Inhibitory effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on hyperhomocysteinemia-induced intimal thickening in rabbit abdominal aorta after balloon injury

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is associated with the risk of atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty. The objective of this study was to investigate whether GBE could attenuate the Hhcy-induced intimal thickening after balloon injury in rabbit abdominal aorta. It was observed in this study that GBE could decrease the neointima area (NA) and the ratio of the neointima area to the media area (NA/MA), down-regulate the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and up-regulate the protein expression of p21 (WAF1/CIP1) (p21). It suggests that GBE can reverse the Hhcy-induced neointima formation in rabbits following balloon injury, and the suppressive effect of GBE on the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) may contribute to its actions.