In vivo genoprotective effect against UV irradiation by red grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) juice

The genoprotective effect of a single ingestion of red grape juice on human DNA was explored. Twenty subjects (10 males and 10 females) were recruited for this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups and each group consisted of five males and five females. Ten were asked to drink 250 mL commercially available grape juice without any addictive while the other ten in the control group consumed water instead. Blood samples were taken immediately before and two hours after ingestion of either grape juice or water. The blood samples were then embedded in agarose and irradiated with ultraviolet-B followed by the comet assay. The slides were stained with Giemsa stain and DNA damage was assessed through the grading of the comet head and tail. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in DNA damage with grape juice consumption compared to the control group. This study illustrated that red grape juice drink was sufficient to protect cellular DNA from oxidative stress at least within two hours.