ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To explore the possible role of p21, cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) in the protection of ginsenoside Rg1 against tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced senescence in WI-38 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cellular ultrastructure, cytometric assay and beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) cytochemistry staining were used to evaluate cell senescence. The levels of of p21, cyclin E and CDK2 protein were detected by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pretreatment with Rg1 significantly attenuated t-BHP-induced senescence in WI-38 cells. Simultaneously, compared with cells treated with t-BHP alone, Rg1 pretreatment markedly decreased the level of p21 protein and increased the levels of CDK2 and cyclin E.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>p21, cyclin E and CDK2 may be involved in the process of ginsenoside Rg1 protection against t-BHP-induced senescence in WI-38 cells.</p>