20S-Protopanaxatriol Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis, Potentially Involving FXR-Mediated Inflammatory Signaling Cascades

Ginseng has been used as a functional food and tonic for enhancing immune power. Here, the potential protective effect of 20S-protopanaxatriol (M4), the metabolite of protopanaxatriol, against hepatic fibrosis is investigated, which could provide nutritional interventions for disease treatment. M4 could inhibit extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and reduce the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as caspase 1, interleukin 1 β (IL-1β), interleukin 1 receptor type 1 (IL1R1), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). M4 also significantly increased the expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), suppressed the purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7r) signaling pathway, and works as an FXR agonist, GW4064. In thioacetamide (TAA)-induced mice, M4 could attenuate the histopathological changes and significantly regulate the expression levels of FXR and P2X7r. M4 ameliorated TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis due to the reduction of P2X7r secretion, inhibition of hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation, and inflammation, which were all associated with FXR activation. Hence, M4 might be useful a nutritional preventive approach in antihepatic fibrosis and antihepatic inflammation.

Cycloastragenol can negate constitutive STAT3 activation and promote paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Cycloastragenol (CAG), a triterpene aglycone is commonly prescribed for treating hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, viral hepatitis, and various inflammatory-linked diseases.

HYPOTHESIS

We investigated CAG for its action on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation cascades, and its potential to sensitize gastric cancer cells to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis.

METHODS

The effect of CAG on STAT3 phosphorylation and other hallmarks of cancer was deciphered using diverse assays in both SNU-1 and SNU-16 cells.

RESULTS

We observed that CAG exhibited cytotoxic activity against SNU-1 and SNU-16 cells to a greater extent as compared to normal GES-1 cells. CAG predominantly caused negative regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 through the abrogation of Src and Janus-activated kinases (JAK1/2) activation. We noted that CAG impaired translocation of STAT3 protein as well as its DNA binding activity. It further decreased cellular proliferation and mediated its anticancer effects predominantly by causing substantial apoptosis rather than autophagy. In addition, CAG potentiated paclitaxel-induced anti-oncogenic effects in gastric tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that CAG can function to impede STAT3 activation in human gastric tumor cells and therefore it may be a suitable candidate agent for therapy of gastric cancer.

Inhibitory effects of cycloastragenol on abdominal aortic aneurysm and its related mechanisms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease affecting human health, but there are no safe and effective medications for AAA therapy. Cycloastragenol (CAG), derived from Astragali Radix, has various pharmacological effects. However, whether CAG can protect against AAA remains elusive. In this study, we investigated whether CAG has an inhibitory effect on AAA and its related mechanism.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The AAA mouse model was induced by incubating the abdominal aorta with elastase. CAG was administered by gavage at different doses beginning on the same day or 14 days after inducing AAA to explore its preventive or therapeutic effects respectively. The preventive effects of CAG on AAA were verified in another AAA mouse model induced by angiotensin II in ApoE-/- mouse. In vitro experiments were implemented on rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated by TNF-α.

KEY RESULTS

Compared to the control AAA model group, CAG (125 mg·kg-1 body weight day-1 ) reduced the incidence of AAA, the dilatation of aorta and elastin degradation in media in both mouse models of AAA. CAG suppressed the inflammation, oxidation, phenotype switch and apoptosis in TNF-α-stimulated VSMCs, ameliorated the expression and activity of MMPs and decreased the activation of the ERK/JNK signalling pathway. CAG also inhibited the degradation of elastin in TNF-α-stimulated VSMCs.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

CAG presents protective effects against AAA through down-regulation of the MAPK signalling pathways and thus attenuates inflammation, oxidation, VSMC phenotype switch and apoptosis and the expression of MMPs as well as increasing elastin biosynthesis.

Synthesis and neuroprotective effects of the complex nanoparticles of iron and sapogenin isolated from the defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera

CONTEXT

The defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera var. monosperma Hung T. Chang (Theaceae) are currently discarded without effective utilization. However, sapogenin has been isolated and shows antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities suggestive of its neuroprotective function.

OBJECTIVE

In order to improve the activities of sapogenin, the nanoparticles of iron-sapogenin have been synthesized, and the neuroprotective effects are evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Structural characters of the nanoparticles were analyzed, and the antioxidant effect was assessed by DPPH method, and the neuroprotective effect was evaluated by rotenone-induced neurodegeneration in Kunming mice injected subcutaneously into the back of neck with rotenone (50 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks and then treated by tail intravenous injection with the iron-sapogenin at the dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 7 days. Mice behaviour and neurotransmitters were tested.

RESULTS

The product had an average size of 162 nm with spherical shape, and scavenged more than 90% DPPH radicals at 0.8 mg/mL concentration. It decreased behavioural disorder and malondialdehyde content in mice brain, and increased superoxide dismutase activity, tyrosine hydroxylase expression, dopamine and acetylcholine levels in brain in dose dependence, and their maximum changes were respectively up to 60.83%, 25.17%, 22.13%, 105.26%, 42.17% and 22.89% as compared to vehicle group. Iron-sapogenin nanoparticle shows significantly better effects than the sapogenin.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Iron-sapogenin alleviates neurodegeneration of mice injured by neurotoxicity of rotenone, it is a superior candidate of drugs for neuroprotection.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Improves Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in Rats via Suppression of Neuronal Apoptosis, Pro-Inflammatory Mediators, and Microglial Activation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most devastating medical conditions; however, currently, there are no effective pharmacological interventions for SCI. Ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) is one of the protopanaxadiols that show anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective effects. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of GRg3 following SCI in rats. SCI was induced using a static compression model at vertebral thoracic level 10 for 5 min. GRg3 was administrated orally at a dose of 10 or 30 mg/kg/day for 14 days after the SCI. GRg3 (30 mg/kg) treatment markedly improved behavioral motor functions, restored lesion size, preserved motor neurons in the spinal tissue, reduced Bax expression and number of TUNEL-positive cells, and suppressed mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. GRg3 also attenuated the over-production of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase after SCI. Moreover, GRg3 markedly suppressed microglial activation in the spinal tissue. In conclusion, GRg3 treatment led to a remarkable recovery of motor function and a reduction in spinal tissue damage by suppressing neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory responses after SCI. These results suggest that GRg3 may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of SCI.

In vitro effectiveness of triterpenoids and their synergistic effect with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus strains

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of four triterpenoids such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, cycloastragenol, and beta-boswellic acid alone and in combination with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus strains.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen clinical strains of S. aureus from infected wounds were isolated. Eight were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), and the other eight were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The activity was also seen in reference S. aureus American Type Culture Collection™ strains. The activity of all the triterpenoids and antibiotics against S. aureus was evaluated by broth microdilution method. The effectiveness was judged by comparing the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the compounds with antibiotics. The combination of antibiotics with compounds was evaluated by their fractional inhibitory concentrations (FIC).

RESULTS

Against both clinical and reference MSSA strains, none of the compounds exhibited comparable activity to antibiotics vancomycin or cefradine except for ursolic acid (MIC 7.8 μg/ml). Against MRSA, all compounds (MIC 16-128 μg/ml) showed lesser activity than vancomycin (MIC 5.8 μg/ml). Among triterpenoid-antibiotic combinations, the most effective were ursolic acid and vancomycin against clinical strain MSSA (FICS 0.17). However, overall, different combinations between triterpenoids and antibiotics showed 95%-46% (P < 0.05) reduction in MICs of antibiotics compared to when antibiotics were used alone. Cefradine, a drug not suitable for treating MRSA (MIC = 45 μg/ml), showed a remarkable decrease in its MIC (87% P< 0.01) when it was used in combination with oleanolic acid or ursolic acid in both clinical and reference strains.

CONCLUSION

The tested triterpenoids are relatively weaker than antibiotics. However, when used in combination with antibiotics, they showed remarkable synergistic effect and thus can help in prolonging the viability of these antibiotics against S. aureus infections. Furthermore, reduction in MIC of cefradine with oleanolic acid indicates their potential use against MRSA.

Anti-hyaluronidase Activity in Vitro and Amelioration of Mouse Experimental Dermatitis by Tomato Saponin, Esculeoside A

The increasing incidence of atopic dermatitis during recent decades has prompted the development of safe and effective agents for prevention of atopic diseases. Esculeoside A, a glycoside of spirosolane type, is identified as a major component in ripe tomato fruits. The present study investigated the effects of esculeoside A and its aglycon esculeogenin A on hyaluronidase activity in vitro and antiallergy in experimental dermatitis mice. Esculeogenin A/esculeoside A (esculeogenin A equivalent) with an IC50 of about 2 μM/9 μM dose-dependently inhibited hyaluronidase activity measured by a modified Morgan-Elson method. Oral treatment with esculeoside A 10 mg/kg of experimental dermatitis mice for 4 weeks significantly decreased the skin clinical score to 2.5 without any detectable side effects compared with 6.75 of the control. The scratching frequency of esculeoside A 100 mg/kg application was decreased significantly as 107.5 times compared with 296.67 times of the control. Thus, the present study showed that esculeoside A/esculeogenin A significantly blocks hyaluronidase activity in vitro and that esculeoside A ameliorates mouse experimental dermatitis.

Protopanaxadiol, an active ginseng metabolite, significantly enhances the effects of fluorouracil on colon cancer

In this study, we evaluated the effects of protopanaxadiol (PPD), a gut microbiome induced ginseng metabolite, in increasing the anticancer effects of a chemotherapeutic agent fluorouracil (5-FU) on colorectal cancer. An in vitro HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell proliferation test was conducted to observe the effects of PPD, 5-FU and their co-administration and the related mechanisms of action. Then, an in vivo xenografted athymic mouse model was used to confirm the in vitro data. Our results showed that the human gut microbiome converted ginsenoside compound K to PPD as a metabolite. PPD and 5-FU significantly inhibited HCT-116 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner (both p < 0.01), and the effects of 5-FU were very significantly enhanced by combined treatment with PPD (p < 0.01). Cell cycle evaluation demonstrated that 5-FU markedly induced the cancer cell S phase arrest, while PPD increased arrest in G1 phase. Compared to the control, 5-FU and PPD increased apoptosis, and their co-administration significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells (p < 0.01). Using bioluminescence imaging, in vivo data revealed that 5-FU significantly reduced the tumor growth up to Day 20 (p < 0.05). PPD and 5-FU co-administration very significantly reduced the tumor size in a dose-related manner (p < 0.01 compared to the 5-FU alone). The quantification of the tumor size and weight changes for 43 days supported the in vivo imaging data. Our results demonstrated that the co-administration of PPD and 5-FU significantly inhibited the tumor growth, indicating that PPD significantly enhanced the anticancer action of 5-FU, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. PPD may have a clinical value in 5-FU’s cancer therapeutics.

Evaluation of a novel anti-aging topical formulation containing cycloastragenol, growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the efficacy, tolerance, and usability of a single product containing cycloastragenol, growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants to decrease the visible signs of aging, including fine lines, and wrinkles, texture, pore size, elasticity, skin color/clarity, redness, hydration, and overall skin quality.

METHODS

Twenty subjects were enrolled in a 12-week, open-label, patient-assessment study. Subjects used a gentle cleanser, cycloastragenol, growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants (Regeneration Booster™, Jan Marini Skin Research (San Jose, CA) and a broad spectrum SPF for the duration of the 12-week study. Assessments were taken at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. All assessments were compared against baseline for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Eighteen of the twenty subjects completed the 12-week study. Improvement was significant after just 2 weeks of use for all measured categories except erythema and significant for all categories at 12 weeks. One hundred percent of study subjects noted improvement in at least 3 or more of the 8 assessed categories with an average improvement in 6.7 categories. Improvement response rate for individual categories ranged from 67% to 100% of study subjects. There were zero cases of sensitivity or irritation and product smell, feel and ease of application were rated "positive" by 100% of study subjects. Photographic improvement was most notable in texture and lines on the cheeks and eye area.

CONCLUSION

Regeneration Booster, when used as a stand-alone anti-aging solution, delivers rapid and significant reduction in the visible signs of aging. Subject satisfaction was extremely high and there were zero reported cases of sensitivity or irritation. Based on these observations, Regeneration Booster is a safe and effective topical product for individuals seeking significant improvement in the appearance of aging skin.

Isolation of the sapogenin from defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera and its neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons

Sasanqua saponin is a major active compound in the defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera but is always discarded without effective utilization. The sapogenin from hydrolysis of sasanqua saponin was purified, and its amination derivative was investigated on its neuroprotective effects, which were evaluated by animal models of Parkinson disease in mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The results showed that the sapogenin and its derivative increased dopamine content in striatum and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive cells in substantia nigra and relieved inflammation and behavioral disorder, but the effect on movement was reversed by dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol and was not intervened by adenosine receptor antagonist CGS 15943. Molecular simulation showed the interaction between dopamine receptor and the sapogenin or its derivative. It is proven that the sapogenin can protect dopamine neurons through antineuroinflammation and activation of dopamine receptor rather than adenosine receptor, and its amination improves the effects. This research provides the prospective prodrugs for Parkinson disease and a new medicinal application of sasanqua saponin.

Metabolic profiles of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol in rats after oral administration using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

20(S)-Protopanaxadiol (PPD), a dammarane-type triterpenoid sapogenin, acts as the pharmacophore of ginsenosides which are considered as the principal bioactive components in Chinese ginseng. To fully understand the mechanism of action of PPD, it is important to study its metabolic profiles in vivo.

METHODS

Plasma, urine, fece and bile were collected after administration of PPD formulated in 0.5% aqueous Tween-80 to rats (150 mg/kg). Samples were analyzed by using a sensitive and reliable method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS) in both positive and negative ion mode. The chemical structures of metabolites were elucidated by comparing the retention time, accurate molecular mass, and fragmentation patterns of analytes with those of PPD.

RESULTS

In total 29 metabolites, including 10 new metabolites (M20-M29), were tentatively identified and characterized. Among them, two metabolites (M3 and M4) were unambiguously identified by matching their retention times and fragmentation patterns with their standards. Principal metabolites, namely, 20, 24-oxide metabolites (M3 and M4), 26/27-carboxylic acid derivatives (M22 and M23) and a glucuronidated product (M28), were found in the rat plasma.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that phase I metabolites are monooxygenation, dioxygenation and oxidative dehydrogenation metabolites, and phase II metabolic pathways were demonstrated to be cysteine conjugation and glucuronidation. The newly identified metabolites are useful to understand the mechanism of elimination of PPD and, in turn, its effectiveness and toxicity.

A novel telomerase activator suppresses lung damage in a murine model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

The emergence of diseases associated with telomere dysfunction, including AIDS, aplastic anemia and pulmonary fibrosis, has bolstered interest in telomerase activators. We report identification of a new small molecule activator, GRN510, with activity ex vivo and in vivo. Using a novel mouse model, we tested the potential of GRN510 to limit fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mTERT heterozygous mice. Treatment with GRN510 at 10 mg/kg/day activated telomerase 2–4 fold both in hematopoietic progenitors ex vivo and in bone marrow and lung tissue in vivo, respectively. Telomerase activation was countered by co-treatment with Imetelstat (GRN163L), a potent telomerase inhibitor. In this model of bleomycin-induced fibrosis, treatment with GRN510 suppressed the development of fibrosis and accumulation of senescent cells in the lung via a mechanism dependent upon telomerase activation. Treatment of small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) or lung fibroblasts ex vivo with GRN510 revealed telomerase activating and replicative lifespan promoting effects only in the SAEC, suggesting that the mechanism accounting for the protective effects of GRN510 against induced lung fibrosis involves specific types of lung cells. Together, these results support the use of small molecule activators of telomerase in therapies to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

[Polybasic research on the biopharmaceutical characteristics of 20 (S)-protopanaxadiol]

In this study, the biopharmaceutical properties of 20 (S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) were studied. Firstly, the equilibrium solubility and apparent oil/water partition coefficient of PPD were used to predict the absorption in vivo. Meanwhile the membrane permeability and absorption window were studied by Caco-2 cell model and single-pass intestinal perfusion model. Furthermore, the bioavailability and metabolism were combined to study the absorption properties and metabolic properties in vivo. All of them were used to provide theoretical and practical foundation for designing PPD preparation. The results showed that PPD is poorly water-soluble, and the equilibrium solubility in water is only 35.24 mg x L(-1). The oil-water partition coefficient is 46.21 (logP = 1.66). By Caco-2 cell model, the results showed PPD uptake in general, and it also has efflux. By in situ intestinal perfusion model, the results showed that the absorption of PPD in the intestine is good, and the effective permeability coefficient were duodenum > jejunum > ileum > colon. The oral bioavailability of PPD was 29.39%. It was not well. Metabolic studies showed PPD in vivo presented a wide spread metabolism. So the main factors that restricted oral bioavailability of PPD were the poor solubility and first-pass effect.

[Study on pharmacokinetics of 20 (S) -protopanaxadiol lipid cubic nanoparticles]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a high-performance liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for determining 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) in rat plasma, in order to analyze pharmacokinetic characteristics of PPD and PPD cubic nanoparticles.

METHOD

Sprague-Dawley rats were administered orally with PPD and PPD cubic nanoparticles, respectively. Their blood samples were obtained from fossa orbitalis at regular time points. The mobile phase was 0.05% formic acidac etonitrile-0.05% formic acidac water (95:5). Electrospray ionization (ESI) was adopted for the quadrupole tandem mass spectrum. SCAN mode was used for the quantitative analysis, with m/z 460. 4/425.3 and m/z 622.9/318.3 (Rh2, interior label) as secondary fragment ions. The concentration of PPD in plasma was analyzed. The concentration-time curve was mapped. The data were calculated by DAS program.

RESULT

The linearity of the PPD plasma concentration determination method ranged between 10-1 407 microg x L(-1), with the limit of quantification of 2.5 microg x L(-1). Both of the inter-day and intra-day precisions (RSD) were less than 13.25%, and the accuracy (relative error) was between +/- 8.50%.

CONCLUSION

The method was so highly specific and sensitive with less plasma that it is suitable for pharmacokinetic studies. The prepared 20(S)-protopanaxadiol lipid cubic nanoparticles can enhance its absorption in vivo. Its relative bioavailability is 166% of the raw material.

Panax ginseng extract rich in ginsenoside protopanaxatriol attenuates blood pressure elevation in spontaneously hypertensive rats by affecting the Akt-dependent phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a fundamental regulator of systemic blood pressure. Ginsenosides from Panax ginseng have been investigated in vitro for the molecular and biochemical mechanisms by which they stimulate NO release in vascular endothelial cells; however, little research has been done to confirm the physiological relevance of these in vitro studies. To address this research gap, the effects of a P. ginseng extract rich in ginsenosides from protopanaxatriol on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) was examined. Ginseng extract administration stimulated nongenomic Akt-mediated eNOS activation, enhanced NO production, improved vessel wall thickening, and alleviated hypertension in SHRs, confirming the physiological relevance of previous in vitro studies with ginsenosides.

Pharmacokinetic comparison of ginsenoside metabolite IH-901 from fermented and non-fermented ginseng in healthy Korean volunteers

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

IH-901 (20-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol) is a novel ginseng saponin metabolite formed by human intestinal bacteria and is known to have antitumor and antimetastatic effects. However, there has been no pharmacokinetic study of IH-901 in human beings.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic differences of IH-901 from fermented and non-fermented ginseng.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate whether the pharmacokinetics of IH-901 differ between fermented and non-fermented ginseng, an open label, randomized, single dose, fasting, two-period, cross-over, pharmacokinetic study was conducted. A total of 24 healthy Korean male volunteers participated in this study. All subjects were allocated into two equal groups and administered 3g of fermented or non-fermented Panax ginseng. Serial blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected in the 24 h after dosing. Plasma IH-901 concentration was measured by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC(t), C(max), and T(max) were calculated by noncompartmental models in the BA-CALC program (KFDA, 2008, 1.0.0, Korea).

RESULTS

After oral administration of fermented ginseng, 5 subjects experienced diarrhea. The means of AUC(t) and C(max) were significantly different between the two groups. In the fermented ginseng group, AUC(t) was 2083.09±91.97 ng h/mL, a 15.5-fold increase over that of IH-901 from the non-fermented group (134.50±63.10 ng h/mL), and the mean C(max) was 325.00±91.97 ng/mL in the fermented ginseng group, a 27-fold higher value than that in the non-fermented group (13.88±7.24 ng/mL). T(max) was 3.29±1.00 and 12.04±4.96 h in the fermented and non-fermented group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of IH-901 from fermented Panax ginseng are different from those of non-fermented ginseng, from which IH-901 is formed by intestinal fermentation.

Protective effect of dammarane sapogenins against chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in mice

Chemotherapy is the most common way to treat malignancies, but myelosuppression, one of its common side-effects, is a formidable problem. The present study described the protective role of dammarane sapogenins (DS), an active fraction from oriental ginseng, on myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in mice. DS was orally administered at different dosages (37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg) for 10 d after CP administration (200 mg/kg intraperitoneally). The results showed that DS increased the number of white blood cells (WBC) on day 3 and day 7 (P < 0.05), such that WBC levels were increased by 105.7 ± 29.5% at 75 mg/kg of DS on day 3 (P < 0.05, compared with the CP group). Similar results were observed in red blood cells and platelets in DS-treated groups. The colony-forming assay demonstrated that the depressed numbers of CFU-GM (colony-forming unit-granulocyte and macrophage), CFU-E (colony-forming unit-erythroid), BFU-E (burst-forming unit-erythroid), CFU-Meg (colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte) and CFU-GEMM (colony-forming unit-granulocyte, -erythrocyte, -monocyte and -megakaryocyte) induced by CP were significantly reversed after DS treatment. Moreover, the ameliorative effect of DS on myelosuppression was also observed in the femur by hematoxylin/eosin staining. In DS-treated groups, ConA-induced splenocyte proliferation was enhanced significantly at all the doses (37.5, 75, 150 mg/kg) on day 3 at the rate of 50.3 ± 8.0%, 77.6 ± 8.5% and 44.5 ± 8.4%, respectively, while lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation was increased mainly on day 7 (P < 0.01), with an increased rate of 39.8 ± 5.6%, 34.9 ± 6.6% and 38.3 ± 7.3%, respectively. The thymus index was also markedly increased by 70.4% and 36.6% at 75 mg/kg on days 3 and 7, respectively, as compared with the CP group. In summary, DS has a protective function against CP-induced myelosuppression. Its mechanism might be related to stimulating hematopoiesis recovery, as well as enhancing the immunological function.

[Clinical value of protoparaxotril saporlirs combined with aspirin in the secondary prevention of cerebral infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical value of protoparaxotril saporlirs (PTS) combined with aspirin in the secondary prevention of cerebral infarction.

METHODS

The 140 patients with cerebral infarction were collected, among them the 120 patients during recovery stage were equally assigned to three groups by randomized, single blinded and open controlled principle, and they were treated respectively by PTS (A), aspirin (B), and PTS plus aspirin (C) for 6 months. The other 20, who couldn't or were unwilling to use aspirin, were arranged in group D for control. The platelet aggregation rate, incidence of stroke recurrence, gastrointestinal adverse reaction and the NIHSS scores of patients were observed during the six-month period of treatment.

RESULTS

As compared with group D, the lowering amplitude of platelet aggregation rate after treatment in the three treatment groups were significantly higher (P < 0.01). Comparison of platelet aggregation rate between group A and B showed significant difference after 3-month treatment (P < 0.05), but the difference became insignificant after 6-month treatment (P > 0.05). The incidence of stroke recurrence in the group A, B and C was 18.9%, 13.2% and 10.8% respectively, which showed no significant difference among them, but all were significantly lower than that in the group D (44.4%, P < 0.05). NIHSS scores in group A and C were significantly lower than in group B (P < 0.01); and the occurrence of gastrointestinal reaction was significantly lower in group A (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Long-term application of PTS has the effects for preventing stroke recurrence, lowering gastrointestinal adverse reaction and improving patients' neural function in patients with stroke. As used in combination with aspirin, it shows potential practical importance in the clinical secondary prevention of stroke.

Diosgenin, a plant-derived sapogenin, stimulates Ca2+-activated K+ current in human cortical HCN-1A neuronal cells

The effects of diosgenin (3beta-hydroxy-5-spirostene), a plant-derived sapogenin, on ion currents in human cortical neurons (HCN-1A) were investigated. In the whole-cell configuration, diosgenin (0. -30 microM) increased the amplitude of K+ outward current (I(K)). Diosgenin-stimulated I(K) was sensitive to inhibition by paxilline (1 microM), but not by apamin (200 nM) or glibenclamide (10 muM). In the cell-attached configuration, diosgenin applied to the bath increased the activity of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK(Ca)) channels without altering single-channel conductance. Diosgenin enhanced BK(Ca)-channel activity with an EC50 value of 25 microM. However, in inside-out patches, diosgenin applied to the intracellular surface had no effect on BK(Ca)-channel activity, while cilostazol or caffeic acid phenethyl ester increased it. As shown with the aid of intracellular Ca2+ measurements, diosgenin elevated intracellular Ca2+ in HCN-1A cells. Western blotting also revealed the presence of the alpha-subunit of BK (Ca) channels in these cells. The sustained stimulation of I(K) arises primarily from the diosgenin-induced Ca2+ influx across the cell membrane. The effect of diosgenin on these channels may affect the functional activity of cortical neurons. Abbreviations. I(K):K+ outward current I(K(Ca)):Ca2+-activated K+ current BK(Ca) channel:Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel CAPE:caffeic acid phenethyl ester [Ca2+] (i):intracellular Ca2+ concentration I/V relationship:current/voltage relationship K (ATP) channel:ATP-sensitive K+ channel K(Ca) channel:Ca2+-activated K+ channel.

Protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides differentially modulate type 1 and type 2 cytokines production from murine splenocytes

Seven protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides and their aglycones including PPT, PT, -Re, -Rg (1), -F (1), -Rh (1), 20(R)-Rh (1) which are closely related in structure were studied for their effects on type 1 and type 2 cytokines production from murine splenocytes and their related mechanisms were examined. The results indicate that PPT, PT and ginsenoside-Re show hardly any or weak effects on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced production of IFN-gamma and IL-4. Ginsenoside-Rh (1) and 20(R)-Rh (1) induce a Con A-induced type 1 cytokine pattern by increasing the production of interleukin-12 (IL-12), the expression of IFN-gamma, T-bet and enhancing NF-kappaB DNA binding activity. In contrast ginsenosides-Rg (1) and -F (1) cause a Con A-induced type 2 cytokines response by increasing the expression of IL-4, GATA-3 and enhancing NF-kappaB DNA binding activity. Thus, these protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides have different immunomodulatory effects, which might explain the complex immunomodulatory effect of Panax ginseng.

Changes in some liver enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed sapogenin extract from bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) or commercial diosgenin

The effects of steroidal sapogenin extract from bitter yam or commercial diosgenin on liver enzyme changes were investigated Diabetic male Wistar rats were fed diets supplemented with 1% steroidal sapogenin extract or commercial diosgenin for three weeks. Plasma glucose levels and the activities of hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase, pyruvate kinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were assessed Liver total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and total phospholipid were also measured. Plasma glucose decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats fed the three test diets compared to the diabetic control. The three test diets significantly decreased glucose-6-phosphatase activity compared to the diabetic control The activities of ATP-citrate lyase, pyruvate kinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly reduced in the liver of diabetic rats compared to normal control. Supplementation of the diet with bitter yam steroidal sapogenin extract or commercial diosgenin did not significantly alter ATP citrate lyase and pyruvate kinase activities but significantly increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the liver compared to diabetic rats. This study shows that the feeding of the two test diets to diabetic rats results in alterations in the metabolism of glucose with subsequent reduction in plasma glucose concentration.

Ginsenosides inhibit EGF-induced proliferation of renal proximal tubule cells via decrease of c-fos and c-jun gene expression in vitro

Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that ginseng intake is associated with a reduced risk for environmentally related cancers. However, the effects of ginsenosides on the proliferation of renal proximal tubule cells have not yet elucidated. This study investigated the effect of total ginsenosides, protopanaxatriol (PT) saponin, and protopanaxadiol (PD) saponin fraction on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced renal cell proliferation and, furthermore, c-fos and c-jun gene expression. In the present study, total ginsenosides (10 -6 g/ml) completely blocked EGF-induced DNA synthesis and cell growth. In contrast, the PT and PD fractions partially blocked it. In addition, the EGF-induced increase of c-fos and c-jun gene expression was completely blocked by total ginsenosides and partially by PT and PD saponins. In conclusion, ginsenosides, in part, inhibit EGF-induced cell proliferation via decrease of c-fos and c-jun gene expression in primary cultured rabbit renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs). Abbreviations. EGF:epidermal growth factor PD:protopanaxadiol PT:protopanaxatriol PTCs:primary cultured renal proximal tubule cells

Altered immunomodulating and toxicological properties of degraded Quillaja saponaria Molina saponins

Quillaja saponins are readily hydrolyzed under physiological conditions, yielding deacylated forms that are significantly less toxic than their precursors. Yet, deacylated saponins are unable to stimulate a strong primary immune response. Although deacylated saponins elicit a strong total IgG response, their capacity to stimulate a Thl type IgG isotype profile (i.e. high levels of IgG2a and IgG2b) has been significantly diminished. Instead, an IgG profile closer to that of a Th2 immune response is stimulated (i.e. high IgG1 levels). Deacylated saponins have also lost their capacity to elicit an effective T cell immunity, as shown by their stimulation of a marginal lymphoproliferative response and their inability to elicit the production of cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL). Modification of the immune-modulating properties brought by the degradation of quillaja saponins during vaccine storage may change the intended immune response from a Th1 to a Th2 type. This alteration would have negligible effects on vaccines depending on Th2 immunity mediated by neutralizing antibodies. However, the performance of vaccines directed against intracellular pathogens as well as therapeutic cancer vaccines may be seriously affected by the loss of their capacity to stimulate both a Th1 immune response and the production of CTL.

Korean red ginseng saponins with low ratios of protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol saponin improve scopolamine-induced learning disability and spatial working memory in mice

The effects of two ginseng saponins having a different ratio of protopanaxadiol (PD) and protopanaxatriol saponins (PT) on the learning impairment induced by scopolamine, and learning and memory in mice were investigated in a passive avoidance task and a Morris water maze task. The ratio of PD and PT was 1.24 and 1.46, respectively. Before training, the ginseng saponins were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. The two saponins improved the scopolamine-induced learning impairment at different dosages in mice, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. However, the two saponins did not show a favorable effect on learning and memory in normal mice. Korean red ginseng saponin with a low PD/PT ratio had an improving effect on spatial working memory, but the saponin with a high PD/PT ratio did not. This finding suggests that the PD/PT ratio of the ginseng saponins may be an important factor in the pharmacological role of red ginseng as a medicinal herb.

Comparison of adjuvants with respect to serum IgG antibody response in orally immunized chickens

We have previously shown that oral immunization with non-replicating antigens hardly induced serum IgG antibody response in chickens and addition of sodium fluoride (NaF) to the immunogen markedly improved their immunological states. In the present study, taurine, lithium and Quillaja saponin (Q-SAP) were compared with NaF with respect to their enhancement of serum IgG antibody response in chickens after oral immunization. The antibody titer of chickens which received Q-SAP as the mucosal adjuvant tended to be higher than that of chickens which received antigen plus NaF. Simultaneous administration of antigen with lithium or taurine elicited a higher antibody titer in chickens compared to those of chickens orally immunized with antigen alone, but the effect of these two adjuvants was less efficient compared with that of NaF. These results suggested that Q-SAP as well as NaF is useful as an oral adjuvant for chickens.

Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of orally administered saikosaponin b1 in conventional, germ-free and Eubacterium sp. A-44-infected gnotobiote rats

The metabolic fate of saikosaponin b1 (1) was investigated using conventional, germ-free and Eubacterium sp. A-44-infected gnotobiote rats. After the oral administration of 1 to germ-free rats at a dose of 50 mg/kg, no metabolite was detected in the plasma, the cecal contents or the cumulative feces through the experiment. On the other hand, when 1 was orally given to the Eubacterium sp. A-44-infected gnotobiote rats, considerable amounts of its metabolites, prosaikogenin A (2) and saikogenin A (3), were detected in the rat plasma with the respective AUC0-10 h values of 17,424 and 22,260 pmol.min/ml, similar to the case of its oral administration to conventional rats (AUC0-10 h values of 9,936 and 12,414 pmol.min/ml for 2 and 3, respectively). Furthermore, significant amounts of both metabolites were detected in the cecal contents and the cumulative feces of the gnotobiote and conventional rats, but not in those of the germ-free rats, within 10 h after the administration. Fecal and cecal activities of hydrolyzing 1 and 2 were found in the gnotobiote and conventional rats, though there were no detectable activities in the germ-free rats. Accordingly, both hydrolyzing activities in the intestinal bacteria, such as Eubacterium sp. A-44, are essential for the appearance of 2 and 3 in the rat plasma and cumulative feces, since orally administered 1 was poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Suppressive effects of sairei-to on monoclonal antibody 1-22-3-induced glomerulonephritis: analysis of effective components

The effects of traditional Chinese medicine (Sairei-to) on experimental glomerulonephritis induced in rats by monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1-22-3 injection was examined. The level of proteinuria in the Sairei-to-treated group was significantly lower than that in the PBS treated group. This suppressive effect was caused by the major component of Sairei-to, Syo-saiko-to but not by another component, Gorel-san. The suppressive effect of Syo-saiko-to was identified in its components (Bupleuri radix, Pinelliae tuber and Zingiberis rhizoma), but not in the other combined components (Ginseng radix and Zizyphi fructus). Further study revealed that the suppressive effects of the combined components were mainly derived from Bupleuri radix. It was demonstrated that the actual active ingredient is probably Saikosaponin-d. Light microscopy revealed that Sairei-to and its effective components suppressed the proliferation of mesangial cells and mesangial matrix expansion. Semiquantitative morphological studies of glomerular lesions on the eighth day showed that Syo-saiko-to and its combined components (Bupleuri radix, Zingiberis rhizoma and Pinelliae tuber) suppressed mesangial matrix expansion significantly compared with phosphate-buffered saline control groups (matrix score: 28.0 +/- 19.1 vs 102.3 +/- 14.1; 30.9 +/- 30.1 vs 102.3 +/- 14.1, P < 0.005, respectively). It was concluded that Saikosaponin-d, as well as Bupleuri radix, Syo-saiko-to and Sairei-to can suppress proteinuria and morphological changes in the rat glomerulonephritis model induced by mAb 1-22-3.

The effects of saikosaponin-d on yeast phagocytosis and degradation in peritoneal macrophages: related increase in Fc receptor expression and altered cytoplasmic organization

The effects of saikosaponin-d (ssd), isolated from Bupleurum radix, on phagocytic functions of mouse peritoneal macrophages were investigated in macrophage cultures after treatment in vivo. We also compared the ultrastructural appearances of macrophages from ssd-treated mice with those from control mice. The macrophages from ssd-treated mice showed a significant increase in phagocytosis, intracellular killing of yeast and acid phosphatase activity. Treatment of mice with ssd also induced the Fc receptor expression in macrophages. The macrophages from ssd-treated mice showed more intense spreading on a glass surface than those from the control mice after a 60 min-incubation. Furthermore, the macrophages from ssd-treated mice seemed to possess a well-developed Golgi apparatus and the large vacuoles. The data suggest that the functional changes in the macrophages from ssd-treated mice are brought about by a modification in the surface membrane and the intracellular distribution.

Protective effect of saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D and saikogenin D against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in mice

Effects of saikosaponins and their genins on nonspecific resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes infections were investigated. When mice were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) saikosaponins one day before i.p. infection with P. aeruginosa, saikosaponins a and d induced a marked enhancement of nonspecific resistance at a dose of 10 micrograms/mouse. Also, saikogenin D, a secondary metabolite of saikosaponin d, showed an enhancing effect. The most effective condition for enhancing the nonspecific resistance was i.p. administration of saikosaponin d one day before i.p. or intravenous (i.v.) infection with P. aeruginosa, when mice were treated i.p., i.v., or subcutaneously with saikosaponin d 1, 4 or 7 days previously. Effect of saikosaponin d was weaker than that of formalin-killed bacilli of Propionibacterium acnes and lipopolysaccharide. On the other hand, effect of saikosaponin d on enhancement of nonspecific resistance against L. monocytogenes was not seen. Effector cells participating in the enhanced protection induced by saikosaponin d may be macrophages, since macrophages were a major component in peritoneal cells obtained from mice administered i.p. saikosaponin d 1 day earlier and intracellular bactericidal activity of peritoneal macrophages against P. aeruginosa increased.

[Pharmacological studies on a prescription containing Bupleuri Radix (IV). Effects of saikosaponin on the anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoid]

Effects of saikosaponin d extracted from Bupleuri Radix on the antigranulomatous action of glucocorticoid were investigated in rats by the cotton pellet method. Saikosaponin d (0.1 mg/kg/day x 4 days) and dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg/day x 4 days) reduced the weight of cotton-induced granuloma to 89.58% and 88.54% of the control, respectively. These antigranulomatous actions failed to show a significant difference from the control. However, the combined administration of saikosaponin d and dexamethasone produced a significant antigranulomatous action, namely, the decrease in the weight of granuloma to 62.5% of the control. While the combination of saikosaponin d and dexamethasone showed an inhibitory trend against the increase in serum triglyceride as induced by dexamethasone, the cholesterol level was elevated by the combination. The body weight was significantly reduced by the combined administration as compared with the group treated with dexamethasone alone, but no apparent difference existed in the adrenal and thymus weights between them.