Preventing oxygen free radical damage by proanthocyanidin in obstructive jaundice

Objective: Tissue damage and endotoxemia in obstructive jaundice are attributed to the increase in oxygen freeradicals. We aimed at evaluating the possible protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), whichis a potent exogenous free-radical scavenger and antioxidant.Material and Methods: The study was performed at the Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of MedicineResearch and Application Center for Experimental Medicine Laboratory with ethical approval. 30 Wistar-Albino ratswere used and were divided into 3 groups. The common bile duct was identified and only dissected in the first group(sham). Following dissection of the common bile duct it was ligated with 4/0 silk just above the pancreas in thesecond group (control). After ligation of the common bile duct, 100mg/kg/day GSPE was administered via orogastriclavage for 10 days in the third group.Results: Biochemical values revealed a statistically significant difference between Group I and the others. There wasno difference between Group II and III regarding biochemical values. There was a statistically significant difference,however, between Group II and III with regards to nitric oxide levels. There was a statistically significant differencebetween Group I and the other groups concerning hepatic and pulmonary tissue damage on histopathologic evaluation. There was no difference among the groups with regards to renal tubular damage.Conclusion: Proanthocyanidin is an effective natural antioxidant in decreasing the level of tissue damage causedby oxygen free-radicals