Adverse effects of pesticide on weanling female rats: protective role of a grape seed extract

The protective effects of a grape seed extract against cyhalethrin-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and liver and kidney damage in weanling female rats was studied. Weanling female rats were orally administered cyhalethrin (Cyh) at a dose equal 1/10 LD₅₀ for 28 consecutive days. Two Cyh groups (6 rats each) received extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg kg-1 body weight throughout the duration of the study. Three additional groups served as extract-treated and as control groups. Administration of Cyh resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and alterations in antioxidant enzymes, e.g. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), glutathion-s-transferase (GST). Also, significant increase was recorded in serum marker enzymes, e.g. aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and increase the levels of urea and creatinine. On the other hand, Cyh caused significant decrease in levels of total protein and albumin, and caused histopathological alterations in liver and kidneys. Co-administration of grape seed extract to Cyh-intoxicated rats, restored most of these biochemical parameters to within normal levels, especially at the hig dose of extract. Administration of grape seed extract to Cyh-treated rats resulted in overall improvement of liver and kidney function in weanling female rats.