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Attenuation of alcohol-induced hepatocyte damage by ginsenoside Rg1 evaluated using atomic force microscopy
Shengli Zhang1,2, Zhankun Weng1,2, Zuobin Wang1,2,3
1International Research Centre for Nano Handling and Manufacturing of China, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, China.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|June 29, 2023
Summary
Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) protects liver cells from alcohol damage. This study shows G-Rg1 improves cell shape and biomechanical properties, offering a potential therapeutic approach for alcoholic liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Alcoholic liver disease is a major global health concern.
- Hepatocyte apoptosis is a key feature of alcoholic liver injury.
- Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1), derived from ginseng, is investigated for its protective effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of G-Rg1 on alcohol-induced changes in hepatocyte morphology and biomechanics.
- To evaluate G-Rg1's potential to mitigate alcohol-induced hepatocyte damage.
Main Methods:
- Human hepatocytes (HL-7702) were treated with alcohol and G-Rg1 in vitro.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe cell morphology.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) assessed cell height, roughness, adhesion, and elastic modulus.
Main Results:
- Alcohol significantly induced hepatocyte apoptosis and altered cell morphology (reduced contraction, roundness, pseudopods).
- G-Rg1 treatment attenuated alcohol-induced morphological damage.
- AFM revealed alcohol increased cell height and decreased adhesion and elastic modulus; G-Rg1 normalized these biophysical properties.
Conclusions:
- Ginsenoside Rg1 effectively attenuates alcohol-induced damage to hepatocytes.
- G-Rg1 modulates both the morphological and biomechanical properties of liver cells.
- These findings suggest G-Rg1 as a potential therapeutic agent for alcoholic liver disease.
