Particulate matter-induced lung cancer metastasis is inhibited by ginsenoside Rg3

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Particulate matter (PM) exposure is a global health concern linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and lung cancer.
• PM exposure is increasingly recognized for promoting cancer cell metastasis, but underlying mechanisms and preventive strategies are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanism of PM-induced cancer metastasis.
• To investigate the preventive potential of ginsenoside Rg3 against PM-induced cancer metastasis.

Main Methods:

• Macrophages were treated with PM to analyze chemokine (CCL3, CCL4, CCL5) expression and secretion via MAPK and NF-kB pathways.
• The effect of these chemokines on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and cancer cell motility was assessed.
• A mouse model of PM inhalation was used to confirm chemokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and evaluate Rg3's efficacy.

Main Results:

• PM exposure increased macrophage expression and secretion of CCL3, CCL4, and CCL5, mediated by MAPK and NF-kB pathways.
• These chemokines modulated EMT markers (Snail, Slug, ZEB1, E-cadherin) in cancer cells, enhancing their motility.
• In a mouse model, PM inhalation elevated BALF chemokine levels, and Rg3 administration reduced PM-induced cancer metastasis.

Conclusions:

• Ginsenoside Rg3 effectively suppresses PM-induced chemokine production and subsequent cancer cell metastasis.
• Rg3 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent to mitigate the metastatic risks associated with particulate matter exposure.