Ginsenoside Rg1 prevents acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway

Protective effects of Panax ginseng as a medical food against chemical toxic agents: molecular and cellular mechanisms

Humans are exposed to different types of toxic agents, which may directly induce organ malfunction or indirectly alter gene expression, leading to carcinogenic and teratogenic effects, and eventually death. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is the most valuable of all medicinal herbs. Nevertheless, specific data on the antidotal mechanisms of this golden herb are currently unavailable. Based on the findings of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, this review focused on the probable protective mechanisms of ginseng and its major components, such as protopanaxadiols, protopanaxatriols, and pentacyclic ginsenosides against various chemical toxic agents. Relevant articles from 2000 to 2023 were gathered from PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. This literature review shows that P. ginseng and its main components have protective and antidotal effects against the deteriorative effects of pesticides, pharmaceutical agents, including acetaminophen, doxorubicin, isoproterenol, cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, and gentamicin, ethanol, and some chemical agents. These improvements occur through multi-functional mechanisms. They exhibit antioxidant activity, induce anti-inflammatory action, and block intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. However, relevant clinical trials are necessary to validate the mentioned effects and translate the knowledge from basic science to human benefit, fulfilling the fundamental goal of all toxicologists.

Multimodal modulation of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury by phytochemical agents: A mechanistic evaluation of hepatoprotective potential and safety profiles

BACKGROUND

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a clinically fundamental phenomenon that occurs through liver resection surgery, trauma, shock, and transplantation.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This review article affords an expanded and comprehensive overview of various natural herbal ingredients that have demonstrated hepatoprotective effects against I/R injury through preclinical studies in animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the objective of this investigation, an extensive examination was carried out utilizing diverse scientific databases involving PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), and Research Gate. The investigation was conducted based on specific identifiable terms, such as hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury, liver resection and transplantation, cytokines, inflammation, NF-kB, interleukins, herbs, plants, natural ingredients, phenolic extract, and aqueous extract.

RESULTS

Bioactive ingredients derived from ginseng, curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, lycopene, punicalagin, crocin, celastrol, andrographolide, silymarin, and others and their effects on hepatic IRI were discussed. The specific mechanisms of action, signaling pathways, and clinical relevance for attenuation of liver enzymes, cytokine production, immune cell infiltration, oxidative damage, and cell death signaling in rodent studies are analyzed in depth. Their complex molecular actions involve modulation of pathways like TLR4, NF-κB, Nrf2, Bcl-2 family proteins, and others.

CONCLUSION

The natural ingredients have promising values in the protection and treatment of various chronic aggressive clinical conditions, and that need to be evaluated on humans by clinical studies.

Natural Products for Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury: A Review

The liver plays a vital role in metabolism, synthesis, and detoxification, but it is susceptible to damage from various factors such as viral infections, drug reactions, excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune diseases. This susceptibility is particularly problematic for patients requiring medication, as drug-induced liver injury often leads to underestimation, misdiagnosis, and difficulties in treatment. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used and safe drug in therapeutic doses but can cause liver toxicity when taken in excessive amounts. This study aimed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of APAP and explore potential treatment strategies using a mouse model of APAP-induced liver injury. The study involved the evaluation of various natural products for their therapeutic potential. The findings revealed that natural products demonstrated promising hepatoprotective effects, potentially alleviating liver damage and improving liver function through various mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation, which cause changes in signaling pathways. These results underscore the importance of exploring novel treatment options for drug-induced liver injury, suggesting that further research in this area could lead to the development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions, ultimately benefiting patients with liver injury caused by medicine.

A erythrocyte-platelet hybrid membrane coated biomimetic nanosystem based on ginsenosides and PFH combined with ultrasound for targeted delivery in thrombus therapy

Thrombus is one of the culprits for global health problems. However, most current antithrombotic drugs are limited by restricted targeting ability and a high risk of systemic bleeding. A hybrid cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanosystem (PM/RM@PLGA@P/R) was constructed in this paper to fulfil the targeted delivery of ginsenoside (Rg1) and perfluorohexane (PFH). Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is used as carriers to coat Rg1 and PFH. Thanks to the camouflage of erythrocyte membrane (RM) and platelet membrane (PM), the nanosystem in question possesses remarkable features including immune escape and self-targeting. Therefore, a compact nano-core with PLGA@P/R was formed, with a hybrid membrane covering the surface of the core, forming a "core-shell" structure. With its "core-shell" structure, this nanoparticle fancifully combines the advantages of both PFH (the low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU)-responsive phase-change thrombolysis) and Rg1(the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant abilities). Meanwhile, PM/RM@PLGA@P/R nanoparticles exhibits superior in-vitro performance in terms of ROS scavenging, anticoagulant activity and immune escape compared with those without cell membranes (PLGA@P/R). Furthermore, in the animal experiment in which the tail vein thrombosis model was established by injecting k-carrageenan, the combined treatment of LIFU and PM/RM@PLGA@P/R showed a satisfactory antithrombotic efficiency (88.20 %) and a relatively higher biological safety level. This strategy provides new insights into the development of more effective and safer targeted biomimetic nanomedicines for antithrombotic treatments, possessing potential application in synergistic therapy field.

Panax quinquefolius saponin inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via activation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2

BACKGROUND

Panax quinquefolius saponin (PQS) is the main active component of Panax quinquefolius. Emerging evidence suggests that PQS exerts beneficial effects against cardiovascular diseases. However, the role and mechanism of PQS in vascular calcification are not unclear. The present study investigated the effects of PQS on the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs).

METHODS

The present study used calcification medium containing 3 mM inorganic phosphate (Pi) to induce rat VSMCs calcification. We investigated the effects of PQS on VSMCs calcification using alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were determined. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, the antioxidant gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), osteogenic markers, including runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) were also measured.

RESULTS

Treatment with Pi significantly increased intracellular calcium deposition and ALP activity, which were suppressed by PQS in a concentration-dependent manner. During VSMCs calcification, PQS inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of Runx2 and BMP2. PQS treatment reduced intracellular ROS production and significantly upregulated Nrf2 transcriptional activity and the expression of Nrf2 and its target antioxidant gene HO-1. PQS suppressed the Pi-induced protein expression of Keap1, which is an endogenous inhibitor of Nrf2. Keap1 siRNA treatment induced Nrf2 expression and downregulated Runx2 expression in the presence of Pi and PQS.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these findings suggest that PQS could effectively inhibit VSMCs calcification by ameliorating oxidative stress and regulating osteogenic genes via the promotion of Nrf2 expression.

Oxidative Stress and Ginsenosides: An Update on the Molecular Mechanisms

Ginsenosides are a class of active components extracted from ginseng plants (such as Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, and Panax notoginseng). Ginsenosides have significant protective effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and immune system, so they have been widely used in the treatment of related diseases. Entry of a variety of endogenous or exogenous harmful substances into the body can lead to an imbalance between the antioxidant defense system and reactive oxygen species, thus producing toxic effects on a variety of tissues and cells. In addition, oxidative stress can alter multiple signaling pathways, including the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and NF-κB pathways. With the deepening of research in this field, various ginsenoside monomers have been reported to exert antioxidant effects through multiple signaling pathways and thus have good application prospects. This article summarized the research advancements regarding the antioxidative effects and related mechanisms of ginsenosides, providing a theoretical basis for experimental research on and clinical treatment with ginsenosides.

Effect of Ginsenoside Rh1 on Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Oxidative Stress in Vascular Endothelial Cells by Regulation of the Nuclear Erythroid 2-related Factor-2/Heme Oxygenase-1 Signaling Pathway

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the role of ginsenoside Rh1 in regulating the proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated human vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and the underlying mechanisms. VECs were treated with ox-LDL to generate an in vitro atherosclerosis model. The effect of ginsenoside Rh1 on cell viability and proliferation was examined by MTT and colony formation assays, respectively, and cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and transferase dUTP nick end-labeling assay. The levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase activity were detected using biological assays. Finally, the effect of ginsenoside Rh1 on the levels of BAX and BCL-2 and the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor-2/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 signaling pathway was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays. Treatment with ginsenoside Rh1 significantly increased the proliferation and decreased the apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated VECs in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, ginsenoside Rh1 also relieved oxidative stress in ox-LDL-treated VECs by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Thus, ginsenoside Rh1 affects the proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in ox-LDL-treated VECs by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

The Effects of Ginsenosides on the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a major signaling pathway for the maintenance of homeostasis and redox balance. This pathway also plays a significant role in proteostasis, xenobiotic/drug metabolism, apoptosis, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Conversely, the Nrf2 signaling pathway is impaired in several pathological conditions including cancer. Although various drugs have been developed to target the Nrf2 pathway, plant-derived chemicals than can potentially impact this pathway and are particularly attractive due to their minimal side effects. Ginsenosides are active components of ginseng and have been shown to exert pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antidiabetes, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. In this article, we have reviewed the effects of ginsenosides on Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates aging‑induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the NOX4/NLRP3 inflammasome in SAMP8 mice

Aging is often accompanied by liver injury and fibrosis, eventually leading to the decline in liver function. However, the mechanism of aging‑induced liver injury and fibrosis is still not fully understood, to the best of our knowledge, and there are currently no effective treatment options available for liver aging. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) has been reported to exert potent anti‑aging effects due to its potential antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory activity. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of action of Rg1 in aging‑induced liver injury and fibrosis in senescence‑accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice treated for 9 weeks. The histopathological results showed that the arrangement of hepatocytes was disordered, vacuole‑like degeneration occurred in the majority of cells, and collagen IV and TGF‑β1 expression levels, that were detected via immunohistochemistry, were also significantly upregulated in the SAMP8 group. Rg1 treatment markedly improved aging‑induced liver injury and fibrosis, and significantly downregulated the expression levels of collagen IV and TGF‑β1. In addition, the dihydroethylene staining and western blotting results showed that Rg1 treatment significantly reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and IL‑1β, and downregulated the expression levels of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), p47phox, p22phox, phosphorylated‑NF‑κB, caspase‑1, apoptosis‑associated speck‑like protein containing a C‑terminal caspase recruitment domain and the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which were significantly upregulated in the liver tissues of elderly SAMP8 mice. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that Rg1 may attenuate aging‑induced liver injury and fibrosis by reducing NOX4‑mediated ROS oxidative stress and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Natural Drugs as a Treatment Strategy for Cardiovascular Disease through the Regulation of Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress (OS) refers to the physiological imbalance between oxidative and antioxidative processes leading to increased oxidation, which then results in the inflammatory infiltration of neutrophils, increased protease secretion, and the production of a large number of oxidative intermediates. Oxidative stress is considered an important factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). At present, active components of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used for the treatment of CVD, including coronary heart disease and hypertension. Since the discovery of artemisinin for the treatment of malaria by Nobel laureate Youyou Tu, the therapeutic effects of active components of CHM on various diseases have been widely investigated by the medical community. It has been found that various active CHM components can regulate oxidative stress and the circulatory system, including ginsenoside, astragaloside, and resveratrol. This paper reviews advances in the use of active CHM components that modulate oxidative stress, suggesting potential drugs for the treatment of various CVDs.

Upregulation of CKIP-1 inhibits high-glucose induced inflammation and oxidative stress in HRECs and attenuates diabetic retinopathy by modulating Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway: an in vitro study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of diabetic retinopathy (DR) development.

METHODS

Real-Time qPCR was used to detect Casein kinase 2 interacting protein-1 (CKIP-1) and Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA levels. Western Blot was employed to detect protein levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) assay kit, superoxide dismutase (SOD) kit and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) kit were used to evaluate oxidative stress in high-glucose treated human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). Calcein-AM/propidium iodide (PI) double stain kit was employed to detect cell apoptosis. Enzyme-linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect inflammation associated cytokines secretion. Co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) was performed to investigate the interactions between CKIP-1 and Nrf2. Luciferase reporter gene system was used to detect the transcriptional activity of Nrf2.

RESULTS

CKIP-1 was significantly downregulated in either DR tissues or high-glucose treated HRECs comparing to the Control groups. Besides, high-glucose (25 mM) inhibited HRECs viability and induced oxidative stress, inflammation associated cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) secretion and cell apoptosis, which were all reversed by synergistically overexpressing CKIP-1 and aggravated by knocking down CKIP-1. Of note, we found that overexpressed CKIP-1 activated Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and increased its downstream targets including HO-1, NQO-1, γGCS and SOD in high-glucose treated HRECs. Further results also showed that CKIP-1 regulated cell viability, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in high-glucose treated HRECs by activating Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that overexpressed CKIP-1 alleviated DR progression by activating Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.