Influence of Ginkgo Biloba extract (EGb 761) on expression of IL-1 Beta, IL-6, TNF-alfa, HSP-70, HSF-1 and COX-2 after noise exposure in the rat cochlea

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Ginkgo Biloba in early treatment of noise induced hearing loss on expression of IL-6, IL-1 Beta, TNF-alfa, HSP-70, HSF-1 and COX-2 in the rat cochlea. Methods Thirty two female rats were randomly divided into four groups (Acoustic Trauma, Ginkgo Biloba, Acoustic Trauma + Ginkgo Biloba, Non Treatment). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was applied in all the groups. At the end of the study, IL-1Beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, HSP-70, HSF-1 and COX-2 were studied in cochlear tissue with ELISA and Western blot analysis. Results There were significant increases in ABR values measured at days 1 and 7 compared to baseline values in Group 3. IL-1 Beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha values were significantly higher in Group 1 than in the other groups. Whereas HSP-70 and HSF-1 values were found to be significantly lower in Group 1 compared to those in Group 2 and Group 3. COX-2 of Group 1 was significantly higher than the other groups. Conclusion Ginkgo Biloba is helpful in the treatment of noise induced hearing loss and exerts its effect by inhibiting expression of IL-1 Beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and COX-2 and increasing HSP-70 and HSF-1 values in rat cochlea.