Effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on epidermal cells and angiogenesis in impaired diabetic wound rats / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim: To explore the repair mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3 in treating the impaired diabetic wound from improving the vulnerability of diabetic skin of rats. Methods: Male SD rats (n = 32) were injected intraperitoneally streptozotocin to induce hyperglycemia, except for the rats of control group (n = 8). Diabetic rats were randomly divided into model group (equal volume of saline), aminoguanidine group (10 mg · kg-1), ginsenoside Rg3 high dose (15 mg · kg-1) and low group (5 mg · kg-1). After four weeks of oral gavage treatment, full-thickness wound was established. On 21st day after injury, wound samples were collected to observe the pathological changes in wound; the thickness of epidermis and dermis was measured by HE staining; and the epidermal cell proliferation cycle was analysed by flow cytometry; the expression of CD31 in wound tissues was detected by immunohistochemical and image analytical methods. Results: Ginsenoside Rg3 groups showed significantly more fibroblasts, necrotic tissue drops and advanced epithelial, and thickening of epidermis and dermis (P < 0. 01). Model group showed significant increase in G0/G1 phase ratio of epidermal cell cycle (P <0. 01), while reduction in G2/M and S period ratios (P < 0. 01). However, G0/G1 period ratio decreased, while G2/M and S period ratios rose in aminoguanidine group, ginsenoside Rg3 high dose and low dose groups. The decrease of G0/G1 period ratio (P < 0. 05) and increase in G2/M (P <0. 05) and S period ratios (P <0. 01) was found to be significant. The expressions of CD31 in model group was lower than those in control group (P<0. 01). Whereas, it was higher in ginsenoside Rg3 high dose group and aminoguanidine group (P < 0. 05). Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rg3 can effectively promote the repair and healing of impaired diabetic wound. The various mechanisms of repair might be through improving skin pathology, regulating epidermal cell proliferation cycle and promoting angiogenesis.