Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates arterial aging by reducing DNA damage in aged mice

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Aging Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vascular aging is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, characterized by structural and functional decline.
• The precise molecular mechanisms behind age-associated vascular deterioration remain incompletely understood.
• Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), a key compound in ginseng, shows promise for anti-aging effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of Rb1 on the aorta of aged mice.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Rb1's action against vascular aging.
• To provide evidence for Rb1 as a potential natural therapeutic agent for vascular aging.

Main Methods:

• Aged mice received Rb1 or PBS injections for 6 weeks; young mice served as controls.
• Aortic tissues were analyzed via histomorphology, nanoscale biomechanics (AFM), and senescence/apoptosis/DNA damage markers (P21, SA-β-gal, TUNEL, γ-H2AX).

Main Results:

• Rb1 treatment improved aortic structural remodeling and restored smooth muscle cell alignment and extracellular matrix.
• Atomic Force Microscopy revealed Rb1 ameliorated age-induced impairments in aortic nanobiomechanical properties.
• Rb1 significantly reduced DNA damage marker γ-H2AX, P21 expression, SA-β-gal positivity, and apoptosis (TUNEL), delaying vascular aging.

Conclusions:

• Rb1 effectively attenuates DNA damage, structural remodeling, and biomechanical dysfunction in the aging aorta.
• Rb1 delays vascular aging and apoptosis, likely by targeting DNA damage pathways.
• Rb1 demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for combating age-related aortic impairments.