Efficacy of lycopene on modulation of renal antioxidant enzymes, ACE and ACE gene expression in hyperlipidaemic rats

Abstract

Introduction:We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lycopene on renal tissue antioxidant enzymes and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression and serum activity in diet-induced hyperlipidaemia.Methods:Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats (200–250 g weight), 5–6 months of age, were randomly selected and divided into four groups. Group I received normal diet; group II received 24 g high fat diet/100 g of daily diet; group III received 24 g high fat diet/100 g daily diet and 200 ml of lycopene extract (twice a week) for 8 weeks; and group IV received 200 ml oral lycopene extract twice a week for 8 weeks.Results:A marked increase was observed in plasma urea and creatinine levels, serum C-reactive protein, kidney weight, tissue renal malonyldialdehyde level, ACE gene expression and serum level, while a decrease catalase level among hyperlipidaemic rats was observed. Histologically, interstitial inflammation and proliferation was seen. Lycopene supplementation significantly decreased plasma urea and creatinine, serum ACE, renal tissue malonyldialdehyde level and C-reactive protein level, while it increased tissue antioxidant enzymes level and total protein. Tissue inflammation and proliferation was improved.Conclusions:This finding suggests that supplementation of lycopene is effective for renal antioxidant enzymes, ACE gene expression and ACE serum level in hyperlipidaemic rats.

Lycopene and Vascular Health

“…Lycopene has antihypertensive effects due to inhibition of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and due to its antioxidant effect, reducing oxidative stress induced by angiotensin-II and indirectly enhancing production of nitric oxide in the endothelium (Li and Xu, 2013 ; Belovic et al, 2016 ; Khan et al, 2016 ; Han and Liu, 2017 ). A study including 8,556 adult overweight and obese participants demonstrated association of lycopene and lycopene/uric acid ratio with lower prevalence of hypertension (Han and Liu, 2017 ).…”

Lycopene improves methotrexate-induced functional alterations of the Madin–Darby kidney cells in a concentration-dependent manner

“…An increase in intracellular GSH content under the effect of Lyc (lower concentrations) ( Fig. 5B) is not an unexpected finding, since the application of Lyc to healthy animals also caused an increase in this nonenzymatic antioxidant level in kidney (Khan et al 2016). When the MTX was applied to cells, an increase in GSH concentration could be connected to its involvement in ROS detoxication (Dhanesha et al 2015) as well as to its usage for MTX transport inside the cell (Leszczyń ska and Pfaff 1982).…”

Lycopene in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

“…Introducing a healthy lifestyle may seem to be an effective method in the prevention and treatment of arterial hypertension [103]. Many studies show that healthy eating habits, and especially high dietary intake of fruit and vegetables and supplements with antioxidant properties, are able to guarantee the improvement of vascular function and BP [104]. Due to this, supplementation with bioactive food ingredients, such as lycopene, in the control of arterial hypertension is important in this case.…”