[Protective effects of extract of Ginkgo biloba against ethanol-induced oxidative injury in rat testes].

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate whether EGB protect against ethanol-induced oxidative injury in rat testes.

METHODS

The rats were pretreated with EGB (4.8,9.6 mg/100g bw per day) before 30% ethanol administration (2.37g/kg bw by gastric incubation). Ninety days later, the rats were killed in order to measure the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Reductase (GST), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), Catalase (CAT) and the contents of Glutathione (GSH), Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Malondialdehyde (MDA)in rat testes. The microsomal fractions were obtained by the method of differential centrifugation, and HO-1 (Heme Oxygenase-1) activity in testicular microsomal was measured. To examine the expression of HO-1 mRNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Compared with ethanol group, ROS, and MDA contents significantly decreased in EGB group testes, respectively (P < 0.05). GST, GSH-Px, CAT, SOD activities, and GSH content in EGB group testes elevated markedly (P <0.05). EGB could enhance HO-1 mRNA expression remarkably.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that EGB as a preventive antioxidant can protect against ethanol-induced testicular injury, which may be associated with HO-1 activity enhancement, free radicals elimination, lipid per-oxidation reaction inhibition.