Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 2006 September; 27 (9): 1222-1230; doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2006.00360.x

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 G₀/G₁ phase percentage, collagen IV and laminin, Smad2/3 and Smad7, TGF-β₁ 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 G₀/G₁ 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-β₁ 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.

Keywords: ginkgo biloba extract; glomerulosclerosis; oxidative stress; TGF-β₁; Smads