The Advances on the Protective Effects of Ginsenosides on Myocardial Ischemia and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Ginseng total saponin improves red blood cell oxidative stress injury by regulating tyrosine phosphorylation and glycolysis in red blood cells

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is the main cause of many diseases, but because of its complex pathogenic factors, there is no clear method for treating it. Ginseng total saponin (GTS) an important active ingredients in Panax ginseng C.A. Mey (PG) and has potential therapeutic ability for oxidative stress due to various causes. However, the molecular mechanism of GTS in the treating oxidative stress damage in red blood cells (RBCs) is still unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the protective effect of GTS on RBCs under oxidative stress damage and to determine its potential mechanism.

METHODS

The oxidative stress models of rat RBCs induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and exhaustive swimming in vivo and in vitro was used. We determined the cell morphology, oxygen carrying capacity, apoptosis, antioxidant capacity, and energy metabolism of RBCs. The effect of tyrosine phosphorylation (pTyr) of Band 3 protein on RBCs glycolysis was also examined.

RESULTS

GTS reduced the hemolysis of RBCs induced by H2O2 at the lowest concentration. Moreover, GTS effectively improved the morphology, enhanced the oxygen carrying capacity, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in RBCs. GTS also promoted the expression of membrane proteins in RBCs, inhibited pTyr of Band 3 protein, and further improved glycolysis, restoring the morphological structure and physiological function of RBCs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows, that GTS can protect RBCs from oxidative stress damage by improving RBCs morphology and physiological function. Changes in pTyr expression and its related pTyr regulatory enzymes before and after GTS treatment suggest that Band 3 protein is the main target of GTS in the treating endogenous and exogenous oxidative stress. Moreover, GTS can enhance the glycolytic ability of RBCs by inhibiting pTyr of Band 3 protein, thereby restoring the function of RBCs.

Molecularly imprinted polymer-coated silica microbeads for high-performance liquid chromatography

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based chromatographic separation materials, owing to their advantages of unique selectivity, low cost, suitable reproducibility, and acceptable stability, have attracted a great deal of research in different fields. In this investigation, a new type of MIP-coated silica (MIP/SiO2) separation material was developed using sulfamethoxazole as a template; the specific recognition ability of MIP and appropriate physicochemical properties (abundant Si-OH, suitable pore structure, good stability, etc.) of SiO2 microbeads were combined. The MIP/SiO2 separation materials were characterized carefully. Then, various compounds (such as sulfonamides, ginsenosides, nucleosides, and several pesticides) were used to comprehensively evaluate the chromatographic performances of the MIP/SiO2 column. Furthermore, the chromatographic performances of the MIP/SiO2 column were compared with those of other separation materials (such as non-imprinted polymer-coated silica, C18/SiO2, and bare silica) packed columns. The resolution value of all measured compounds was more than 1.51. The column efficiencies of 13 510 plates per meter (N m-1) for sulfamethoxazole, 11 600 N m-1 for ginsenoside Rd, and 10 510 N m-1 for 2'-deoxyadenosine were obtained. The acceptable results verified that the MIP/SiO2 column can be applied to separate highly polar drugs such as sulfonamides, ginsenosides, nucleosides, and pesticides.

Advancements in enzymatic biotransformation and bioactivities of rare ginsenosides: A review

Ginsenoside, the principal active constituent of ginseng, exhibits enhanced bioavailability and medicinal efficacy in rare ginsenosides compared to major ginsenosides. Current research is focused on efficiently and selectively removing sugar groups attached to the major ginsenoside sugar chains to convert them into rare ginsenosides that meet the demands of medical industry and functional foods. The methods for preparing rare ginsenosides encompass chemical, microbial, and enzymatic approaches. Among these, the enzyme conversion method is highly favored by researchers due to its exceptional specificity and robust efficiency. This review summarizes the biological activities of different rare ginsenosides, explores the various glycosidases used in the biotransformation of different major ginsenosides as substrates, and elucidates their respective corresponding biotransformation pathways. These findings will provide valuable references for the development, utilization, and industrial production of ginsenosides.

Exploring the Efficacy Enhancement Mechanism of Qixue Shuangbu prescription after TCM processing for treating chronic heart failure by regulating ERK/Bcl-2/Bax/Caspases-3 signaling pathway

Qixue Shuangbu prescription (QSP) has been used for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) with remarkable curative effect. Processed QSP (PQSP) could significantly improve the treatment of CHF after traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) processing. This study elucidated the underlying efficacy enhancement mechanism of QSP after TCM processing for treating CHF in vitro and in vivo. The injury of rat cardiomyoblast H9c2 cells was induced by anoxia/reoxygenation to mimic CHF state in vitro. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were used to established CHF model by intraperitoneally injecting doxorubicin (the accumulative dose 15 mg/kg). Biochemical examinations were performed in serum and cellular supernatant, respectively. Cardiac functions and histopathological changes were evaluated in CHF model rats. The protein and mRNA levels of ERK1/2, Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 were evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. All above results of low dose crude QSP-treated group (L-CQSP), high dose CQSP-treated group (H-CQSP), low dose PQSP-treated group (L-PQSP), high dose PQSP-treated group (H-PQSP) were compared to systematically explore correlations between TCM processing and the efficacy enhancement for treating CHF of PQSP. Compared with the model group, the L-CQSP group showed significant improvement in cardiac function at 8th weeks, while no significant improvement in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis. Both H-CQSP, L-PQSP and H-PQSP exerted beneficial therapeutic effects in injured H9c2 cardiomyocytes and CHF model rats. L-PQSP and H-PQSP significantly increased cell viability and the activity of SOD, decreased the activities of LDH, MDA and NO, up-regulated the expression of ERK1/2 and Bcl-2, down-regulated the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 compared to the same dosage of CQSP. The efficacy enhancement mechanism of PQSP after TCM processing for treating CHF was directly related to the regulation of ERK/Bcl-2/Bax/Caspases-3 signaling pathway.

20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits angiotensin-2 mediated cardiac remodeling and inflammation associated with suppression of the JNK/AP-1 pathway

BACKGROUND

Enhanced levels of angiotensin-2 (Ang-II) causes hypertensive heart failure (HHF) through non-hemodynamical and hemodynamical alterations. 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (20(S)-Rh2) is a natural ginseng compound with numerous cardiovascular benefits. This investigation elucidates the influence of 20(S)-Rh2 on Ang-II-induced heart failure and cardiac alterations.

METHODS

Ang-II was administered in C57BL/6 mice for 4 weeks to induce HHF. In the last 2 weeks of treatment, 20(S)-Rh2 was orally administered in mice to assess the potential 20(S)-Rh2 mechanism. Subsequently, RNA sequencing was carried out.

RESULTS

It was indicated that 20(S)-Rh2 suppresses myocardial fibrosis, hypertrophy, and inflammation, thereby inhibiting cardiac disruption in Ang-II-challenged mice without affecting blood pressure. According to the RNA sequencing data, this cardio-protective effect was linked with the (JNK)/AP 1 pathway. 20(S)-Rh2 alleviated heart tissue and cardiomyocytes inflammation by inhibiting the Ang-II-mediated JNK/AP-1 pathway. Within cardiomyocytes, JNK or AP-1 absence abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of 20(S)-Rh2.

CONCLUSION

This study investigation indicated that 20(S)-Rh2 prevents cardiovascular dysfunction induced by Ang-II induced by decreasing JNK-regulated inflammatory responses, providing evidence for its use as an efficient regimen for HHF.

Synthesis and evaluation of ginsenosides imprinted polymer-based chromatographic stationary phase

The molecular imprinting technique has aroused great interest in preparing novel stationary phases, and the resulting materials named molecularly imprinted polymers coated silica packing materials exhibit good performance in separating diverse analytes based on their good characteristics (including high selectivity, simple synthesis, and good chemical stability). To date, mono-template is commonly used in synthesizing molecularly imprinted polymers-based stationary phases. The resulting materials always own the disadvantages of low column efficiency and restricted analytes, and the price of ginsenosides with high purity was very high. In this study, to overcome the weaknesses of molecularly imprinted polymers-based stationary phases mentioned above, the multi-templates (total saponins of folium ginseng) strategy was used to prepare ginsenosides imprinted polymer-based stationary phase. The resulting ginsenosides imprinted polymer-coated silica stationary phase has a good spherical shape and suitable pore structures. Additionally, the total saponins of folium ginseng were cheaper than other kinds of ginsenosides. Moreover, the ginsenosides imprinted polymer-coated silica stationary phase-packed column performed well in the separation of ginsenosides, nucleosides, and sulfonamides. The ginsenosides imprinted polymer-coated silica stationary phase possesses good reproducibility, repeatability, and stability for seven days. Therefore, a multi-templates strategy for synthesizing the ginsenosides imprinted polymer-coated silica stationary phase is considered in the future.

Protective effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg2 on atherosclerosis

Background

Ginsenoside Rg2 (Rg2) has a variety of pharmacological activities and provides benefits during inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. However, there are no reports about the relationship between Rg2 and atherosclerosis.

Methods

We used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) to detect the cell viability of Rg2 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The expression of inflammatory factors in HUVECs and the expression of phenotypic transformation-related marker in VSMCs were detected at mRNA levels. Western blot method was used to detect the expression of inflammation pathways and the expression of phenotypic transformation at the protein levels. The rat carotid balloon injury model was performed to explore the effect of Rg2 on inflammation and phenotypic transformation in vivo.

Results

Rg2 decreased the expression of inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide in HUVECs-without affecting cell viability. These events depend on the blocking regulation of NF-κB and p-ERK signaling pathway. In VSMCs, Rg2 can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs induced by platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-which may contribute to its anti-atherosclerotic role. In rats with carotid balloon injury, Rg2 can reduce intimal proliferation after injury, regulate the inflammatory pathway to reduce inflammatory response, and also suppress the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Rg2 can exert its anti-atherosclerotic effect at the cellular level and animal level, which provides a more sufficient basis for ginseng as a functional dietary regulator.

Influence of Ginsenoside Rh2 on Cardiomyocyte Pyroptosis in Rats with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective

This paper intends to verify through in vivo experiments whether ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) can play an anti-inflammatory role by modulating cardiomyocyte (CM) pyroptosis in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), thereby alleviating myocardial injury.

Methods

Twenty SD rats were randomized into control, L-Rh2, M-Rh2, and H-Rh2 groups, among which the latter three groups were modeled for AMI and given an intraperitoneal injection of G-Rh2 (L-Rh2: 2 mg/kg; M-Rh2: 4 mg/kg; H-Rh2: 8 mg/kg), while the control group was only treated with thoracotomy and sodium chloride injection. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were recorded by ultrasonic diagnosis. Rats were killed under anesthesia, and the morphological characteristics of ventricular tissue were observed by electron microscope. Additionally, cardiac blood and ventricular tissues were collected to quantify the contents of myocardial injury markers (creatine phosphate kinase (CK), creatine phosphokinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) by ELISA, as well as the expression of pyroptosis-related genes cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin (IL)-1β, and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) by qRT-PCR and Western blot).

Results

Ultrasonic examination identified lower HR, SBP, DBP, MAP, and LVSP in the three Rh2 injection groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05); and in comparison with M- and H-Rh2 groups, HR, SBP, DBP, MAP, and LVSP were all lower in L-Rh2 group, while LVEDP was higher (P < 0.05). Microscopically, CMs and organelles in the L-RH2, M-RH2, and H-RH2 groups were damaged to varying degrees compared with the control group, with those in the L-RH2 group being the most serious. CK, CK-MB, and LDH were also the highest in the L-Rh2 group and the lowest in the control group, while their levels were obviously reduced in M- and H-Rh2 groups (P < 0.05). Finally, GSDMD, IL-1β, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 were found to be reduced in the control group, while pyroptosis-related gene expression in the M-Rh2 group was improved markedly (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

G-Rh2 can inhibit the pathological development of AMI by relieving the focal death of CM and inhibiting the release of proinflammatory factors in the body, and the effect is significantly related to the dosage, which is expected to become a new treatment option for AMI in the future.

Antiosteoporosis Studies of 20 Medicine Food Homology Plants Containing Quercetin, Rutin, and Kaempferol: TCM Characteristics, In Vivo and In Vitro Activities, Potential Mechanisms, and Food Functions

Dietary nutraceutical compounds have been evidenced as backbone for bone health in recent years. It is reported that medicine food homology (MFH) plants have multiple nutraceutical compounds. Based on our literature research, 20 MFH plants caught our attention because they contain three popular antiosteoporosis compounds simultaneously: quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), their characteristics including natures, flavors, attributive to meridian tropism, and efficacies were listed. The relationships between TCM efficacies, such as “heat clearing,” “tonic,” and “the interior warming,” and antiosteoporosis pharmacological actions such as antioxidant and immune regulation were discussed. The in vivo antiosteoporosis effects of the 20 MFH plants were summarized. The in vitro antiosteoporosis activities and related mechanisms of the 20 plants and quercetin, rutin, kaempferol were detailed. The TGF-β-Smad signaling, fibroblast growth factor, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling on bone formation and the RANKL signaling, NF-κB signaling, and macrophage-colony-stimulating factor on bone resorption were identified. From food point, these 20 MFH plants could be classified as condiment, vegetable, fruit, tea and related products, beverage, etc. Based on the above discussion, these 20 MFH plants could be used as daily food supplements for the prevention and treatment against osteoporosis.

Inhibition of Myocardial Cell Apoptosis Is Important Mechanism for Ginsenoside in the Limitation of Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Ischemic heart disease has a high mortality, and the recommended therapy is reperfusion. Nevertheless, the restoration of blood flow to ischemic tissue leads to further damage, namely, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Apoptosis is an essential pathogenic factor in MIRI, and ginsenosides are effective in inhibiting apoptosis and alleviating MIRI. Here, we reviewed published studies on the anti-apoptotic effects of ginsenosides and their mechanisms of action in improving MIRI. Each ginsenoside can regulate multiple pathways to protect the myocardium. Overall, the involved apoptotic pathways include the death receptor signaling pathway, mitochondria signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Ginsenosides, with diverse chemical structures, regulate different apoptotic pathways to relieve MIRI. Summarizing the effects and mechanisms of ginsenosides contributes to further mechanism research studies and structure–function relationship research studies, which can help the development of new drugs. Therefore, we expect that this review will highlight the importance of ginsenosides in improving MIRI via anti-apoptosis and provide references and suggestions for further research in this field.

Mechanism of Action of Flavonoids of Oxytropis falcata on the Alleviation of Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Oxytropis falcata Bunge is a plant used in traditional Tibetan medicine, with reported anti-inflammatory and antioxidants effects and alleviation of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI). However, the underlying mechanism against MIRI and the phytochemical composition of O. falcata are vague. One fraction named OFF1 with anti-MIRI activity was obtained from O. falcata, and the chemical constituents were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS). The potential targets and signaling pathways involved in the action of O. falcata against MIRI were predicted by network pharmacology analysis, and its molecular mechanism on MIRI was determined by in vitro assays. The results revealed that flavonoids are the dominant constituents of OFF1. A total of 92 flavonoids reported in O. falcata targeted 213 potential MIRI-associated factors, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and the NF-κB signaling pathway. The in vitro assay on H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury confirmed that the flavonoids in OFF1 reduced myocardial marker levels, apoptotic rate, and the inflammatory response triggered by oxidative stress. Moreover, OFF1 attenuated MIRI by downregulating the ROS-mediated JNK/p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of O. falcata in alleviating MIRI, being a potential therapeutic candidate.

Molecular-Signaling Pathways of Ginsenosides Rb in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: A Mini Review

Reperfusion injury following myocardial ischemia remained a challenge for optimal treatment of myocardial infarction. Ginsenosides Rb (G-Rb), the primary components of ginsenoside, have been reported to exert cardioprotective effects via numerous mechanisms. G-Rb1 mediate cardioprotective effects via various signaling pathways, including mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, HIF-1α and GRF91, RhoA, p38α MAPK, and eNOS. G-Rb2 activates the SIRT-1 pathway, while G-Rb3 promotes both JNK-mediated NF-κB and PERK/Nrf2/HMOX1. Generally, ginsenosides Rb1, 2, and 3 modulates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, contributing to the improvement of structural, functional and biochemical parameters. In conclusion, G-Rb, particularly G-Rb1, have vast potential as a supplement in attenuating reperfusion injury. Translation into a clinical trial is warranted to confirm the beneficial effects of G-Rb.

Crystal structure of (8R,10R,14R, Z)-2-((3–Fluoropyridin-4-yl) methylene)-12-hydroxy-4,4,8,10,14-pentamethyl-17-((R)-2,6, 6-trimethyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl) hexadecahydro-3H-cyclopenta[a] phenanthren-3-one, C36H52FNO3

C36H52FNO3, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 7.8016(7) Å, b = 13.1609(10) Å, c = 30.536(2) Å, V = 3135.3(4) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0657, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1435, T = 100 K.

Crystal structure of (8R,10R,14R,Z)-12-hydroxy-2-((6-methoxypyridin-2-yl)methylene)-4,4,8,10,14-pentamethyl-17-((R)-2,6,6-trimethyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)hexadecahydro-3H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one–water (2/1), C37H56NO4.5

C37H56NO4.5, tetragonal, P41212/c (no. 92), a = 10.4368(10) Å, b = 10.4268(10) Å, c = 61.5166(11) Å, V = 6700.80(18) Å3, Z = 8, R gt (F) = 0.0557, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1350, T = 100 K.

Advances in Biocatalytic Synthesis, Pharmacological Activities, Pharmaceutical Preparation and Metabolism of Ginsenoside Rh2

Ginsenoside Rh2 (3β-O-Glc-protopanaxadiol), a trace but characteristic pharmacological component of red ginseng, exhibited versatile pharmacological activities, such as antitumor effects, improved cardiac function and fibrosis, anti-inflammatory effects, antibiosis and excellent medicinal potential. In recent years, increased research has been performed on the biocatalytic synthesis of ginsenoside Rh2. In this paper, advances in the biocatalytic synthesis, pharmacological activities, pharmaceutical preparation and metabolism of ginsenoside Rh2 are reviewed.

Crystal structure of (E)-7-methoxy-2-((5-methoxypyridin-3-yl)methylene)-3,4- dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one, C18H17NO3

C18H17NO3, triclinic, P 1 ‾ $P&#x203e;{1}$ (no. 2), a = 7.3950(5) Å, b = 8.6697(5) Å, c = 11.6813(9) Å, α = 85.457(6)°, β = 76.712(6)°, γ = 82.759(5)°, V = 722.07(9) Å3, Z = 2, R gt (F) = 0.0502, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1342, T = 99.9(3) K.