Ginkgo biloba Extract Modulates the Retroperitoneal Fat Depot Proteome and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Diet-Induced Obese Rats

Abstract

The rapid increase in the number of individuals with obesity, over the past four decades, is triggered by a number of complex interactions among factors. Despite the plethora of treatments available, side effects are commonly observed and, in this context, herbal medicines have been employed as an alternative form of therapy. Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) has been described as a promising new pharmacological approach to treat obesity. In order to better comprehend the mechanisms involved with this potential effect, the present study evaluated the effects of GbE treatment on diet-induced obese rats, focusing on the proteome and the oxidative stress defense system of visceral adipose tissue. After 14 days treatment, GbE significantly modulated 25 proteins. Retroperitoneal adipose tissue of treated animals exhibited higher amounts of proteins associated with adipogenesis (decorin), carbon metabolism and mitochondrial function (citrate synthase), and a concomitant reduction in adipocyte hypertrophy. In parallel, GbE down-regulated proteins involved in oxidative stress (peroxiredoxin) and the inflammatory response (complement C3, mast cell protease 1, and Ig gamma-2B chain C region). Moreover, also related to oxidative stress defense, GbE stimulated catalase activity, reduced malondialdehyde levels (lipid peroxidation indicator), and increased lactoylglutathione lyase levels. It was concluded that GbE acts as an antioxidant agent, and improved the proteome profile and oxidative stress response in the adipose tissue of diet-induced obese rats.

A Single Dose of Ginkgo biloba Extract Induces Gene Expression of Hypothalamic Anorexigenic Effectors in Male Rats

“…Since no alterations were observed in the protein levels of POMC, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT2C, neither in food intake nor in body mass, we hypothesize that the GbE hypophagic activity might occur after a prolonged GbE supplementation. Indeed, this hypothesis is aligned with previous studies from our group in which the GbE 14-day supplementation reduced food intake, body weight gain, and visceral adiposity in DIO rats [15,16,18]. We have also reported that GbE modulated hypothalamic and hippocampal anorexigenic mechanisms after a 14-day treatment protocol, supporting a hypothesis for a time-…”

“…It is possible that the beneficial effects of GbE on glucose and cholesterol metabolism, insulin signaling, visceral adiposity, and energy homeostasis previously observed in both the DIO [15,16] and ovariectomized rats [20] might be related to the early modulation of the POMC pathway (Figure 5). dependent hypophagic effect [17][18][19][20][21]. That the effect is time-dependent was also suggested in studies evaluating the modulation of memory.…”

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) attenuates obesity and anxious/depressive-like behaviours induced by ovariectomy

“…Studying diet-induced obese rats, we have demonstrated both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory roles for GbE, along with improvement of insulin signaling in gastrocnemius muscle and retroperitoneal adipose tissue. GbE also had an anti-obesogenic effect and improved the lipid profile 21 – 24 .…”

Effects of Ginkgo biloba on Diseases Related to Oxidative Stress

“…The leaves and seeds of this plant have been used for medicinal purposes in China for centuries, initially being used for asthma and problems in the digestive system. In Europe and the USA, they have been sold since the sixties, and now they represent one of the most popular phytotherapeutic products in the world [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”