Jung-Hae Shin

Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein-phosphorylation by ginsenoside Ro inhibits fibrinogen binding to αIIb/β3 in thrombin-induced human platelets

Background Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (αIIb/β3) is involved in platelet adhesion, and triggers a series of intracellular signaling cascades, leading to platelet shape change, granule secretion, and clot retraction. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ginsenoside Ro (G-Ro) on the binding of fibrinogen to αIIb/β3. Methods We investigated the effect of G-Ro on regulation of signaling molecules affecting the binding of fibrinogen to αIIb/β3, and its final reaction, clot retraction. Results We found that G-Ro dose-dependently inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation and attenuated the binding of fibrinogen to αIIb/β3 by phosphorylating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependently vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP; Ser157). In addition, G-Ro strongly abrogated the clot retraction reflecting the intensification of thrombus. Conclusion We demonstrate that G-Ro is a beneficial novel compound inhibiting αIIb/β3-mediated fibrinogen binding, and may prevent platelet aggregation-mediated thrombotic disease.

Inhibitory effects of total saponin from Korean Red Ginseng on [Ca2+]i mobilization through phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type I in human platelets

Background Intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) is a platelet aggregation-inducing molecule. Therefore, understanding the inhibitory mechanism of [Ca2+]i mobilization is very important to evaluate the antiplatelet effect of a substance. This study was carried out to understand the Ca2+-antagonistic effect of total saponin from Korean Red Ginseng (KRG-TS). Methods We investigated the Ca2+-antagonistic effect of KRG-TS on cyclic nucleotides-associated phosphorylation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type I (IP3RI) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in thrombin (0.05 U/mL)-stimulated human platelet aggregation. Results The inhibition of [Ca2+]i mobilization by KRG-TS was increased by a PKA inhibitor (Rp-8-Br-cAMPS), which was more stronger than the inhibition by a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor (Rp-8-Br-cGMPS). In addition, Rp-8-Br-cAMPS inhibited phosphorylation of PKA catalytic subunit (PKAc) (Thr197) by KRG-TS. The phosphorylation of IP3RI (Ser1756) by KRG-TS was very strongly inhibited by Rp-8-Br-cAMPS compared with that by Rp-8-Br-cGMPS. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of [Ca2+]i mobilization by KRG-TS is more strongly dependent on a cAMP/PKA pathway than a cGMP/PKG pathway. KRG-TS also inhibited the release of adenosine triphosphate and serotonin. In addition, only G-Rg3 of protopanaxadiol in KRG-TS inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Conclusion These results strongly indicate that KRG-TS is a potent beneficial compound that inhibits [Ca2+]i mobilization in thrombin–platelet interactions, which may result in the prevention of platelet aggregation-mediated thrombotic disease.

Total saponin from Korean Red Ginseng inhibits binding of adhesive proteins to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa via phosphorylation of VASP (Ser157) and dephosphorylation of PI3K and Akt

Background Binding of adhesive proteins (i.e., fibrinogen, fibronectin, vitronectin) to platelet integrin glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (αIIb/β3) by various agonists (thrombin, collagen, adenosine diphosphate) involve in strength of thrombus. This study was carried out to evaluate the antiplatelet effect of total saponin from Korean Red Ginseng (KRG-TS) by investigating whether KRG-TS inhibits thrombin-induced binding of fibrinogen and fibronectin to αIIb/β3. Methods We investigated the effect of KRG-TS on phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and dephosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, affecting binding of fibrinogen and fibronectin to αIIb/β3, and clot retraction. Results KRG-TS had an antiplatelet effect by inhibiting the binding of fibrinogen and fibronectin to αIIb/β3 via phosphorylation of VASP (Ser157), and dephosphorylation of PI3K and Akt on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Moreover, A-kinase inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cyclic adenosine monophosphates (cAMPs) reduced KRG-TS-increased VASP (Ser157) phosphorylation, and increased KRG-TS-inhibited fibrinogen-, and fibronectin-binding to αIIb/β3. These findings indicate that KRG-TS interferes with the binding of fibrinogen and fibronectin to αIIb/β3 via cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of VASP (Ser157). In addition, KRG-TS decreased the rate of clot retraction, reflecting inhibition of αIIb/β3 activation. In this study, we clarified ginsenoside Ro (G-Ro) in KRG-TS inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation via both inhibition of [Ca2+]i mobilization and increase of cAMP production. Conclusion These results strongly indicate that KRG-TS is a beneficial herbal substance inhibiting fibrinogen-, and fibronectin-binding to αIIb/β3, and clot retraction, and may prevent platelet αIIb/β3-mediated thrombotic disease. In addition, we demonstrate that G-Ro is a novel compound with antiplatelet characteristics of KRG-TS.

Inhibitory Effects of Cytosolic Ca2+ Concentration by Ginsenoside Ro Are Dependent on Phosphorylation of IP3RI and Dephosphorylation of ERK in Human Platelets

Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) is platelet aggregation-inducing molecule and is involved in activation of aggregation associated molecules. This study was carried out to understand the Ca2+-antagonistic effect of ginsenoside Ro (G-Ro), an oleanane-type saponin in Panax ginseng. G-Ro, without affecting leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, dose-dependently inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration was approximately 155 μM. G-Ro inhibited strongly thrombin-elevated [Ca2+]i, which was strongly increased by A-kinase inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cAMPS compared to G-kinase inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cGMPS. G-Ro increased the level of cAMP and subsequently elevated the phosphorylation of inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor I (IP3RI) (Ser1756) to inhibit [Ca2+]i mobilization in thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Phosphorylation of IP3RI (Ser1756) by G-Ro was decreased by PKA inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. In addition, G-Ro inhibited thrombin-induced phosphorylation of ERK 2 (42 kDa), indicating inhibition of Ca2+ influx across plasma membrane. We demonstrate that G-Ro upregulates cAMP-dependent IP3RI (Ser1756) phosphorylation and downregulates phosphorylation of ERK 2 (42 kDa) to decrease thrombin-elevated [Ca2+]i, which contributes to inhibition of ATP and serotonin release, and p-selectin expression. These results indicate that G-Ro in Panax ginseng is a beneficial novel Ca2+-antagonistic compound and may prevent platelet aggregation-mediated thrombotic disease.

Antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects of cordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE from Cordyceps militaris ex vivo, in vivo, and in vitro

BackgroundA species of the fungal genus Cordyceps has been used as a complementary and alternative medicine of traditional Chinese medicine, and its major component cordycepin and cordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE are known to have antiplatelet effects in vitro. However, it is unknown whether they have also endogenous antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. In this study, to resolve these doubts, we prepared cordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE, an ethanol extract from Cordyceps militaris-hypha, then evaluated its ex vivo, in vivo, and in vitro antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects.MethodsEx vivo effects of WIB-801CE on collagen- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, serotonin release, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production and its associated activities of enzymes [cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), TXA2 synthase (TXAS)], arachidonic acid (AA) release and its associated phosphorylation of phospholipase Cβ3, phospholipase Cγ2 or cytosolic phospholipase A2, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) [p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)], and blood coagulation time in rats were investigated. In vivo effects of WIB-801CE on collagen plus epinephrine-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism, and tail bleeding time in mice were also inquired. In vitro effects of WIB-801CE on cytotoxicity, and fibrin clot retraction in human platelets, and nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells or free radical scavenging activity were studied.ResultsCordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation, TXA2 production, AA release, TXAS activity, serotonin release, and p38 MAPK and ERK2 phosphorylation in collagen- and ADP-activated rat platelets without affecting blood coagulation. Furthermore, WIB-801CE manifested in vivo inhibitory effect on collagen plus epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism mice model. WIB-801CE inhibited in vitro NO production and fibrin clot retraction, but elevated free radical scavenging activity without affecting cytotoxicity against human platelets.ConclusionWIB-801CE inhibited collagen- and ADP-induced platelet activation and its associated thrombus formation ex vivo and in vivo. These were resulted from down-regulation of TXA2 production and its related AA release and TXAS activity, and p38MAPK and ERK2 activation. These results suggest that WIB-801CE has therapeutic potential to treat platelet activation-mediated thrombotic diseases in vivo.

Ginsenoside-Rp3 inhibits platelet activation and thrombus formation by regulating MAPK and cyclic nucleotide signaling

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer) contains saponin fractions called ginsenosides, which are thought to be the main components responsible for its various pharmacological activities. Ginsenosides have cardioprotective and antiplatelet effects. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of ginsenoside Rp3 (G-Rp3) on platelet function. METHODS The in vitro effects of G-Rp3 were evaluated on agonist-induced human and rat platelet aggregation, while [Ca2+]i mobilization, granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, and clot retraction were assessed in rat platelets. Its effects on vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) expression, phosphorylation of MAPK signaling molecules, and PI3K/Akt activation were also studied. Moreover, the tyrosine phosphorylation of components of the P2Y12 receptor downstream signaling pathway was also examined. The in vivo effects of G-Rp3 were studied using an acute pulmonary thromboembolism model and lung histopathology. KEY RESULTS G-Rp3 significantly inhibited collagen, ADP, and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. G-Rp3 elevated cAMP levels and VASP phosphorylation and suppressed agonist-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization, ATP release, and P-selectin expression along with fibrinogen binding to integrin αIIbβ3, fibronectin adhesion, and clot retraction. G-Rp3 also attenuated the phosphorylation of MAPK, Src, and PLCγ2 as well as PI3K/Akt activation. Furthermore, it inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation of the Src family kinases (Src, Fyn, and Lyn) and PLCγ2 and protected mice from thrombosis. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION G-Rp3 modulates agonist-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation by inhibiting granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, MAPK signaling, and Src, PLCγ2, and PI3K/Akt activation, and VASP stimulation. Our data suggest that G-Rp3 has therapeutic potential as a treatment for platelet-related cardiovascular disorders.

Gintonin modulates platelet function and inhibits thrombus formation via impaired glycoprotein VI signaling

Panax ginseng (P. ginseng), one of the most valuable medicinal plants, is known for its healing and immunobooster properties and has been widely used in folk medicine against cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attack. In this study, we explored the anti-platelet activity of gintonin (a recently discovered non-saponin fraction of ginseng) against agonist-induced platelet activation. In vitro effects of gintonin on agonist-induced human and rat platelet aggregation, granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, and intracellular calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) mobilization were examined. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation techniques were used to estimate the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and interaction of glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signaling pathway molecules such as Src family kinases (SFK), tyrosine kinase Syk, and PLCγ2. In vivo effects were studied using acute pulmonary thromboembolism model in mice. Gintonin remarkably inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and suppressed granule secretion, [Ca2+]i mobilization, and fibrinogen binding to integrin αIIbβ3 in a dose-dependent manner and clot retraction. Gintonin attenuated the activation of MAPK molecules and PI3K/Akt pathway. It also inhibited SFK, Syk, and PLCγ2 activation and protected mice from thrombosis. Gintonin inhibited agonist-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation through impairment in GPVI signaling molecules, including activation of SFK, Syk, PLCγ2, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt; suggesting its therapeutic potential against platelet related CVD.

Inhibitory effects of thromboxane A2 generation by ginsenoside Ro due to attenuation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 phosphorylation and arachidonic acid release

Background Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) induces platelet aggregation and promotes thrombus formation. Although ginsenoside Ro (G-Ro) from Panax ginseng is known to exhibit a Ca2+-antagonistic antiplatelet effect, whether it inhibits Ca2+-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2α) activity to prevent the release of arachidonic acid (AA), a TXA2 precursor, is unknown. In this study, we attempted to identify the mechanism underlying G-Ro-mediated TXA2 inhibition. Methods We investigated whether G-Ro attenuates TXA2 production and its associated molecules, such as cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), TXA2 synthase (TXAS), cPLA2α, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and AA. To assay COX-1 and TXAS, we used microsomal fraction of platelets. Results G-Ro reduced TXA2 production by inhibiting AA release. It acted by decreasing the phosphorylation of cPLA2α, p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase1, rather than by inhibiting COX-1 and TXAS in thrombin-activated human platelets. Conclusion G-Ro inhibits AA release to attenuate TXA2 production, which may counteract TXA2-associated thrombosis.

Antiplatelet Effects of Cordycepin-Enriched WIB-801CE from Cordyceps militaris: Involvement of Thromboxane A2, Serotonin, Cyclooxygenase-1, Thromboxane A2 Synthase, Cytosolic Phospholipase A2

A species of the fungal genus Cordyceps has been used as an ingredient of traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we prepared cordycepin-enriched WIB-801CE, an ethanol extract from culture solution of Cordyceps militaris-hypha, and evaluated its antiplatelet effects on human platelet aggregation. WIB-801CE dose-dependently inhibited ADP-, collagen-, and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. These antiplatelet effects by WIB-801CE were associated with the attenuation of thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂) production and serotonin release by ADP, collagen, and thrombin. The inhibition of TXA₂ production by WIB-801CE was due to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1, TXA₂ synthase, and cytosolic phospholipase A₂ activity. Therefore, these data suggest that WIB-801CE may be a beneficial component against protection from platelet aggregation-mediated thrombotic disease.