Anti-angiogenesis effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on endometriosis models of rats

Objective: To observe the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and micro-vessel density(MVD) in the ectopic endometrial grafts of endometriosis rat models. Methods: The endometriosis model was established in Wistar rats and the model rats were divided into 4 groups that were treated with normal saline(control), ginsenoside Rg3 5 mg/kg, ginsenoside Rg3 10 mg/kg and gestrinone, respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, ectopic endometrium grafts were examined for the volume and histomorphology. The expression of VEGF was observed by immunohistochemistry(SABC technique) and MVD was determined by immunostaining for CD31. Results:(1) The volume of grafts in all treatment groups was significantly reduced in comparison with that in the control group(P0.05), with the most significant reduction in Rg3 10 mg/kg group.(2) The expressions of VEGF and MVD in the treatment groups were significantly lower than those in control group(P0.05), with the lowest in Rg3 10 mg/kg group. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rg3 has an anti-angiogenesis effect on the ectopic endometrial grafts of endometriosis rat models by inhibiting VEGF and MVD.