ANTI-LITHIATIC EFFECT OF LYCOPENE IN CHEMICALLY INDUCED NEPHROLITHIASIS IN RATS

Abstract

Objective: The search for anti-calculi drugs from natural sources has been believed of greater importance. Hence, the present study explored the effectiveness of lycopene against experimentally induced nephrolithiasis. Methods: The experimental study lasted for 28 days. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. Group I (Normal control) received drinking water. Group II (Disease control) received 0.75% ethylene glycol and 1% ammonium chloride in drinking water to induce nephrolithiasis. Group III–V was treated with lycopene (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) along with 0.75% ethylene glycol and 1% ammonium chloride. Group VI treated standard (750 mg/kg, p.o.) along with 0.75% ethylene glycol and 1% ammonium chloride. Results: The study results showed significantly high levels of urinary and serum creatinine, urea, calcium, and uric acid levels and a decrease in magnesium levels in Group II (Disease control) compared with Group I (Normal control). Treatment with lycopene (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg) restored the elevated urinary and serum parameters in Group III–VI compared with Group II. Ethylene glycol administrations lead to the production of oxidative stress and decrease superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and catalase activity. Lycopene treatment restored the elevated oxidative stress parameters to normal. Histologically, lycopene has alleviated the damaged integrity of the renal structure. Conclusion: Supplementation with lycopene (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) reduces and prevents the toxicity caused by ethylene glycol administration and protects the renal cells from damage.