Effects of ginsenoside RH2 on neovascularization of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion

AIM: To investigate the effects of ginsenoside RH2 (GS-RH2) on neovascularization of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and its potential mechanisms. METHODS: SPF Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation (sham) group, MCAO model (MCAO) group and GS-RH2 group, with 18 rats in each group. After surgery, the general condition and neurological function score of the rats were assessed. At the 1st day, 3rd day and 7th day after intervention, the microvessel density (MVD), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were examined. The protein expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with sham group, the rats in MCAO group showed significant neurobehavioral obstacles and ischemic brain infarction with higher neurological function score, while treatment with GS-RH2 significantly improved behavioral impairment and reduced the infarction volume with lower neurological function score. The MVD score in GS-RH2 group was increased as the animal survival time prolonged, while the MVD score in MCAO group was decreased. After intervention for 7 d, the MVD score in GS-RH2 group was significantly higher than that in MCAO group (P<0.05). Compared with sham group, the content of MDA was increased and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased in MCAO group at each time point. After intervention for 7 d, the MDA content was decreased and the SOD and GSH-Px activities were increased in GS-RH2 group compared with MCAO group. After intervention for 7 d, the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was increased, while the protein expression of Keap1 was decreased in GS-RH2 group compared with MCAO group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside RH2 promotes neovascularization of MCAO model rats. The mechanism may be related to the activation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, promotion of the antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibition of oxidative stress.