Effect of grape seed extract on puromycin-aminonucleoside-induced nephrosis in rats

Recent studies indicate that an excessive production of oxidants plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glomerular disease. Grape seed extract (GSE) is a potent antioxidant, and the aim of this pilot study was to evaluate its effect on puromycin-aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced nephrosis in rats. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Groups 1 and 2 rats received water from day 0 to day 30. Rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 received GSE at 10 mg/100g of body weight (BW), which was started on day 0, 6, and 3 of the experiment, respectively. In group 5 animals the GSE dose was increased (40 mg/100g BW) on day 9. Intraperitoneal dextrose (group 1) or PAN 15 mg/100g BW (groups 2-5) was administered on day 3. Urine and blood specimens were collected at regular intervals, and the comparison between the various groups was made by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Rats in all study groups (groups 3-5) showed a decrease in urine protein and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which was statistically significant in group 3 animals. No significant changes were noted in serum albumin and creatinine levels. In conclusion, GSE administration decreases urine protein excretion and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats with PAN-induced nephrosis.