Objective: To observe the effect of ginkgo leaves extract on the inflammation of human esophageal epithelial cell ARPE-19 line and the changes in nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-κB)pathway

in order to explore its mechanism.Method: In vitro

ARPE-19 cells was divided into normal control group (5.5 mmol · L-1 glucose)

high-glucose group (30 mmol · L-1 glucose) and ginkgo leaves extract group (30 mmol · L-1 glucose+12.5

25

50

100 mg · L-1 ginkgo leaves extract). MTT assay was used to detect cell viability. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the cells were determined by flow cytometry. NIK/p-NIK

IKKα/p-IKKα and IκB/p-IκB expressions were measured by Real-time PCR and Western blot. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation of NF-κB and the expression of nuclear NF-κB.Result: The Avalue of the high-glucose group was significantly lower than that of the control group

ginkgo leaves extract groups (12.5

25

50

100 mg · L-1) were significantly higher than those of the high-glucose group (P<0.05). Levels of TNF-α and IL-1β of the high-glucose group was significantly higher than that of the control group

andthose of ginkgo leaves extract group (12.5

25

50

100 mg · L-1) were significantly lower than those of high glucose group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group

the expressions of p-NIK

p-IKKα

p-IκB in the high-glucose group increased

and the expressions of p-NIK

p-IKKα

p-IκB were decreased in ginkgo leaves extract(12.5

25

50 and 100 mg · L-1)groups (P<0.05). The phosphorylation and nuclear NF-κB protein expression were increased in the high-glucose group compared with the control group

and the NF-κB expression were decreased in ginkgo leaves extract groups (12.5

25

50

100 mg · L-1

P<0.05).Conclusion: ginkgo leaves extract can inhibit the inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB activity and protect retinal pigment epithelial cells

so as to prevent and treat diabetic retinopathy.