Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb 761) diminishes adriamycin-induced hyperlipidaemic nephrotoxicity in rats: association with nitric oxide production.

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of a standardized preparation of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on the hyperlipidaemic nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by a single intravenous injection (5 mg/kg) of adriamycin. EGb 761 was received daily thereafter by a gavage at the dose of 100 mg/kg for 35 consecutive days. EGb 761 administration significantly attenuated adriamycin-induced renal dysfunction, as assessed by measuring serum lipid profile, serum total protein, serum urea and Ccr (creatinine clearance). Furthermore, urinary excretions of protein and NAG (N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase; a marker of renal tubular injury) were significantly inhibited following EGb 761 administration. EGb 761 supplementation significantly prevented the generation of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances) with a marked improvement in terms of GSH content and activity of antioxidant enzymes in the kidney homogenate. Moreover, EGb 761 treatment significantly reduced both renal-tissue and urine total NO (nitric oxide) levels. The results suggest that the protective potential of EGb 761 in the prevention of adriamycin-induced hyperlipidaemic nephrotoxicity in rats was associated with the decrease in the oxidative stress and the total NO levels of renal tissues. Likewise, the present study demonstrates the ability of EGb 761 to reduce the hyperlipidaemia and proteinuria associated with this nephropathy, which might be beneficial to enhance the therapeutic index of adriamycin.