Attenuating Effect ofGinkgo bilobaLeaves Extract on Liver Fibrosis Induced by Thioacetamide in Mice

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect ofGinkgo bilobaleaves extract on experimental liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in male albino mice. The experimental mice were divided into four groups. The mice of the first group were served as control. The experimental animals of the second group were given 150 mg/kg body weight of TAA by intraperitoneal injection, twice weekly, for 9 weeks. The mice of the third group were exposed to TAA and supplemented withG. bilobaleaves extract. The animals of the fourth group were supplemented withG. bilobaleaves extract. The levels of plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were statistically increased while the levels of plasma total protein, albumin, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased. The levels of liver superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glycogen and total protein were notably declined, whereas the level of total lipid was increased in mice of the second group. Furthermore, microscopic examination of liver sections from mice treated with TAA showed an abnormal morphology characterized by nodular transformations in liver parenchyma which surrounded by fibrous septa. Administration ofG. bilobaleaves extract reduced extent and development of fibrous septa, liver cells change, and biochemical alterations in mice exposed to TAA. This study showed thatG. bilobaleaves extract has a potential activity against TAA-induced liver fibrosis and suggested that the chemical constituents ofG. bilobaare effective in modulation of oxidative stress induced by TAA.