The effects of resveratrol on oxidant/antioxidant systems and their cofactors in rats.

BACKGROUND Resveratrol, which belongs to a class of polyphenolic compounds called stilbenes, is proposed to have anti-aging effects. OBJECTIVES This research has focused on the effects of resveratrol on oxidant/antioxidant systems and also copper and zinc concentrations in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS The control group consisted of 12 male Wistar albino rats, 10-12 weeks of age, weighing approximately 284 g. The experimental group consisted of 12 male Wistar albino rats, in the same age, weighing 282 g. Before the experimental procedure, a training period was performed for control and experimental groups, systolic arterial blood pressures and heart rates were recorded. Body weights were measured also. The experimental group was administered resveratrol (20 mg/kg) in drinking water for six weeks. At the end of the study, blood glucose levels, red cell superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities, copper, zinc concentrations in plasma and red cells, also, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in plasma were determined in both groups. RESULTS At the end of the study, statistically significant increases in SOD and catalase activities, and also in plasma copper and red cell zinc concentrations and statistically significant decreases in body weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, lipid peroxidation product MDA concentration and plasma zinc, red cell copper concentrations were found in resveratrol administered group. CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol administration affected oxidant/antioxidant systems and their cofactors significantly.