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Effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on epigenetic modification in ovarian cancer cells

Lingqin Zhao1, Huafeng Shou1, Lu Chen1

  • 1Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China.

Oncology Reports
|April 20, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth and spread by altering epigenetic modifications. This compound promotes apoptosis and reduces tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epigenetic modifications are crucial in cancer development, influencing oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inactivation.
  • Ovarian cancer is a significant health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Ginsenosides, particularly Rg3, have shown potential anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on epigenetic modifications in ovarian cancer cells.
  • To evaluate the impact of ginsenoside Rg3 on ovarian cancer cell behavior, including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and invasion.

Main Methods:

  • Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays were used to assess cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.
  • Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was employed to determine DNA methylation levels.
  • Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting were utilized to detect gene and protein expression.

Main Results:

  • Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner.
  • Treatment with ginsenoside Rg3 promoted apoptosis and inhibited metastasis and invasion of ovarian cancer cells.
  • Rg3 decreased methylation levels in the promoter regions of p53, p16, and hMLH1, leading to increased mRNA and protein expression.
  • Ginsenoside Rg3 reduced the activity and expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) while increasing histone acetylation.

Conclusions:

  • Ginsenoside Rg3 demonstrates significant anti-cancer effects against ovarian cancer cells by modulating epigenetic mechanisms.
  • The findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg3 is a promising agent for ovarian cancer therapy, capable of inhibiting cell viability, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis.

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