Protective effects of serum containing Ginkgo biloba extract on glomerulosclerosis in rat mesangial cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an ancient Chinese phytomedicine which was used to treat various ailments including circulatory and demential disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To study GBE's protective effects on the glomerulosclerosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rat mesangial cells by serum pharmacological methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cultured mesangial cells were divided into seven groups: normal, solvent control, high glucose, low dose of GBE serum, moderate dose of GBE serum, high dose of GBE serum, and GBE. The activities of cell antioxidases, type IV collagen and laminin, Smad2/3 and Smad7, and TGF-beta(1) mRNA were measured by methods of spectrophotometry, radioimmunoassay, immunocytochemistry, and RT-PCR, respectively.

RESULTS: The intensity of oxidative stress decreased in the GBE serum-treated groups in comparison with the high glucose group. In addition, the expression of Smad2/3 was greatly reduced, whereas Smad7 expression increased; type IV collagen, laminin and TGF-beta(1) mRNA levels were also diminished.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that GBE is protective agent against glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy of mesangial cells.