Effects of procyanidin on antioxidant enzymes status in kidney and heart homogenates of wistar rats.

Abstract

A study on the effect of procyanidin on the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in kidney and heart homogenate was investigated in a rodent model. The rats were divided into three groups, each group consisting of 7 rats. Group 1 (control group) received standard rat diet and water only for 14 days, group 2 received procyanidin in addition to standard rat diet and water while group 3 was treated with procyanidin along side standard rat diet and water. The experimental groups (2 and 3) were given an oral administration of procyanidin on alternate days and fed for 7 and 14 days respectively. Catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were determined spectrophotometrically at specific wavelengths using standard procedures and methods. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase showed significant increase activities in the kidney homogenate following procyanidin administration for 14 days. However, only glutathione peroxidase activity in the heart homogenate increased significantly following administration for 14 days. Overall, procyanidin did not demonstrate any significant adverse effect on the measured antioxidant enzymes but it seems to enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.