Gene expression of the p16(INK4a)-Rb and p19(Arf)-p53-p21(Cip/Waf1) signaling pathways in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell aging by ginsenoside Rg1.

The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of traditional Chinese medicines in clinical practice is a key step toward their worldwide application, and this topic is currently a subject of intense research interest. Rg1, a component of ginsenoside, has recently been shown to perform several pharmacological functions; however, the underlying mechanisms of these effects remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether Rg1 has an anti-senescence effect on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the possible molecular mechanisms driving any effects. The results showed that Rg1 could effectively delay tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced senescence and inhibit gene expression in the p16(INK4a)-Rb and p19(Arf)-p53-p21(Cip/Waf1) signaling pathways in HSCs. Our study suggested that these two signaling pathways might be potential targets for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the Rg1 anti-senescence effect.