Anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on the hypertrophic scar formation via the NF-κB/IκB signaling pathway in rabbit ears.

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory effects of Rg3 on the hypertrophic scar (HS) formation remain relatively obscure. Hence, this study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of Rg3 on the HS formation using a rabbit ear model and we assessed the involvement of the NF-κ B/IκB signaling pathway in this process. We constructed the Newland white rabbit ear HS model and treated it with Rg3. Using histological analyses, we evaluated scar hypertrophy based on the hematoxylin and eosin staining. The degree of scarring was evaluated using the scar elevation index (SEI). In addition, collagen I and collagen III expression levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry, while fibroblast apoptosis was examined using TUNEL assays. While MPO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations were quantified using ELISA, NF-κB and p-IκB activities were respectively measured using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and western blots. SEI measurements and histological characteristics revealed that Rg3 could suppress the HS formation. Moreover, Rg3 could inhibit the HS formation by decreasing collagen I and collagen III synthesis and inducing fibroblast apoptosis. Besides, Rg3 treatment markedly inhibited the inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorated neutrophil infiltration. Notably, this study revealed that Rg3 inhibited NF-κB activation and the activity of p-IκB. Furthermore, this study suggested that the ability of Rg3 to decrease the scar formation might result from its ability to inhibit inflammation by modulating the NF-κB/IκB signaling. Overall, the findings of this study could support the use of Rg3 to prevent the HS formation.