The protective effects of Ginkgo biloba EGb761 extract against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effects of Ginkgo biloba EGb761 extract on renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 26 male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: First group (n=6), which served as control received only standard pellet; second group (IR) (n=6) was subjected to renal I/R injury; a third group (Gb) (n=7) was given additional EGb761 extract; and rats in the fourth group (IR-Gb) (n=7) had been treated with EGb761 extract before they were subjected to I/R injury. After rats were euthanized, renal tissues were analyzed microscopically, and tissue malondyaldehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined. RESULTS: MDA values were significantly high in the IR group when compared with the other groups. No significant difference in MDA values between the Control and Gb groups was observed. SOD enzyme activity was significantly lower in the IR group when compared with other groups. Furthermore, SOD values were found to be comparable in control, Gb and IR-Gb groups. The CAT enzymatic activity was significantly low in the IR group when compared with the other groups. Moreover, although no statistical significance was identified between control group and Gb group, CAT levels in these groups were higher compared to IR-Gb group. Microscopic examination showed no histopathological differences between the control and Gb groups. Cast formation and tubular necrosis in the IR group have been determined to be significantly high when compared with IR-Gb group. We further observed that the histopathological changes in the IR-Gb group were lesser in the advanced levels when compared with the IR group. CONCLUSIONS: Ginkgo biloba Egb761 extract applied before renal ischemia-reperfusion decreases the tissue damage.