title: Ginsenoside Rb1 protects PC12 cells against β-amyloid-induced cell injury.
abstract: Excessive accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) has been proposed as a pivotal event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Possible mechanisms underlying Aβ-induced neuronal cytotoxicity include oxidative stress and apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proposed to be involved in the apoptotic mechanism of Aβ-induced cytotoxicity. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), which is among the key compounds of ginsenoside, found in ginseng, may be a potent scavenger of ROS. To examine the potential protective effect of GRb1 in Aβ25-35-induced cytotoxicity, cells were pre-treated with GRb1 for 24 h, and then Aβ25-35 was added to the medium for an additional 24 h. Exposure to Aβ led to the accumulation of ROS and lipid peroxidation, eventually causing a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, caspase-3 activation, cell apoptosis and cell death. Pre-treatment with GRb1 not only inhibited Aβ-induced ROS overproduction and lipid peroxidation, but also increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and attenuated caspase-3 activation, thereby improving cell survival. GRb1 may therefore act as a ROS scavenger, and such antioxidant properties may play a protective role against Aβ-induced cell injury. Further exploration of GRb1 antioxidant properties may provide novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences College, China Medical University, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Xia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Hai-Tao
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chun-Li
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Xu-Hong
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Jin-Lan
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: Hai-Hua
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Yong-Li
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lu