Ginkgo biloba extract GBE50 alleviates vascular calcification through inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ginkgo biloba L. is a traditional Chinese herbal preparation with a well-documented history of clinical application. Given its vasoprotective properties, it is widely used in clinical practice for preventing and managing a range of cardiovascular conditions. Although it has demonstrated efficacy in vascular calcification, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Aim of the study: Vascular calcification is a prevalent pathological condition commonly observed in patients with chronic kidney disease and the aging population, leading to increased vascular stiffness and impaired blood circulation. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of GBE50 on vascular calcification and elucidate its potential mechanisms.

Materials and methods: Target prediction and enrichment analysis were performed based on the identified components of GBE50 in serum. To evaluate GBE50's therapeutic efficacy, both in vivo and in vitro models of vascular calcification were established. Vascular calcification was assessed by Alizarin Red staining and calcium content quantification, while osteogenic markers RUNX2 and OPN were evaluated via Western blot. RNA Sequencing was employed to identify potential targets and pathways, followed by experimental verification via RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis.

Results: While target prediction indicated that GBE50 is associated with vascular calcification, GBE50 significantly ameliorated vascular calcification both in vivo and in vitro. RNA Sequencing revealed that the effects of GBE50 were enriched in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Further experiments demonstrated that GBE50 inhibits the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway to ameliorate vascular calcification.

Conclusion: This study reveals that GBE50 alleviates vascular calcification via inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, providing a scientific basis for its traditional use.