Proanthocyanidin Group Research Articles

The effect of proanthocyanidin on formaldehyde-induced toxicity in rat testes.

This study investigated the effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) against formaldehyde (FA)-induced lipid peroxidation damage and morphological changes in rat testes. Twenty-one Wistar albino rats were randomized into 3 groups: control, FA, and FA + PA groups. Plasma and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sialic acid (TSA) levels were measured. Testes tissues were observed by light and electron microscopy. TSA (plasma and tissue) levels decreased and MDA (plasma) significantly increased (P < 0.05) in rats treated with FA compared to the controls. Tissue MDA levels were not significantly different. Several necrotic changes were observed in testes tissues by light and electron microscopy. Disordering in epithelia of seminiferous tubules, vacuolization between germinal epithelium cells, and separated basement membranes were observed by light microscope. Immunopositivity in Leydig cells decreased in the FA group (P < 0.05). In the FA + PA group there were more immune Leydig cells reacting immune-positively than in the FA group (P < 0.05). Ultrastructurally, FA also caused disorganization and loss of mitochondrial cristae, and dilatation in endoplasmic reticulum in testes. The results suggest that PA has a protective effect on FA toxicity in testes.

Resin bond strength to water versus ethanol-saturated human dentin pretreated with three different cross-linking agents.

Context:Resin-dentin bonds are unstable owing to hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation. Several approaches such as collagen cross-linking and ethanol-wet bonding (EWB) have been developed to overcome this problem. Collagen cross-linking improves the intrinsic properties of the collagen matrix. However, it leaves a water-rich collagen matrix with incomplete resin infiltration making it susceptible to fatigue degradation. Since EWB is expected to overcome the drawbacks of water-wet bonding (WWB), a combination of collagen cross-linking with EWB was tested.Aim:The aim of this study was to compare the effect of pretreatment with different cross-linking agents such as ultraviolet A (UVA)-activated 0.1% riboflavin, 1 M carbodiimide, and 6.5 wt% proanthocyanidin on the immediate and long-term bond strengths of an etch and rinse adhesive system to water- versus ethanol-saturated dentin within clinically relevant application time periods.Settings and Design:Long-term in vitro study evaluating the microtensile bond strength of adhesive-dentin interface after different surface pretreatments.Subjects and Methods:Eighty freshly extracted human molars were prepared to expose dentin, etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s rinsed, and grouped randomly. They were blot-dried and pretreated with different cross-linkers: 0.1% riboflavin for 2 min followed by UVA activation for 2 min; 1 M carbodiimide for 2 min; 6.5 wt% proanthocyanidin for 2 min and rinsed. They were then bonded with Adper Single Bond Adhesive (3M ESPE), by either WWB or EWB, followed by resin composite build-ups (Filtek Z350, 3M ESPE). Bonded specimens in each group were then sectioned and divided into two halves. Microtensile bond strength was tested in one half after 24 h and the other after 6 months storage in artificial saliva.Statistical Analysis Used:Analysis was done using SPSS version 18 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Intergroup comparison of bond strength was done using ANOVA with post hoc Tukey's test, and intragroup comparison was done using paired t-test.Results:The microtensile bond strength of cross-linked groups was higher compared to control group (P < 0.001). EWB showed much higher bond strength values on cross-linked dentin compared to noncross-linked dentin. UVA-activated riboflavin group exhibited highest bond strengths followed by carbodiimide and proanthocyanidin groups, respectively, on both water- as well as ethanol-saturated dentin. Even after 6 months storage, cross-linked groups showed significantly higher values compared to initial bond strength values of control group (P < 0.001).Conclusions:0.1% riboflavin pretreatment of dentin followed by UVA activation for 2 min exhibited highest increase in bond strength values at 24 h and least reduction in bond strength values after 6 months storage compared to other groups. Biomodification of dentin using collagen cross-linking followed by EWB exhibited a synergistic effect in improving the resin-dentin bond durability.

Comparison of A-type Proanthocyanidins in Cranberry and Peanut Skin Extracts Using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

Cranberry products have long been used to treat urinary tract infections. It is believed that the A-type proanthocyanidins in cranberries contribute to this function. Peanut is one of the other, few food sources that primarily contain A-type proanthocyanidins. The skin on the outside of the peanut kernels (testa), which is treated as an agriculture waste product, contains high levels of A-type proanthocyanidins. In this study, an HPLC diol column separation method and MALDI-TOF MS were used to characterize and compare the proanthocyanidin compositions of peanut skins and cranberries. MALDI-TOF MS in linear mode was able to detect a group of proanthocyanidins with DP (degree of polymerization) 10 in peanut skin extract, but was only able to detect DP 8 in cranberry extract. The reflectron mode showed clusters of clear narrow peaks at DP 7 in peanut skin extract, while the highest DP resolved for cranberry extract was only 3 in reflectron mode. This might be due to the low response intensity of the cranberry samples with the current cleanup method and the matrix. Based on the resolved peaks in reflectron mode, pPeanut skins and cranberries have similar proanthocyanidins composition; they contain both A-type and B-type proanthocyanidins, with the A-type being predominant. This result may inspire future studies on the comparison of biological functions between peanut skins and cranberries and further comparison of their polymeric proanthocyanidin composition.

Effects of Combination Therapy with Cisplatin and Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins on Human Cervical Cancer Cells C33A

To investigated the inhibitory effect of cisplatin in combination with Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins against human cervical cancer cell lines in vitro. Cervical cancer C33A cells were cultured and divided into four groups: cisplatin group, Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins group, cisplatin with Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins group and the blank control group. Morphologic changes of C33A cells were observed under invert microscope after C33A cells were treated 48, and 72 h. The proliferation of C33A cells was determined by CCK8 assay. Apoptosis were evaluated by PE Annexin V staining. Both of these two agents induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in C33A cells in a dose-dependent manner. In combination, cisplatin and Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins amplified these regulatory effects compared to each agent alone. The inhibition of proliferation can be observed in cisplatin group and in Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins group with different concentrations, while the notable effect was showed in Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins group. Combination treatment of cisplatin and Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins produces synergistic influence on C33A cells.

Synergistic effect of proanthocyanidin and CPP-ACFP on remineralization of artificial root caries.

This study evaluated the synergistic effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) and casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP) on remineralization of artificial root caries. Demineralized root fragments (n = 90) were randomly divided into six groups based on treatments: (1) 6.5% PA; (2) CPP-ACP; (3) CPP-ACFP; (4) CPP-ACFP + 6.5% PA; (5) 1000 ppm fluoride; and (6) deionized water (control). Each specimen was immersed in demineralizing solution for 14 h, testing solutions/pastes for 2 h, remineralizing solution for 8 h and pH cycling was performed at 37°C for 8 days. Specimens were evaluated using transverse microradiography (lesion depth and mineral loss), Knoop microhardness and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Lesion depth was significantly lower in CPP-ACFP+PA and 1000 ppm fluoride groups (p < 0.001) with no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Mineral loss was the lowest in CPP-ACFP+PA group (p < 0.05). Fluoride and CPP-ACFP groups showed similar mineral gain (p > 0.05). Artificial caries lesions treated with CPP-ACFP+PA showed significantly higher microhardness values at 130 μm and 150 μm from the surface (p < 0.05). Combined use of PA and CPP-ACFP has a synergistic effect on root caries remineralization by enhancing mineral gain and increasing hardness of artificial root caries.

Efficacy of Procyanidins against In Vivo Cellular Oxidative Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AimsIn this study, the efficacy of proanthocyanidins (PCs) against oxidative damage was systematically reviewed to facilitate their use in various applications.MethodsA meta-analysis was performed by two researchers. Each investigator independently searched electronic databases, including Cochrane, PubMed, Springer, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CKNI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (CSTJ), and WanFang Data, and analyzed published data from 29 studies on the effects of PCs against oxidative damage. Oxidative stress indexes included superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC).ResultsCompared with the oxidative damage model group, PCs effectively improved the T-AOC, SOD, GSH, GPx, and CAT levels, and reduced the MDA levels; these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In studies that used the gavage method, SOD (95% CI, 2.33–4.00) and GPx (95% CI, 2.10–4.05) were 3.16-fold and 3.08-fold higher in the PC group than in the control group, respectively. In studies that used the feeding method, SOD (95% CI, 0.32–1.74) and GPx (95% CI, -0.31 to 1.65) were 1.03-fold and 0.67-fold higher in the PC group than in the control group, respectively. Statistically significant differences in the effects of PCs (P < 0.00001) were observed between these two methods. MDA estimated from tissue samples (95% CI, -5.82 to -2.60) was 4.32-fold lower in the PC group than in the control group. In contrast, MDA estimated using serum samples (95% CI, -4.07 to -2.06) was 3.06-fold lower in the PC group than in the control group. The effect of PCs on MDA was significantly greater in tissue samples than in serum samples (P = 0.02).ConclusionPCs effectively antagonize oxidative damage and enhance antioxidant capacity. The antagonistic effect may be related to intervention time, intervention method, and the source from which the indexes are estimated.

Protective effect of proanthocyanidin against oxidative ovarian damage induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in mice

Oxidative stress, which poses a threat to reproductive health, causes many serious female reproductive diseases. In this study, we investigated whether proanthocyanidins (PC) have a protective effect against oxidative stress-induced ovarian damage. Forty female ICR mice were randomized into 4 groups: a control group, a control plus PC group, a 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) group, and a 3-NPA plus PC group. An ovarian oxidative stress model induced by 3-NPA was constructed using female ICR mice. After the animals were sacrificed, their ovaries were collected to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the mRNA expression levels of relevant granulosa cell apoptosis genes (Bcl-2, Bax, Bim, FasL, and caspase-3). We also conducted a histological evaluation of granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia. The results showed that compared to the 3-NPA group, ROS levels and activities of T-SOD and CAT in the 3-NPA plus PC group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax in the 3-NPA plus PC group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). mRNA expression levels of Bim, FasL, and caspase-3 in the 3-NPA plus PC group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the percentage of atretic follicles and granulosa cell apoptosis in the 3-NPA plus PC group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Collectively, these data indicate that PC has significant protective effects against damage induced by oxidative stress in mouse ovaries. The mechanisms of protection may be related to antioxidation and apoptosis reduction.

Effect of baicalein and quercetin on enzymatic resistance of dentin collagen

To investigate the effect of baicalein and quercetin on the enzymatic resistance of dentin matrix collagen. Baicalein, quercetin and proanthocyanidin were dissolved in 20% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) ethanol and prepared into pretreatment agents with a concentration of 50 g/L. Demineralized dentin specimens were prepared and immersed in pretreatment agents at 37 °C for 24 h, then they were digested in solution containing type?collagenase. The pretreatment agents of blank control group and negative control group were 20% DMSO ethanol, blank control group were digested in solution without collagenase. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the hydroxyproline content of enzymolysis liquid in each group were measured respectively after collagenase digestion for 24 h, the dentin collagen morphology were observed under a field emission scanning electron microscopic (FE-SEM) after collagenase digestion for 12 h. After collagenase digestion for 24 h, the baicalein group had the highest UTS [(16.00±1.31) MPa], followed by proanthocyanidin group [(12.64±0.91) MPa], blank control group [(7.84±1.18) MPa], quercetin group [(3.20±1.07) MPa], and negative control group (0 MPa). Significant differences were detected among the UTS in each two group (P < 0.01). The hydroxyproline content in blank control group was the lowest [(0.40 ± 0.16) mg/L], followed by baicalein group[(2.95 ± 0.18) mg/L], proanthocyanidin group [(4.78±0.38) mg/L], quercetin group[(28.22±1.53) mg/L], and negative control group [(34.39±0.39) mg/L]. There were significant differences among the hydroxyproline contents in each group (P < 0.01). After collagenase digestion for 12 h, intact collagen network could be seen in blank control group under a FE-SEM. Collagen network in negative control group suffered nearly complete destruction and collapsed. In quercetin group, most of collagen collapsed. In proanthocyanidin group, a small portion of collagen destruction and collapse could be seen. In baicalein group, collagen network remained intact. The use of baicalein and quercetin could improve enzymatic resistance of dentin matrix collagen at a concentration of 50 g/L. The effect of baicalein was better than that of proanthocyanidin while the effect of quercetin was weaker than that of proanthocyanidin.

Protective effects of proanthocyanidin and vitamin E against toxic effects of formaldehyde in kidney tissue

We investigated possible effects of proanthocyanidin (PA) and vitamin E on damage to rat kidneys induced by formaldehyde (FA), using biochemical characteristics and light and electron microscopy. Male rats were divided into control, FA, PA and vitamin E treated groups. Kidney tissue was observed by light and electron microscopy. Bcl-2/Bax rate was measured using immunohistochemistry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total sialic acid (TSA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), catalase (CAT) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities were measured. We found that FA caused damage to the parietal epithelial layer of the glomerulus, mononuclear cell infiltration, membrane damage in renal tubules, pyknotic nuclei, hypertrophic cells in Henle's loop and tubules, and loss of renal tubule integrity. We also observed invagination of the nuclear membrane, irregularity of chromatin material and loss of mitochondrial cristae. We observed increased Bcl-2 and Bax immunostaining in the FA group, but the Bcl-2/Bax rate remained unchanged in FA, PA and vitamin E groups compared to controls. Tissue MDA and TSA levels, and CAT and Gpx activities were increased, and SOD and MPO activities were decreased by FA toxicity. We observed a protective effect of PA in tissue MDA and TSA levels and SOD activities, because there was no difference in the PA group compared to the control group. We investigated the antioxidant effects of PA and vitamin E and found protective effects of PA against apoptosis.

Effect of hesperidin incorporation into a self-etching primer on durability of dentin bond

ObjectiveCollagen degradation at the resin–dentin interface deteriorates dentin bond durability. The use of natural cross-linkers might offer a positive approach to stabilize the resin–dentin interface. This study evaluated the effects of incorporation of natural cross-linkers into a self-etch adhesive primer on the immediate and long-term micro-tensile bond strengths (μTBS) to dentin. MethodsExperimental primers were prepared by incorporating either 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5% of hesperidin (HPN) or 0.5% of proanthocyanidins (PA) into Clearfil SE primer. Extracted human molar teeth were restored using the experimental primers or the pure SE primer (control). The mechanical properties of the bonded interfaces were measured using the nano-indentation tests. Beam-shaped bonded specimens were sub-divided for one-day and one-year μTBS test. Interfacial collagen morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. ResultThe immediate μTBS significantly increased in 0.5%, 1% and 2% HPN-incorporated groups when compared with the control. The mechanical properties of bonded interface were improved with 1% and 2% HPN-incorporated primers. For the long-term μTBS, the 2% and 5% HPN-incorporated group were significantly higher than the control. The morphology of the collagen fibrils were preserved by 5% HPN-incorporation after one-year storage. The PA group, however, failed to improve the μTBS and the mechanical properties of the bonded interfaces. SignificanceThe incorporation of 2% HPN into the self-etching primer had a positive effect on the immediate μTBS and mechanical properties of the resin–dentin interfaces. The 5% HPN group preserved the morphology of the collagen in the hybrid layer after one-year storage in artificial saliva.

The therapeutic value of proanthocyanidin in experimental cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage.

We aimed to examine the basilar artery in an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model both from the ultrastructural and radiological aspects and tried to evaluate the benefit of proanthocyanidin (PC), an antioxidant matter, in reducing vasospasm. A total of 21 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups after performing angiography. Group I: Control group, Group II: Subarachnoid hemorrhage group, Group III: Subarachnoid hemorrhage and Proanthocyanidin group (100 mg/kg/ day). Rabbits were sacrificed on the 5th day after angiography. A segment of the basilar artery, 4 mm in length, was prepared for ultrastructural examination. There was no ultrastructural or radiological abnormality in the basilar artery in Group 1. In the basilar artery digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of Group 2, a statistically significant decrease in basilar artery calibration was found (p < 0.05). There was no damage in the endothelium, subendothelium, tunica media and adventitia of the basilar artery ultrastructurally but a statistically significant narrowing in lumen diameter was seen. There was also no difference in basilar artery calibration in the DSA of Group 3 (p > 0.05). No damage was seen in the basilar artery ultrastructurally. Proanthocyanidin with its strong antioxidant effect and possible vasomotor action can significantly attenuate SAH-induced vasospasm.

Effect of Proanthocyanidin Treatment on the Bonding Effectiveness of Adhesive Restorations in Pulp Chamber

To analyze the effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) treatment of the pulp chamber dentin after NaOCl and EDTA irrigation on the microleakage and interfacial morphology of adhesive restorations. Pulp chambers of 66 extracted permanent molars were exposed. In half of the samples, pulp chamber dentin was bonded with Clearfil S3 after irrigation with normal saline (Group1a); 1% NaOCl and 17% EDTA (Group1b) or 1% NaOCl, 17% EDTA and 30% PA (Group1c) and in other half samples, pulp chamber dentin was bonded with Futurabond NR after irrigation with normal saline (Group 2a); 1% NaOCl and 17% EDTA (Group 2b) or 1% NaOCl, 17% EDTA and 30% PA (Group 2c). After adhesive procedures, Filtek Z 250 restorations were placed in the pulp chambers. Microleakage assessment was done in ten samples from each group and scanning electron microscopic examination was done in one sample from each group. Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests at a significance level of P<0.05. Both the adhesives showed extensive microleakage. NaOCl and EDTA irrigation had no significant effect on the microleakage of both the adhesives. PA treatment of the pulp chamber dentin after NaOCl and EDTA irrigation significantly reduced microleakage in both the adhesives. It was concluded that 1 minute application of 30% proanthocyanidin solution in the pulp chamber after NaOCl and EDTA irrigation improved the subsequent bonding of self-etch adhesives to pulp chamber dentin.

The Efficiency of Proanthocyanidin in an Experimental Pulmonary Fibrosis Model: Comparison with Taurine

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive fatal disorder. Bleomycin (BLM) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent causing PF. Numerous agents have been investigated to prevent the progression of PF so far, but there is still a need to find more efficacious agents. Proanthocyanidin (PA) is a strong antioxidant, the main ingredient of grape seed extract. Since PA is ready for use in practice, we aimed to compare the preventive effect of PA in comparison with taurine (Tau) in BLM-induced PF. Forty Wistar male albino rats were used in the study and were divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, BLM-induced PF group; group 3, BLM-induced PF and treated with PA group; and group 4, BLM-induced PF and treated with Tau group. Treatments were begun 10 days before and continued 21 days after BLM injection. PA and Tau effectively inhibited inflammation, edema, severity of fibrosis, fibrosis extension, inflammatory cell accumulation, iNOS staining, and hydroxyproline level as well (p < 0.05). Total histological scores of the PA group were similar to the control group; Tau was significantly higher than the control group but lower than the BLM group (p < 0.05). We believe that PA could be a new treatment choice for PF, but further studies need to be conducted to verify the findings of the current study.

The effect of transient proanthocyanidins preconditioning on the cross-linking and mechanical properties of demineralized dentin

Proanthocyanidin-based preconditioners were prepared by adding powdered proanthocyanidins-rich grape seed extract to various solvents at different concentrations. Demineralized dentin specimens were preconditioned for 20, 30, 60 or 120s, followed by the evaluation of their cross-linking degree, mechanical properties and micromorphology. The cross-linking degree of the demineralized dentin collagen exhibited concentration- and time- dependent increase after preconditioning treatment, irrespective of the preconditioner and the solvent. When treated for the same exposure time, specimens after 15% proanthocyanidins preconditioning resulted in the highest mean ultimate tensile strength compared with all the other groups tested. Five percent glutaraldehyde control group produced the highest cross-linking degree, but the ultimate tensile strength was lower than that of 15% proanthocyanidins group. The field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the demineralized dentin collagen was in a homogeneous and regular arrangement after preconditioning and maintained expanding, regardless of the surface moisture conditions.

Proanthocyanidins Inhibit Iron Absorption from Soybean (Glycine max) Seed Ferritin in Rats with Iron Deficiency Anemia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of proanthocyanidins (PAs) on iron uptake from soybean seed ferritin (SSF) crude by rats with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) for the first time. Six groups of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 10) were used, which contain (1) SSF crude group; (2) SSF crude + PAs group; (3) PAs group; (4) FeSO(4) group; (5) iron deficiency control group; and (6) control group. The bioavailability of iron was examined by measuring hemoglobin (Hb) concentration value, red blood cell (RBC) numbers, and serum iron stores. After 8 weeks, Hb concentration was almost recovered to the normal level upon feeding SSF crude or FeSO(4) to rats. In contrast, Hb concentration was recovered to less extent when SSF crude plus PAs was used instead of SSF crude alone (P < 0.05). A similar profile was observed with these three sample groups when serum iron and RBC were used as parameters. All rats in PAs group died at the 8th week. Taken together, all these results demonstrated that PAs inhibited iron uptake of rats from SSF, and are toxic for rats with IDA.

Proanthocyanidin protects intestine and remote organs against mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUNDIntestinal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) induces a systemic inflammatory response and releases harmful substances that may affect the function and integrity of distant organs such as lung, liver, and kidney. We conducted this study to find out if proanthocyanidins (PA) has protective effects against mesenteric IR injury and mesenteric IR‐induced intestinal and distant organ injury.MATERIALS AND METHODSThirty‐two Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, control + PA, IR, IR + PA. The IR and IR + PA groups were subjected to mesenteric arterial ischemia for 60 min and reperfusion for 6 h. The Control + PA and IR + PA groups were administered PA (100 mg/kg/day via oral gavage) for 7 days prior to injury insult. We collected ileal and distant organ tissues, such as pulmonary, hepatic, and kidney specimens to measure tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and nitrite plus nitrate (NO(x)), and we then evaluated histological changes.RESULTSIn the IR group, significant increases in MDA and NO(x) levels and significant increases in SOD and GPx activities of intestine, liver, kidney, and lung were observed. The MDA and NO(x) levels were significantly lower, as were the SOD and GPx activities in the IR + PA group than that in the IR group. Although the intestine and distant organs damage scores were significantly higher in the IR group, these injuries were prevented by PA in the IR + PA group.CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrates that PA has a significant effect in the protection of the intestine and the remote organs against mesenteric IR injury.

Proanthocyanidin prevents myocardial ischemic injury in adult rats

SummaryBackgroundProanthocyanidin is a bioflavonoid known to have protective effect against oxidative injury. We investigated the cardioprotective effect of proanthocyanidin.Material/MethodsThirty-two Rattus Norvegicus rats were categorized equally as the control group (CG), proanthocyanidin group (PCG), ischemia group (IG) and proanthocyanidin-treated group (PCT). Rats in CG and IG were fed standard rat food and PCG and PCT were fed standard rat food plus proanthocyanidin (100 mg/kg/day twice a day by oral gavage) for 3 weeks. In CG and PCG the myocardial samples were prepared immediately, and in IG and PCT hearts were placed in transport solution and kept at 4°C for 5 hours, then prepared for evaluation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured.ResultsMDA levels were significantly higher in IG and PCT than in CG and PCG. The activity of SOD was significantly lower in IG and higher in PCG than in the other groups. The activity of GPx was significantly lower in IG than in the other groups. The activities of CAT were significantly lower in IG and PCT than in the other groups and were significantly lower in IG than PCT. Histopathologic evaluation revealed normal findings in CG and PCG. While ischemic injury was observed in IG, the content of muscle fibers was better preserved in PCT.ConclusionsProanthocyanidin may have a protective effect on myocardial ischemic injury.

The effect of Nitrogen Mustard on the enzymatic antioxidant defense of rat brain tissue and the therapeutic value of proanthocyanidin.

Nitrogen Mustard (NM) is an alkylating agent that damages cellular nuclear DNA after penetrating tissue. This results in cytostatic, mutagenic and cytotoxic effects. We used biochemical analyses to investigate the effect of NM gas administered through the dermal and respiratory routes, on the brain cortex of rats and also tried to show whether the antioxidant Proanthocyanidin (PC) could decrease this effect. A total of 30 rats were randomized into three groups: Group I: Control group, Group II: NM group, and Group III: NM + PC group. The rats were sacrificed 3 days after NM gas exposure. A segment of the cortical tissue was prepared for biochemical analyses. Biochemical analyses of cortical neural tissue regarding the Enzymatic Antioxidant Defense against NM were performed. The results of these analyses implied that PC was effective for healing of cortical neural tissue. These findings imply that structural changes induced by mustard gas can be prevented and restored by proanthocyanidin treatment.

Vaccinium macrocarpon: An interesting option for women with recurrent urinary tract infections and other health benefits

To review the scientific publications concerning the clinical use and mechanism of action of the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) for women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) and other health conditions. This is a retrospective study of published information concerning Vaccinium macrocarpon retrieved from a PubMed and individual searches. Urinary tract infections are very common in women, cause discomfort, and may aggravate other genitourinary conditions. The available scientific information supports a clinical benefit of Vaccinium macrocarpon in the prevention of recurrent UTI in women. There is a non-significant reduction of UTI associated with Vaccinium macrocarpon treatment during pregnancy. A group of proanthocyanidins (PAC) with A-type linkages have been isolated from Vaccinium macrocarpon which inhibit P-fimbriae synthesis and induce a bacterial deformation, on both antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli. It is plausible that cranberry PAC prevent bacteria from adhering to the uroepithelium of the bladder, thereby blocking the ability of E. coli to infect the urinary mucosa. Cranberry treatment is a safe, well-tolerated supplement that does not have significant drug interactions. Although investigations are in the early stages, experimental and preclinical studies suggest that cranberry components may have other potential benefits, including anti-infective, anticancer and antioxidant effects, which may be considered as positive for different age-related conditions. In addition, cranberry components may induce positive cardiovascular and metabolic changes, and may improve neuropsychological activity. These effects warrant further clinical research to better place the role of cranberry products for women.

Cardioprotective roles of aged garlic extract, grape seed proanthocyanidin, and hazelnut on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin (DXR) is a chemotherapeutic agent used effectively in the treatment of several childhood malignancies. During treatment, cardiotoxicity caused by cell damage due to the free oxygen radicals that are generated is a major limiting factor. This study was undertaken to determine whether DXR-induced cardiotoxicity could be prevented by natural foods with antioxidant properties such as aged garlic extract (AGEX), grape seed proanthocyanidin (PA), and hazelnut. Wistar albino male rats were assigned randomly to 9 groups each consisting of 15 rats. AGEX, PA, and hazelnut groups received these antioxidants in addition to their standard rat diet. They were also treated with cumulative intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections according to 2 different regimens: either a high-dose of 15 mg/kg DXR (3.75 mg/kg per week for 4 weeks) or a low-dose of 7.5 mg/kg DXR (1.875 mg/kg per week for 4 weeks). The control group received i.p. 0.9% saline. AGEX, PA, or hazelnut supplements were given orally to the groups for a 6-week period starting 1 week before the DXR treatment and ending 1 week after the treatment. One week after the last DXR injection, heart tissue samples were analyzed to determine malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and xanthine oxidase (XO) levels, and serum samples were taken for creatine kinase (CK). There were no significant changes in MDA levels among the control, DXR-treated groups, or supplemented groups that received additional natural antioxidant foods. SOD enzyme levels were decreased in rats treated with DXR. PA prevented the decrease at low doses of DXR. DXR treatment decreased CAT enzyme levels, but additional PA and hazelnut consumption increased these levels at low cumulative doses. XO enzyme levels were decreased in AGEX and hazelnut groups, but PA prevented the decrease. CK levels were elevated after DXR administration, indicating myocardial injury, but PA significantly reversed this. Although there were no differences histopathologically between AGEX, PA, and hazelnut groups, the protective effects of AGEX and PA were evident in electron microscopy. In conclusion, the positive effects of natural antioxidant foods on the prevention of DXR-induced cardiac injury could not be clearly shown on the basis of antioxidant enzymes. However, the electron microscopic changes clearly demonstrated the protective effects of AGEX and PA. The supplementation of these antioxidant foods over longer periods may show more definitive results. Human studies with different doses are needed to evaluate the effects of these foods on the human heart.