Background:
ALP and GGT are indispensable constituents of brain microvessel endothelial cells, expressed and induced by IL-6. High values are entangled in affecting blood-brain barrier functionality. Since SOD bound to brain basement membrane and matrix heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is implicated in β-amyloid efflux, we examined in a pilot study of 11 patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) whether these biomarkers can be beneficially influenced through an antioxidant phytochemical approach with
Ginkgo biloba
(EGb 761, 2 × 120 mg/d). Also, MS is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardio-cerebro-vascular diseases (CCVD) (Figure).
Methods:
Photometric methods, ELISAs, EIAs and laser ellipsometry were applied.
Results:
A 2-month medication led to brain/liver biomarker changes: ALP -14.8% (p < 0.004), GGT -11.3% (p < 0.010). Antioxidative biomarker changes: SOD +17.7% (p < 0.009), GPx +11.6% (p <0.001), oxLDL/LDL -21.0% (p < 0.002), 8-
iso
-PGF
2α
-39.8% (p < 0.003), MPO -29.6% (p < 0.014). Antiinflammatory biomarker changes: IL-6 -12.9% (p < 0.041), Lp(a) -26.3% (< 0.001), hs-CRP -39.3% (< 0.005), WBC -6.3% (< 0.023), MMP-9 -32.9% (< 0.042). Vasodilator biomarker changes: cAMP +43.5% (< 0.001), cGMP +32.9% (< 0.001), nanoplaque formation -14.3% (p < 0.008), nanoplaque size -23.4% (p < 0.0004).
Conclusion:
Since under ginkgo ALP and GGT were downregulated and SOD upregulated, and plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress, plaque stability and progression, inflammation, vasodilatory second messengers and lipid composition beneficially altered, this phytochemical may be estimated as complementary drug with potentially preventive character for CCVD.
The Genetic Basis of Hypertriglyceridemia