Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits mesenchymal stem cell senescence by regulating mitochondrial and lysosomal function

Area of Science:

• Stem cell biology
• Mitochondrial research
• Aging research

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo senescence due to oxidative stress during expansion and in vitro culture, limiting their clinical utility.
• Ginsenoside Rh2 is known to regulate mitochondrial function, but its impact on MSC senescence is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of Ginsenoside Rh2 on inhibiting MSC senescence.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Rh2 modulates MSC aging.

Main Methods:

• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence staining to assess mitochondrial and lysosomal changes.
• Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot to analyze senescence-related gene and protein expression.
• Evaluation of cytokine secretion and exosome release.

Main Results:

• Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibited MSC senescence by activating Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1).
• SIRT1 activation by Rh2 promoted Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy and suppressed the secretion of senescence-associated cytokines (IL-6, IL-8).
• Rh2 enhanced lysosomal stability and reduced exosome secretion via direct SIRT1 activation.

Conclusions:

• Ginsenoside Rh2 effectively inhibits MSC senescence through SIRT1 activation.
• This study presents Rh2 as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve MSCs for enhanced clinical applications.