Evaluation of Proanthocyanidins and Flavonoids Against Radiation Induced- Hepato Injury in Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE) rich in proanthocyanidins on hepatic disorders induced by radiation in rat liver. The animals received GSE (100 mg/kg) during 7 consecutive days before whole body gamma irradiation (6 Gy) and during 4 days after exposure. Rats were sacrificed 4 days after irradiation. Serum aminotransferases (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (T. Bili), hepatic lipid peroxidation (MDA), DNA fragmentation, Super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the glutathione (GSH) were estimated. The effects of GSE on radiation-evoked changes in the mentioned parameters were compared with the known hepato-protectant agent, silymarin. Radiation injury was evident by the significant elevation in serum ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin (T.Bili). This effect was accompanied by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA fragmentation and significant decrease in GSH, SOD and catalase in hepatic tissues. GSE has significantly attenuated the radiation-induced disturbance in the levels of serum and liver enzymes and markedly decreased the lipid peroxidation, ameliorated DNA fragmentation and GSH depletion in hepatic tissues induced by exposure of rats to ionizing radiation. It could be concluded that through its antioxidant and free radicals scavenging activities, GSE could afford protection against radiation-induced liver injury