Inhibiting effects of total saponins of panax ginseng on immune maturation of dendritic cells induced by oxidized-low density lipoprotein

Total saponins of panax ginseng (TSPG) are the major active components in panax ginseng. Dendritic cells (DCs) play an active role in the immunological processes related to atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect and possible mechanisms of TSPG on the maturation and immune function of DCs. Compared with those untreated, the DCs pre-treated with TSPG and then induced by oxidized-LDL exhibited a significantly lower expression of the maturation-associated markers of CD40, CD86, HLA-DR, and CD1a, together with an increased endocytosic function as well as decreased secretions of cytokine. However, silencing the expression of PPARγ in DCs, the inhibitory effect of TSPG on the maturation DCs was significantly reduced. In conclusion, TSPG could inhibit the maturation of DCs induced by oxidized-LDL which suggests beneficial effects on atherosclerosis and this effect was partly dependent on the PPARγ pathway at least.