Ginsenoside Rk1 Enhances Chemosensitivity of Gastric Cancer Through Activating the AMPK/mTOR Pathway

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products

Background:

• Ginseng extracts demonstrate therapeutic potential against gastric cancer (GC).
• Ginsenoside Rk1 (Rk1) is a key compound investigated for its anti-cancer properties.
• Understanding Rk1's mechanisms in GC is crucial for developing novel treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-cancer functions of Ginsenoside Rk1 (Rk1) in gastric cancer (GC).
• To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of Rk1's action on GC cells.
• To evaluate Rk1's efficacy both in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Cell viability, proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8, BrdU, Transwell, and TUNEL assays.
• Gene expression related to apoptosis was analyzed via RT-PCR.
• Western blotting was employed to determine the activation status of the AMPK/mTOR pathway.
• An in vivo tumor xenograft model in nude mice was utilized to evaluate Rk1's effect on tumor growth.

Main Results:

• Rk1 significantly inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
• Rk1 promoted apoptosis in GC cells and enhanced their sensitivity to common chemotherapy drugs.
• Mechanistically, Rk1 activated the AMPK/mTOR pathway by increasing AMPK phosphorylation and decreasing mTOR phosphorylation.
• In vivo studies demonstrated that Rk1 markedly suppressed tumor growth and exhibited synergistic effects with cisplatin and oxaliplatin.

Conclusions:

• Ginsenoside Rk1 exhibits significant antitumor activity against gastric cancer.
• The anti-cancer effects of Rk1 are mediated through the activation of the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
• Rk1 represents a promising therapeutic agent for gastric cancer, potentially enhancing chemotherapy efficacy.