Ginsenoside Rb1 reduces H2O2‑induced HUVEC dysfunction by stimulating the sirtuin‑1/AMP‑activated protein kinase...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular Aging Mechanisms
• Pharmacology of Ginseng

Background:

• Endothelial dysfunction and senescence are key factors in cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and hypertension.
• Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), a ginseng compound, shows anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Previous studies indicated Rb1 activates Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) to protect against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the SIRT1 signaling pathway during H2O2-induced HUVEC aging.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Rb1 protects HUVECs from senescence via the SIRT1/AMPK pathway.

Main Methods:

• Induction of HUVEC aging using H2O2.
• Treatment with Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1).
• Inhibition of AMPK using compound C and SIRT1 using nicotinamide.
• Assessment of SIRT1 expression, AMPK phosphorylation, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, nitric oxide (NO) production, and PAI-1 expression.

Main Results:

• Rb1 restored H2O2-induced reduction in SIRT1 expression and activated AMPK phosphorylation.
• Rb1-induced AMPK activation increased eNOS expression and NO production, while suppressing PAI-1 expression.
• Inhibition of AMPK or SIRT1 abrogated the protective effects of Rb1 against H2O2-induced endothelial aging.

Conclusions:

• Rb1 protects against H2O2-induced HUVEC senescence.
• The protective mechanism involves the activation of the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway.
• This study provides novel insights into the molecular basis of Rb1's cardioprotective effects.