Effects Vitis vinifera Leaves on the Oxidative Status of New Zealand Rabbit Liver Infected with Eimeria stiedae

Abstract

Background: Rabbits are the most important protein sources of animals for humans all over the world. Its production has increased significantly in recent years and it has become one of the most important animal sources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Coccidiosis is one of the most dangerous diseases affecting rabbits and other animals causing global economic losses. Plant extracts have been used as potential alternatives to chemotherapy because they do not have the negative consequences of tissue deposits and drug resistance. Methods: The current study examined the antioxidant activity of Vitis vinifera leaf extract (VVLE) in New Zealand rabbits infected with Eimeria stiedae. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis by FT-IR. A total of 35 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into seven groups. Group 1 served as the uninfected, untreated (negative control) group. Group 2 uninfected and treated at 400 mg/kg of extract to test for toxicity. Group 3 represented the infected, non-treated (positive control) group. While, groups 4, 5 and 6 comprised infected treated with at100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of extracts, respectively. Finally, group 7 consisted of infected rabbits treated with Toltrazuril at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight. Result: The analysis of phytochemicals by FT-IR for Vitis vinifera leaf extract revealed the existence of 15 biologically active compounds. VVLE was able to decrease the induced weight loss due to infection. Moreover, the oxidative status due to E. stiedae infection had been changed after treatment with VVLE where the level of glutathione, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide was improved indicating the antioxidant activity of the VVLE. Our findings suggested that VVLE could boost the induced oxidative stress in the liver of infected New Zealand rabbits, but studies are needed to determine the mechanism of VVLE.