The effect of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot seed extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in broilers

The aim of the present study was to define whether Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot seed extract (VVE), has a regulatory effect against gentamicin (GM) induced nephrotoxicity in broilers. Two hundred and forty broilers were divided into 4 groups, with 6 replications of 10 birds each: Group I Control (C) received standard basal diet only. Group II was administered 100 mg/kg feed/day VVE from day 8 to day 42. Group III was injected daily with GM (50 mg/kg body weight i.m.) for 8 consecutive days starting at day 8 of age. Group IV was administered 100 mg/kg feed/day VVE from day 8 to day 42 and injected daily with GM (50 mg/kg body weight i.m.) for 8 consecutive days starting at day 8 of age. GM administration increased plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, creatinine (Cr), potassium (K+) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased the sodium (Na+), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and vitamin C content as well as kidney glutathione, CAT, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase levels. These parameters indicated nephrotoxicity which was supported by histopathological findings. Furthermore, biochemical and histopathological findings also demonstrated protective effects of VVE on kidney damage due to GM toxicity. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of VVE may prevent or reduce GM-induced nephrotoxicity.