Ginkgo biloba extract suppresses hypertrophy and extracellular matrix accumulation in rat mesangial cells.

AIM

To observe the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) on the hypertrophy of mesangial cells and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in mesangial cells.

METHODS

Cultured mesangial cells were allotted into 7 groups: normal group, solvent control group, high glucose group, low dose of EGb group, moderate dose of EGb group, high dose of EGb group, and captopril group. Activities of cell antioxidases, S phase percentage and G(0)/G(1) phase percentage, collagen IV and laminin, Smad2/3 and Smad7, TGF-beta(1) mRNA were measured by different methods.

RESULTS

For EGb-treated groups, when compared with high glucose group, the cell percentage of S phase was raised and the percentage of G(0)/G(1) was lowered. The intensity of oxidative stress was weakened. The expression of Smad2/3 was greatly decreased and Smad7 was increased. Collagen IV, laminin and TGF- beta(1)mRNA were also reduced.

CONCLUSION

EGb can suppress cell hypertrophy and the accumulation of ECM in rat mesangial cells, which means it could play a vital role in the delay of glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy.