Objective: To investigate the effect of ginkgo leaves extract on the apoptosis in high-glucose-induced human retinal pigment epithelial cells

in order to explore possible mechanisms.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. Flow cytometry was used to determine the apoptotic rate. Bcl-2

Bax

Caspase-3

Fas and FasL mRNA and protein expressions were measured by Real-time PCR and Western blot. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation of JNK and the expression of nuclear JNK.Result: A value of the high-glucose group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Those in 12.5

25

50

100 mg · L-1 ginkgo leaves extract groups were significantly higher than those of the high-glucose group (P<0.05). The apoptotic rate of the high-glucose group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Those in 12.5

25

50

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

expressions of Bax

Caspase-3

Fas and FasL in the high-glucose group were increased. And expressions of Bax

Caspase-3

Fas and FasL were decreased by 12.5

25

50

100 mg · L-1 ginkgo leaves extract (P<0.05). JNK phosphorylation and nuclear JNK protein were increased in the high-glucose group

compared with the control group; and JNK expression was decreased in 12.5

25

50

100 mg · L-1 ginkgo leaves extract groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: ginkgo leaves extract could alleviate diabetic retinopathy and inhibit apoptosis through the JNK pathway.