Aim: An extract of Ginkgo Biloba L. was shown to have preventive effects on cardiovascular disorders, but the molecular mechanisms of its actions remain to be elucidated. Since matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques and the subsequent occurrence of acute coronary syndrome, we examined the effects of a leaf extract (Ginkgolon-24) on the production of MMP-1 in human coronary smooth muscle cells stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and 4-hydroxynonenal, which are factors proposed to play a pivotal role in atherogenesis.
Methods: The production of MMP-1 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 were estimated by immunoblotting. The tyrosine-phosphorylated form of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-beta) was analyzed by immunoprecipitation of the receptor followed by immunoblotting.
Results: oxLDL and 4-hydroxynonenal accelerated the production of MMP-1 with the preceding phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PDGFR-beta;. Pretreatment with Ginkgolon-24 inhibited the production of MMP-1 and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 induced by oxLDL and 4-hydroxynonenal, but did not affect the production and phosphorylation induced by phorbol ester. Furthermore, Ginkgolon-24 prevented tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor induced by oxLDL and 4-hydroxynonenal.
Conclusion: These results suggest that Ginkgo Biloba extract suppresses the oxLDL- and 4-hydroxynonenal-induced production of MMP-1, probably through the inhibition of PDGFR-beta activation in human coronary smooth muscle cells.