Qian Wang

Introduction: Ginseng's bioactive components can cross the placental barrier and influence offspring through lactation; however, their effects on development remain unclear. Methods: This study used specific pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into four groups: control, 31.3 mg/kg·bw, 125 mg/kg·bw, and 500 mg/kg·bw. Ginseng extract was administered by gavage during gestation and lactation. Maternal body weight, offspring growth, developmental milestones, sensory-motor abilities, learning-memory performance, and tissue pathology were assessed. Results: We found that female rats in the 500 mg/kg·bw group exhibited smoother, glossier fur from day 36 onward. Offspring in this group showed increased escape behavior and hyperactivity between postnatal days 5–11. Significant maternal weight loss occurred in the 125 mg/kg·bw and 500 mg/kg·bw groups. In the 500 mg/kg·bw group, female offspring exhibited delayed incisor eruption and temporary weight loss, which recovered post-weaning. Righting reflex times were shortened in the 31.3 mg/kg·bw group but prolonged in the 500 mg/kg·bw group. Female offspring in the 31.3 mg/kg·bw group displayed increased forelimb suspension time and greater running endurance. Male offspring in the 125 mg/kg·bw group demonstrated improved target quadrant latency and spatial exploration. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginseng extract has dose-dependent and sex-specific effects on maternal physiology and offspring development.

Background: Natural differences in running capacities among rats remain poorly understood, and the mechanisms driving these differences need further investigation. Methods: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected. High and low running capacity rats were identified using Treadmill Exhaustion Tests. Peripheral blood was collected for serum isolation, followed by metabolomics analysis using LC-MS/MS. Data were preprocessed, and principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to identify metabolic profile differences. Significant metabolites were screened, and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using the KEGG database to determine key metabolic pathways. Forty SD rats (equal male and female) were randomly divided into an ITP group (24.29 mg/kg.bw) and a control group. Running capacity was assessed after one week of continuous treatment. Results: Three independent measurements showed consistent differences in running capacity. A total of 519 differential metabolites were identified, with 255 up-regulated and 264 down-regulated. KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of the Purine Metabolism pathway (ITP-ATP ) in the high running capacity group (P< 0.05). The ITP-treated group exhibited significantly higher running capacity than controls (P< 0.05), confirming the efficacy of dietary ITP supplementation. Conclusion: The running capacity of rats is influenced by the ITP-ATP pathway,and exogenous ITP administration through dietary intervention significantly improves running ability.