Nrf-2 mediated heme oxygenase-1 expression, an antioxidant-independent mechanism, contributes to anti-atherogenesis and vascular protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract

GBE could inhibit cytokine-induced endothelial adhesiveness by inducing HO-1 expression via the activation of p38 and Nrf-2 pathways, a mechanism in which oxidative stress is not directly involved. GBE might exert its anti-atherogenesis and vascular protective effects by inducing vascular HO-1 expression.