Abstract
Purpose
To determine the antioxidant role of Ginkgo biloba (GB) in preventing radiation-induced cataracts in the lens after total-cranium irradiation of rats with a single radiation dose of 5 Gy.
Methods
Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 received neither GB nor irradiation (control group). Group 2 was exposed to total-cranium irradiation of 5 Gy in a single dose [radiation therapy (RT) Group], and group 3 received total cranium irradiation from a cobalt-60 teletherapy unit, plus 40 mg/kg per day GB (RT+GB group). At the end of the tenth day, the rats were killed and their eyes were enucleated to measure the antioxidant enzymes, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the lipid peroxidation level [malondialdehyde (MDA)].
Results
Irradiation significantly increased both the MDA level and the activity of GSH-Px, and significantly decreased the activity of SOD in the rat lenses. GB supplementation significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px enzymes and significantly decreased the MDA level. Total cranium irradiation of 5 Gy in a single dose promoted cataract formation, and GB supplementation protected the lenses from radiation-induced cataracts.
Conclusions
We suggest that Ginkgo biloba is an antioxidant that protects the rat lens from radiation-induced cataracts.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
About this article
Cite this article
Ertekin, M., Koçer, İ., Karslıoğlu, İ. et al. Effects of Oral Ginkgo biloba Supplementation on Cataract Formation and Oxidative Stress Occurring in Lenses of Rats Exposed to Total Cranium Radiotherapy. Jpn J Ophthalmol 48, 499–502 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10384-004-0101-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10384-004-0101-z