Anti-inflammatory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract against trimethyltin-induced hippocampal neuronal injury

Inflammopharmacology. 2017 Sep 16. doi: 10.1007/s10787-017-0396-2. [Epub ahead of print] Kaur S1, Sharma N1, Nehru B2. Author information 1 Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences Block, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India. 2 Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences Block, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India. bnehru@pu.ac.in. Abstract BACKGROUND: Despite the immense neuromodulatory potentials of Ginkgo biloba extract as a memory enhancer, its underlying mechanism seems inadequate particularly with regard to its anti-inflammatory properties. AIM: The objective of the present study is to investigate the protective potentials of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) against hippocampal neuronal injury induced by trimethyltin (TMT), a potent neurotoxicant. METHODS: Male SD rats were administered trimethyltin (8.5 mg kg-1 b.wt) single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, followed by Ginkgo biloba extract (100 mg kg-1 b.wt i.p) for 21 days. RESULTS: The co-administration of GBE with TMT showed marked improvement in cognitive functions. Concomitantly, there was a significant decrease in oxidative stress as evident by reduction in MDA and total ROS levels. In addition, there was a marked suppression of astrocyte activation (GFAP), transcription factor NFκB and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, 1L-6), which were found to be elevated by TMT administration. Histopathological observations showed remarkable improvement in hippocampal neuronal injury in the conjunctive group. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is suggested that Ginkgo biloba extract is an effective agent against trimethyltin-induced hippocampal neuronal loss owing to its antioxidative as well as anti-inflammatory properties. KEYWORDS: Cytokines; GFAP; Ginkgo biloba extract; Neuroinflammation; Proinflammatory; Trimethyltin PMID: 28918573 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0396-2