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

Abstract

Lycopene is one of the most potent antioxidants among carotenoids due to its ability to quench singlet oxygen and react with free radicals to reduce DNA damage. Methotrexate is widely used in the treatment of several types of cancers and autoimmune diseases. One of the most common side effects of a high-dose of methotrexate is kidney injury. In this study, we evaluated effects of lycopene on the Madin–Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) treated with methotrexate through the estimation of their mitochondrial and lysosomal functions ((4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide reduction assay and neutral red uptake assay) and changes in cell oxidative status (determination of advanced oxidized proteins concentrations and reduced glutathione levels) and lysosomal enzymes activity (β-N-acetyl glucosaminidase activity). Results of our study showed that lycopene applied in high concentration caused significant impairment of the MDCK function leading to cell death. Contrarily, in relatively low concentrations lycopene moderately ameliorated methotrexate-induced MDCK cell death estimated by both biochemical and microscopic analyses. It also prevented a significant decline in the MDCK cell lysosomal function estimated by neutral red accumulation ability and activity of the lysosomal enzyme β-N-acetyl glucosaminidase.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Lycopene in a Rat Model of Cisplatin-Induced Damage: Involvement of Oxidative Cell Damage and Glutathione Metabolism

“…LYC is a non-provitamin A carotenoid [13] , with a high antioxidant activity deriving from conjugated double bonds [14] , thus distinguishing it as more efficient than the other carotenoids [15] . Previous studies have shown that this activity is high both in vitro [16] and in vivo [17] and especially efficient in quenching singlet oxygen [18] . Except for preventing the cells damage induced by free radicals, LYC is also responsible for the formation of stronger intercellular bonds and faster cellular metabolism [13] .…”

Lycopene attenuates oxidative stress, apoptosis, and biochemical fluctuations induced by bisphenol A in the kidney of rats

“…The principal carotenoid, lycopene (Lyc), is a fat-soluble red pigment in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, papaya, and watermelon (Stojiljković et al, 2020). Lyc has recently attracted special attention as the most potent antioxidant among carotenoids (Rao and Agarwal, 2000).…”