increased the systemic exposure level of each compound in vivo. Ginsenoside Rg1 and ginsenoside Rb1 had the effect of inducing real-time NO release in rats concentration dependently. Schisandrin had no effect of inducing real-time NO release in this study. The mixture of ginsenoside Rg1, Rb1 and schisandrin administration exhibited synergistic effect of inducing NO release in ISO treated rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The result obtained from this study suggested pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions between ginsenoside Rg1, Rb1 and schisandrin. The study provided valuable information for drug development and clinical application of TCM.

Therapeutic Angiogenesis after Ischemic Stroke: Chinese Medicines, Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSCs) and their Combinational Treatment

Ischemic stroke is a clinical acute disease which causes neurological dysfunction and threatens a patient's life. Because the mechanism of pathology is complicated and most patients miss the best therapeutic window time, the effect of the treatment is not satisfied at present. Numerous studies indicated new vessels not only recuperated blood flow in the ischemic boundary zone, but also facilitated endogenous neurogenesis and improved neurological function after ischemic stroke. Therefore, angiogenesis has been an important research field in neurovascular regeneration. Recently, some Chinese medicines, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and their combination treatment were demonstrated to have beneficial effects in promoting angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarized the effective mechanisms of Chinese medicines and BMSCs, as well as BMSCs in combination with Chinese medicines on angiogenesis post-stroke.

In vitro evaluation of Panax notoginseng Rg1 released from collagen/chitosan-gelatin microsphere scaffolds for angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

The emergence of skin substitutes provides a new approach for the treatment of wound repair and healing. The consistent and steady release of angiogenic factors is an important factor in the promotion of angiogenesis in skin substitutes, which usually lack, yet need, a vascular network.

METHODS

In this study, ginsenoside Rg1, a natural compound isolated from Panax notoginseng (PNS), was incorporated into a collagen/chitosan-gelatin microsphere (CC-GMS) scaffold. The cumulative release kinetics were evaluated, and the effects of the released Rg1 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) behavior, including proliferation, migration, tube formation, cell-cycle progression, cell apoptosis, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, were investigated. Additionally, HUVECs were cultured on the CC-GMS scaffold to test its biocompatibility. Standard Rg1 and VEGF were used as positive controls.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the CC-GMS scaffold had good release kinetics. The Rg1 released from the CC-GMS scaffold did not lose its activity and had a significant effect on HUVEC proliferation. Both Rg1 and VEGF promoted HUVEC migration and tube formation. Rg1 did not induce HUVEC apoptosis but instead promoted HUVEC progression into the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle. Rg1 significantly increased VEGF secretion compared with that in the control group. HUVEC culture on the CC-GMS scaffold indicated that this scaffold has good biocompatibility and that CC-GMS scaffolds containing different concentrations of Rg1 promote HUVEC attachment in a dose- and time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Rg1 may represent a new class of angiogenic agent that can be encapsulated in CC-GMS scaffolds to exert angiogenic effects in engineered tissue.

Ginsenoside Rg1 reduces toxicity of PM(2.5) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells by upregulating intracellular antioxidative state

Ambient airborne particulate matter (PM) is an important environmental pollutant responsible for many human diseases. Oxidative stress is suggested to be involved in PM-induced cell injury. The present study is designed to study unsalutary effects of the organic extracts of PM with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5μm (PM(2.5)) and protective effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) against PM(2.5) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. Cytotoxic effects of the organic extract PM(2.5) on HUVECs were measured by means of HUVEC cell viability and the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Expression of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf2 cytoplasm-nucleus location were assayed. The present results showed that PM(2.5) (50-800μg/ml) decreased HUVEC viability and increased intracellular generation of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) in a concentration dependent manner, but increased HO-1 expression without concentration dependence. Rg1 (10 and 40μg/ml) diminished PM(2.5)-induced HUVEC viability, decrease ROS and MDA generation, increased HO-1 and Nrf2 expression and promoted Nrf2 translocation to nucleus in a concentration dependent manner. These results suggested that organic extracts of PM(2.5) increase oxidative stress and decrease cell viability; Rg1 antagonize PM(2.5)-induced excess oxidative stress; HO-1 expression increase and Nrf2 translocation to nucleus may be involved in the effects of both PM(2.5) and Rg1 on HUVECs.