Red Ginseng Is a Therapeutic Candidate for Chronic Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Mice.

Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DICM) is associated with a poor prognosis, and effective therapeutic drug candidates have yet to be identified. Furthermore, whether basic animal models reflect the clinical pathogenesis of DICM should be carefully examined. Although the exact mechanisms underlying the development of DICM are complex and remain unclear, oxidative stress is strongly implicated as a contributing factor. Therefore, we investigated the effects of ginseng (the root of Panax ginseng: Gin), an inexpensive and safe drug with antioxidant properties. We previously conducted a meta-analysis that yielded results suggesting its efficacy in humans. However, this study did not examine the efficacy of ginseng in detail. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of red ginseng (steamed and dried ginseng cultivated for over six years; RGin) in a mouse model of chronic DICM to elucidate its potential therapeutic benefits. RGin prevented the decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction associated with doxorubicin (DXR) administration and prolonged survival in DBA/2 mice. In addition, RGin reduced DXR-induced cardiomyocyte damage. These findings highlight its potential as a therapeutic option for the treatment of DICM.

[Preparation and Biological Characterization of Limulus Factor G-activating Substance of Aspergillus spp.]

Aspergillus is a medically important fungal genus that causes a life-threatening infection known as aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. ß-1,3-Glucan is detected in the plasma of patients with aspergillosis and appears to be useful for the diagnosis of aspergillosis. In this study, we cultured Aspergillus spp. in a chemically defined liquid medium and prepared an Aspergillus water-soluble fraction (ASWS) from the culture supernatants. ASWS was found to be primarily composed of polysaccharides and proteins. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis suggested that ASWS is a complex carbohydrate, consisting of α-1,3-glucan, ß-1,3-glucan, galactomannan, and protein. The ASWS from Aspergillus fumigatus showed limulus factor G activity, whereas zymolyase-treated ASWS did not. ASWS was eliminated from the blood more rapidly than Aspergillus solubilized cell wall ß-glucan. We analyzed the reactivity of human immunoglobulin towards ASWS by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-ASWS antibodies were detected in human sera, with titers differing among individuals. This study demonstrated that the ASWS corresponds to the limulus factor G-activating substance found in the blood of patients with aspergillosis.

The influence of ß-glucan on the growth and cell wall architecture of Aspergillus spp.

ß-1,3-glucan is a major component of fungal cell walls with various biological activities, including effects on the production of inflammatory mediators in vivo and in vitro. However, few reports have examined its influence on the fungal cell itself. In this study, the influences of ß-1,3-glucan on the growth and cell wall structure of fungi was examined. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured with a synthetic medium, C-limiting medium, in the presence or absence of ß-1,3-glucan. Hyphal growth was promoted in liquid and solid-cultures by adding ß-1,3-glucan. Glucose and dextran did not induce growth. The influence on cell wall structure of the ß-glucan-added cultures was examined by enzymolysis and NMR spectroscopy and the amount of ß-1,3-glucan found to be changed. ß-1,3-glucan has been widely detected in the environment. In this study, it was demonstrated that ß-1,3-glucan causes promotion of the growth, and a change in the cell wall architecture, of Aspergillus. Unregulated distribution of ß-1,3-glucan would be strongly related to the incidence of infectious diseases and allergy caused by Aspergillus spp.