Furan induced cardiotoxicity in diabetic rats and protective role of lycopene

The object of this work was to search the adverse effects of furan and preventive effect of lycopene on heart of diabetic rats by analyzing activities of antioxidant enzymes, MDA levels and also light microscopic examination. Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia, and affects nearly 5% of the population. It is increasingly common, because of increases in the prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Furan which is classified as a possible carcinogen was detected in foods that had undergone thermal treatment. Lycopene is the most generous carotenoid in tissues. It may show activation via promoting to the antioxidative defense mechanism. Five groups (7 animals in each) were formed where the first was served as a control, second was served as a diabetic control, whereas the remaining STZ induced diabetic groups were treated with lycopene (4 mg/kg b.w.), furan (40 mg/kg b.w.) and a combination of lycopene and furan. The rats were sacrificed and dissected after 28 days. The heart tissues were taken for examinations. Changes in malondialdehide levels, activities of antioxidant enzymes and histopathology of heart were evaluated. Diabetes increased the level of MDA and decreased enzyme activities compared with control significantly. Animals treated with furan showed a significant increase in MDA levels, whereas, GST, CAT, SOD and GPx activities were found to decrease significantly. Lycopene supplementation caused increases in all antioxidant enzyme activities and decreases in MDA contents. As for the pathological studies, diabetic control rats have proven changes. Histological damages were more severe in diabetic furan group. Lycopene supplementation was protective against furan caused histopathological changes. But it not protect completely. Key Words: Furan, Lycopene, Diabetes, Heart, Oxidative stress