THE EFFECTS OF GINSENOSIDE RG3 ASSOCIATED WITH PHOTOBIOMODULATION ON THE MODULATION OF THE ENDOTHELIAL-TO-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION (EndMT)

• Grant number: 25/05815-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Cardiorenal Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Gerson Jhonatan Rodrigues
• Grantee: Jean Lucas Fernandes da Costa
• Supervisor: Camilla Ferreira Wenceslau
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of South Carolina, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/07595-1 - Potentiation of effects induced by photobiomodulation and herbal medicines: an in vivo and in vitro study, BP.DR

Abstract

The endothelium plays an essential role in vascular homeostasis, acting as both a mechanical barrier and a functional regulator. Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT) occurs when endothelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, contributing to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases, such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). Studies indicate that therapies that increase nitric oxide (NO) production, reduce inflammation, and improve mitochondrial function can prevent EndMT. Ginsenoside Rg3, extracted from ginseng, has vasoprotective properties, including NO production stimulation and enhancement of cellular bioenergetics such as increase in mitochondrial biogenesis. Photobiomodulation (PBM) also stimulates NO release and promotes vascular relaxation through its action on mitochondrial complexes. Thus, it is possible to speculate that the combination of Rg3 and PBM may enhance EndMT reversal and help prevent SAH. This study aims to examine whether these therapies modulate EndMT and to determine if their effects are mediated by NO production and/or bioavailability and improvements in mitochondrial dynamics. For this purpose, rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) will be cultured and treated with TGF-¿ to induce EndMT. Subsequently, they will be subjected to treatments with Rg3 (10 ¿g/mL), PBM (660 nm), or both. The analyses will include cell viability, NO and O¿¿ quantification, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and mitochondrial bioenergetics assays. The internship will take place at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, under the supervision of Dr. Camilla Ferreira Wenceslau. The results may contribute to new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat SAH and endothelial dysfunction, promoting advances in the cardiovascular field.