Effects of proanthocyanidins,a grape-seed extract, on serum levels of SOD,MDA,GSH and NO in rats with type-2 diabetes

Objective To observe the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins extract (GSPE) on serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione hormone (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) in rats with type-2 diabetes. Methods Thirty specific pathogen-free SD rats (180 days from birth, 180~220 g in weight) were fed on high-fat chow for 4 weeks and then received intraperitoneal injection of small dose STZ to induce type-2 diabetes. These rats were randomized into the diabetic control group, 250 mg·kg-1·d-1 GPSE and 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 GSPE groups. Another 6 SD rats fed on usual diet were set as normal controls. In these rats, blood sugar was detected at weeks 6 and 10, and changes in SOD, MDA, GSH and NO at week 10. Results The level of blood sugar was decreased but not remarkably with GSPE. Compared with diabetic controls, remarkably increased levels of SOD and MDA and decreased levels of MDA and NO were found in the 250 mg·kg-1·d-1 GSPE group (all P0.05). Similar results were seen in the 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 GSPE, but these were not statistically significant. Conclusion Sub-high dose of GSPE may be effective to improve the anti-oxidative capability in type-2 diabetic rats. Further study of the mechanism can provide new ideas and evidences for nutritional interventions with GSPE in diabetes and related complications.