[Study on protective effect of Panax notoginseng total saponins on H9c2 cells senescence against D-galactose]

To investigate the protective effect of Panax notoginseng Total Saponins (PNTS) on D-galactose-induced H9c2 cell senescence and the underlying mechanism.

D-galactose was used to cause H9c2 cells senescence. Different concentrations of PNTS (5,25 and 50 μg/mL) were added into medium to protect H9c2 cells. Cell senescence was identified by senescence associated β-galactosidase. Level of reactive oxgen species (ROS) was observed according to the effect of DCFH-DA detection. The activity of superoxide dicmutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in cells were measured by biochemical assay kits. The apoptosis of cells was tested by Hochest.

Compared with the control group, the number of β-galactosidase positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of ROS in the model group were markedly increased. Meanwhile, the activity of SOD was decreased whereas the content of MDA was increased. The apoptosis level assessed by the Hochest dyeing was significantly increased with chromatin concentration and condensation. Compared with the model group, the quantity of β-galactosidase in different PNTS treatment group was obviously decreased, the activity of SOD was increased and the content of MDA was reduced. The apoptosis rate in the cells treated with PNTS was improved.

PNTS improved D-galactose-induced H9c2 cell senescence through upregulation of antioxidative ability and attenuation of cell apoptosis.