Abstract

EFFECT OF LYCOPENE ON LITHIUM INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Somsubhra Pal and Shivalinge Gowda KP

Abstract

The present study was carried out for the investigating the protective effects of lycopene on lithium induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced by lithium carbonate (25 mg/kg lithium carbonate solution in 0.9% Nacl twice daily for 4 weeks). Lycopene was given in low, medium and high doses (10mg/kg, 30mg/kg and 50mg/kg respectively by oral gavaging for 4 weeks). Serum sodium, potassium, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed after 4 weeks. Glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase content in kidney tissue were assessed and kidney tissue histopathology was performed. Lycopene in doses of 10, 30 and 50 mg/kg resulted in a decrease in serum sodium, potassium, creatinine and BUN. Lycopene, being a potent antioxidant resulted in an increase in glutathione, SOD and catalase level in kidney tissue. Histopathological evaluation of kidney tissue revealed that the group treated with lithium carbonate only showed dilatation of blood vessels. Some renal tubules displayed casts. Glomerulus showed hypocellularity with increased Bowman’s space. The group treated with low dose of lycopene showed normal cellularity. Some tubular epithelial cells showed hydropic changes. However groups treated with higher doses showed less damage to kidney. Lycopene seemed to offer effective protection against lithium induced nephrotoxicity probably due to its antioxidant status.

Keywords: Lycopene, lithium carbonate, glutathione, catalase, creatinine.