[Effects of lycopene on blood cells and fibrinolytic activity in hyperlipidemic rats].

Objective: To explore the effects of lycopene on blood cells and fibrinolytic activity in hyperlipidemic rats.

Methods: Forty adult male SD rats were divided randomly into five groups: normal control group, high fat model group, fluvastatin sodium group, lycopene low-dose group and lycopene high-dose group based on the level of serum TC. Normal control group was fed with normal animal diet, other groups were fed with high fat diet. Fluvastatin sodium and lycopene were given by intragastric administration in the last two weeks of experiment. The level of serum lipid, SOD, MDA, blood cell parameters, platelet (granule membrane protein (GMP-140), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured. The pathological changes of aorta were observed and atherosclerosis index was calculated.

Results: Hyperlipidemia was induced in rats after feeding high fat diet for one week. In comparison with high fat diet model group, serum TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA were decreased but HDL-C and SOD were increased in lycopene groups. White blood cell count, mean volume of red blood cells and platelets, GMP-140 and PAI-1 were decreased, but red blood cell count and tPA were increased; atherosclerosis index were decreased, foam cells were decreased in intima, pathological changes in aorta were reduced in lycopene groups. The effects were obvious in lycopene 44 mg/kg bw group.

Conclusion: The effect of lycopene on protecting blood cell, promoting fibrinolytic activity and reducing aortic lesions in hyperlipidemic rats might be the result of reducing blood lipids and improving antioxidation.