Biphasic effect of EGb761 on simulated ischemia-induced rat BMSC survival in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Aims The standardized extract from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba (EGb761) is applied as a phyto-pharmacon in therapy of diverse cardiovascular disorders. However, the effects of EGb761 on bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplanted into the ischemic myocardium currently remain uncertain. In this study, the dosage-effects of EGb761 on BMSC survival in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Main methods The ischemic microenvironment of rat BMSCs was simulated by hypoxia/serum deprivation (SD) and the rat myocardial infarction model was established. The rat BMSCs were cultured under hypoxia/SD or transplanted into the animal ischemic heart. The BMSC apoptosis was determined by FACS and TUNEL assay. Each apoptotic signal molecule's activity was assayed by immunoblot. Key findings EGb761 showed a biphasic effect on the hypoxia/SD-induced BMSC apoptosis. Low concentration of EGb761 (10–100 μg/ml) aggravated hypoxia/SD-induced apoptosis via Akt inactivation and an enhancement of caspase-9 and caspase-3 expressions, whereas high concentration of EGb761 (500–2000 μg/ml) significantly prevented hypoxia/SD-induced BMSC apoptosis via the activated Akt and the inactivated caspase-9 and caspase-3. The animal study also indicated that the apoptotic index (AI) in the high concentration of EGb761 group was significantly lower than the low concentration of EGb761 group. Significance The biphasic effect of EGb761 is closely related to the PI3K-Akt and caspase-9 signaling pathways. The therapeutic concentration of EGb761 may be one of the vital factors determining the specific action of EGb761 on cell apoptosis. It is of significant clinical implication to investigate the mechanisms of the biphasic effect of EGb761.