Ginkgo biloba (EGB 761) affects apoptosis and nitric-oxide synthases in testicular torsion: an experimental study

We investigated the effect of ginkgo biloba on germ cell apoptosis and also on expressions of endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthases after testicular torsion. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Torsion/detorsion (T/D) was performed on the rats in group 1, group 2 received ginkgo biloba for a month before T/D, group 3 received only gingko biloba for a month, and group 4 was the sham group. Left testicular torsion was created in group 1 and group 2, and the testes were untwisted and replaced in the scrotum for reperfusion. No procedure was applied to group 3, and after 1 month, testes were removed in all groups. Mean apoptotic cell, eNOS, and iNOS were increased in group 1. Group 2 showed significantly decreased apoptotic cells, eNOS, and iNOS in testes compared to group 1 (P < 0.05). The rats in group 3 had significantly decreased apoptotic cell, eNOS, and iNOS values, like the sham group (P < 0.05), and this group provided basal values. Ginkgo biloba, as a free radical scavenger, seems to have a protective role against apoptosis in testicular ischemia reperfusion injury.