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The Encapsulation of Lycopene in Nanoliposomes Enhances Its Protective Potential in Methotrexate-Induced Kidney
Nenad Stojiljkovic1, Sonja Ilic1, Vladimir Jakovljevic2,3
1Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Bulevar Zorana Ðinđića 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
Abstract:
Methotrexate is an antimetabolic drug with a myriad of serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, which presumably occurs due to oxidative tissue damage. Here, we evaluated the potential protective effect of lycopene, a potent antioxidant carotenoid, given in two different pharmaceutical forms in methotrexate-induced kidney damage in rats. Serum biochemical (urea and creatinine) and tissue oxidative damage markers and histopathological kidney changes were evaluated after systemic administration of both lycopene dissolved in corn oil and lycopene encapsulated in nanoliposomes. Similar to previous studies, single dose of methotrexate induced severe functional and morphological alterations of kidneys with cell desquamation, tubular vacuolation, and focal necrosis, which were followed by serum urea and creatinine increase and disturbances of tissue antioxidant status. Application of both forms of lycopene concomitantly with methotrexate ameliorated changes in serum urea and creatinine and oxidative damage markers and markedly reversed structural changes of kidney tissue. Moreover, animals that received lycopene in nanoliposome-encapsulated form showed higher degree of recovery than those treated with free lycopene form. The findings of this study indicate that treatment with nanoliposome-encapsulated lycopene comparing to lycopene in standard vehicle has an advantage as it more efficiently reduces methotrexate-induced kidney dysfunction.
Insights
Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, protects against methotrexate-induced kidney damage in rats. Nanoliposome-encapsulated lycopene demonstrated superior protective effects compared to free lycopene, reducing kidney dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Methotrexate (MTX) is an antimetabolite drug with significant nephrotoxicity.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in MTX-induced kidney damage.
- Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, may offer protection against drug-induced toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effect of lycopene in two pharmaceutical forms against MTX-induced kidney damage in rats.
- To compare the efficacy of free lycopene versus nanoliposome-encapsulated lycopene.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered a single dose of MTX to induce kidney damage.
- Lycopene (free or nanoliposome-encapsulated) was administered concomitantly with MTX.
- Evaluated serum biochemical markers (urea, creatinine), tissue oxidative stress markers, and kidney histopathology.
Main Results:
- MTX induced significant kidney damage, evidenced by elevated urea and creatinine, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations.
- Both forms of lycopene ameliorated MTX-induced changes in serum markers and oxidative stress.
- Nanoliposome-encapsulated lycopene showed a higher degree of recovery in kidney structure and function compared to free lycopene.
Conclusions:
- Lycopene exhibits protective effects against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity.
- Nanoliposome encapsulation enhances the efficacy of lycopene in mitigating MTX-induced kidney dysfunction.
- This suggests a potential therapeutic advantage of nanoliposome-formulated lycopene for preventing MTX-related kidney damage.
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