Ginsenoside Rg3 Suppresses Palmitate-Induced Apoptosis in MIN6N8 Pancreatic β-Cells

Chronic exposure to elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFA) causes β-cell dysfunction and may induce β-cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetes. The execution of β-cell apoptosis occurs through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), one of the active ingredients of ginseng saponins, has not been known about the effects on β-cell apoptosis mediated with FFA. The aims of this study were to investigate the in vitro protective effects of Rg3 on MIN6N8 mouse insulinoma β-cells against FFA-induced apoptosis, as well as the modulating effects on p44/42 MAPK activation. Our results showed that Rg3 inhibited the palmitate-induced apoptosis through modulating p44/42 MAPK activation. We conclude that Rg3 has the potential role in suppressing the progression of type 2 diabetes by inhibiting FFA-mediated loss of β-cells.