To evaluate the possibility that the ginseng saponins could be developed as an anti-arteriosclerotic agent, we examined the inhibitory effects of ginseng saponins (total saponin(TS), panaxatriol(PT), panaxadiol(PD)) on the expression of c-fos mRNA and the proliferation of cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) stimulated by angiotensin II (Ang II). TS and PT (1.0 mg/ml) suppressed c-fos mRNA induction in VSMCs stimulated by 10-5 M Ang II. The order of inhibitory potency was PT>TS. Ginseng saponins (0.01~1.0 mg/ml) inhibited the proliferation of VSMCs stimulated by Ang II in a concentration dependent manner, the inhibitory potency was TS> PT> PD at 0.1~1.0 mg/ml. These results suggest that ginseng saponins may suppress Ang II-stimulated proliferation of aortic VSMCs which can be seen in atherosclerosis, hypertension and restenosis.
Angiotensin II* ; Angiotensins* ; Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; Hypertension ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular* ; Panax* ; Rats* ; RNA, Messenger* ; Saponins*

Duplicated cyst is a rare congenital disease that makes up 4% of all gastrointestinal duplications. It is two times more prevalent in women than in men. The majority of cases are detected by such symptoms as an abdominal mass, nausea, abdominal pain and anemia in infants, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults. Obstruction, hemorrhage and perforation are possible complications and malignancy can develop on rare occasions. Most cases are controlled by surgical resection. We report here on a case of gastric duplication cyst in a 20-year-old woman who presented with severe nausea and vomiting. She was managed by surgical resection after evaluation was done via endoscopic ultrasonography.
Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Anemia ; Endosonography ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Nausea ; Stomach ; Vomiting ; Young Adult