How Ginseng Protects the Heart from Chemotherapy Damage: A Molecular Study

Jenn Hoskins
9th September, 2024

How Ginseng Protects the Heart from Chemotherapy Damage: A Molecular Study

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from Hubei University of Medicine explored how ginseng can protect against heart damage caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin
  • Researchers found that ginseng's active components target specific proteins and pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress
  • The study confirmed that these components, such as Kaempferol, bind effectively to key proteins, suggesting a strong protective effect against heart damage
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer. Despite its effectiveness, one of its most serious side effects is cardiotoxicity, which can lead to cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood[2]. This adverse effect limits the clinical use of DOX. Currently, Dexrazoxane (DEX) is the only FDA-approved drug to mitigate this cardiotoxicity, but its effectiveness is not absolute, prompting the need for alternative solutions[2]. Ginseng, a traditional medicinal herb, has been studied for its potential cardioprotective properties. Specifically, Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius have shown beneficial effects in various diseases, including cancer, due to their active components called ginsenosides[3]. Recent clinical trials have suggested that ginseng can protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear[4]. A recent study conducted by Hubei University of Medicine aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of ginseng's protective effects against anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) using advanced scientific techniques such as network pharmacology, molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations[1]. The researchers identified fourteen common targets between the drug (ginseng) and the disease (AIC). Through enrichment analysis, they found that pathways related to AGE-RAGE in diabetic complications, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and TNF signaling were potentially involved in the cardioprotective action of ginseng. AGE-RAGE refers to the interaction between advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE), which can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to cardiovascular diseases. The study further utilized molecular docking to demonstrate that core components of ginseng, including Kaempferol, beta-Sitosterol, and Fumarine, had significant binding activities with three key targets: CCNA2, STAT1, and ICAM1. Molecular docking is a method that predicts the preferred orientation of one molecule to a second when bound to each other to form a stable complex. This binding activity suggests that these components could effectively modulate the targets involved in AIC. To confirm these findings, the researchers employed CETSA and MD simulations. CETSA is a technique that measures the thermal stability of proteins in cells, indicating their interaction with potential drug molecules. The results showed that the complex of STAT1 and Kaempferol was stable and had a favorable affinity, suggesting a strong interaction. MD simulations, which analyze the physical movements of atoms and molecules, further supported these results by demonstrating the stability of the complex over time. The findings from this study suggest that ginseng exerts its cardioprotective effects against AIC through its active components, which target specific proteins and modulate critical pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress. These insights build upon earlier clinical evidence showing that ginseng can protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity[4], providing a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved. In conclusion, the study from Hubei University of Medicine provides valuable insights into how ginseng may protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. By identifying specific targets and pathways, and confirming the stability of drug-target interactions, this research lays the groundwork for developing more effective treatments for cardiomyopathy in cancer patients undergoing DOX therapy. This study not only supports the cardioprotective potential of ginseng but also opens new avenues for further research and clinical applications.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Exploring the molecular mechanism of ginseng against anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation.

Published 6th September, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41065-024-00334-y

Related Studies

2) Research progress of therapeutic drugs for doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113903

3) Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius: From pharmacology to toxicology.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.07.019

4) Protective effects of Panax ginseng against doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in patients with non-metastatic breast cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

https://doi.org/10.1177/10781552221118530


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