Fermented and Aged Ginseng Sprouts (Panax ginseng) and Their Main Component, Compound K, Alleviate Asthma Parameters in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma through Suppression of Inflammation, Apoptosis, ER Stress, and Ferroptosis

Abstract

The association between asthma and oxidative stress remains controversial. Oxidative stress-induced ferroptosis has not been extensively studied in asthma models. This study was performed to investigate the anti-asthmatic and anti-ferroptotic effects of fermented and aged ginseng sprouts (FAGS) with enhanced antioxidant activity and its main component, compound K (CK), in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. The experimental asthma model was sensitized and challenged with OVA. During the challenge period, two different concentrations of FAGS and CK were administered via oral gavage. Asthmatic parameters were analyzed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood, and lung tissue. CK, among the ginsenosides analyzed, was highly increased in FAGS compared with GS. Asthma parameters, such as Th2 cytokine and IgE production, mast cell activation, goblet cell hyperplasia, hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation, were dramatically increased in the OVA group. Oxidation and ferroptosis markers were increased in the OVA group. The asthma parameters and ferroptosis markers were markedly decreased in the OVA+FAGS and OVA+CK groups. These results showed that FAGS and CK alleviated asthma parameters in an allergic asthma mouse model by inhibiting inflammation and ferroptosis. Our findings suggest that FAGS and CK could be used as potential treatments for allergic asthma.

Recent advances in the potential effects of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine against respiratory diseases targeting ferroptosis

“…Ryu et al demonstrated that fermented and aged ginseng sprouts (FAGS) and compound K (CK) ameliorated various asthmatic markers, including Th2 cytokine production, IgE synthesis, mast cell activation, goblet cell hyperplasia, airway hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation, in a mouse model of allergic asthma. These effects were attributed to the inhibition of inflammatory responses and ferroptosis [173]. Quercetin (QCT), a widely occurring natural flavonoid, has been shown to possess antiinflammatory and ferroptosis-inhibitory properties across various pathological conditions.…”

Downregulation of TASK-3 Channel Induces Senescence of Granulosa Cells in the Bovine Follicular Cystic Ovary

“…The free radical activity, as well as calcium and MDA concentrations, were determined following the methodologies described in a previous study [45]. To evaluate free radical activity in cell lysates, the Oxiselect TM In Vitro ROS/RNS assay kit (Cell Biolabs, San Diego, CA, USA) was utilized.…”

Ferroptosis triggers airway inflammation in asthma

“…30,42 And biomarkers of lipid peroxides are elevated in asthma, which suggested that lipid peroxidation is related to asthma pathophysiology and severity. 43 Simultaneously, large lipid peroxides accumulation is a hallmark of ferroptosis, indicating that ferroptosis may be involved in asthma. 44 A recent study shows that a high iron level in lung cells is associated with asthma exacerbations.…”

“…78,79 In addition, a high iron level in lung cells is associated with asthma exacerbations. 43 It is reported that elevated iron levels induce an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human ASMs and fibroblasts in vitro , and contribute to the appearance of key asthma characteristics, such as AHR, T2 inflammation. 80 Moreover, pseudomonas aeruginosa leads to the accumulation of phospholipid peroxide in human bronchial epithelial cells via enhancing expression of 15-lipoxygenases (15-LOXs), which in turn triggers ferroptosis of the epithelial cells.…”

“…and severity. 43 Simultaneously, large lipid peroxides accumulation is a hallmark of ferroptosis, indicating that ferroptosis may be involved in asthma. 44 A recent study shows that a high iron level in lung cells is associated with asthma exacerbations.…”