Ginsenoside Rg1 alleviates sleep deprivation-induced learning and memory impairment by inhibiting excessive neuronal apoptosis in zebrafish

Abstract

Sleep deprivation impairs learning and memory. The neuroprotective function of ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) has been reported. This study aimed to investigate the alleviative effect and underlying mechanism of action of Rg1 on learning and memory deficits induced by sleep deprivation. Using 72 h of LED light to establish sleep deprivation model and treatment with Rg1-L (0.5 mg/ml), Rg1-H (1 mg/ml), and melatonin (positive control, 0.25 mg/ml), we investigated the behavioral performance of sleep deprivation zebrafish through 24 h autonomous movement tracking, a novel tank diving test, and a T-maze test. Brain injuries and ultrastructural changes were observed, brain water content was measured, and apoptotic events were analyzed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling staining. The oxidation-associated biomarkers superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity and lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde content were detected. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the levels of apoptotic molecules (Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2). Rg1-treatment was observed to improve the behavioral performance of sleep-deprivation fish, alleviate brain impairment, and increase oxidative stress-related enzyme activity. Rg1 can effectively exhibit neuroprotective functions and improve learning and memory impairments caused by sleep deprivation, which could be mediated by the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 apoptotic signaling pathway (see Supplementary Video Abstract, Supplemental digital content, http://links.lww.com/WNR/A702 which demonstrates our research objectives, introduction overview of Rg1, and main direction of future research).

Potential mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in treating insomnia: A network pharmacology, GEO validation, and molecular-docking study

“…[ 76 ] It is reported that ginsenoside Rg1 contributes to the amelioration of sleep deprivation-induced learning and memory deficits, which might be mediated by the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 apoptosis signaling pathway. [ 77 ] In this study, we validated the binding ability of β-sitosterol and caspase-3 by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed that the complex exhibited excellent stability. VEGFA is distributed in various organs and tissues throughout the body, releasing growth factors and promoting angiogenesis.…”

Enhanced anti-glioma activity of annonaceous acetogenins based on a novel liposomal co-delivery system with ginsenoside Rh2

“…Ginsenosides derived from the Chinese traditional medicine ginseng, have biological activities such as anti-tumor, immune regulation, treatment of nervous system diseases and cardiovascular diseases (Huang et al., 2021 ; Lu et al., 2023 ; Peng et al., 2023 ; Wang et al., 2023 ), among which anti-tumor activity has been confirmed by a large number of studies (Jin et al., 2018 ; Lyu et al., 2019 ; Chen et al., 2021 ), and ginsenoside Rg3 has been clinically used in the synergistic treatment of liver cancer and lung cancer. There are also many studies on ginsenosides combined chemotherapy drugs.…”