Ginkgo biloba extract prevents against apoptosis induced by high glucose in human lens epithelial cells.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on high glucose-induced apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells (HLEC) and the possible molecular mechanisms.


METHODS
The cultured HLEC were allotted into 6 groups: normal group, high glucose group, low-, moderate-, and high-dose GBE group, and the bendazac lysine group. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, the activities of cell antioxidases, aldose reductase, caspase-3, the levels of cell antioxidants, and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were assessed by different methods.


RESULTS
After being incubated with high glucose for 24 h, HLEC underwent apoptosis and exhibited significant oxidative stress. In the presence of GBE at different doses, the rate of HLEC apoptosis was lower and the oxidative stress state was significantly ameliorated. The increased ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 was significantly reduced and the activation of caspase-3 was suppressed by GBE in a dose-dependent manner.


CONCLUSIONS
GBE prevents HLEC from high glucose-induced apoptosis through inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, and decreasing the activity of caspase-3. Therefore, GBE has a potential protective effect against diabetic cataract formation.
Wu
Zheng-mei
ZM
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221002, China.
Yin
Xiao-xing
XX
Ji
Lei
L
Gao
Yuan-yuan
YY
Pan
Ying-mei
YM
Lu
Qian
Q
Wang
Jian-yun
JY
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D002460:Cell Line; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D020441:Ginkgo biloba / Q000737:chemistry*; D005947:Glucose / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000166:cytology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D005947:Glucose