Effect of ginkgo biloba extract on plasma vascular endothelial growth factor during peri-operative period of cardiac surgery

Objective: To investigate the effect and clinical value of ginkgo biloba extract (Ginaton) on the plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients during peri-operative period of cardiac surgery.

Methods: Twenty patients scheduled to receive cardiac operation were randomly assigned to 2 groups by a digital table. For the 10 patients in the control group, the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was established in routine and received cold (4 degrees C) St. Thomas' cardioplegia perfusion (15 mL/kg) via aortic root after ascending aorta blocking, as for the 10 patients in the Ginaton group, the same was done but with 0.5 mg/kg of Ginaton added to the cardioplegia perfusion. Plasma VEGF contents were detected by ELISA at different time points, i.e., before and after anesthesia induction (T1, T2), after aorta intubation (T3), 0.5 h after aorta clamping (T4), 0.5 h after aorta declamping (T5), immediate after terminating the operation (T6), 6 h after operation (T7), and 24 h after operation (T8).

Results: In the control group, VEGF level began to rise at T, and reached the peak at T7(P < 0.01), while in the Ginaton group, it reached the peak early at T, (P < 0.01), and began to drop at T (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Ginaton could induce the production of VEGF, which may be one of the mechanisms for its myocardial protection.