Intervention study of Ginkgo biloba extract in rat model of lipid-induced insulin resistance

Our research focused on the correlation between IR and glucolipid metabolism, vascular endothelial dysfunction and steatohepatitis. Then to provide evidence of Ginkgo on early-stage prevention of IR related diseases in a rat model. Forty male SD rats were equally randomized to four groups: normal group, model group, Ginkgo group and rosiglitazone group. Blood samples and serum biochemical indicators were collected and detected. Insulin sensitive index (ISI) was selected to evaluate the model. Compared with normal group, ISI, NO, T-AOC and SOD significantly decreased, while serum glucose, lipid, ET-1, MDA, and other indicators significantly increased in model group (P <0.05 or P <0.01). But compared with model group, it was opposite for both Ginkgo and rosiglitazone groups (P <0.05 or P <0.01). Fatty streaks and typical athesclerotic plaques exhibited early-stage injuries of arterial atherosclerosis emerged in the fourth month, while they were improved remarkably in Ginkgo group. The hepatocytes exhibited diffused steatosis, hepatic lobular inflammation and abnormal mitochondria in model group, but were smaller and only tiny lipid droplets were observed in both Ginkgo and rosiglitazone groups. We can make the conclusion that IR may lead to endothelial dysfunction and steatohepatitis. (2) Ginkgo biloba extract can improve glucolipid metabolism and may have protective effects on hepatocytes and endothelial function of blood vessels and partly or remarkably reverse endothelial dysfunction and steatohepatitis due to IR, and may have related intervention on IR.