Protective effect of milk thistle and grape seed extracts on fumonisin B1 induced hepato- and nephro-toxicity in rats

Abstract

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mold metabolite produced by Fusarium species that is frequently found in corn worldwide, it is toxic to both liver and kidney. Hepato- and nephro-toxicity were induced in rats by feeding them with FB1 contaminated corn. Evidence of those toxicities were observed after 60 days by an increase in the serum activity alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to 78%, creatinine to 65% and urea to 30%, in comparison with control group (p = 0.000). Pretreatment with silymarin (S), or grape seeds (G) extracts or both (S+G) was found to return the ALT activity to normal. In case of creatinine, S and S+G lowered the level down to 22 and 24%, respectively and G could successfully return it to normal. The pretreatment S, G, and S+G could significantly reduce urea level to 52, 37 and 46%, respectively. FB1 drastically depleted glutathione peroxidase (GPx) to 48%, while pretreatment with S, G, and S+G could elevate the GPx by 30, 31 and 50%, respectively. Lipid peroxidation represented by malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated significantly to 137% and the pretreatment with S, G, and S+G altered the levels down to 38, 37, and 44%, respectively. Significant improvement in lipid profile was also observed in all pretreated groups. These improvements might be due to the free radical scavenging properties of S and G and its ability to enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses. Key words: Fumonisin B1, grape seed extract, silymarin, liver, oxidative stress.