Effect of lycopene on oxidative ovarian damage induced by cisplatin in rats

The anti-cancer drugs, particularly those used in reproductive period, may cause several complications such as ovarian insufficiency and infertility. The mechanism of action of cisplatin toxicity on the ovaries is not fully described. However, further production of free oxygen radicals and reduced production of antioxidants are thought to have an effect on the occurrence of cisplatin toxicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lycopene on cisplatin-induced ovary-damage, oxidative stres and histological changes in rats. Albino Wistar female rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group (Group 1) received sunflower oil; animals in Group 2 received only cisplatin; one hour of lycopene pre-treatment was applied to the animals in Group 3 before administration of cisplatin. Cisplatin (5 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally injected as a single dose and lycopene (0.5 mg/kg/day) was administered by gavage. Biochemical and histopathological methods were utilised for evaluation of the oxidative ovary-damage. There was an increase in the levels of malondialdehyde, while total glutathione, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase were decreased in Group 3, but it is observed that these ratios are reversed in the Group 1 and in the Group 2. Lycopene had protective effect against cisplatin-induced ovary-damaged.