Ginsenoside Rh2 suppresses growth of uterine leiomyoma in vitro and in vivo and may regulate ERα/c-Src/p38 MAPK activity. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Yan; Xu, Junjiu; Li, Zhao; Xie, Shuwu; Zhou, Jieyun; Guo, Xiangjie; Zhou, Xianying; Li, Guoting; Zhong, Ruihua; Ma, Aying
• Is Part Of: Journal of functional foods. Volume 18:Part A(2016)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Ginsenoside Rh2 -- ERα -- c-Src -- p38 MAPK -- Uterine leiomyoma; E2 estradiol benzoate -- ERα oestrogen receptor alpha -- IC50 half maximal inhibitory concentration -- p38 MAPK p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase -- P4 progesterone -- T testosterone -- UL uterine leiomyoma; Functional foods -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.06.057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-4646

Abstract

Highlights: We investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rh2 suppression on uterine leiomyoma. Treatment of ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits growth of uterine leiomyoma in a rat model as well as human cells. We describe a novel mechanism of action of Rh2 where it regulates ERα/Src/p38 MAPK activity. Abstract: Panax ginseng is widely used as a functional food in Asia because of its bioactivities. Here, we report that ginsenoside Rh2, an extract of red Panax ginseng, suppressed growth of uterine leiomyomas (ULs) in a rat model and decreased serum hormone levels in a dose-dependent manner. Rh2 also inhibited the growth of cultured human UL cells in vitro . After Rh2 treatment, cells showed morphological changes that were consistent with apoptosis. Using ELISA, real-time RT-PCR, and Western blot methods, we found that Rh2 significantly reduced the activity of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and c-Src, increased p38 MAPK activity, and reversed ERα activity mediated by PP2 and SB203580, specific inhibitors of c-Src and p38 MAPK, respectively, in UL cells. These findings provide a novel mechanism for the anti-proliferative efficacy of Rh2 that likely involves regulating ERα/Src/p38 MAPK activity.