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

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo senescence after expansion and in vitro culture under oxidative stress, which limits their clinical application. Ginsenoside Rh2 has been confirmed to regulate mitochondrial function, but its role in modulating the senescence of MSCs has not been clearly investigated.

This study aims to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of Rh2 in inhibiting the senescence of MSCs.

Transmission electron microscopey (TEM) and fluorescence staining assays were used to monitor changes in mitochondrial and lysosomal morphology and function in Rh2-treated senescent MSCs. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to evaluate the expression levels of senescence-related cytokine genes and proteins.

Rh2 can inhibited the senescence of MSCs by activating Sirtuin 1(SIRT1). At the molecular level, SIRT1 regulated the Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway and suppressed the secretion of senescence-associated cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8). Additionally, Rh2 influenced lysosomal stability and sultimately inhibited exosome secretion through direct activation of SIRT1.

These findings provide a potential strategy for using Rh2 to overcome the senescence of MSCs, thereby enhancing their clinical application.