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.
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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
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10384-004-0101-z