The effects of grape seed extract against toxicity of benzene on liver and kidney tissues of albino mice: biochemical evaluation

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the possible effects of grape seed extract (GSE) against benzene-induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The animals were randomly divided into six groups each containing six mice. Group I, treated with distilled water; Group II and III orally treated with 50 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight GSE, respectively. Group IV, orally treated with 250 mg/kg body weight benzene by using feeding cannula; Group V, orally treated with 50 mg/kg body weight GSE + 250 mg/kg body weight benzene; Group VI, orally treated with 150 mg/kg body weight GSE + 250 mg/kg of body weight benzene for 50 consecutive days. At the end of experimental period all mice were sacrificed; blood, liver and kidney tissues were removed after post-mortem examination. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine levels were analyzed from serum. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were analyzed from isolated tissues. And also histopathological examinations of liver and kidney tissues were investigated. Results: Serum AST, ALT, ALP, BUN and creatinine levels were slightly increased in Group IV compared with the other tested groups (p<.05). Benzene-induced toxicity caused a significant decrease in GSH levels and a significant rise in MDA levels of liver and kidney tissues. Oral treatment with GSE significantly ameliorated the indices of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and lipid peroxidation induced by benzene. Both doses of GSE provided significant protection and the strongest effects were observed at the dose level of 150 mg/kg. Conclusion: Consequently, it was found that GSE has a significant positive effect in benzeneinduced toxicity, and its GSE effect is dose dependent.