Evaluation of pharmacological effects of ginsenoside Rk2 on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion-injury in vivo and in vitro [HuH7]

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) poses a significant concern in conditions such as hemorrhagic shock, hepatic resection, and liver transplantation. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of phytomedicines and natural products in effectively protecting against various forms of IRIs. In this particular investigation, we conducted high-throughput screening and identified ginsenoside Rk2 (RK), a rare dehydroprotopanaxadiol saponin, as a promising agent for hepatic IRI. Our subsequent in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that Rk2 effectively mitigated inflammation and apoptosis induced by hepatic IRI in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, we comprehensively investigate the pharmacological effects of ginsenoside Rk2 in the treatment of hepatic IRI and elucidate potential molecular mechanisms in vitro. RNA-seq profiling of wildtype HuH7 cells treated with or without ginsenoside Rk2 under oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) conditions.