The effects of Ginkgo biloba on nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin-based chemotherapy protocols in rats

The study was aimed at investigating the possible renoprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba on nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin w/wo other antineoplastic agents (etoposide and gemcitabine) in rats. The animals were randomly divided into eight groups each consisting of six rats. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine values at baseline and after drug administration, kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels, and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) were measured, and a histopathologic examination of kidney tissues was carried out. Ginkgo biloba extract significantly decreased the serum creatinine and kidney MDA levels, which had increased as a result of cisplatin administration and also improved the depletion of kidney GSH levels in cisplatin administered rats (p<0.05). These results were confirmed by histopathologic observations of the kidney tissues. According to the results of the present study, the potential interactions between the renoprotective agents and the cisplatin-based chemotherapeutic regimens must be considered. Keywords: Cisplatin- induced nephrotoxicity, Etoposide, Gemcitabine, Ginkgo biloba,