Therapeutic Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Abstract: Oxidative stress can be implicated as a cause of liver fibrosis. In this sense, Ginkgo Biloba Extract (EGB), an antioxidant, may be beneficial in restraining liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EGB on experimental liver fibrosis. Rat liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice a week for 8 weeks. Three groups of rats received EGB (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg, respectively) by stomach everyday. CCl4 administration induced liver fibrosis, which was inhibited by EGB in a dose-dependent manner. The histopathologic score of fibrosis, liver function and the levels of plasma hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) were significantly improved in rats treated with CCl4 + EGB, compared with those treated with CCl4 only (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were notably elevated, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly decreased in the rats treated with CCl4 + EGB (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Inhibition of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and nuclear factor kappaBP65 (NF-κBP65) expression was demonstrated in the livers of EGB-treated rats. The activation of NF-κB was significantly suppressed in EGB-treated rats determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Furthermore, EGB reduced expressions o