Notoginsenoside R1 Attenuates Atherosclerotic Lesions in ApoE Deficient Mouse Model

Abstract

AimsAtherosclerosis is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The current study evaluated the interventional effects of a naturally occurring compound Notoginsenoside R1 (NR1) on atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice.Methods and ResultsThe atherosclerotic lesion was significantly alleviated by NR1 treatment and this attenuation was marked by reduction in lipid deposition, fibrosis and oxidative stress. Increased serum levels of GSH and SOD and decreased level of MDH were observed in NR1-treated ApoE−/− mice. NR1 treatment also significantly decreased the levels of CHO, TG, ox-LDL and increased the level of HDL. Additionally, the levels of inflammatory cytokines including IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α and γ-IFN were markedly reduced in NR1-treated ApoE−/− mice. Furthermore, significantly increased aortic expression of miR-26a, miR-21, miR-126a, miR-132, miR-146 and miR-155 and decreased expression of miR-20a and miR-92a were observed in the vehicle-treated ApoE−/− mice. While NR1 treatment led to a significant reduction in the expression of miR-21, miR-26a, miR-126 and increased expression of miR-20a.ConclusionCollectively, our results demonstrated for the first time the anti-atherosclerotic effects of NR1, which could be in part mediated through its multiple targeting effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism and microRNA expression. These results therefore justify further evaluation of NR1 as a therapeutic agent treating atherosclerosis.

Notoginsenoside R1 Protects HUVEC Against Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-Induced Atherogenic Response via Down-Regulating miR-132

“…With the development of pharmacology, a variety of monomer saponins have been identified, including ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rg1 and notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1). In regard of AS, a previous study has reported NGR1 as a promising anti-AS agent by modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism and the expression of miRNAs [13]. However, the detailed function of NGR1 on AS, and the possibly underlying mechanisms still need to be revealed.…”

Notoginsenoside R1 Ameliorates Podocyte Adhesion Under Diabetic Condition Through a3�1Integrin Upregulationin Vitroandin Vivo

“…It have been reported that NR1 has antioxidant effects both in vivo and in vitro [39,40]. In this study, we also demonstrated that NR1 reduced oxidative stress both in serum and kidney cortex from STZ-induced diabetic rats.…”

“…Consistent with previous reports [37,38], the present study showed increased MDA content and decreased activities of CAT and SOD and GPx in STZ-induced diabetic rats. More recently, NR1 has been found to have antioxidant effects both in vivo and in vitro [39,40]. In this study, the serum and tissue activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GPx) were significantly increased and the MDA content decreased in NR1-treated rats, suggesting a significant antioxidant effect of NR1.…”

Ginsenoside Rg3 stereoisomers differentially inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in diabetic atherosclerosis

“…It has been reported that PPARγ agonist could block classical activation of macrophages and attenuates inflammation in diabetic atherosclerosis, thus may promote a more favourable plaque morphology 43, 44. In addition, atherosclerosis is also affected by lipid profiles and glucose metabolism 45, 46. There was a trend towards a decrease in blood glucose levels in the 20(S)‐Rg3–treated diabetic mice, which might also contribute to its anti‐atherosclerotic effects 47…”