Biochemical effects of Lycopene on Lipid Parameters in high Sucrose Diet Fed Male Wister Albino Rats

Abstract

Objective: To determine the biochemical effects of lycopene on lipid parameters in high sucrose diet fed male Wister albino rats

Methodology: This six-month experimental study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences from 1-10-2022 to 30-3-2023. The rats (150–200 g) were divided into four groups (n=15 each): Group A (negative control) received a saline placebo; Group B (positive control) received a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) only; Group C received SRD plus lycopene (40 mg/kg); and Group D received SRD plus lycopene (60 mg/kg). Lycopene was dissolved in corn oil and given daily for 28 days via intragastric intubation. Blood samples were collected after a 12-hour fast and analyzed for lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL). Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0.

Results: Rats on a high-sucrose diet had significantly higher cholesterol (168.4 mg/dl), LDL (68 mg/dl), and triglycerides (100.8 mg/dl) compared to controls (132.7 mg/dl, 48.6 mg/dl, and 70.3 mg/dl, respectively; P < 0.001). Lycopene supplementation lowered cholesterol (157.8 mg/dl in Group C, 149.3 mg/dl in Group D) and LDL (50.8 mg/dl in Group C, 50.4 mg/dl in Group D). HDL, which decreased with sucrose intake (25.9 mg/dl), improved with lycopene (36.1 mg/dl in Group C, 43.1 mg/dl in Group D). Triglyceride levels also reduced with lycopene (92.5 mg/dl in Group C, 79.6 mg/dl in Group D). These results suggest lycopene effectively improves lipid profiles, particularly at higher doses.

Conclusion: Lycopene demonstrated significant lipid-lowering potential, effectively reducing serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels while increasing HDL levels. These beneficial effects suggest that lycopene could be a valuable natural option for managing hyperlipidemia, particularly in urban populations in Pakistan.