Investigation of potential mechanisms of action of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) involved in the improvement of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic disease which has been associated to a high incidence of metabolic changes. Taking into consideration the risks of obesity-related disorders, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the development of an efficient and easy access therapy is highly desirable. Studies from our laboratory have shown that obese mice treated with standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE), one of the most widely used herbal medicines worldwide, improved insulin sensitivity and increased signaling of this hormone in insulin-dependent tissues of obese rats. These data allowed us to suggest the potential use of EGb as a therapy for preventing or treating metabolic complications from obesity. In this context, the present study aims to examine whether the previously observed effects of GbE occur through changes in intestinal microbiota, plasma proteome and both lipid metabolism and proteome of the retroperitoneal fat depot. For this, mice will be fed with high fat diet from 2 to 4-mo-old. Following, animals will receive a daily gavage with GbE for a period of 14 days. After the treatment, rats will be euthanized and we will evaluate the plasma proteome, retroperitoneal fat depot proteome and lipid metabolism, as well as the GUT microbiota. We will also measure the daily food intake, body weight gain, weight of retroperitoneal, epididymal and mesenteric fat depots as well as serum levels of insulin, leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, IL-1², TNF-±, IL-10 and LPS after treatment. (AU)