Evaluation of ginsenoside Rg1 as a potential antioxidant for preventing or ameliorating progression of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether Rg1 inhibits H2O2-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), an injury often regarded as a key early event in the development of atherosclerosis. Methods: Cell viability of HUVECs treated with Rg1 and/or H2O2 was measured using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, lipid peroxidation, and reserved oxidase were detected using different available kits. The apoptosis pathway involved in the effect of Rg1 was also evaluated. Results: Exposing HUVECs to 100 μmol/L H2O2 significantly decreased cell viability (78.12 ± 1.78 %), nitric oxide production, and nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione activities, but markedly increased malondialdehyde content (from 26.87 ± 3.97 to 45.84 ± 3.50 nmol/mg of protein) and LDH release (from 8.63 to 31.42 %) (p < 0.05). These results were accompanied by a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and up-regulation of Bid and caspase-3, -8, and -9 mRNA expressions. However, pretreatment with different Rg1 concentrations (4, 8, and 16 μmol/L) markedly attenuated these changes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Rg1 may protect HUVECs against H2O2-induced injury via the anti-oxidative and antiapoptosis mechanisms, which could be applied potentially for the prevention of endothelial cell dysfunctions associated with atherosclerosis. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved.