ABSTRACT
Objective To research the effects of total saponins of Panax japonicas (TSPJ) improving lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells, and to predict and verify TPSJ possible targets based on computer aided drug design. Methods HepG2 cells fatty degeneration model was induced with palmitic-acid (PA). The HepG2 cells were divided into five groups: the control group, the model group, the high-dose group (50 mg/L), the middle-dose group (25 mg/L), and the low-dose group (12.5 mg/L). The cells of five groups were cultured continuously for 24 h. The intracellular lipid accumulation was qualitative and quantitative detected by Oil red and Nile red staining. The content of triglyceride (TG) was detected by detection kit. TPSJ possible targets were predicted by computer. The expressions of related proteins were detected by immunofluorescence. Results The lipid accumulation model of HepG2 cells was successfully established for 24 h with the 100 μmol/L concentration of PA. TSPJ can significantly improve the lipid accumulation (P < 0.01), and decrease the content of triglyceride (TG) of HepG2 cells. The possible target of TSPJ may be estrogen-related receptors based on computer aided drug design. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) protein in model group were decreased. Compared with the model group, the expression level of ERβ protein in high-, middle-, and low-dose group were upregulated. Conclusion TSPJ can significantly improve the lipid metabolism of HepG2 cells, and the target of TSPJ might be ERβ.