Protective role of grape seed extract on genotoxicity, hepatic, and renal dysfunction induced by ochratoxin A in rats

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a natural toxin and produced by various fungi of the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium and the second one in toxicity among mycotoxins. Recent studies have shown that grape seed extract (GSE) has a protective effect on mycotoxin-induced toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect GSE on OTA-induced genotoxicity, liver and kidney injury in rats. Forty mature Wistar albino male rats with similar body weight were divided into four groups (10 rats each): 1- untreated control group, 2- OTA treated group (1.7 mg/Kg bw, i. p.), 3- OTA + 75 mg/kg bw GSE treated group, 4- OTA + 150 mg/kg bw GSE treated group. Rats were treated for 15 days and at the end of experiments, blood, liver and kidney tissue homogenates, as well spermatocyte cells were harvested to determine the effect of OTA on geno-, hepato-, and renal toxicity in rats and the protective role of GSE. The results showed that GSE could significantly alleviate genotoxicity, DNA damage and improve the liver and kidney injury induced by OTA toxicity in male albino rats due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.