Effect of ginsenoside Rh2 on renal apoptosis in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo

Background: Ginsenoside Rh-2 (Rh-2), an important ingredient from Panax ginseng, has received much attention due to a range of pharmacological actions. Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic potential Rh-2 on cisplatin (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity and to elucidate involved mechanisms. Study design: An in vivo mice model of CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of CDDP (20 mg/kg) to assess the effects of Rh-2 on renal biochemical parameter, oxidative stress, inflammation tubular cell apoptosis and serum metabolic profiles. Results: Rh-2 protected against CDDP-induced renal dysfunction and ameliorated CDDP-induced oxidative stress, histopathological damage, inflammation and tubular cell apoptosis in kidney. Rh-2 treatment had significantly increased expression of Bcl-2 and decreased expression of p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in kidney tissues. Metabolomic analysis identified 29 altered serum metabolites in Rh-2 treatment mice. Conclusion: These results suggest that Rh-2 protects against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity via action on caspase-mediated pathway.