Biosensors & Bioelectronics

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Alzheimer's Disease Model Treated with Ginkgo biloba

Abstract

Salgado ASI, Eltchechem CL, Kerppers II*, Silva Pereira MC, Suckow PT, Gomes JC, Hosni AP, Miri AL and Carraro E

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for two-thirds of dementia cases in the elderly and may show preliminary symptoms for decades. The dry leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) has been used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of mental disorders in both humans and animals. Objective: This study examined the immunological effect of EGb 761 in the treatment of rats with experimental Alzheimer's disease. Methodology: The sample consisted of 40 Wistar male rats, weighing 200-250 grams and divided into 4 groups: 21 days control, 42 days control, 21 days treated, and 42 days treated. Stereotaxic surgery was performed with the coordinates of AP=-3.12, ML=3.6 mm, and DV=3.0; animals were undisturbed for 5 days after surgery and brought back to stereotaxic to be injected with 2 μL (1 mg) of Beta-amiloide25-35 toxin in the CA1 region. Animals in the treated group received 100 mg/kg of EGb 761 by gavage. Animals were euthanized at 21 and 42 days; 1 ml of blood was collected for the flow cytometry analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Results: A significant difference was observed between the pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-6 and IFN-γ showed low levels of concentration compared to IL-2 and TNF-α. The IL-4 and IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokines were present at high levels of concentration in the 21 and 42 days treated groups. Conclusion: EGb 761 was effective in reducing serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby promoting a reduction in the inflammatory process generated by AD.