[Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on number and activity of endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether Ginkgo biloba extract can augment endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number, and promote EPC proliferation, migration and adhesion.


METHODS
Total mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and then the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After 7 days of culture, attached cells were stimulated with Ginkgo biloba extract (10, 25 and 50 mg x L(-1)) or vehicle control for the respective time points (6, 12, 24 and 48 h). EPC were characterized as adherent cells double positive for DiLDL-uptake and lectin binding by direct fluorescent staining under a laser scanning confocal microscope. EPC were further documented by demonstrating the expression of CD34, VEGFR-2 and AC133 with flow cytometry. EPC proliferation, migration and in vitro vasculogenesis activity were assayed with MTT assay, modified Boyden chamber assay and in vitro vasculogenesis kit, respectively. EPCs adhesion assay was performed by replating MNCs on fibronectin-coated dishes, and then counting adherent cells.


RESULTS
Incubation of isolated human MNCs with Ginkgo biloba extract increased the number of EPC, maximum at 25 mg x L(-1), 24 hours (approximately 1-fold increase, P < 0.01). In addition, Ginkgo biloba extract promotes EPC proliferative, migratory, adhesive and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity.


CONCLUSIONS
Ginkgo biloba may promote EPC augmentation and enhance its functional activity.
Wang
Xing-xiang
XX
Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China. wangxx19730312@yahoo.com.cn
Shang
Yun-peng
YP
Chen
Jun-zhu
JZ
Zhu
Jun-hui
JH
Guo
Xiao-gang
XG
Sun
Jian
J
D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D020441:Ginkgo biloba / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal