Lycopene ameliorates renal function in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Aim: To study the effect of lycopene on ameliorating renal function of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Sixty male SD rats were divided into four groups: normal untreated (NC-U), normal treatment (NC-L), diabetes untreated (DM-U) and diabetes treatment (DM-L). DM was prepared by a single injection of STZ (70 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) dissolved in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5). DM-U and NC-U rats received control diet; DM-L and NC-L rats received lycopene. After treated with lycopene for 8 weeks, blood was obtained for analyzing plasma lipid profiles, glucose and renal function. The kidneys were used to determine SOD activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, processed for histological examination and western blot. Results: Treatment of diabetic rats with lycopene decreased the values of blood urea nitrogen, 24 h urea protein and creatinine. The serum lipids like TC, TG, and LDL were decreased and HDL was increased in DM-L rats when compared with those of diabetic rats. Administration of lycopene decreased the levels of MDA content and expression of CTGF, increased Akt/PKB phosphorylation and SOD activity in diabetic renal tissues. Conclusions: Lycopene protects against development of diabetic nephropathy and ameliorates renal function via improving oxidative status and regulating p-Akt and CTGF.