ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside Re on intimal hyperplasia in balloon-injuried rats and further explore the role of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway in this protection. Methods: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, including Sham operation group, model group, ginsenoside Re low, medium, and high-dose groups. The injured model of carotid artery intima was established by 2F balloon catheters in each group except the sham operation group. One day after model was established, animals were daily ig administered with distilled water in model group, Sham operation group, and ginsenoside Re (12.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) groups. Two weeks later, animals were sacrificed and the injured artery was taken for HE staining. The histopathological changes were observed and the lumen area, intima area, and media area as well as the ratio of intimal area/media area were detected. The expression of transforming growth factors β1 (TGF-β1), SMAD family member 2 (Smad 2) and Smad family member 3 (Smad 3) were measured by real time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: Compared with the Sham operation group, the vessel cavity in the model group was narrower (P < 0.01); Compared with the model group, the medium and high dose of ginsenoside Re obviously alleviated vascular intimal hyperplasia (P < 0.05). Compared with the Sham operation group, the mRNA and protein expressions levels of TGF-β1, Smad 2, and Smad 3 in model group were higher (P < 0.01), which were obviously decreased in the medium and high-dose ginsenoside Re (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ginsenoside Re could alleviate the vascular neointimal hyperplasia through suppressing the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.