Protective role of lycopene on blood haematology parameters in liver cirrhosis: Study in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation on blood haematology parameters in thioacetamide induced liver cirrhosis. Experimental period consisted of 12 weeks, divided into two phases. For this purpose 24 male albino wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups (n=6). Group I served as control or untreated group, Group II received thioacetamide (200mg/kg b.w, i.p, twice a week) for 6 weeks in the first phase and then saline in the second phase (for next six weeks). Group III received thioacetamide (200mg/kg b.w) in the first phase and lycopene (200 mg/kg b.w) in the second phase. Group IV received saline in the first phase and lycopene in the second phase. Biochemical evaluation was carried out by estimation of blood haematology parameters. Six weeks thioacetamide induction resulted in decreased levels of red blood cells, procalcitonin, P-LCR, Platelets, lymphocytes, MCH, MCHC, Hct and MPV whereas significant increased levels of white blood cells, MID, Granulocytes, MCV, RDW% and PDW% were found. Lycopene supplementation restored these altered values in the thioacetamide +lycopene treated group. Thus, confirms the protective effects of lycopene on blood haematology parameters in liver cirrhosis.