Ameliorative Effect of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract on Argon-Laser Induced Retinal Damage

Photocoagulation is routinely used as a major treatment method for many retinal disorders. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of Grape seed extract (GSE) on reactive oxygen species produced during argon laser photocoagulation and also to explore the benefit of retinal photocoagulation over two session's argon laser compared to single session. Forty two pigmented rabbits weighted 2–2.5 Kg were used in this study. The animals were classified into three groups. The left eye for each animal was photocoagulated with 200 mW, 400 mW and 400 mw fractionated dose (FD) argon laser with and without GSE supplementation respectively. After 24 hours the retina was separated carefully, malondialdehyde level (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for retinal tissue were detected. FT-IR findings showed a positive result for GSE supplementation in reducing laser effects on the retinal tissue. Also, GSE supplementation improved the level of TAC in rabbit's retina exposed to argon laser with a concurrent decrease in MDA level. In conclusion, GSE has an extremely beneficial role in overcoming the resultant adverse biological effects of argon laser photocoagulation on retinal tissues due to its potent antioxidant properties. Results also revealed that retinal photocoagulation over two sessions was more protective for retinal tissue than single session argon laser.