Inhibition of angiogenesis in endometriotic mice by Ginsenosides Rg3 administered through varied routes

Objective To investigate the impacts of Ginsenosides Rg3 administered through varied routes on volume of endometriotic cyst, tissue level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microvessel density (MVD) and angiogenesis in endometriosis (EMs) rat models. Methods Endometriosis models were established using Wistar rats as described by Jones. Three weeks later, validated models were randomized into eight groups receiving Rg3 by oral gavage or intraperitoneal injection for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. The volume inhibition rate of ectopic EMs cysts, tissue MVD and expression of VEGF were measured in rats treated through the two different routes. Results ①Over time, the volume inhibition rate of ectopic EMs cysts increased, while tissue MVD and expression of VEGF gradually declined with both routes of medication; ②Intraperitoneal administration of Rg3 appeared to be fast-acting, with significantly greater inhibition of EMs cyst volume compared with oral gavage at 2, 4 and 6 weeks (P0.05); however, at 8 weeks, the rapidly growing effects by oral gavage led to no significant difference in the volume of cysts between two groups (P0.05); ③The greatest inhibition of cyst volume and lowest MVD and VEGF expression were seen at 8 weeks (P0.05). Conclusion Ginsenoside Rg3 may significantly inhibit the volume of EMs cyst, tissue VEGF, MVD and angiogenesis in endometriotic rat models. Such effects appeared earlier with Rg3 administered intraperitoneally.