Lycopene supplementation reduces TNF-α via RAGE in the kidney of obese rats
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D T Pierine1, M E L Navarro2, I O Minatel1
11] Pathology Department, Botucatu Medical School-São Paulo State University-UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil [2] Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
Background:
The kidney is a target organ for injuries caused by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in obesity. The receptor of AGEs (RAGE) is proinflammatory and appears to have a role in the pathogenesis of renal disease due to obesity.
Objective:
The aim was to verify the effect of obesity on renal damage and the effect of lycopene on these complicationsDesign and Methods:Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive a control diet (C, n=7) or a high-fat diet plus sucrose (HD+S, n=14) for 6 weeks. After this period, the HD+S animals were randomized into two groups: HD+S (n=7) and HD+S supplemented with lycopene (HD+S+L, n=7). The animals received maize oil (C and HD+S) or lycopene (HD+S+L) for a 6-week period.
Results:
The HD+S and HD+S+L animals demonstrated insulin resistance (OGTT glucose after 150 min; C: 117.6±3.9
Conclusions:
Lycopene may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney due to obesity.
Insights
Lycopene may help prevent and treat obesity-related kidney damage by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This study found lycopene supplementation restored key markers to normal levels in rats.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Obesity can lead to kidney injury, partly mediated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
- The receptor for AGEs (RAGE) is implicated in obesity-related renal disease due to its proinflammatory nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of obesity on kidney damage.
- To evaluate the efficacy of lycopene in mitigating obesity-induced renal complications.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were fed a control or high-fat, high-sucrose diet for 6 weeks.
- Following the high-fat diet period, rats received either continued high-fat diet or high-fat diet supplemented with lycopene for another 6 weeks.
- Key metabolic, renal function, and inflammatory markers were assessed.
Main Results:
- Obesity induced insulin resistance, increased renal RAGE and TNF-α concentrations.
- Lycopene supplementation normalized renal RAGE and TNF-α levels in obese rats.
- No significant changes were observed in fasting glucose, plasma lipids, or blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Lycopene demonstrates potential in preventing and treating kidney inflammation and oxidative stress associated with obesity.
- Lycopene may serve as a therapeutic agent for obesity-related kidney disease.
