Expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in brain of atherosclerotic rats and effects of Ginkgo biloba extract

Aim: To study the protein and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the brain of rats with atherosclerosis (AS) and the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on expressions of cytokines. Methods: The experimental model of AS in rats were established by intraperitioneal injection of vitamin D-3 with high fat/cholesterol diet. GbE 100 mg/kg was administered to rats by ig. After 8 weeks, the expressions of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-10R in the brain tissues of AS rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 in the brains were markedly higher in AS groups than that in control groups (6.11 +/- 0.15, 1.55 +/- 0.14, 0.54 +/- 0.04 ng/g wet weight vs 0.80 +/- 0.14, 0.33 +/- 0.09, and 0.33 +/- 0.02 ng/g wet weight, respectively). The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in the brains were markedly lower in GbE groups (3.82 +/- 0.54, 0.95 +/- 0.08 ng/g wet weight) than that in AS groups, the protein and mRNA expressions of IL-10 and IL-10R in the brains were markedly higher in GbE groups (0.85 +/- 0.06 ng/g wet weight) than that in AS groups. Conclusion: GbE inhibited production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta, and TNF-alpha, but upregulated the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and IL-10R in brain, which might be related with its anti-AS actions.