Lycopene restores liver function and morphology of ifosfamide-intoxicated rats Elias Adikwu, Bonsome Bokolo Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences 2019 7(1):13-17 Introduction: Low incidence of liver toxicity has been anticipated with the clinical use of ifosfamide (IFO); however, there is possible hepatotoxic concern with its use. There is a paucity of effective drugs that can protect liver or regenerate hepatocytes during damage. In this light, the protective effect of lycopene (LYP) was examined against a rat model of IFO-induced liver injury. Materials and Methods: Forty adult albino rats were randomized into eight groups (A–H). Group A (control) was orally treated with water, whereas groups B–D were orally treated with 10–40 mg/kg of LYP daily for 7 days, respectively. Group E was treated with 150 mg/kg of IFO on the 7th day intraperitoneally (ip), whereas groups F–H were pretreated orally with 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg of LYP daily, respectively, before treatment with IFO on the 7th day (ip). On the 8th day, rats were sacrificed, blood was collected, and serum was separated and evaluated for biochemical parameters. Rats were dissected; liver was collected, weighed, and evaluated for biochemical parameters and histology. Results: Significant (P < 0.001) increases in aminotransferases, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and malondialdehyde levels with significant (P < 0.001) decreases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were obtained in IFO-treated rats when compared to control. Liver of IFO-treated rats showed periportal and pericentral necroses of hepatocytes. However, The aforementioned parameters were significantly restored in a dose-dependent manner at 10 mg/kg (P < 0.05), 20 mg/kg (P < 0.01) and 40 mg/kg (P < 0.05) of LYP-pretreated rats. Conclusion: This study showed that IFO-induced liver damage was restored in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with LYP.

Lycopene

Chemical compound

Description

Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid hydrocarbon found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons, gac, and papayas, but it is not present in strawberries or cherries. Although lycopene is chemically a carotene, it has no vitamin A activity.Wikipedia

Formula: C₄₀H₅₆

Molar mass: 536.873 g/mol

Solubility in water: insoluble

Melting point: 177 °C (351 °F; 450 K)

Solubility in hexane: 1 g/L (14 °C)

Structure and properties: Refractive index (n), Dielectric constant (ε_r), etc