Protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rg1, and notoginsenoside R1 on lipopolysaccharide-induced microcirculatory disturbance in rat mesentery

Panax notoginseng saponins improve the erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats by protecting the endothelial function of the penile corpus cavernosum

Diabetes mellitus (DM)-associated ED is predominantly due to neurovascular dysfunction mediated by nitric oxide (NO) suppression. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are widely used for treating cardiovascular disease in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PNS on penile erection and corpus cavernosum tissues in rats with diabetes-associated ED. Four weeks after PNS treatment, erectile function was assessed by intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurements. The level of NO, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in cavernous tissue were assessed. Immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) were performed for detecting endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and apoptosis, respectively. The results show that ICP/MAP ratio was significantly increased in high-dose (150 mg kg(-1) per day) PNS-treated group compared with the diabetic ED untreated group (DM group). Compared with the untreated group, the expression of eNOS and the levels of NO and cGMP were increased in the PNS-treated groups. Moreover, apoptosis was markedly decreased in the group that received 150 mg kg(-1) per day of PNS. These results suggest that PNS may be used for improving the ED in diabetic rats via the NO/cGMP pathway and restores the function of endothelium in corpus cavernosum.

Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates cardiac dysfunction in endotoxemic mice: an insight into oestrogen receptor activation and PI3K/Akt signalling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), a novel phytoestrogen isolated from Panax notoginseng, is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties. However, its cardioprotective properties and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we have assessed the contribution of the anti-inflammatory effects of NG-R1 to the amelioration of septic cardiac dysfunction and inflammation in mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We assessed cardiac function in mice by echocardiography. We studied the protein or mRNA levels of some inflammatory factors, apoptotic factors and oestrogen receptors (ERs) in heart tissues upon stimulation with bacterial LPS, NG-R1 or some pharmacological inhibitors.

KEY RESULTS

Six hours after LPS administration (10 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.) cardiac function was decreased, an effect attenuated by NG-R1 pretreatment (25 mg·kg(-1) ·d(-1) , i.p.). NG-R1 also improved the imbalance between iNOS and eNOS, prevented activation of NF-κB and the subsequent myocardial inflammatory and apoptotic responses in endotoxemic mice. The effects of NG-R1 were closely associated with activation of the oestrogen receptor ERα and of PI3K/PKB (Akt) signalling, as characterized by NG-R1-induced preservation in ERα, phospho-Akt, phospho-GSK3β and I-κBα, and of cardiac function that was partially blocked by selective inhibitors of ERα or PI3K. However, NG-R1 had no effect on LPS-activated TLR-4.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

NG-R1 is a promising compound for protecting the heart from septic shock, possibly via the activation of ERα and PI3K/Akt signalling. This mechanism produces blockade of NF-κB activation and attenuation of the pro-inflammatory state and apoptotic stress in the myocardium.

Aqueous ionic liquid based ultrasonic assisted extraction of eight ginsenosides from ginseng root

We developed an aqueous ionic liquid based ultrasonic assisted extraction (ILUAE) method for the extraction of the eight ginsenosides (ginsenoside-Rg1, -Re, -Rf, -Rb1, -Rc, -Rb2, -Rb3 and -Rd) from ginseng root. A series of l-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ionic liquids differing in composition of anions and cations were evaluated for extraction efficiency. The results indicated that the ILUAE method has a remarkable ability to improve the extraction efficiency of ginsenosides. In addition, the ILUAE procedure was also optimized on some ultrasonic parameters, such as the IL concentration, solvent to solid ratio and extraction time. Under these optimal conditions (e.g., with 0.3M [C(3)MIM]Br, solvent to solid ratio of 10:1 and extraction time of 20min), this approach gained the highest extraction yields of total ginsenosides 17.81±0.47mg/g. Compared with the regular UAE, the proposed approach exhibited 3.16 times higher efficiency and 33% shorter extraction time, which indicated that ILUAE has a broad prospect for sample preparation of medicinal plants.

Probiotics increase T regulatory cells and reduce severity of experimental colitis in mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of probiotics on regulating T regulatory cells and reducing the severity of experimental colitis in mice.

METHODS: Forty C57/BL mice were randomly divided into four groups. Colitis was induced in the mice using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). After 10-d treatment with Bifico capsules (combined bifidobacterium, lactobacillus and enterococcus), body weight, colonic weight, colonic weight index, length of colon, and histological scores were evaluated. CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺T cell in mesenteric lymph nodes were measured by flow cytometry, and cytokines in colonic tissue homogenates were analyzed by a cytometric bead array.

RESULTS: The colonic weight index and the colonic weight of colitis mice treated with Bifico were lower than that of TNBS-induced mice without treatment. However, colonic length and percent of body weight amplification were higher than in TNBS-induced mice without treatment. Compared with TNBS-induced mice without treatment, the level of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes, the expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in colonic tissues from colitis mice treated with Bifico were upregulated, and tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ were downregulated.

CONCLUSION: Probiotics effectively treat experimental colitis by increasing CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺T cell and regulating the balance of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the colonic mucosa.

Core-shell hybrid liposomal vesicles loaded with panax notoginsenoside: preparation, characterization and protective effects on global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and acute myocardial ischemia in rats

PURPOSE

Novel panax notoginsenoside-loaded core-shell hybrid liposomal vesicles (PNS-HLV) were developed to resolve the restricted bioavailability of PNS and to enhance its protective effects in vivo on oral administration.

METHODS

Physicochemical characterizations of PNS-HLV included assessment of morphology, particle size and zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), stability and in vitro release study. In addition, to evaluate its oral treatment potential, we compared the effect of PNS-HLV on global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and acute myocardial ischemia injury with those of PNS solution, conventional PNS-loaded nanoparticles, and liposomes.

RESULTS

In comparison with PNS solution, conventional PNS-loaded nanoparticles and liposomes, PNS-HLV was stable for at least 12 months at 4°C. Satisfactory improvements in the EE% of notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rb1, and ginsenoside Rg1 were shown with the differences in EE% shortened and the greater controlled drug release profiles were exhibited from PNS-HLV. The improvements in the physicochemical properties of HLV contributed to the results that PNS-HLV was able to significantly inhibit the edema of brain and reduce the infarct volume, while it could markedly inhibit H(2)O(2), modified Dixon agar, and serum lactate dehydrogenase, and increase superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study imply that HLV has promising prospects for improving free drug bioactivity on oral administration.

Caffeic acid inhibits acute hyperhomocysteinemia-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mouse cerebral venules

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of CA on acute HHcy-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mouse cerebral venules.

METHODS

Male C57 BL/6J mice were injected with DL-Hcy (50 mg/kg) and CA (10 mg/kg). The effect of CA on HHcy-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral vessels was assessed using intravital microscopy. Plasma cytokines and chemokines were evaluated by cytometric bead array. ROS production in HUVECs and adhesion molecule expression on leukocytes were determined by flow cytometry. E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression in cerebrovascular endothelium was detected by immunohistochemistry. CD18 phosphorylation and the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes were determined by confocal microscopy and Western blot.

RESULTS

CA inhibited HHcy-elicited leukocyte rolling and adhesion, decreased ROS production in HUVECs, and reduced plasma KC, MIP-2, and MCP-1 levels. CA reduced the E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression on cerebrovascular endothelium and CD11b/CD18 on leukocytes caused by HHcy. Of notice, CA depressed CD18 phosphorylation and the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

CA inhibited HHcy-provoked leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral venules, ameliorating adhesion molecule expression and activation, which is related to the suppression of the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes.

Attenuating effect of pretreatment with Yiqifumai on lipopolysaccharide-induced intestine injury and survival rate in rat

Background

Yiqifumai is a traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation used for treatment of microcirculatory disturbance-related diseases in China. We have previous reported that pretreatment with Yiqifumai could improve the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced microcirculatory disturbance in rat mesentery. The present study intended to investigate the effect of pretreatment with Yiqifumai on intestine injury and survival rate of the rats subjected to LPS challenge.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were continuously infused with LPS (5 mg kg^-1 body weight h^-1) via the left jugular vein for 90 min. In some rats, Yiqifumai 80 (mg/kg) was administrated through the left jugular vein 10 min before LPS infusion. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and survival rate were measured at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after LPS infusion. At 72 h after exposure to LPS, the intestine morphology was observed under a stereomicroscope and the immunohistochemistry staining of intestine was conducted to evaluate the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and the number of myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive cells in tissue. After observation of intestine microcirculation, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta of each animal to analyze the level of inflammatory markers in plasma, including TNF-α and MCP-1.

Results

Compared to the control, LPS infusion significantly decreased MAP and the survival rate and increased the HR, RT and RR, as well as elicited leukocyte infiltration, intestine hemorrhage, enhanced expression of ICAM-1 and raised level of inflammatory markers. All of indicators, except for the RT, were significantly attenuated by Yiqifumai, in contrast to the LPS group.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated the potential of pretreatment with Yiqifumai to ameliorate rat intestine injury, inflammatory response to LPS and the decrease in survival rate caused by LPS challenge.

Effects of dihydroxylphenyl lactic acid on inflammatory responses in spinal cord injury

The initial mechanical tissue disruption of spinal cord injury (SCI) is followed by a period of secondary injury that increases the size of the lesion. Secondary injuries are associated with edema, inflammation, excessive cytokine release, excitotoxicity and cell apoptosis. 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid (DLA) is one of the major water-soluble components of chemical constituents from Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM). To investigate the inhibition effects of DLA on secondary injury of SCI, focusing especially on suppression of inflammatory responses and the mechanism of this effect, the following studies were performed: Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores to assess motor functions till 10 days after SCI; Nissl and Fast Blue histological staining and immunohistochemistry of inhibitory-kappa B-alpha (IκB-α) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 subunit protein; levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity analysis as an indicator of polymorphonuclear infiltration; IL-6 production in plasma 10 days after SCI; Western blot analysis to determine cytoplasm levels of IκB-α and NF-κB p65 subunit proteins in the nuclear fractions 10 days after SCI. DLA significantly attenuated the motor function and tissue damage following SCI in rats, significant reduced polymorphonuclear cell infiltration and IL-6 production, as well as reduced cytoplasm IκB-α degradation and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit protein after SCI. In conclusion, the results clearly demonstrate that DLA inhibit the inflammation responses induced by SCI via inhibiting effect of production of IL-6 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB.

Protective effects and mechanism of Panax Notoginseng saponins on oxidative stress-induced damage and apoptosis of rabbit bone marrow stromal cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects and possible mechanism of Panax Notoginseng saponins (PNS) on oxidative stress-induced damage and apoptosis in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs).

METHODS

BMSCs were isolated and cultured from 2-month-old New Zealand rabbits by the density gradient centrifugation combined with adherent method. The third passage cells were used for subsequent experiments. Oxidative stress was induced in cultured BMSCs by H(2)O(2) (0.1 mmol/L). BMSCs were pretreated with 25-200 μg/mL PNS for 4 h before H(2)O(2) treatment. Proliferation of BMSCs was observed using MTT assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, as an index of early osteoblastic differentiation, was determined with an ALP assay kit. Flow cytometry was used to observe the apoptosis of BMSCs by staining with annexinV-FITC/propidium iodide. Oxidative stress level was examined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. The protein expressions of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 in BMSCs were analyzed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

PNS had different concentration-dependent effects on proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs induced by H(2)O(2). A PNS concentration of 100 μg/mL was determined as the optimal effective concentration. PNS markedly attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis rate from 41.91% to 14.67% (P<0.01). PNS significantly decreased ROS level induced by H(2)O(2) (P<0.01). Furthermore, pretreatment with PNS significantly reversed H(2)O(2)-induced inhibition of Bcl-2 expression and augmentation of Bax and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

PNS had a protective effect on oxidative stress-induced damage and apoptosis in cultured rabbit BMSCs through scavenging ROS and regulating the Bcl-2/Bax pathway.

Antihepatocarcinoma activity of lactic acid bacteria fermented Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng was used as the medium for lactic acid bacteria fermentation to manufacture product with antihepatocarcinoma activity. The fermentation broth prepared in a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask was found to possess antiproliferation activity against hepatoma Hep3B cells. At the dosage of 500 microg/mL, the viability of hepatoma Hep3B cells was approximately 2.2%. When the fermentation was scaled up to a 6.6 L fermenter, it was found that the fermentation broth produced at 37 degrees C for 2 days showed the highest antihepatoma activity. Animal study revealed that when Hep3B implanted SCID mice were treated with 1000 mg/kg BW/day of the fermentation broth, tumor volume and tumor weight were reduced approximately 60% as compared to the negative control group. HPLC analyses showed that saponins in P. notoginseng including notoginsenoside R(1) and ginsenosides Rg(1), Rb(1), Rd, and Rh(4) decreased, but ginsenosides Rh(1) and Rg(3) increased during fermentation. LC-MS/MS revealed that the minor saponins ginsenoside F(1), protopanaxatriol, and notoginseng R(2) also exist in the fermentation product. It appears that ginsenoside Rg(3), ginsenoside Rh(1), and protopanaxatriol are possibly responsible for the enhanced antihepatocarcinoma activity of the P. notoginseng fermentation broth.

Inhibition of Arterial Myogenic Responses by a Mixed Aqueous Extract of Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Panax Notoginseng (PASEL) Showing Antihypertensive Effects

The dried roots of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation as well as various other bodily functions. Here we investigated the effects of a mixture of aqueous extracts of Danshen and Sanchi, named PASEL, on blood pressure and vascular contractility in rats. Orally administered PASEL (62.5 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, for 5 weeks) lowered the blood pressure of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) but this was not observed in normal Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKR). We then investigated the effects of PASEL on the arterial contraction of the small branches of cerebral arteries (CAs) and large conduit femoral arteries (FAs) in rats. PASEL did not affect high-K (KCl 60 mM)- or phenyleprine (PhE)-induced contracture of FAs. The myogenic response, a reactive arterial constriction in response to increased luminal pressure, of small CA was dose-dependently suppressed by PASEL in SHR as well as control rats. Interestingly, the KCl-induced contraction of small CAs was slowly reversed by PASEL, and this effect was more prominent in SHR than control WKR. PASEL did not inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. These results demonstrated that the antihypertensive effect of PASEL might be primarily mediated by altering the arterial MR, not by direct inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) channels or by ACE inhibition.

Panax notoginseng saponins attenuate acute lung injury induced by intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion in rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Acute lung injury remains a challenge for both clinicians and scientists. The effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on acute lung injury induced by intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion (II/R) were studied in rats.

METHODS

Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) a sham-operated group that received laparotomy without II/R (n= 12); (2) a sham + PNS group, which was identical to group 1 except for PNS treatment (n= 12); (3) an II/R group that had 1 h of intestinal ischaemia followed by 3 h of reperfusion (n= 12); and (4) an II/R + PNS group that received 100 mg/kg of PNS, i.v., 15 min before reperfusion (n= 12). The effects of PNS administration on lung tissue histology, activities of oxidant and antioxidant enzymes, levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity were examined. Levels of surfactant protein B, cell numbers in BAL fluid and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also examined.

RESULTS

Compared with the II/R group, pulmonary parenchymal damage, activities of oxidant enzymes, levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in lung tissue, and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced by PNS treatment. In addition, the decreases in antioxidant enzyme activities were prevented in the II/R + PNS group. Total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly decreased by PNS treatment. The decline in surfactant protein B levels in BAL fluid was reduced in the II/R + PNS group compared with the II/R group.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of PNS before reperfusion injury alleviates acute lung injury induced by II/R, and this is attributable to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of PNS.

Flower extract of Panax notoginseng attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response via blocking of NF-kappaB signaling pathway in murine macrophages

AIM OF THE STUDY

The root of Panax notoginseng (PN) is commonly used to treat chronic liver disease with its therapeutic abilities to stop haemorrhage in the circulation, while the PN flower (PN-F) is largely unknown in the biological activities on inflammation and mechanisms of its actions. In this study, the pharmacologic effects of PN-F methanol extract on inflammation were investigated to address potential therapeutic or toxic effects in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage cells, RAW264.7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Production of NO, PGE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) in supernatant, the expression of iNOS, COX-2 and cytokines, the phosphorylation of MAPK molecules (ERK1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK), and the activation of NF-kappaB in PN-F extract were assayed in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

RESULTS

PN-F extract significantly inhibited the productions of NO, PGE2, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta on the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, PN-F extract suppressed the mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The molecular mechanism of PN-F extract-mediated attenuation in RAW264.7 cells has close a relationship to suppressing the phosphorylation of MAPK molecules such as ERK1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK, and the translocation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit into nuclear.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that PN-F extract inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory response via the blocking of NF-kappaB signaling pathway in macrophages, and demonstrated that PN-F extract possesses anti-inflammatory properties in vitro.

Proteomic analysis of differential protein expression in rat platelets treated with notoginsengnosides

Sanqi, the root of Panax notoginseng, is a popularly used traditional Chinese medicine with cardiovascular effects. Notoginsengnosides (NG) isolated from Sanqi could inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation of rat washed platelets. To identify the possible target proteins of NG in platelets, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE)-based comparative proteomics was performed and proteins altered in expressional level after NG treatment were identified by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Treatment of 200 microg/ml NG caused regulation of the levels of 12 proteins, which play important roles in platelet activation, oxidative stress and cytoskeleton. In the NG-treated platelets, there were increase in the levels of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), thrombospondin 1, tubulin alpha 6 and decrease in the levels of thioredoxin, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, DJ-1 protein, peroxiredoxin 3, thioredoxin-like protein 2, ribonuclease inhibitor, potassium channel subfamily V member 2, myosin regulatory light chain 9 and laminin receptor 1. The change in the levels of these proteins caused by NG treatment might contribute to the inhibitive effect of NG on platelet aggregation. Furthermore, analysis of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level indicated that NG could decrease the ROS level in platelets. The regulation of ROS level might play important role in the effect of NG on platelets.

Comparison of the pharmacological effects of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium

Medical application of Panax ginseng was first found in "Shen-Nong Herbal Classic"around 200 AD Panax quinquefolium was first introduced in "Essential of Materia Medica" in 1694 in China. The most important bioactive components contained in P ginseng and P quinquefolium are ginseng saponins (GS). The contents of ginsenoside Rb1, Re, and Rd in P quinquefolium are higher than they are in P ginseng. In P ginseng, the contents of Rg1,Rb2, and Rc are higher than they are in P quinquefolium. P ginseng had a higher ratio of Rg1: Rb1, and which was lower in P quinquefolium. After steaming for several hours, the total GS will decrease. However, some ginsenosides (Rg2, 20R-Rg2, Rg3, Rh1 and Rh2) increase, while others (Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, and Rg1) decrease. However, variation, especially in P quinquefolium, is high. P ginseng and P quinquefolium are general tonics and adaptogens. Rg1 and Rb1 enhance central nervous system (CNS) activities, but the effect of the latter is weaker. Thus, for the higher contents of Rg1, P ginseng is a stimulant, whereas the Rb1 contents of P quinquefolium are mainly calming to the CNS. Re, Rg1, panaxan A and B from P ginseng are good for diabetes. Re and Rg1 enhance angiogenesis, whereas Rb1, Rg3 and Rh2 inhibit it. Rh2, an antitumor agent, can be obtained from Rb1 by steaming. The content of Re in P quinquefolium are higher than in P ginseng by 3-4 times. The vasorelax, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and angiogenic effects of Re are reported. Thus, for the CNS "hot," wound healing and hypoglycemic effects, P ginseng is better than P quinquefolium. For anticancer effects, P quinquefolium is better.