Ginkgo Biloba L. Extract Reduces H(2)O(2)-Induced Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cytotoxicity by Regulating Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Signaling Pathways and Oxidative Stress

BACKGROUND: The oxidative stress environment of pathological tissue has an adverse effect on the survival of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation. Ginkgo biloba L. extract (EGB) has a potent antioxidant effect. In this research, we assessed the protective effects of EGB and EGB-Containing Serum (EGB CS) on BMSCs against injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). MATERIAL/METHODS: BMSCs were pretreated with EGB or EGB CS and treated with H(2)O(2). The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was utilized to detect cell viability. The DCFH-DA Fluorescent Kit method was used to detect intracellular ROS level. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and (CAT) were determined. The Hoechst staining assay and qRT-PCR assay were utilized to evaluate the effect of EGB on cell apoptosis. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway were detected by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Compared to the H(2)O(2) group, the number of apoptotic cells in the EGB and EGB CS pretreated groups significantly decreased. The mRNA expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was also decreased. EGB and EGB CS can reduce the production of ROS in BMSCs exposed to H(2)O(2). SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were significantly higher compared with those with H(2)O(2) group. Furthermore, EGB or EGB CS pretreatment decreased the protein levels of p-p38MAPK and p-JNK in BMSCs compared to the H(2)O(2) group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that EGB and EGB CS have protective effect on BMSCs against oxidative stress injury and increase the survival rate of BMSCs transplantation by regulating p38MAPK and JNK signaling.