Reduced stem cell aging in exercised human skeletal muscle is enhanced by ginsenoside Rg1

Background: Stem cell aging, characterized by elevated p16(INK4a) expression, decreases cell repopulating and self-renewal abilities, which results in elevated inflammation and slow recovery against stress. Methods: Biopsied muscles were analyzed at baseline and 24 h after squat exercise in 12 trained men (22 ± 2 y). Placebo (PLA) and immunostimulant Rg1 (5 mg) were supplemented 1 h before a squat exercise, using a double-blind counterbalanced crossover design. Results: Perceived exertion at the end of resistance exercise session was significantly lowered after Rg1 supplementation. Exercise doubled endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) (p < 0.001) and decreased p16(INK4a) mRNA to 50% of baseline (d = 0.865, p < 0.05) in muscle tissues, despite p16(INK4a+) cell and beta-galactosidase(+) (ß-Gal(+)) cell counts being unaltered. Rg1 further lowered p16INK4a mRNA to 35% of baseline with greater effect size than the PLA level (d = 1.302, p < 0.01) and decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) mRNA to 39% of baseline (p < 0.05). A strong correlation between MPO and p16(INK4a) expression in muscle tissues was observed (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusion: EPC in skeletal muscle doubled 1 d after an acute bout of resistance exercise. The exercised effects in lowering EPC aging and tissue inflammation were enhanced by immunostimulant Rg1, suggesting the involvement of immune stimulation on EPC rejuvenation.