Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on retinopathy in diabetic rats / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

[ ABSTRACT] AIM:To investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract ( GBE) on diabetic retinopathy ( DR) and its possible mechanism in rats .METHODS:Goto-Kakizaki ( GK) rats were used as a DR model, and were treated with different doses of GBE.Normal Wistar rats were used as the control.Blood glucose and retina barrier injury were analyzed, respectively.Ganglion cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.Moreover, the protein expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2( Nrf2) , ERK, Bcl-2 and P53, and ERK phosphorylation were examined by Western blot.RESULTS:GBE reduced blood glucose in the DR rats, attenuated retina barrier injury, and decreased the apoptosis of ganglion cells. Furthermore, the expression of Nrf2 and Bcl-2, and phosphorylation of ERK were increased after GBE treatment, whereas P53 expression was decreased.CONCLUSION:GBE protects ganglion cells against apoptosis in DR rats, which may be through activation of Nrf2/ERK pathway and regulating Bcl-2 and P53 expression.