Effects of Ginkgo Biloba on Postnatal Brain Development Following Prenatal Hypoxia: an Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study
SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine, cilt.8, sa.1, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 8 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s42399-026-02495-5
- Dergi Adı: SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, EMBASE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Ginkgo biloba, HIF-1α, HSP 70, Hypobaric hypoxia, Neurogenesis
- Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: The developing brain is highly sensitive to disturbances of oxygen and energy supply, with gestational hypoxia being a key factor in the development of fetal/neonatal neurodevelopmental abnormalities. This study evaluated the potential neuroprotective effects of postnatal Ginkgo biloba administration on brain alterations induced by prenatal hypobaric hypoxia. Methods: Pregnant rats were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia between embryonic days 5 to 15. The offspring of hypoxia and hypoxia + Ginkgo biloba groups were sacrificed on postnatal days 7, 14, 21, and 28. The frontal cortex and hippocampus of the brains were studied by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural examination. The control group was obtained from normoxic pregnant rats. Results: Prenatal hypoxia altered the expression of hypoxia- and stress-related markers, including HIF-1α and HSP. Postnatal Ginkgo biloba treatment modulated these responses in a time-dependent manner. Ultrastructural evaluation demonstrated partial attenuation of neuronal degenerative changes following treatment. Myelin basic protein (MBP) immunoreactivity was reduced in hypoxia groups, indicating impaired myelination, with only limited improvement after treatment. Conclusion: Prenatal hypoxia induces persistent molecular dysregulation and ultrastructural alterations during postnatal brain maturation. Postnatal Ginkgo biloba administration partially modulates hypoxia-associated molecular responses and attenuates some ultrastructural abnormalities; however, structural recovery remains incomplete. These findings suggest a potential neuroprotective effect of Ginkgo biloba in the developing brain, although its functional significance and therapeutic relevance require further investigation.