Effects of lycopene on the model of oleic acid-induced acute lung injury.

BACKGROUND

This study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of lycopene in lung injury rat model.

METHODS

Twenty eight Wistar rats were enrolled into the study. Control group (n= 7) were applied PBS + ethanol (9/1). A single dose of 100 mg/kg oleic acid (OA) intravenously was administrated to OA group (n= 7). One mL of corn oil was given daily to corn oil + OA group (n= 7) by gavage for five weeks. Lycopene was given by gavage to lycopene + OA group (n= 7) for five weeks. At the end of the 5th weeks, OA were given. Four hour after OA administration, lung tissue, blood samples were taken. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-peroxidase, catalase levels were determined.

RESULTS

Malondialdehyde levels of serum, lung tissues were increased in OA, corn oil + OA groups than control, where as decreased to controls levels in lycopene + OA group (p< 0.05). Superoxide dismutase, glutathione-peroxidase activities of serum, tissue increased moderetaly or they were closed with control values. There was significant increase in lycopene + OA group values. Histopathological examination of control group was normal. OA, cornoil + OA groups had perivascular, alveolar edema, hemorrage, prominent neutrophil infiltration, destruction in alveolar structure. Lycopene + OA group had less neutrophilic infiltration, perivascular, alveolar edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Lycopene rich diet may have an important role preventing damages in lungs.