Evaluation of the potential protective effects of ad libitum black grape juice against liver oxidative damage in whole-body acute X-irradiated rats

Abstract

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effects of ad libitum black grape ( Vitis labrusca) juice against liver oxidative damage in whole-body acute X-irradiated rats. Main methods Animals were fed ad libitum and drank voluntarily black grape juice or placebo (isocaloric glucose and fructose solution) for 6 days before and 15 days following a 6 Gy X-irradiation from a 200 kV machine. Key findings Irradiated animals receiving placebo showed a significant increase in the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a marker of lipid peroxidation, as well as a significant decrease in both Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and reduced glutathione concentration (GSH). Black grape juice supplementation resulted in a reversal of lipid peroxidation, Cu/ZnSOD activity, and GSH concentration, towards values not significantly differing from those in non-irradiated, placebo-supplemented rats. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1) and Cu/ZnSOD changes in protein expression were observed for irradiated rats. No change in p53 expression or DNA fragmentation was found. Significance Ad libitum black grape juice intake is able to restore the liver primary antioxidant system against adverse effects due to whole-body acute X-irradiation in rats after 15 days post-irradiation. The results support using antioxidant supplements as a preventive tool against radiation-induced harm.