Ginsenoside Rg1 protects mouse liver against ischemia–reperfusion injury through anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis properties

Abstract

BackgroundGinsenoside Rg1, the major effective component of ginseng, possesses a variety of pharmacologic activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Rg1 on liver ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury and explore its potential mechanisms. Materials and methodsLiver warm IR injury was achieved by occluding the portal vein and hepatic artery for 1 h followed by 6-h reperfusion. Eighteen mice were equally randomized into three groups: sham group, IR group, and IR plus Rg1 group (n = 6 mice per group). Mice received an intravenous dose of 20 mg/kg Rg1 or an equivalent volume of saline before ischemic insult. Liver samples and serum were collected for analyses. Serum aminotransferase, histopathology, and apoptosis were determined. Cytokines were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 was assessed by Western blotting. In addition, the effect of Rg1 in a simulated IR model in vitro was also investigated. Rg1 (100 ug/mL and 500 ug/mL) was administered 1 h before hypoxia insult, and then apoptosis was measured after 12-h reperfusion. ResultsLiver IR injury led to a dramatic increase in aminopherase activity, apoptosis and necrosis of hepatocytes, and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Pretreatment with Rg1 protected mice from IR-induced liver injury. Treatment with a high-dose Rg1 (500ug/mL) significantly suppressed apoptosis compared with a lower dose or control (both P < 0.001). Phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 was increased significantly in IR group, and administration with Rg1 suppressed the level of phosphorylation. ConclusionsPretreatment of mice with Rg1 reduced hepatocellular apoptosis and inhibited inflammatory response, which was in part through the NF-κB signaling pathway. Rg1 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of IR-induced liver injury.