The Effect of Lycopene Treatment on Oxidative DNA Damage of Experimental Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Objective: Lycopene is a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of lycopene on oxidative DNA damage levels in experimental diabetic rats. Subjects and Methods: Four experimental groups, each consisting of 7 rats, were prepared as Controls, Diabetes (D), Lycopene-treated diabetes (DL) and Lycopene (L). STZ (45 mg/kg) was administered to the diabetic groups intraperitoneally in a single dose. Lycopene was administered to the L and DL groups (10 mg lycopene/kg/day). The test procedure continued for four weeks. To understand the occurrence of diabetic conditions, serum glucose and HbA1c% in the whole blood were determined. The 8-OHdG levels, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, were determined in the blood serum. Results: Blood glucose and HbA1c% were higher in the DL group than in the control group and L group (p <0.05) and lower in the D group (p <0.05). 8-OHdG levels were higher in D group than the other groups (p <0.05) while 8-OHdG levels in DL group were lower than D group (p <0.05) and approximated to the control group. Conclusion: It can be suggested that lycopene may be described as a protective agent to prevent oxidative DNA damage originated from diabetes.