New developments in phytochemical nutrition for Anti-Aging: Prevention of atherosclerosis

G. Siegel, P. Schäfer, M. Rodríguez, T. Weber, M. Malmsten

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The prevention or deceleration of atherogenesis is one of the most significant anti-aging objectives, since this is a matter of avoidance of myocardial infarction and stroke. To approach this prophylactic aim, phytochemical nutrition counteracting peroxidation of blood lipids based on their scavenger qualities for reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be of benefit. For example, oxidized LDL particles are highly atherogenic. On this background, we investigated in a pilot study the effect of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761: Rökan®novo; Ginkgold®), the free oxygen radical scavenging properties of which are well-documented, on atherosclerotic nanoplaque formation in cardiovascular high-risk patients. By coating a silica surface with the isolated lipoprotein receptor proteoheparan sulfate (HS-PG) from arterial endothelium and vascular matrices, we could observe the very earliest stages of atherosclerotic plaque development using ellipsometric techniques (patent EP 0 946 876). This so-called nanoplaque formation is represented by the ternary aggregational complex of the HS-PG receptor, lipoprotein particles, and calcium ions. The model was validated in several clinical studies on cardiovascular high-risk patients by applying their native blood lipoprotein fractions. In eight patients who had undergone an aortocoronary bypass operation, the reduction of atherosclerotic nanoplaque formation amounted to 11.9 ± 2.5% (p < 0.0078) and of nanoplaque size to 24.4 ± 8.1% (p < 0.0234), respectively, after 2-months of treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761, 2 × 120 mg daily, Rökan®novo, Spitzner Arzneimittel, Ettlingen, Germany; Ginkgold®, Nature's Way, Springville, UT, USA). Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was upregulated by 15.7 ± 7.0% (p < 0.0391), the quotient oxLDL/LDL lowered by 17.0 ± 5.5% (p < 0.0234), and lipoprotein(a) concentration decreased by 23.4 ± 7.9% (p < 0.0234) in the patients' blood after the 2-month medication regimen. The concentration of the vasodilating substances cAMP and cGMP was augmented by 37.5 ± 9.1% (p < 0.0078) and 27.7 ± 8.3% (p < 0.0156), respectively. A multimodal regression analysis reveals a basis for a mechanistic explanation of nanoplaque reduction under ginkgo treatment. The atherosclerosis inhibiting effect is due to an upregulation in the body's own radical scavenging enzymes and an attenuation of the risk factors oxLDL/LDL and Lp(a). Furthermore, the significant increase in the vasodilator cAMP and cGMP concentration powerfully supports the maintenance of an open bypass.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAnti-Aging Therapeutics - Proceedings of the 14th International Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine and Regenerative Biomedical Technologies
EditorsRonald Klatz, Robert Goldman
PublisherAmerican Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Pages313-333
Number of pages21
ISBN (Electronic)9781934715000
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameAnti-Aging Therapeutics - 2006 Conference Year
Volume9

Keywords

  • Clinical trial
  • Ellipsometry
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Lipoproteins
  • Nanoplaque formation and size
  • Proteoglycan receptor

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