Inhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on ovarian cancer metastasis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ginsenosides are main components extracted from ginseng, and ginsenoside Rg3 is one of the most important parts. Ginsenoside Rg3 has been found to inhibit several kinds of tumor growth and metastasis. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on human ovarian cancer metastasis and the possible mechanism.

METHODS:

The experimental lung metastasis models of ovarian cancer SKOV-3 and the assay of tumor-induced angiogenesis were used to observe the inhibitory effects of Rg3 on tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. The effect of Rg3 on invasive ability of SKOV-3 cells in vitro was detected by Boyden chamber, and immunofluorescence staining was used to recognize the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in SKOV-3 cells.

RESULTS:

In the experimental lung metastasis models of ovarian cancer, the number of tumor colonies in the lung and vessels oriented toward the tumor mass in each ginsenoside Rg3 group, was lower than that of control group. The invasive ability and MMP-9 expression of SKOV-3 cells decreased significantly after treatment with ginsenoside Rg3.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ginsenoside Rg3 can significantly inhibit the metastasis of ovarian cancer. The inhibitory effect is partially due to inhibition of tumor-induced angiogenesis and decrease of invasive ability and MMP-9 expression of SKOV-3 cells.

• Authors: Tian-Min Xu, Man-Hua Cui, Ying Xin, Li-Ping Gu, Xin Jiang, Man-Man Su, Ding-Ding Wang, Wen-Jia Wang
• Journal: Chinese medical journal (Chin Med J (Engl)) Vol. 121 Issue 15 Pg. 1394-7 (Aug 05 2008) ISSN: 0366-6999 [Print] China
• PMID: 18959116 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ginsenosides
• ginsenoside Rg3
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 9

Topics

• Animals
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Female
• Ginsenosides (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (prevention & control, secondary)
• Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (metabolism)
• Mice
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Neovascularization, Pathologic (prevention & control)
• Ovarian Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)