Ginsenoside Rb1 inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in human endothelial cells

We investigated whether ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) could block tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced over-expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs-L). Cells were treated with various concentrations of TNF-alpha with or without Rb1 pre-treatment for 16 h. The mRNA and protein levels of VCAM-1 were determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry, respectively. Human monocytic THP-1 cells labeled with fluorescent dye (Calcein-AM) was used for the adhesion assay on HUVEC monolayers. Dihydroethidium (DHE) was used to demonstrate in situ levels of superoxide production. JC-1 dye was used to measure changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) was determined by Bio-Plex immunoassay. TNF-alpha treatment significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of VCAM-1 in HUVECs in a dose dependent manner. Rb1 pre-treatment effectively blocked the TNF-alpha-induced expression of VCAM-1 mRNA or protein by 80% and 43%, respectively (p<0.01). THP-1 adhesion was also blocked. Furthermore, Rb1 reduced the TNF-alpha-induced increase of superoxide anion production by 41% and inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential by 44% in HUVECs. Rb1 also effectively blocked TNF-alpha-induced activation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and IkappaBalpha. In conclusion, Rb1 effectively blocked the TNF-alpha-induced over-expression of VCAM-1, increased THP-1 adhesion and over-production of superoxide anion. Furthermore, Rb1 inhibited TNF-alpha-induced MAPKs and NF-kappaB activation. These data suggested that Rb1 might have potential therapeutic effects in controlling inflammation in vascular diseases.