Grape seed extract for reduction of renal disturbances following reperfusion in rats

Proanthocyanidines in grape seed extract (GSE) possess a wide array of pharmacological and biological actions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and vasodilatory properties as well as inhibition of phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase, and lipooxygenase enzymes. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the oral administration of GSE on renal disturbances due to reperfusion injury in rats.

Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. They received a standard diet for two eeks. During this period, one group also received normal saline and GSE (50 mg/kg) daily. At the beginning of day 14, the rats in 2 groups underwent surgery and bilateral renal ischemia, and one group had sham operation. Urine and blood samples were taken and the kidneys were removed for histologic and enzyme studies. The control group did not receive any solutions and did not have surgery.

The increased amount of plasma creatinine concentration induced by reperfusion injury was improved by GSE administration. In addition, urine osmolality increased in the GSE group in comparison with the reperfusion injury only group. The degrees of histological damages and oxidative stress that had increased following reperfusion injury were also significantly lower with GSE administration.

Oral supplementation of GSE for 2 weeks may decrease histologic damages and oxidative stress, and as a result, may reduce kidney function disturbances following reperfusion injury.