Induction of glutathione synthesis in human keratinocytes by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761).

The objective of the present study was to characterize the action of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761) and its sub-fractions on glutathione homeostasis in a human keratinocyte cell culture model. Cells were incubated with EGb761, its purified flavonoid (quercetin, kaempferol, rutin) or terpenoids (gingkolides A, B, C, J, bilobalide) constituents or the vehicle for up to 72 hours. Incubation of keratinocytes with the purified flavonoids or terpenoids did not affect cellular GSH levels. However, EGb761 treatment (up to 200 microg/ml) resulted in a dose-dependent increase of cellular GSH. Western blot analysis of extracts from cells treated with EGb761 revealed increased levels of the catalytic subunit of gamma-glutamylcysteinyl synthetase (gamma-GCS), the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis. The abundance of mRNA for the catalytic subunit (assayed by RT-PCR) was also increased by the treatment with EGb761. Increased levels of cellular GSH by EGb761 were also observed in other cell lines including those from human bladder and liver as well as in murine macrophages indicating that the induction of gamma-GCS mRNA, protein and GSH may be an ubiquitous effect of EGb761 in mammalian cells.     

Innate immunity and adjuvants

Innate immunity was for a long time considered to be non-specific because the major function of this system is to digest pathogens and present antigens to the cells involved in acquired immunity. However, recent studies have shown that innate immunity is not non-specific, but is instead sufficiently specific to discriminate self from pathogens through evolutionarily conserved receptors, designated Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Indeed, innate immunity has a crucial role in early host defence against invading pathogens. Furthermore, TLRs were found to act as adjuvant receptors that create a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, and to have important roles in the induction of adaptive immunity. This paradigm shift is now changing our thinking on the pathogenesis and treatment of infectious, immune and allergic diseases, as well as cancers. Besides TLRs, recent findings have revealed the presence of a cytosolic detector system for invading pathogens. I will review the mechanisms of pathogen recognition by TLRs and cytoplasmic receptors, and then discuss the roles of these receptors in the development of adaptive immunity in response to viral infection.     

Mytilus galloprovincialis myticin C: a chemotactic molecule with antiviral activity and immunoregulatory properties

Previous research has shown that an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) of the myticin class C (Myt C) is the most abundantly expressed gene in cDNA and suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) libraries after immune stimulation of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. However, to date, the expression pattern, the antimicrobial activities and the immunomodulatory properties of the Myt C peptide have not been determined. In contrast, it is known that Myt C mRNA presents an unusual and high level of polymorphism of unidentified biological significance. Therefore, to provide a better understanding of the features of this interesting molecule, we have investigated its function using four different cloned and expressed variants of Myt C cDNA and polyclonal anti-Myt C sera. The in vivo results suggest that this AMP, mainly present in hemocytes, could be acting as an immune system modulator molecule because its overexpression was able to alter the expression of mussel immune-related genes (as the antimicrobial peptides Myticin B and Mytilin B, the C1q domain-containing protein MgC1q, and lysozyme). Moreover, the in vitro results indicate that Myt C peptides have antimicrobial and chemotactic properties. Their recombinant expression in a fish cell line conferred protection against two different fish viruses (enveloped and non-enveloped). Cell extracts from Myt C expressing fish cells were also able to attract hemocytes. All together, these results suggest that Myt C should be considered not only as an AMP but also as the first chemokine/cytokine-like molecule identified in bivalves and one of the few examples in all of the invertebrates.     

EGb761对血管性痴呆大鼠海马突触可塑性的影响

目的：探讨银杏叶提取物（EGb761）对血管性痴呆（VD）模型大鼠海马突触可塑性的影响。方法：Morris水迷宫检测大鼠空间学习记忆能力;电生理学方法在体记录大鼠海马长时程增强。结果：各时间点模型组大鼠的逃逸潜伏期（EL）均较假手术组明显延长（P〈0.01）,药物组各亚组大鼠的EL均显著短于模型组（P〈0.01）,但仍长于假手术组（P〈0.01,P〈0.05）。模型组各亚组大鼠长时程增强（LTP）诱导率显著低于假手术组和药物组（P〈0.01）。模型组大鼠各时间点群发峰电位（PS）的相对幅值明显低于假手术组和药物组（P〈0.01,P〈0.05）。假手术组、模型组和药物组各时间点的PS潜伏期无显著差别。结论：VD模型大鼠长时间存在空间学习记忆障碍,EGb761能促进VD模型大鼠海马病理性突触可塑性的恢复,这可能是其促智作用的重要机制。     

Innate immunity and biodefence vaccines

Host defence in vertebrates is achieved by the integration of two distinct arms of the immune system: the innate and adaptive responses. The innate response acts early after infection (within minutes), detecting and responding to broad cues from invading pathogens. The adaptive response takes time (days to weeks) to become effective, but provides the fine antigenic specificity required for complete elimination of the pathogen and the generation of immunologic memory. Antigen-independent recognition of pathogens by the innate immune system leads to the rapid mobilization of immune effector and regulatory mechanisms that provide the host with three critical advantages: (i) initiating the immune response (both innate and adaptive) and providing the inflammatory and co-stimulatory context for antigen recognition; (ii) mounting a first line of defence, thereby holding the pathogen in check during the maturation of the adaptive response; and (iii) steering the adaptive immune system towards the cellular or humoral responses most effective against the particular infectious agent. The quest for safer and more effective vaccines and immune-based therapies has taken on a sudden urgency with the increased threat of bioterrorism. Only a handful of vaccines covering a small proportion of potential biowarfare agents are available for human use (e.g. anthrax and small pox) and these suffer from poor safety profiles. Therefore, next generation biodefence-related vaccines and therapies with improved safety and the capacity to induce more rapid, more potent and broader protection are needed. To this end, strategies to target both the innate and adaptive immune systems will be required.     

Selegiline potentiates the effects of EGb 761 in response to ischemic brain injury

We evaluated whether combined treatment with selegiline, a selective MAO-B inhibitor, and EGb 761, a standard extract of Ginkgo biloba, has synergistic effects against ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) in gerbils. Interestingly, we observed that pretreatment with EGb 761 significantly attenuated selegiline-induced hyperactivity. This finding paralleled striatal fos-related antigen immunoreactivity (FRA-IR) in mice. Four minutes of bilateral carotid artery occlusion caused substantial cell loss in the CA1 of the hippocampus 5 days post-ischemic insult. Pretreatment with EGb 761, with or without selegiline, significantly attenuated this neuronal loss. Combined treatment with EGb 761 plus selegiline was more efficacious in preventing this loss. Synaptosomal formations of protein carbonyl, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA) + 4-hydroxyalkenal (4-HDA)), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hippocampus remained elevated 5 days post-ischemic insult. The antioxidant effects appeared to be most significant in the group treated with EGb 761 plus selegiline. This combined treatment produced more significant attenuation of IRI-induced alterations in intramitochondrial calcium accumulation, the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase-like immunoreactivity (Mn-SOD-IR) than either treatment alone. Our results suggest that co-administration of EGb 761 and selegiline produces significant neuroprotective effects via suppression of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction without affecting neurological function.     

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in spontaneously diabetic rats with and without application of EGb 761

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy causes abnormalities in the diabetic heart with various clinical sequelae, including exercise intolerance, arrhythmias and painless myocardial infarction. Little is known about (ultra)structural alterations of the myocardial nervous network. On the assumption that this diabetes-specific neuropathy develops due to permanently increased oxidative stress by liberation of oxygen-free radicals, adjuvant application of antioxidative therapeutics appears promising in preventing or delaying long-term diabetic complications. We have investigated the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761), a radical scavenger, against diabetes-induced myocardial nervous damage in spontaneously diabetic BioBreeding/Ottawa Karlsburg (BB/OK) rats. Morphological and morphometric parameters were evaluated by electron microscopy. We used immunohistochemistry to investigate protein expression of protein gene product 9.5, S100 protein, and thyroxin hydroxylase as a neuronal marker. Alterations of cardiac sympathetic activity were measured using the in vivo 123I-metaiodobenzyl-guanidine imaging, and the immunofluorescent labeling of beta1-adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase. Our results revealed that A) Diabetes results in slight to moderate ultrastructural alterations (hydrops, disintegration of substructure) of autonomic nerve fibers and related Schwann cells in untreated BB diabetic rats; B) Cardiac sympathetic integrity and activity is impaired due to alterations in the presynaptic nerve terminals and the postsynaptic ?1-AR-AC coupling system; C) Pre-treatment of diabetic myocardium with EGb results in an improvement of most of these parameters compared to unprotected myocardium. In conclusion, EGb may act as a potent therapeutic adjuvant in diabetics with respect to cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, which may contribute to the prevention of late complications in diabetes.     

Innate immunity in the human lung: pathogen recognition and lung disease

As the human lung is exposed to a variety of microbial pathogens in the environment, a first line of defense is built up by pulmonary cells like bronchial/alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. These cells express several pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognizing highly conserved microbial motifs and initiating the production of chemokines and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines acting as transmembrane or intracellular receptors. This might not only lead to acute but also to chronic inflammation which is discussed as an underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of different lung diseases.     

Specific memory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in middle-aged healthy volunteers

Introduction

Recent reviews showed that Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761¹ is effective to enhance performance in patients with cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EGb 761 on memory and the specificity of such effects on distinct memory functions in middle-aged healthy volunteers.

Methods

A total of 188 healthy subjects aged 45-56 years were randomised to receive EGb 761 (240 mg once daily) or placebo for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were the change in memory performance in a demanding standardised free recall paradigm (list of appointments) and a less demanding standardised recognition test (driving-route). Based on previous findings we predicted superiority of EGb 761 in recall testing. Specificity in effects was assessed by separating immediate vs. delayed and quantitative vs. qualitative free recall measures.

Results

After 6 weeks, EGb 761-treated subjects improved significantly in quantity of recall, i.e., the number of correctly recalled appointments (drug-placebo differences: p = 0.038 for immediate and p = 0.008 for delayed recall). Effects on qualitative recall performance (ratio of false to correct items) were similar (drug-placebo differences: p = 0.092 for immediate and p = 0.010 for delayed recall). No superiority of Ginkgo was evident in another everyday memory test which asked for recognition of a driving route (drug-placebo differences: p > 0.10). The incidence of adverse events was low and not significantly different between treatment groups.

Discussion

EGb 761 (240 mg once daily) improves free recall of appointments in middle-aged healthy volunteers, which requires high demands on self-initiated retrieval of learned material. This function is known to be sensitive to normal aging, i.e., reduced in healthy middle-aged subjects. No effects are seen in a less demanding everyday memory task which does not tap this critical function. This ties in with previous studies which found specific patterns of benefit from EGb 761 in demanding cognitive tasks.     

Mitochondria and antiviral innate immunity

Mitochondria, dynamic organelles that undergo continuous cycles of fusion and fission, are the powerhouses of eukaryotic cells. Recent research indicates that mitochondria also act as platforms for antiviral immunity in vertebrates. Mitochondrial-mediated antiviral immunity depends on activation of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors signal transduction pathway and the participation of the mitochondrial outer membrane adaptor protein “mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS)”. Here we discuss recent findings that suggest how mitochondria contribute to antiviral innate immunity.     

EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞释放HMGB1蛋白表达的调节

目的:探讨EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞释放HMGB1蛋白表达的调节,为EGb761的临床运用提供可行的依据。方法:LPS(1μg/m L)诱导不同时间后,western blotting检测THP-1细胞上清液中HMGB1蛋白含量变化及不同浓度EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞释放HMGB1蛋白的表达和NF-κB的活性;酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测细胞中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的含量。共聚焦显微镜观察EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞释放HMGB1蛋白核转位变化。结果:(1)LPS组IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的含量在刺激6-12 h后明显高于空白对照组,而EGb761+LPS组IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的含量均显著低于LPS组(P0.05)。(2)EGb761处理LPS诱导THP-1细胞6 h后细胞上清液NF-κB活性表达量较空白对照组低,随着处理时间延长至12 h,NF-κB的活性表达量呈明显下降趋势(P0.05)。(3)LPS诱导THP-1细胞18 h后,细胞上清液中HMGB1蛋白含量呈明显升高趋势(P0.05)。(4)不同浓度EGb761对LPS诱导THP-1细胞18 h后,HMGB1蛋白含量较空白对照组有下降趋势,HMGB1蛋白含量随着EGB761浓度增加至100μg/m L呈下降趋势并呈浓度依赖效应(P0.05)。(5)LPS诱导THP-1细胞后,在共聚焦显微镜下可见胞浆中大量HMGB1蛋白标记分布,而EGb761+LPS共同诱导THP-1细胞后胞浆中可见少量HMGB1蛋白分布。结论:LPS可诱导THP-1细胞IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α表达增多及NF-κB活化,导致HMGB1蛋白表达增多及核转位,而EGB761能抑制THP-1细胞IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α表达及NF-κB活化,调节HMGB1蛋白的表达及核转位。     

Innate immunity in early chordates and the appearance of adaptive immunity

In the urochordate Ciona intestinalis some membrane Immunoglobulin superfamily members with ancestral features of antigen receptors are homologs of vertebrate adhesion molecules acting as virus receptors. They include the following: the junction adhesion molecule (reovirus receptor) (JAM), the Cortical thymocyte marker of Xenopus (CTX family) (Coxsackie's virus receptor) and the poliovirus receptor (PVR). In humans these genes belong to the same linkage group, of which 4 paralogous groups exist. This situation is consistent with the notion that the Ciona set of genes would correspond to a preduplication state. In addition, the human region 3q13 and its paralogs, harbour genes remotely related to the nectin family that can be detected in Protostomes (human CRTAM and CD80-86 related to Drosophila Beat). In addition, this linkage group contains several CDs important for the immune system CD166, CD47 and many members of the tetraspanin family. The VC1-like core of the nectin is homologous to the VCI core of the MHC-linked tapasin and to the VC1 segments of, for example, specific antigen receptors of vertebrates, and could be related to a primitive antigen receptor gene. It is suggested that the virus binding property of the members of this family was exploited, and that they were recruited in the vertebrate immune system following the introduction of the somatic rearrangement machinery. In this way the adaptive immune system could have developed from a set of receptors involved in a primitive local innate immunity involving NF-kappaB-mediated apoptosis.     

Innate immunity of the liver microcirculation

The liver is a complex organ with a unique microcirculation and both synthetic and immune functions. Innate immune responses have been studied in response to single inflammatory mediators and several clinically relevant models of infection and injury. While standard histological techniques have been used in many models, the liver microcirculation is also amenable to in vivo examination using epifluorescent, confocal and transillumination intravital microscopy. These techniques have begun to clarify not only the molecular mechanisms but also the specific cell populations involved in the liver inflammation. In this review, we discuss the cells and mediators involved in hepatic innate immunity in simple and complex models of injury and infection, and present the view that the liver microcirculation utilizes non-classical pathways for leukocyte recruitment.     

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

AimsThe 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 methodsThe 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 findingsEGb761 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.SignificanceThe 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.     

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on learning and possible actions on aging

A study of the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) has shown enhancing effects on training in adult and aged Swiss mice. An analysis of inbred mice has confirmed this sensitivity to EGb 761, but depending on the strains, with different effects at different ages. The most interesting results are related to improvements in performances observed with aged mice of the DBA/2J strain. The results obtained with inbred strains in the study of the mossy fibers of the hippocampus make it possible to suggest a link between the improvements in training and the histological structure of the hippocampus. This possibility, which can be confirmed by further studies, is presented here.     

Innate immunity: structure and function of TLRs

The innate immune system provides the first line of defence against infection. Through a limited number of germline-encoded receptors called pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), innate cells recognize and are activated by highly conserved structures expressed by large group of microorganisms called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). PRRs are involved either in recognition (scavenger receptors, C-type lectins) or in cell activation (Toll-like receptors or TLR, helicases and NOD molecules). TLRs play a pivotal role in cell activation in response to PAMPs. TLR are type I transmembrane proteins characterized by an intracellular Toll/IL 1 receptor homology domain that are expressed by innate immune cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, NK cells), cells of the adaptive immunity (T and B lymphocytes) and non immune cells (epithelial and endothelial cells, fibroblasts). In all the cell types analyzed, TLR agonists, alone or in combination with costimulatory molecules, induce cell activation. The crucial role played by TLR in immune cell activation has been detailed in dendritic cells. A TLR-dependent activation of dendritic cells is required to induce their maturation and migration to regional lymph nodes and to activate na?ve T cells. The ability of different cell types to respond to TLR agonists is related to the pattern of expression of the TLRs and its regulation as well as their intracellular localization. Recent studies suggest that the nature of the endocytic and signaling receptors engaged by PAMPs may determine the nature of the immune response generated against the microbial molecules, highlighting the role of TLRs as molecular interfaces between innate and adaptive immunity. In this review are summarized the main biological properties of the TLR molecules.     

银杏叶提取物(EGb761)导致人红细胞溶血作用的研究

本文用不同剂量的EGb761在37℃的环境下对健康人的红细胞(RBC)进行处理,发现EGb761对RBC有损伤作用,主要表现为导致溶血和诱导细胞形变,且其作用大小与浓度和时间呈正相关.这一实验结果对长期大剂量服用EGb761及其它银杏叶提取物的人群具有警示意义.EGb761对RBC损伤作用的机制仍不清楚,有待于进一步的研究.