Pycnogenol (PYC) is a procyanidin-rich extract of the bark of French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) with a potent ability to scavenge free radicals. Lysosome-rich fractions from rat renal cortices were incubated with varying amounts of PYC and challenged with noxious doses of fl uoride. Controls were also included. The release of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) isozymes in the supernatant was estimated by spectrophotometric methods. The protein content of the renal cortex was also determined. Our results show that fluoride in unhealthy doses can cause a concentration dependent release of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) isozymes from the renal lysosomes. This may be related to its known ability to initiate free radical formation or direct damaging effects on the lysosomal membrane. As a blend of bio flavonoids pycnogenol has a potent ability to scavenge free radicals. In our study PYC was effective in preventing fluoride induced release of NAG isozymes from the renal lysosomes.

Several lines of evidence points to an inter-relation of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) with the endogenous fibrinolytic system. This study was planned to examine the effect of salt depletion, as a method of activation of the endogenous RAS, on plasma fibrinolytic balance in 10 healthy human subjects in the presence and absence of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor -ACE inhibitors (captopril). Activation of the RAS during low salt intake was documented by a significant increase in serum aldosterone concentration. The data suggest that activation of the RAS results in a n increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-I (PAI-I) antigen and that interruption of the RAS with the ACE inhibitor captopril significantly lowers PAI-I antigen without lowering tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen. This data provides an evidence of a direct functional link between the RAS and the fibrinolytic system in humans and these findings may help to elucidate possible mechanisms by which ACE inhibition exerts vasculo-protective effects and reduces the risk of atherothrombotic events.