Open AccessThe Neuroprotective Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Valproic Acid Induced Autistic Features in Mice
Author(s) -
Marwa Al-Gholam,
Omnia Ameen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of clinical and diagnostic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-782X
pISSN - 0973-709X
DOI - 10.7860/jcdr/2020/44201.13948
Subject(s) - ginkgo biloba , valproic acid , pharmacology , intraperitoneal injection , neuroprotection , glutathione , malondialdehyde , medicine , analysis of variance , oxidative stress , chemistry , epilepsy , biochemistry , psychiatry , enzyme
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are among the severe developmental disorders, but have no specific treatments available. Ginkgo biloba (GK) has been reported to affect the neurotransmitter system and have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could impact the pathogenesis of valproic acid-induced autistic features. Aim: To identify the neuromodulatory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on ASD induced by valproic acid in mice. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male Wistar albino mice, 14-day-old, were used and divided into four groups (6 mice/group): Control, Ginkgo biloba extract-treated group {received GK at a dose 100 mg/kg via intraperitoneal injection once daily from Postnatal Day (PND) 13 to PND 40}, Valproic acid-treated group (VPA) (received Sodium Valproate at a dose 400 mg/kg via subcutaneous injection once on PND14), and Valproic acid + Ginkgo biloba extract-treated group (received VPA on PND14 and GK from PND 13 to PND 40). Neuro-behaviour tests (Open field, Social approach (three-chamber) test and T-maze spontaneous alternation) of mice were assessed. Biochemical tests (brain tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β1) and serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) were done. Also, histopathological, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies for the cerebellum were done. Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis of the different groups followed by a post-hoc Tukey test. Results: VPA showed significant neuro-behavioural changes with a significant increase of (MDA, IL-6 and IL-17) and a significant decrease in (GSH and TGF-β1). Histopathological results revealed widespread neuronal affection, specifically of the Purkinje Cells (PCs) layer with a significant decrease in the expression of Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) and Serotonin. Ginkgo biloba ameliorated significantly VPA-induced autistic changes. Conclusion: Ginkgo biloba extract can ameliorate the autistic changes in mice through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities in addition to its ability to modulate serotonin and MBP expression. It can be concluded that GK can be used as a potential disease-modifying treatment for Autism.