Ginsenoside Rh2 induces human hepatoma cell apoptosisvia bax/bak triggered cytochrome C release and caspase-9/caspase-8 activation

Synergistic Effect of Ginsenoside Rh2 Combines with Ionizing Radiation on CT26/luc Colon Carcinoma Cells and Tumor-Bearing Animal Model

BACKGROUND

The local tumor control rate of colon cancer by radiotherapy is unsatisfactory due to recurrence and radioresistance. Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), a panoxadiol saponin, possesses various antitumor effects.

METHODS

CT26/luc murine colon carcinoma cells and a CT26/luc tumor-bearing animal model were used to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Rh2 combined with ionizing radiation and the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Rh2 caused cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in CT26/luc cells; however, when combined with ionizing radiation, the cells were arrested at the G2/M phase. Rh2 was found to suppress the activity of NF-κB induced by radiation by inhibiting the MAPK pathway, consequently affecting the expression of effector proteins. In an in vivo study, the combination treatment significantly increased tumor growth delay time and overall survival. Furthermore, the combination treatment significantly reduced NF-κB and NF-κB-related effector proteins, along with PD-1 receptor expression. Additionally, Rh2 administration led to increased levels of interleukin-12, -18, and interferon-γ in the mice's sera. Importantly, biochemical analysis revealed no toxicities associated with Rh2 alone or combined with radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of Rh2 with radiation may have potential as an alternative to improve the therapeutic efficacy of colorectal cancer.

Ginsenoside Rh2: A shining and potential natural product in the treatment of human nonmalignant and malignant diseases in the near future

BACKGROUND

Ginseng is well-known as one of the most valuable and commonly used Chinese medicines not only in ancient China but also worldwide including East, Russia, Southeast Asia, North America and some Western European countries. Ginsenosides, as one of the main high active components of Ginseng, have various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antianaphylaxis, anti-depression, and anticancer activities. Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), one of the major bioactive ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, also exhibits versatile pharmacological activities, such as increasing non-specific resistance and specific immune response, improving cardiac function and fibrosis, anti-inflammatory effects and antitumor effects, which may serve as an excellent medicinal potential.

PURPOSE

As one of hundreds of ginsenosides being identified from ginseng, Rh2 exerts a markedly pharmacological effect on various diseases without severe toxicity, it has attracted many researchers 'attention. Although Rh2 plays important roles in some animal models and cell lines to simulate human diseases, its underlying molecular mechanisms have yet to be determined. During the past ten years, nearly 450 studies on Rh2 in the treatment of complex disease have been reported, however, up to now, no comprehensive reviews about the roles of Rh2 in animal models and cellular lines of human nonmalignant and malignant diseases have been conducted.

METHOD

We searched articles on ginsenoside-related diseases from December 2010 to February 2023 in peer-reviewed and nonclinical databases, which include Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, China national knowledge internet and Medline, and using the following keywords: Ginsenoside Rh2, Human diseases, Cancer, Mechanisms, Chinese herbal medicine, Natural products and Signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Therefore, in this review, we make a comprehensive summary on the roles of Rh2 and support the potential mechanisms of Rh2 according to the disease classification, including nonmalignant disease such as ulcerative colitis, neuropathic pain, Asthma, myocardial injury, depression and malignant disease such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer. Finally, the combination therapy of Rh2 and other medications in human diseases are summarized, apart from that, there are other problems such as the bioavailability of oral administration Rh2 to be overcome in following research.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide strong evidence that Ginsenoside Rh2 plays important roles in the treatment of nonmalignant and malignant diseases.

(20S) Ginsenoside Rh2-Activated, Distinct Apoptosis Pathways in Highly and Poorly Differentiated Human Esophageal Cancer Cells

Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2), a rare ginsenoside isolated from red ginseng, has considerable anti-cancer activity and induces apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells, but its activity in esophageal cancer cells is unclear. In this study, we examined the cytotoxic activity of (20S) G-Rh2 in highly differentiated esophageal squamous ECA109 cells and poorly differentiated esophageal squamous TE-13 cells. (20S) G-Rh2 exerted intense cytotoxicity in ECA109 and TE-13 cells with an IC50 of 2.9 and 3.7 μg/mL, respectively. After treatment with G-Rh2, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL, the two main anti-apoptosis Bcl-2 family proteins upregulated, and Bax and Bak, the two key pro-apoptosis proteins translocated to mitochondria in both cell lines. At the same time, cytochrome c and Smac released from mitochondria, followed by caspase-9 activation, indicating that a mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis pathway was activated in both cell lines upon treatment with (20S) G-Rh2. It is noteworthy that (20S) G-Rh2 upregulated the transcription and protein expression of two death receptors, Fas and DR5, and subsequently activated Caspase-8 in the TE-13 cells but not in the ECA109 cells. Taken together, we demonstrated the potent anti-esophageal cancer cell activity of (20S) G-Rh2 and showed its working mechanism in two differentiated esophageal cancer cells, which can provide important evidence for developing an effective strategy for anti-esophageal cancer treatment.

The Uroprotective Efficacy of Total Ginsenosides in Chinese Ginseng on Chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a recognizable complication of cyclophosphamide (CYP) attributable to its lively metabolite acrolein, which produces urothelial injury. The study intended to examine the uroprotective efficacy of total ginsenosides in Chinese ginseng (TGCG) in CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. In total, 24 virgin female rats were randomized into four groups as follows: group 1 (control group; injected with normal saline), group 2 (injected with CYP plus a placebo with normal saline), group 3 (given CYP and TGCG (200 mg/kg)), and group 4 (given CYP and 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium (Mesna, 30 mg/kg)). An evaluation by cystometry was conducted. Values of the voiding interval were assessed in anesthetized rats and histological examinations of the bladders were measured. In the cystometry analysis, the voiding interval was significantly reduced in the CYP group. TGCG and Mesna significantly increased in the voiding interval values, individually. Bladder edema and urothelial injury were examined after contact with CYP. Contrasted to the group given CYP, CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis, TGCG significantly increased the urothelial thickness, and significantly reduced scores of mucosal break and submucosal edema in the bladder. In conclusion, these findings mean that the treatment with TGCG in CYP rats can avoid hemorrhagic cystitis. TGCG decreases urothelial injury. TGCG may participate as the chief character of uroprotection in CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.

Induction of Apoptosis in HeLa Cells by a Novel Peptide from Fruiting Bodies of Morchella importuna via the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway

Morels (Morchella spp.) are a genus of edible fungi with important economic and medicinal value. In this study, a novel peptide (MIPP) was extracted from the fruiting bodies of Morchella importuna using gel filtration chromatography. Structural analysis showed that the molecular mass of MIPP is 831 Da, and it has a simple amino acid sequence: Ser-Leu-Ser-Leu-Ser-Val-Ala-Arg. To explore the antitumor activity of MIPP, the effect of MIPP on HeLa cell apoptosis and the underlying preventative mechanisms were investigated. Results showed that MIPP reduced the viability of HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner. TUNEL analysis and flow cytometric examination showed that MIPP decreased cell proliferation via a mitochondrial-dependent pathway, as manifested by downregulation of Bcl-2/Bax, promotion of the movement of cytochrome C from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, and triggering of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Therefore, MIPP may be a promising tumor-preventive agent, especially in human cervical cancer.

Anticancer Effects of Ginsenoside Rh2: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

As one of the effective pharmacological constituents of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) exerts a remarkable anticancer effect on various cancer cell lines in vitro and strongly inhibits tumor growth in vivo without severe toxicity.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviewed existing evidence supporting the anticancer effects of Rh2 to classify and conclude previous and current knowledge on the mechanisms and therapeutic effects of Rh2, as well as to promote the clinical application of this natural product.

CONCLUSION

This article reviewed the anticancer efficacies and mechanisms of Rh2, including the induction of cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death, repression of metastasis, alleviation of drug resistance, and regulation of the immune system. Finally, this paper discussed the research and application prospects of Rh2.

Deciphering the Key Pharmacological Pathways and Targets of Yisui Qinghuang Powder That Acts on Myelodysplastic Syndromes Using a Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy

Background

Yisui Qinghuang powder (YSQHP) is an effective traditional Chinese medicinal formulation used for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, its pharmacological mechanism of action is unclear.

Materials and Methods

In this study, the active compounds of YSQHP were screened using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) and HerDing databases, and the putative target genes of YSQHP were predicted using the STITCH and DrugBank databases. Then, we further screened the correlative biotargets of YSQHP and MDS. Finally, the compound-target-disease (C-T-D) network was conducted using Cytoscape, while GO and KEGG analyses were conducted using R software. Furthermore, DDI-CPI, a web molecular docking analysis tool, was used to verify potential targets and pathways. Finally, binding site analysis was performed to identify core targets using MOE software.

Results

Our results identified 19 active compounds and 273 putative target genes of YSQHP. The findings of the C-T-D network revealed that Rb1, CASP3, BCL2, and MAPK3 showed the most number of interactions, whereas indirubin, tryptanthrin, G-Rg1, G-Rb1, and G-Rh2 showed the most number of potential targets. The GO analysis showed that 17 proteins were related with STPK activity, PUP ligase binding, and kinase regulator activity. The KEGG analysis showed that PI3K/AKT, apoptosis, and the p53 pathways were the main pathways involved. DDI-CPI identified the top 25 proteins related with PI3K/AKT, apoptosis, and the p53 pathways. CASP8, GSK3B, PRKCA, and VEGFR2 were identified as the correlative biotargets of DDI-CPI and PPI, and their binding sites were found to be indirubin, G-Rh2, and G-Rf.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results revealed that YSQHP likely exerts its antitumor effects by binding to CASP8, GSK3B, PRKCA, and VEGFR2 and by regulating the apoptosis, p53, and PI3K/AKT pathways.

Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits HeLa cell energy metabolism and induces apoptosis by upregulating voltage‑dependent anion channel 1

20(S)‑Ginsenoside Rh2 [20(S)‑GRh2], one of the main active components of Panax ginseng, induces apoptosis in a wide range of cancer cell types. The present study found that 20(S)‑GRh2 reduces mitochondrial membrane potential, decreases adenosine triphosphate generation and induces reactive oxygen species in HeLa cervical cancer cells. In addition, 20(S)‑GRh2 activated mitochondrion‑dependent apoptosis and inhibited both mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in HeLa cells. It was found that voltage‑dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) expression was significantly upregulated by 20(S)‑GRh2 treatment, while hexokinase 2 expression was downregulated and segregated from the mitochondria. Furthermore, 20(S)‑GRh2 promoted Bax transport from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria, and knockdown of VDAC1 inhibited Bax transport and apoptosis. These results suggest that VDAC1 is a novel target of 20(S)‑GRh2. The present study provides a better understanding of the mechanistic link between cervical cancer metabolism and growth control, and these results may facilitate the development of new treatments for cervical cancer.

Anticancer property of ginsenoside Rh2 from ginseng

Ginseng has been used as a well-known traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. Ginsenosides as its main active constituents possess a broad scope of pharmacological properties including stimulating immune function, enhancing cardiovascular health, increasing resistance to stress, improving memory and learning, developing social functioning and mental health in normal persons, and chemotherapy. Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) is one of the major bioactive ginsenosides from Panax ginseng. When applied to cancer treatment, Rh2 not only exhibits the anti-proliferation, anti-invasion, anti-metastasis, induction of cell cycle arrest, promotion of differentiation, and reversal of multi-drug resistance activities against multiple tumor cells, but also alleviates the side effects after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In the past decades, nearly 200 studies on Rh2 in the treatment of cancer have been published, however no specific reviews have been conducted by now. So the purpose of this review is to provide a systematic summary and analysis of the anticancer effects and the potential mechanisms of Rh2 extracted from Ginseng then give a future prospects about it. In the end of this paper the metabolism and derivatives of Rh2 also have been documented.

20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 induces caspase-dependent promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor A degradation in NB4 cells via Akt/Bax/caspase9 and TNF-α/caspase8 signaling cascades

Background

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematopoietic malignancy driven by promyelocytic leukemia–retinoic acid receptor A (PML-RARA) fusion gene. The therapeutic drugs currently used to treat APL have adverse effects. 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is an anticancer medicine with high effectiveness and low toxicity. However, the underlying anticancer mechanisms of GRh2-induced PML-RARA degradation and apoptosis in human APL cell line (NB4 cells) remain unclear.

Methods

Apoptosis-related indicators and PML-RARA expression were determined to investigate the effect of GRh2 on NB4 cells. Z-VAD-FMK, LY294002, and C 87, as inhibitors of caspase, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α ) pathways were used to clarify the relationship between GRh2-induced apoptosis and PML-RARA degradation.

Results

GRh2 dose- and time-dependently decreased NB4 cell viability. GRh2-induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and caspase3, caspase8, and caspase9 activation in NB4 cells after a 12-hour treatment. GRh2-induced apoptosis in NB4 cells was accompanied by massive production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial damage and upregulated Bax/Bcl-2 expression. GRh2 also induced PML/PML-RARA degradation, PML nuclear bodies formation, and activation of the downstream p53 pathway in NB4 cells. Z-VAD-FMK inhibited caspase activation and significantly reversed GRh2-induced apoptosis and PML-RARA degradation. GRh2 also upregulated TNF-α expression and inhibited Akt phosphorylation. LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K pathway, enhanced the antitumor effects of GRh2, and C 87, an inhibitor of the TNF-α pathway, reversed NB4 cell viability, and GRh2-mediated apoptosis in a caspase-8-dependent manner.

Conclusion

GRh2 induced caspase-dependent PML-RARA degradation and apoptosis in NB4 cells via the Akt/Bax/caspase9 and TNF-α/caspase8 pathways.

(20S)G-Rh2 Inhibits NF-κB Regulated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Targeting Annexin A2

(1) Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential step for cancer metastasis; targeting EMT is an important path for cancer treatment and drug development. NF-κB, an important transcription factor, has been shown to be responsible for cancer metastasis by enhancing the EMT process. Our previous studies showed that (20S)Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) inhibits NF-κB activity by targeting Anxa2, but it is still not known whether this targeted inhibition of NF-κB can inhibit the EMT process. (2) Methods: In vivo (20S)G-Rh2-Anxa2 interaction was assessed by cellular thermal shift assay. Protein interaction was determined by immuno-precipitation analysis. NF-κB activity was determined by dual luciferase reporter assay. Gene expression was determined by RT-PCR and immuno-blot. EMT was evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assay and EMT regulating gene expression. (3) Results: Anxa2 interacted with the NF-κB p50 subunit, promoted NF-κB activation, then accelerated mesenchymal-like gene expression and enhanced cell motility; all these cellular processes were inhibited by (20S)G-Rh2. In contrast, these (20S)G-Rh2 effect were completely eliminated by overexpression of Anxa2-K301A, an (20S)G-Rh2-binding-deficient mutant of Anxa2. (4) Conclusion: (20S)G-Rh2 inhibited NF-κB activation and related EMT by targeting Anxa2 in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Photoluminescent And Self-Assembled Hyaluronic Acid-Zinc Oxide-Ginsenoside Rh2 Nanoparticles And Their Potential Caspase-9 Apoptotic Mechanism Towards Cancer Cell Lines

Background

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used in modern cancer therapy based on their specific target, efficacy, low toxicity and biocompatibility. The photocatalytic performance of Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites with hyaluronic acid (HA) was used to study anticancer properties against various human cancer cell lines.

Methods

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites functionalized by hyaluronic acid (HA) were prepared by a co-precipitation method (HA-ZnONcs). The submicron-flower-shaped nanocomposites were further functionalized with ginsenoside Rh2 by a cleavable ester bond via carbodiimide chemistry to form Rh2HAZnO. The physicochemical behaviors of the synthesized ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. We carried out 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to evaluate the toxicity of Rh2HAZnO in various human cancer cells (A549, MCF-7, and HT29). Furthermore, to confirm the apoptotic effects of Rh2HAZnO and to determine the role of the Caspase-9/p38 MAPK pathways by various molecular techniques such as RT-PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, Rh2HAZnO induced morphological changes of these cell lines, mainly intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed by ROS staining and nucleus by Hoechst staining.

Results

We confirmed that Rh2HAZnO exhibits the anti-cancer effects on A549 lung cancer, HT29 colon cancer, and MCF7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in three cancer cell lines. Rh2HAZnO induced apoptotic process through p53-mediated pathway by upregulating p53 and BAX and downregulating BCL2. Specifically, Rh2HAZnO induced activation of cleaved PARP (Asp214) in A549 lung cancer cells and upregulated Caspase-9/phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in other cell lines (HT29 and MCF-7). Furthermore, Rh2HAZnO induced morphological changes in the nucleus of these cell lines.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the potential anticancer activity of novel Rh2HAZnO nanoparticles might be linked to induction of apoptosis through the generation of ROS by activation of the Caspase-9/p38 MAPK pathway.

Gentisyl Alcohol Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis via Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Regulation of MAPK and PI3K/AKT Pathways in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells

Ovarian cancer is one of the prevalent gynecological cancers occurring in women. In particular, the efficiency of standard therapeutic methods decreases when recurrence and chemoresistance ensue. To assist standard anti-cancer agents in the cure of ovarian cancer, development and application of new compounds such as small molecules or natural products are required. Gentisyl alcohol is one of the secondary metabolites that can be obtained by purification from bacteria or fungi and is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-cancer effects. In the present study, we verified the effect of gentisyl alcohol derived from marine Arthrinium sp. on suppressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis via DNA fragmentation in human ovarian cancers cells (ES2 and OV90 cells). We also confirmed that there was an accumulation of sub-G1 cells and a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with calcium dysregulation in gentisyl alcohol-treated ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, gentisyl alcohol up-regulated signal transduction of MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Collectively, our results demonstrated the possibility of gentisyl alcohol as a novel therapeutic agent for human ovarian cancer.

Reversal effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on oxaliplatin-resistant colon cancer cells and its mechanism

Chemotherapy is an important treatment modality for colon cancer, however, drug resistance is the main factor leading to treatment failure. Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2), the main bioactive metabolite of ginseng, is known to possess the ability to potently induce cell apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and reverse multidrug resistance in a variety of cancer cells. The present study examined the effect of G-Rh2 on oxaliplatin (L-OHP)-resistant colon cancer cells and its potential mechanism. L-OHP-resistant colon cancer cells (LoVo/L-OHP) and LoVo cells were used in the present study. The effect of G-Rh2 on LoVo/L-OHP and LoVo cell proliferation was measured using a 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-z-yl)-3,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effects of G-Rh2 on LoVo/L-OHP and LoVo cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-related genes Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3, drug resistance-related genes P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Smad4, were determined in LoVo/L-OHP and LoVo cells treated with G-Rh2 by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. G-Rh2 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of LoVo/L-OHP and LoVo cells. In addition, G-Rh2 treatment resulted in a significant increase in pro-apoptotic factors, Bax and caspase-3, and decrease in anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 in the LoVo/L-OHP and LoVo cells. Furthermore, G-Rh2 treatment significantly decreased the levels of P-gp and increased the levels of Smad4 in the LoVo/L-OHP and LoVo cells. It was found that L-OHP had no significant effects on LoVo/L-OHP cell proliferation or apoptosis, whereas G-Rh2 + L-OHP treatment significantly inhibited LoVo/L-OHP cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. L-OHP had no significant effects on the expression of P-gp, Smad4, Bcl-2, Bax or caspase-3 in LoVo/L-OHP cells. Treatment with G-Rh2 + L-OHP significantly reduced the expression of P-gp and Bcl-2, and enhanced the expression levels of Smad4, Bax and caspase-3. These findings demonstrated that G-Rh2 reversed the drug resistance of LoVo/L-OHP cells to L-OHP, and this may be mediated by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis and regulating the expression of drug resistance genes. These results suggest that G-Rh2 may function as a potent anticancer drug for drug resistance in colon cancer treatment.

Ginsenoside impedes proliferation and induces apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cells by down-regulating β-catenin

BACKGROUND

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most commonly occurred primary bone malignancy with high incident rates among children and adolescents. In pharmacologic treatment, the drug ginsenoside has been shown to exert anticancer effects on several malignant diseases. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of ginsenoside on the apoptosis and proliferation of human OS MG-63 and Saos-2 cells by regulating the expression of β-catenin.

METHODS

Human OS MG-63 and Saos-2 cells were assigned into control group, and four groups with treatment by varying concentrations (12.5 μg/mL, 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL) of ginsenoside, respectively. Cell growth after treatment was observed through cell slides. The proliferation rate of MG-63 and Saos-2 cells in each group was detected by CCK-8. After cell transfection at 48 h, cell cycle and cell apoptosis were detected by FITC-Annexin V staining and flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA expressions of β-catenin, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

With increased exposure and concentration of ginsenoside, the cell density, total cell numbers and the absorbance of MG-63 and Saos-2 cells gradually decreased. FITC-Annexin V and FITC-Annexin V/PI staining demonstrated that the cell proportion at S phase decreased, whereas the total apoptotic rate of MG-63 and Saos-2 cells was increased. Furthermore, RT-qPCR and western blot analysis highlighted a gradual decrease in protein and mRNA expressions of β-catenin, Bcl-2 and Cyclin D1, while an elevation in those of Bax and cleaved caspase-3.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate that ginsenoside inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human OS MG-63 and Saos-2 cells by reducing the expressions of β-catenin, Bcl-2 and Cyclin D1 and increasing the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3.

Immunomodulatory Effects of (24R)-Pseudo-Ginsenoside HQ and (24S)-Pseudo-Ginsenoside HQ on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression and Their Anti-Tumor Effects Study

(24R)-pseudo-ginsenoside HQ (R-PHQ) and (24S)-pseudo-ginsenoside HQ (S-PHQ) are the main metabolites of (20S)-ginsenoside Rh₂ (Rh₂) in vivo. In this study, we found that Rh₂, R-PHQ, and S-PHQ upregulated the innate and adaptive immune response in cyclophosphamide (CTX) induced-immunocompromised mice as evidenced by the number of leukocytes, cellular immunity, and phagocytosis of macrophages. Spleen T-lymphocyte subpopulations and the serum cytokines level were also balanced in these immunosuppressed mice. Furthermore, co-administration with R-PHQ or S-PHQ did not compromise the antitumor activity of CTX in the hepatoma H22-bearing mice. Treatment with R-PHQ and S-PHQ clearly induced the apoptosis of tumor cells, significantly increased the expression of Bax, and remarkably inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in H22 tumor tissues. The anti-tumor activity of R-PHQ and S-PHQ could be related to the promotion of tumor apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis and may involve the caspase and VEGF signaling pathways. This study provides a theoretical basis for further study on R-PHQ and S-PHQ.

The anti-tumor effect of ginsenoside Rh4 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Breast cancer is a tremendous threat to humans in many countries, and thus we need to find safe and effective drugs for treatment. Ginsenoside Rh4 has been reported to be present in processed ginseng. However, few studies have focused on its anti-tumor activity. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside Rh4 on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and the pathways that promote apoptosis in vitro. To study the effect of ginsenoside Rh4 in vivo, xenograft models were randomly divided into 3 groups (the control group, 10 mg/kg/d Rh4, 20 mg/kg/d Rh4, n = 10 per group), the ginsenoside Rh4 injection method was i.p. The results showed that ginsenoside Rh4 effectively inhibited proliferation, arrested the cell cycle in S phase and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by flow cytometry. Morphological changes caused by ginsenoside Rh4-induced apoptosis were also observed by Hoechst 33342 staining. Western-blot analyses indicated that the apoptosis-inducing effects of ginsenoside Rh4 were associated with the external pathway by decreasing Bcl-2, increasing Bax, and activating caspase-8, -3 and PARP. Moreover, ginsenoside Rh4 significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 tumor cells in vivo. These results suggested that ginsenoside Rh4 could be a potentially effective anti-tumor drug for breast cancer.

Inhibition of autophagy potentiates anticancer property of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 by promoting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in human acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most prevalent childhood malignancy. Although most children with ALL are cured, there is still a group of patients for which therapy fails owing to severe toxicities and drug resistance. Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2), a major bioactive component isolated from Panax ginseng, has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on some tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms of cell death induced by 20(S)-GRh2 in ALL cells remains unclear. In this study, we showed that 20(S)-GRh2 inhibited the cell growth and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and autophagy. But it has no cytotoxic effect on human normal blood cells. Furthermore, autophagy plays a protective role in 20(S)-GRh2-induced apoptosis in ALL cell lines and human primary ALL cells. We demonstrated that either genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of autophagy could be more effective in reducing viability and enhancing 20(S)-GRh2-induced toxicity than 20(S)-GRh2 treatment alone. In addition, inhibition of autophagy could aggravate mitochondrial ROS generation and mitochondrial damage, and then accelerate mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that inhibition of autophagy can sensitize ALL cells towards 20(S)-GRh2. The appropriate inhibition of autophagy could provide a powerful strategy to increase the potency of 20(S)-GRh2 as a novel anticancer agent for ALL therapy.

Ginsenoside Rh2 and Rg3 inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis by increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in human leukemia Jurkat cells

Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) and ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) are primary bioactive components in Panax ginseng. The present study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of apoptotic cell-death induced by GRh2 and GRg3 in human leukemia Jurkat cells. The Cell Counting kit-8 assay was used to determine cell proliferation. Apoptosis was detected by nuclear morphologic observation by Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-allophycocyanin and 7-amino-actinomycin D assay. mitoTEMPO, a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, was used to examine the effects of mitochondrial ROS on cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Finally, the expression levels of numerous mitochondrial-associated apoptosis proteins were assessed by western blot analysis. These results demonstrated that GRh2 and GRg3 inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis, and that GRh2 had greater cytotoxicity than GRg3. GRh2 induced generation of more mitochondrial ROS compared with GRg3 in Jurkat cells; however, this effect was ameliorated by subsequent treatment with mitoTEMPO. Furthermore, excess mitochondrial ROS induced by GRh2 was more potent than GRg3 in inhibiting cell proliferation and reducing MMP. In addition, expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins were significantly increased in Jurkat cells treated with GRh2 than GRg3. In conclusion, these findings suggested that GRh2 and GRg3 induce mitochondrial-associated apoptosis by increasing mitochondrial ROS in human leukemia Jurkat cells. GRh2 may more effectively inhibit cell growth and accelerate apoptosis than GRg3. This study provides a potential novel strategy for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Octyl Ester of Ginsenoside Rh2 Induces Apoptosis and G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in Human HepG2 Cells by Activating the Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway and Modulating the Akt/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway

Ginsenoside Rh2 is a potential active metabolite of ginseng that has antitumor activity against a variety of tumor cells. Previously, we reported that Rh2-O, an octyl ester derivative of ginsenoside Rh2, had a higher anticancer activity than Rh2 through activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In this study, we found that the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was also involved in Rh2-O-induced HepG2 cells apoptosis as evidenced by the up-regulation of Fas, FasL, TNFR1, and TNF-α as well as the cleavage of caspase 8. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that Rh2-O induced G1 cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. Rh2-O-induced G1 phase arrest was accompanied by the down-regulation of cyclin D3 and cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 and the up-regulation of p21^WAF1/CIP1 and p27^KIP1. In addition, Rh2-O down-regulated the phosphorylation of Akt, and its inhibitor LY294002 promoted Rh2-O-induced G1 phase arrest. Rh2-O treatment also activated p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK expression. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK (SB203580), but not those of JNK (SP600125) or ERK (PB98095), promoted Rh2-O-induced G1 phase arrest in HepG2 cells. These results indicated that the disruption of Akt and p38 MAPK cascades played a pivotal role in Rh2-O-induced G1 phase arrest.

A ROS-mediated lysosomal-mitochondrial pathway is induced by ginsenoside Rh2 in hepatoma HepG2 cells

Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2), isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, has been proven as an anticancer compound both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the role of the lysosomes during the apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by GRh2. The results showed that GRh2 significantly induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the HepG2 cells, which consequently resulted in early lysosomal membrane permeabilization with the release of cathepsin B (Cat B) to the cytosol. Western blot analysis showed that the released Cat B in the cytosol contributed to Bid cleavage. Subsequently mitochondrial damage was observed in the HepG2 cells. Interestingly, when the HepG2 cells were pre-treated with N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) for 1 h, which inhibited ROS generation before being exposed to GRh2, the permeabilization of lysosomal membranes and the levels of Cat B in the cytosol were down-regulated. Moreover, mitochondrial damage was alleviated when the HepG2 cells were pre-treated with leupeptin (Leu). From the above results, it could be concluded that GRh2 induced apoptosis of the HepG2 cells through accumulation of ROS and activation of the lysosomal-mitochondrial apoptotic pathway involving the release of Cat B.

Anticancer effect of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 on HepG2 liver carcinoma cells: Activating GSK-3β and degrading β-catenin

20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 [(S)Rh2] possesses potential to prevent cancer in vitro as well as in vivo, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. First, we infected HepG2 cells with lentivirus which carries β‑catenin. We detected the pharmacological effects of (S)Rh2 on HepG2 and HepG2‑β‑catenin cells and found that the IC50 of (S)Rh2 exposure on HepG2-β-catenin cells was higher than HepG2 cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) indicated that (S)Rh2 could be arrested in G0/G1 phase and induce early apoptosis in HepG2 and HepG2‑β‑catenin cells. Second, ELISA kit was used to check the activity of glycogen synthase kinase‑3β (GSK‑3β), which was upregulated by (S)Rh2. GSK‑3β inhibitor BIO, was used to verify that (S)Rh2 activated GSK‑3β. PCR and western blotting results indicated that (S)Rh2 could degrade the expression of β‑catenin, which combined with TCF in the nucleus and activate transcription of Wnt target genes, such as Bax, Bcl‑2, cyclin D1, MMP3, which were checked by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), PCR and western blotting. The results showed that the expression of Bax mRNA and proteins increased, while the cyclin D1, Bcl‑2, MMP3 mRNA and proteins were downregulated in HepG2 and HepG2‑β‑catenin cells which was induced by (S)Rh2. By contrast, with the HepG2-β-catenin + (S)Rh2 group, the expression of other mRNA and proteins in HepG2 + (S)Rh2 group changed significantly. In vivo, experiments were performed using a nude mouse xenograft model to investigate the (S)Rh2 effect. So these results suggested that (S)Rh2 could suppress proliferation, promote apoptosis and inhibit metastasis of HepG2, decrease weight of tumor by downregulating β‑catenin through activating GSK‑3β and the pharmacological effect of (S)Rh2 on HepG2 cells might be weakened by overexpression of β‑catenin.

Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human leukemia cells via TNF-α signaling pathway

Ginsenoside Rh2, a triterpene saponin extracted from Panax ginseng, exhibits pharmacological activity against multiple cancers. However, the anticancer mechanism of ginsenoside Rh2 is unclear. In this study, we found that ginsenoside Rh2 effectively inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of HL-60 cells. Using microarray technology, we found that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is clearly up-regulated. Furthermore, anti-TNF-α antibody relieved the Rh2-induced HL-60 cell apoptosis via suppression of caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 activation. In addition, TNF-α up-regulation was also observed in other Rh2-treated cancer cell lines. These results demonstrate that TNF-α plays a key role in ginsenoside Rh2-induced cell apoptosis.

CTAB induced mitochondrial apoptosis by activating the AMPK–p53 pathway in hepatocarcinoma cells

CTAB induced mitochondrial apoptosis by activating the AMPK-p53 pathway in hepatocarcinoma cells.

Potential of rod, sphere and semi-cube shaped gold nanoparticles to induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human blood lymphocytes in vitro

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are intended to be used in nanomedicine. Due to nanotechnology innovation GNPs of variable sizes and in different shapes including rods, spheres, cubes, etc., can easily be produced. The aim of the present studies was to evaluate the cyto-and genotoxicity inducible by different shaped GNPs on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Four different shapes of GNPs including big rod GNPs (BR-GNPs, 50 nm), small rod GNPs (SR-GNPs, 30 nm), sphere GNPs (S-GNPs, 15 nm) and semi-cube GNPs (SC-GNPs, 15 nm) were studied. Cultured human blood lymphocytes were treated with different concentrations of these GNPs for 24 h in vitro. Cytotoxicity was evaluated based on the mitotic index (MI), while genotoxicity was studied by an interphase-fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) assay. The following genes were studied in I-FISH:

The lowest concentration of BR-GNPs neither had an effect mitotic activity nor enhanced gain or loss of examined gene signals in a significant manner with I-FSH. Other concentrations of BR-GNPs, SR-GNPs, S-GNPs and SC-GNPs with all concentrations inhibited the mitotic activity of the cells and reduced the cell proliferation highly significantly. The different types of GNPs initiated the duplication of

GNPs at high concentration can reduce the cell proliferation and induce DNA damage. Low concentration of rod-shaped GNPs at 50 nm was safe on human lymphocytes. Further research studies are required to optimize the concentration, shape and size of GNPs before using them in nanomedicine.

Sevoflurane post-conditioning protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia-reperfusion injury via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway

AIM

To investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in sevoflurane post-conditioning induced cardioprotection in vitro.

METHODS

Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30 min ischemia followed by 120 min reperfusion (I/R). Sevoflurane post-conditioning was carried out by administration of O2-enriched gas mixture with 3% sevoflurane (SEVO) for 15 min from the onset of reperfusion. Cardiac functions, myocardial infarct size, myocardial ATP and NAD(+) contents, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and anti-apototic and anti-oncosis protein levels were measured.

RESULTS

Sevoflurane post-conditioning significantly improved the heart function, decreased infarct size and mitochondria damage, and increased myocardial ATP and NAD(+) content in the I/R hearts. Furthermore, sevoflurane post-conditioning significantly increased the levels of p-ERK and p-p70S6K, decreased the levels of porimin, caspase-8, cleaved caspase-3, and cytosolic cytochrome c in the I/R hearts. Co-administration of the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (20 μmol/L) abolished the sevoflurane-induced protective effects against myocardial I/R.

CONCLUSION

Sevoflurane post-conditioning protects isolated rat hearts against myocardial I/R injury and inhibits cell oncosis and apoptosis via activation of the ERK1/2 pathway.

Effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on the migratory ability of HepG2 liver carcinoma cells: recruiting histone deacetylase and inhibiting activator protein 1 transcription factors

In previous experiments, ginsenoside Rh2 induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which indicates a potential role for ginsenoside Rh2 in anticancer treatment. The effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on cancer is marked and ginsenoside Rh2 has been shown to inhibit pancreatic tumor migratory ability. In the present study, Transwell chambers were used in order to investigate whether ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits the migratory ability of HepG2 liver carcinoma cells. Furthermore, to analyze activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor expression following Rh2 treatment, ten plasmids encoding Renilla luciferase coupled to the transcription factors were transiently transfected into the HepG2 cells and luciferase was detected by the Luciferase Reporter Assay system reagent. The results indicated that ginsenoside Rh2 inhibited HepG2 cell migratory ability. The expression levels of AP-1 transcription factors were increased in HepG2 cells following induction by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, but ginsenoside Rh2 suppressed this induced AP‑1 expression. AP-1 transcription factors recruit histone deacetylase (HDAC)4 and affect its transcription, thus, the expression levels of HDAC4 were also analyzed, and these were found to be increased in the Rh2 treatment group. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), a gene downstream of AP-1, was then investigated, and the treatment group expressed reduced levels of MMP3 gene and protein. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on the migratory ability of HepG2 may be presumed to occur by the recruitment of HDAC and the resulting inhibition of AP‑1 transcription factors, in order to reduce the expression levels of MMP3 gene and protein.

Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence by Ginsenoside Rh2

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common disorder in middle-aged women and the elderly. Although surgical treatment of SUI has progressed, there are no effective pharmacological therapies without a side effect. We studied the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 against SUI. Here, we studied the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on the contractile force of the urethra and blood vessels in an ex vivo organ bath assay. We further investigated the mechanisms and effects of Rh2 in cell culture and animal models. Ginsenoside Rh2 dose-dependently reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW 264.7 cells. In the vaginal distension (VD)-induced SUI mouse model, ginsenoside Rh2 significantly reversed the VD-induced SUI physical signs and reduced blood pressure. The modulation of several SUI-related proteins, including myosin, survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, α-adrenergic receptor 1a (AdR1a), and superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), may play some crucial roles in the therapeutic approaches against SUI. In conclusion, the ginsenoside Rh2 may offer therapeutic potential against SUI.

Natural small-molecule enhancers of autophagy induce autophagic cell death in apoptosis-defective cells

Resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy is a significant problem in oncology, and the development of sensitising agents or small-molecules with new mechanisms of action to kill these cells is needed. Autophagy is a cellular process responsible for the turnover of misfolded proteins or damaged organelles, and it also recycles nutrients to maintain energy levels for cell survival. In some apoptosis-resistant cancer cells, autophagy can also enhance the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs through autophagy-mediated mechanisms of cell death. Because the modulation of autophagic processes can be therapeutically useful to circumvent chemoresistance and enhance the effects of cancer treatment, the identification of novel autophagic enhancers for use in oncology is highly desirable. Many novel anti-cancer compounds have been isolated from natural products; therefore, we worked to discover natural, anti-cancer small-molecule enhancers of autophagy. Here, we have identified a group of natural alkaloid small-molecules that function as novel autophagic enhancers. These alkaloids, including liensinine, isoliensinine, dauricine and cepharanthine, stimulated AMPK-mTOR dependent induction of autophagy and autophagic cell death in a panel of apoptosis-resistant cells. Taken together, our work provides novel insights into the biological functions, mechanisms and potential therapeutic values of alkaloids for the induction of autophagy.

p53-dependent Fas expression is critical for Ginsenoside Rh2 triggered caspase-8 activation in HeLa cells

We have recently reported that Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) induces the activation of two initiator caspases, caspase-8 and caspase-9 in human cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanism of its death-inducing function remains unclear. Here we show that G-Rh2 stimulated the activation of both caspase-8 and caspase-9 simultaneously in HeLa cells. Under G-Rh2 treatment, membrane death receptors Fas and TNFR1 are remarkably upregulated. However, the induced expression of Fas but not TNFR1 was contributed to the apoptosis process. Moreover, significant increases in Fas expression and caspase-8 activity temporally coincided with an increase in p53 expression in p53-non-mutated HeLa and SK-HEP-1 cells upon G-Rh2 treatment. In contrast, Fas expression and caspase-8 activity remained constant with G-Rh2 treatment in p53-mutated SW480 and PC-3 cells. In addition, siRNA-mediated knockdown of p53 diminished G-Rh2-induced Fas expression and caspase-8 activation. These results indicated that G-Rh2-triggered extrinsic apoptosis relies on p53-mediated Fas over-expression. In the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, G-Rh2 induced strong and immediate translocation of cytosolic BAK and BAX to the mitochondria, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and subsequent caspase-9 activation both in HeLa and in SW480 cells. p53-mediated Fas expression and subsequent downstream caspase-8 activation as well as p53-independent caspase-9 activation all contribute to the activation of the downstream effector caspase-3/-7, leading to tumor cell death. Taken together, we suggest that G-Rh2 induces cancer cell apoptosis in a multi-path manner and is therefore a promising candidate for anti-tumor drug development.

Editorial of the special issue: signaling molecules and signal transduction in cells

In the special issue “Signaling Molecules and Signal Transduction in Cells” authors were invited to submit papers regarding important and novel aspects of extra- and intracellular signaling which have implications on physiological and pathophysiological processes. These aspects included compounds which are involved in these processes, elucidation of signaling pathways, as well as novel techniques for the analysis of signaling pathways. In response, various novel and important topics are elucidated in this special issue.