Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on CCl_4-induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Objective To explore the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on the development and reversion of liver fibrosis and its mechanism. Methods The model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis was established in rats.The rats with liver fibrosis were treated with GbE.The liver fibrosis was graded by histopathological examinations (HE, Masson and Gordon-Sweet staining) and the expression of metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in the liver tissues was determined by RT-PCR. Blood samples were collected for determination of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The expression of αSMA in liver tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Liver fibrosis and expression of αSMA in GbE group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P0.05).The level of ALT and AST were significantly decreased and the expression of MMP-13 significantly increased in GbE group compared to the control group(P0.01). Conclusions GbE can relieve liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats. Its mechanism is possibly related to GbE promoting the expression of MMP-13 and suppressing the activation and promoting the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC).