Lycopene restores liver function and morphology of ifosfamide-intoxicated rats

Abstract

Introduction: Low incidence of liver toxicity has been anticipated with the clinical use of ifosfamide (IFO); however, there is possible hepatotoxic concern with its use. There is a paucity of effective drugs that can protect liver or regenerate hepatocytes during damage. In this light, the protective effect of lycopene (LYP) was examined against a rat model of IFO-induced liver injury. Materials and Methods: Forty adult albino rats were randomized into eight groups (A–H). Group A (control) was orally treated with water, whereas groups B–D were orally treated with 10–40 mg/kg of LYP daily for 7 days, respectively. Group E was treated with 150 mg/kg of IFO on the 7th day intraperitoneally (ip), whereas groups F–H were pretreated orally with 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg of LYP daily, respectively, before treatment with IFO on the 7th day (ip). On the 8th day, rats were sacrificed, blood was collected, and serum was separated and evaluated for biochemical parameters. Rats were dissected; liver was collected, weighed, and evaluated for biochemical parameters and histology. Results: Significant (P