Protective Effect of Ginsenoside Rb(1) on Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Articular Chondrocytes

The abnormal maturation and ossification of articular chondrocytes play a central role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Inhibiting the enzymatic degradation of the extracellular matrix and maintaining the cellular phenotype are two of the major goals of interest in managing OA. Ginseng is frequently taken orally, as a crude substance, as a traditional medicine in Asian countries. Ginsenoside Rb(1), a major component of ginseng that contains an aglycone with a dammarane skeleton, has been reported to exhibit various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. However, a chondroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rb(1) related to OA has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the chondroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rb(1) on the regulation of pro-inflammatory factors and chondrogenic genes. Cultured rat articular chondrocytes were treated with 100 μM ginsenoside Rb(1) and/or 500 μM hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and assessed for viability, reactive oxygen species production, nitric oxide (NO) release, and chondrogenic gene expression. Ginsenoside Rb(1) treatment resulted in reductions in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine and NO in H(2)O(2)-treated chondrocytes. The expression levels of chondrogenic genes, such as type II collagen and SOX9, were increased in the presence of ginsenoside Rb(1), whereas the expression levels of inflammatory genes related to chondrocytes, such as MMP1 and MMP13, were reduced by approximately 50%. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rb(1) has potential for use as a therapeutic agent in OA patients.