Ginsenoside Rg1 Downregulates the Shear Stress Induced MCP-1 Expression by Inhibiting MAPK Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Ginsenoside Rg1 has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activities, but the effects of Rg1 on the shear induced MCP-1 upregulation mechanism on endothelial cells (ECs) remain to be determined. In this study, we show that Rg1 down modulates shear induced pro-inflammatory cytokine MCP-1 gene expression and monocytes adhesion without potential cell toxicity. The negative effects on monocytes adhesion is due to a decrease in MCP-1 protein release. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of Rg1 on the phosphorylation level of ERK, p38, and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by shear stress (SS) is similar with that of specific chemical inhibitors for MAPK pathways activation. These results demonstrate that ginsenoside Rg1 inhibits the shear induced inflammation by suppressing the MAPK pathway. This suggests that Rg1 may serve as a novel anti-inflammatory agent for inflammation-induced cardiovascular diseases treatment.