Proapoptotic ginsenosides compound K and Rh enhance Fas-induced cell death of human astrocytoma cells through distinct apoptotic signaling pathways

Purpose: Malignant astrocytomas are among the commonest primary brain tumors and they have a grave prognosis, and so there is an urgent need to develop effective treatment. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the anti-tumor effect of ginsenosides on human astrocytoma cells.

Materials and methods: We tested 13 different ginsenosides for their anti-tumor effect on human malignant astrocytoma cells in conjunction with Fas stimulation. In addition, the cell signaling pathways were explored by using pharmacological inhibitors and performing immunoblot analysis. DCF-DA staining and antioxidant experiments were performed to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species as one of the apoptosis-inducing mechanisms.

Results: Among the 13 different ginsenoside metabolites, compound K and Rh(2) induced apoptotic cell death of the astrocytoma cells in a caspase- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner, yet the same treatment had no cytotoxic effect on the primary cultured human astrocytes. Combined treatment with ginsenosides and Fas ligand showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect, which was mediated by the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species.

Conclusion: These results suggest that ginsenoside metabolites in combination with Fas ligand may provide a new strategy to treat malignant astrocytomas, which are tumors that are quite resistant to conventional anti-cancer treatment.