• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.376-386
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• 2022

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression by modulating synaptic structural remodeling and functional transmission. Previously, we have demonstrated that the ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) presents a novel antidepressant-like effect via BDNF-TrkB signaling in the hippocampus of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-exposed mice. However, the underlying mechanism through which Rb1 counteracts stress-induced aberrant hippocampal synaptic plasticity via BDNF-TrkB signaling remains elusive. Methods: We focused on hippocampal microRNAs (miRNAs) that could directly bind to BDNF and are regulated by Rb1 to explore the possible synaptic plasticity-dependent mechanism of Rb1, which affords protection against CUMS-induced depression-like effects. Results: Herein, we observed that brain-specific miRNA-134 (miR-134) could directly bind to BDNF 30 UTR and was markedly downregulated by Rb1 in the hippocampus of CUMS-exposed mice. Furthermore, the hippocampus-targeted miR-134 overexpression substantially blocked the antidepressant-like effects of Rb1 during behavioral tests, attenuating the effects on neuronal nuclei-immunoreactive neurons, the density of dendritic spines, synaptic ultrastructure, long-term potentiation, and expression of synapse-associated proteins and BDNF-TrkB signaling proteins in the hippocampus of CUMS-exposed mice. Conclusion: These data provide strong evidence that Rb1 rescued CUMS-induced depression-like effects by modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity via the miR-134-mediated BDNF signaling pathway.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.279-293
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The steamed ginger has been shown to have antioxidative effects and a protective effect against obesity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of steamed ginger (SGE) on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. MATERIALS/METHODS: The protective effects of SGE on adipogenesis were examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by measuring lipid accumulations and genes involved in adipogenesis. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND, 10% fat w/w), a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat w/w), and HFD supplemented with either 40 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg of SGE for 12 weeks. Serum chemistry was measured, and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism was determined in the adipose tissue. Histological analysis and micro-computed tomography were performed to identify lipid accumulations in epididymal fat pads. RESULTS: In 3T3-L1 cells, SGE significantly decreased lipid accumulation, with concomitant decreases in the expression of adipogenesis-related genes. SGE significantly attenuated the increase in body, liver, and epididymal adipose tissue weights by HFD. Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in SGE fed groups compared to HFD. In adipose tissue, SGE significantly decreased adipocyte size than that of HFD and altered adipogenesis-related genes. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, steamed ginger exerted anti-obesity effects by regulating genes involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cell and epididymal adipose tissue of DIO mice.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.197-208
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• 2023

Dysregulation of certain long non-coding RNAs may facilitate tumor initiation and progression. However, numerous carcinogenesis-related long noncoding RNAs have not been characterized. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of LINC00562 in gastric cancer (GC). The expression of LINC00562 was analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The proliferative capacity of GC cells was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony-formation assays. The migration of GC cells were evaluated using wound-healing assays. The apoptosis of GC cells was assessed by measuring the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax and Bcl-2). Xenograft models in nude mice were constructed for in vivo functional analysis of LINC00562. The binding relationship between miR-4636 and LINC00562 or adaptor protein complex 1 sigma 3 (AP1S3), obtained from public databases, was confirmed using dual-luciferase and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation experiments. LINC00562 was expressed in GC cells at high levels. Knockdown of LINC00562 repressed GC cell growth and migration, promoted apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited tumor growth in nude mouse models. LINC00562 directly targeted miR-4636, and miR-4636 depletion restored the GC cell behavior inhibited by LINC00562 absence. AP1S3, an oncogene, binds to miR-4636. MiR-4636 downregulation increased AP1S3 level, restoring GC cell malignant behaviors inhibited by AP1S3 downregulation. Thus, LINC00562 exerts carcinogenic effects on GC development by targeting miR-4636-mediated AP1S3 signaling.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.218-227
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• 2006

Purpose: The HSV1-tk reporter gene system is the most widely used system because of its advantage that direct monitoring is possible without the introduction of a separate reporter gene in case of HSV1-tk suicide gene therapy. In this study, we investigate the usefulness of the reporter probe (substrate), $9-(4-[^{18}F]Fluoro-3-hydroxymethylbutyl)$guanine ($[^{18}F]FHBG$) for non-invasive reporter gene imaging using PET in HSV1-tk expressing hepatoma model. Materials and Methods: Radiolabeled FHBG was prepared in 8 steps from a commercially available triester. The labeling reaction was carried out by NCA nucleophilic substitution with $K[^{18}F]/K2.2.2.$ in acetonitrile using N2-monomethoxytrityl-9-14-(tosyl)-3-monomethoxytritylmethylbutyl]guanine as a precursor, followed by deprotection with 1 N HCl. Preliminary biological properties of the probe were evaluated with MCA cells and MCA-tk cells transduced with HSV1-tk reporter gene. In vitro uptake and release-out studies of $[^{18}F]FHBG$ were performed, and was analyzed correlation between $[^{18}F]FHBG$ uptake ratio according to increasing numeric count of MCA-tk cells and degree of gene expression. MicroPET scan image was obtained with MCA and MCA-tk tumor bearing Balb/c-nude mouse model. Results: $[^{18}F]FHBG$ was purified by reverse phase semi-HPLC system and collected at around 16-18 min. Radiothemical yield was about 20-25%) (corrected for decay), radiochemical purity was >95% and specific activity was around >55.5 $GBq/{\mu}\;mol$. Specific accumulation of $[^{18}F]FHBG$ was observed in HSV1-tk gene transduced MCA-tk cells but not in MCA cells, and consecutive 1 hour release-out results showed more than 86% of uptaked $[^{18}F]FHBG$ was retained inside of cells. The uptake of $[^{18}F]FHBG$ was showed a highly significant linear correlation ($R^2=0.995$) with increasing percentage of MCA-tk numeric cell count. In microPET scan images, remarkable difference of accumulation was observed for the two type of tumors. Conclusion: $[^{18}F]FHBG$ appears to be a useful as non-invasive PET imaging substrate in HSV1-tk expressing hepatoma model.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4671-4676
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• 2014

Background: MicroRNA-200a (miR-200a) has been reported to regulate tumour progression in several tumours but little is known about its role in neuroblastoma. Our aim was to investigate the potential role and mechanism of miR-200a in neuroblastomas. Materials and Methods: Expression levels of miR-200a in tissues were determined using RT-PCR. The effect of miR-200a and shAP-$2{\gamma}$ on cell viability was evaluated using MTS assays, and target protein expression was determined using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Luciferase reporter plasmids were constructed to confirm direct targeting. Results were reported as mean${\pm}$S.E.M and differences were tested for significance using the 2-tailed Students t-test. Results: We determined that miR-200a expression was significantly lower in neuroblastoma tumors than the adjacent non-cancer tissue. Over-expression of miR-200 are reduced cell viability in neuroblastoma cells and inhibited tumor growth in mouse xenografts. We identified AP-$2{\gamma}$ as a novel target for miR-200a in neuroblastoma cells. Thus miR-200a targets the 3'UTR of AP-$2{\gamma}$ and inhibits its mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, our result showed that shRNA knockdown of AP-$2{\gamma}$ in neuroblastoma cells results in significant inhibit of cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro, supporting an oncogenic role of AP-$2{\gamma}$ in neuroblastoma. Conclusions: Our study revealed that miR-200a is a candidate tumor suppressor in neuroblastoma, through direct targeting of AP-$2{\gamma}$. These findings re-enforce the proposal of AP-$2{\gamma}$ as a therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.15-35
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• 2015

Objectives This study was performed to investigate the effects of Bujasasim-tang ethanol extract (BST) on oxidative stress, inflammation and osteoarthritic rat model. Methods To ensure safety of BST, heavy metal levels were measured and cytotoxicity test was done. In vitro, To evaluate antioxidative effects of BST, total phenolic contents, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured. Also, to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of BST treated group, total nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$) levels were measured in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo, We injected MIA $50{\mu}l$ (60 mg/ml) into knee joints of rats to induce osteoarthritis. Rats were divided into total 3 groups (normal, control, BST treated group, each n=7). Normal group was not treated at all without inducing osteoarthritis and taken normal diet. Control group was induced osteoarthritis by MIA and taken with 2 ml of distilled water once a day for 4 weeks. BST treated group was induced osteoarthritis by MIA and taken BST 2 ml (200 mg/kg/mouse) once a day for 4 weeks. We evaluated dynamic weight bearing with the Incapacitance Test Meter. At the end of experiment, the rats were sacrificed to observe the functions of liver and kidney, changes of WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte levels in blood, to evaluate the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tissue inhibitor of metallopreteinases-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), leukotriene $B_4$ ($LTB_4$) within serum. We observed change of articular structures by Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E), safranin-O staining method and measured amount of cartilage by micro CT-arthrography. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired student's t-test with significance level at p<0.05 in SPSS 11.0 for windows. Results 1. Safety of the BST was identified. 2. AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine levels of BST treated group were within normal limit. In vitro, 1. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities of BST showed dose-dependent increase. 2. ROS production were significantly decreased. 3. Total nitric oxide (NO) and IL-$1{\beta}$ production were decreased. 4. IL-6 and TNF-${\alpha}$ production were significantly decreased. In vivo, 1. Weight bearing ability was significantly increased. 2. WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte levels in blood were decreased. 3. IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ levels in serum were significantly decreased. and the IL-6 level was decreased. 4. TIMP-1, MMP-9, $LTB_4$, $PGE_2$ levels in serum were significantly decreased. 5. Cartilage volume of BST treated group was significantly increased. Also changes of cartilage, synovial membrane, fibrous tissue were suppressed. Conclusions The results obtained in this study Bujasasim-tang have effects of antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, relieve pain and protection of cartilage. Therefore we expect that Bujasasim-tang is effective treatment for osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.373-380
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• 2008

In order to develop optimal formulation and iontophoresis condition for the transdermal delivery of levodopa, we have evaluated the effect of two permeation enhancers, ethanol and oleic acid in microemulsion, on transdermal delivery of levodopa. In vitro flux studies were performed at $33^{\circ}C$, using side-by-side diffusion cell and full thickness hairless mouse skin. Current density applied was $0.4\;mA/cm^2$ and current was off after 6 hours application. Levodopa was analysed by HPLC at 280 nm. The o/w microemulsions of oleic acid in buffer solution (pH 2.5 & 4.5) were prepared using oleic acid, Tween 80 and ethanol. The existence of microemulsion regions were investigated in pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Contrary to our expectation, cumulative amount of levodopa transported from microemulsion (pH 2.5) for 10 hours was similar to that from aqueous solution in all delivery methods (passive, anodal and cathodal). When pH of the micro-emulsion was pH 4.5, cumulative amount of levodopa transported for 10 hours increased about 40% (anodal) to 50% (cathodal), when compared to that from aqueous solution. Flux from pH 4.5 microemulsion showed higher value than that from pH 2.5 in all delivery methods. These results seem to indicate that electroosmosis plays more dominant role than electrorepulsion in the flux of levodopa at pH 2.5. The effect of ethanol on iontophoretic flux was studied using pH 2.5 phosphate buffer solution containing 3% or 5% (v/v) ethanol. Flux enhancement was observed in passive and anodal delivery as the concentration of the ethanol increased. Without ethanol, cathodal delivery showed higher flux than anodal delivery. Anodal delivery increased the cumulative amount of levodopa transported 1.6 fold by 5% ethanol after 10 hours. However, in cathodal delivery, no flux enhancement of levodopa was observed during current application and only marginal increase in cumulative amount transported after 10 hours was observed by 5% ethanol. These results seem to be related to the decrease in dielectric constant of the medium and the lipid extraction of the ethanol, which decrease the electroosmotic flow, and thus decrease the flux. Overall, the results provide important insights into the role of electroosmosis and electrorepulsion in the transport of levodopa through skin, and provide some useful informations for optimal formulation for levodopa.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Bioinformatics Conference
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• 2006.02a
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• pp.46-55
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• 2006

(주)지노믹트리는 DNA 마이크로어레이 기술을 기반으로 하는 분자진단회사로서, 다음의 세가지 사업에 전력하고 있다. 첫째는 독창적이며 특화된 바이오마커 발굴기술 (MAGIC system)을 바탕으로 각종 암진단을 위한 바이오마커 개발연구 두 번째는 당사의 원천 기술인 다중동시검출 시스템을 이용한 질병 진단 시스템 및 증폭시스템 세 번째는 마이크로어레이 기술을 이용한 유전자 발현 분석, Array CGH, DNA 메틸레이션 분석 그리고 miRNA 검출 등의 지노믹스시대의 연구를 위한 토탈솔루션을 제공하고 있다. 지난 5년간의 마이크로어레이 기반기술을 이용한 자체연구 활동을 수행하면서 축적된 마이크로어레이 관련기술 노-하우들을 국내 마이크로어레이 연구자들에게 공급하기 위하여 노력하고 있다. 특히 당사의 지노믹서비스 부문은 유전자 발현 분석 솔루션 제공을 위해서 자체적으로 제작하여 공급하고 있는 human cDNA(17K/25K) 및 rat cDNA (5.0K) 마이크로어레이, Human (22K) 및 mouse (10K) 올리고뉴클레오타이드 마이크로 어레이 그리고 미생물 연구를 위한 대장균 (6K) 및 폐렴균 (2.2K) 올리고뉴클레오타이드 마이크로어레이 제공 및 이를 이용한 유전자 발현 분석 서비스를 제공하고 있다. 체적으로 제작되는 마이크로어레이 서비스는 2001년 도입한 ISO9001 품질인증시스템의 기반하에서 제작부터 생산까지의 엄격한 품질관리 과정을 거쳐서 고품질의 마이크로어레이를 이용한 분석서비스를 제공 하고 있다. 또한 고객요구형 서비스를 위하여 국외 유수의 마이크로어레이 회사 (Agilent, Microarray Inc, TIGR, Eurogentec 등)의 whole genome 기반의 마이크로어레이 제품을 이용한 분석서비스를 제공하고 있으며 마이크로어레이 실험을 위해서 필수적으로 이용되고 있는 시약 (labeling kit), 마이크로어레이 hybridization을 위한 hardware (hybridization chamber, hnay centrifuge)등을 자체적으로 개발하여 공급하고 있다. DNA copy number 측정을 위한 Array CGH 분석을 위해서는 자체적으로 제작공구하고 있는 human cDNA 마이크로어레이 (17K/25K) 그기고 rat (5.0K) 마이크로어레이를 이용한 분석서비스 및 whole genome 기반의 Agilent 올리고뉴클레오타이드 CGH 어레이 (44K, 35Kb resolution)를 이용한 분석서비스를 제공하고 있다. Epigenetic study를 하는 연구자들을 위한 메틸레이션 마이크로어레이 분석 서비스를 제공하고 있다. 기존분석법인 Bisulfite 처리기반의 분석이 아닌 enzyme digestion후 PCR 증폭방법을 이용한 분석방법을 이용함으로써, bisulfite 처리에 의한 DNA 손실문제를 최소화 하였다. 현재 50개의 문헌을 통해 잘 보고된 메틸레이션 유전자들에 대한 분석서비스를 제공하고 있으며, 지속적으로 표적컨텐츠의 숫자를 증가시킬 예정이다. 최근 많은 연구자들의 관심을 끌고 있는 micro RNA 검출을 위한 DNA 마이크로어레이 서비스를 제공할 예정이다 (2006년 3월 출시). 현재 까지 알려진 약 320개의 모든 miRNA를 탑재하고 있는 소형 DNA 마이크로어레이를 이용한 분석서비스로서 1장의 마이크로어레이 실험을 통하여 알려진 모든 miRNA의 비교분석이 가능하다. 마이크로어레이 실험 뿐만 아니라 data 분석을 위한 software도 상당히 중요한 비중을 차지하고 있다 이를 위하여 (주)지노믹트리는 Agilent에서 개발한 GeneSpring GX (유전자 발현 분석), Signet (마이크로어레이 database) 및 GeneSpring GT (SNP 분석)를 공급하고 있다. 통계적인 기반 지식의 없은 일반 user들을 위한 간편하면서도 종합적인 기능을 포함하고 있는 우수한 프로그램으로 이미 국제적으로 많은 인정을 받고 있다. (주)지노믹트리는 국내외 많은 연구자들의 경제적, 시간적 연구여건을 고려한 마이크로어레이 토탈솔루션을 제공하고 있으며, 실험 분석에서 data 마이닝 그리고 마이크로어레이 실험 디자인에 이르는 토탈솔루션을 제공하고 있다.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.10a
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• pp.5-5
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• 2019

DMZ는 살아있는 생물다양성의 보고로 지난 60여년동안 자연적으로 재생이 일어나고 환경적인 강제 보존 영향으로 높은 생태학적인 가치가 유지되고 있으며, 최근에는 남북교류에 대한 활발한 의지로 DMZ생태자원의 남북공동활용 방안에 대한 이슈가 급부상하고 있다. 이에 본 연구진은 3년전부터 DMZ에서 자생하는 식물에 대한 조사를 진행하여 총 200여종 이상의 자생식물의 표본과 추출물들을 보유하고 있으며, 이 추출물들을 활용 in vitro 와 in vivo 평가를 통해 비임상 평가에서 유효한 효과를 나타내는 후보물질들을 다수 찾아낼 수 있었다. 그 중 조팝나무(Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora)는 쌍떡잎식물 장미과에 속하는 낙엽활엽관목으로 동북아시아 지역에 널리 분포되며 우리나라에서는 중부지방에 주로 서식한다고 알려져 있다. 예로부터 해열 및 소염, 신경통완화 치료등에 이용해왔다고 알려져 있으며 그 속에는 다양한 terpenoids, flavonoid 및 phenolic 화합물이 다량 함유되어 있다고 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 조팝나무 추출물을 이용하여 전구지방세포에서의 지방세포분화 억제 및 관련 유전자들의 활성을 확인한 후 고지방식이로 유도된 high-fat diet mouse model을 이용하여 체지방 감소 및 내장지방감소, 간 조직내의 지방량 감소등을 확인하였으며, 혈액분석을 통해 총콜레스테롤과 고중성지방등 동맥경화와 심혈관계 질환을 유도시킬수 있는 지표들에서 억제 활성도 확인하였다. 특히 내장 지방의 경우는 Micro-CT를 통해 정밀한 분석을 진행하였고, 체지방뿐만 아니라 전체 체중감소도 나타나는 것을 확인하였다. 현재 실험을 통해 적출된 간 조직과 지방조직을 이용하여 항 비만 활성의 작용기전을 지속적으로 확인하고 있으며, 이 결과는 국제적인 연구저널에 보고되어 향후 체지방 감소 또는 항 비만 치료제로 개발되는 비임상 연구자료로 활용될 계획이다. 이미 조팝나무에 대한 연구결과는 특허로 출원이 완료되어 PCT출원까지 진행중에 있으며 개별인정형 건강기능식품 개발 기업에 기술이전이 될 예정이다. 또한 원활한 원료 수급을 위해 기초단체 소속 농업기술센터와 원료 재배 및 대량 수급에 관한 논의를 마친 상태로 접경지역 근처 농가소득 증대로도 이어지는 제품화 사례이기도 하다. 이는 접경지역에서 자생하는 원료의 활성을 과학적으로 검증하여 기업과의 연계를 통해 기초시군 단체의 농가 소득과도 연계한 우수한 제품개발 사례로 향후에도 이와 같은 연구성과가 지속적으로 도출되기를 기대해본다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.235-247
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• 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3 is one of the main active ingredients in ginseng. Here, we aimed to confirm its protective effect on the heart function in transverse aortic coarctation (TAC)-induced heart failure mice and explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: The effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on heart and mitochondrial function were investigated by treating TAC-induced heart failure in mice. The mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3 for improving heart and mitochondrial function in mice with heart failure was predicted through integrative analysis of the proteome and plasma metabolome. Glucose uptake and myocardial insulin sensitivity were evaluated using micro-positron emission tomography. The effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on myocardial insulin sensitivity was clarified by combining in vivo animal experiments and in vitro cell experiments. Results: Treatment of TAC-induced mouse models with ginsenoside Rg3 significantly improved heart function and protected mitochondrial structure and function. Fusion of metabolomics, proteomics, and targeted metabolomics data showed that Rg3 regulated the glycolysis process, and Rg3 not only regulated glucose uptake but also improve myocardial insulin resistance. The molecular mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3 regulation of glucose metabolism was determined by exploring the interaction pathways of AMPK, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism. The effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on the promotion of glucose uptake in IR-H9c2 cells by AMPK activation was dependent on the insulin signaling pathway. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rg3 modulates glucose metabolism and significantly ameliorates insulin resistance through activation of the AMPK pathway.