Lycopene in the Prevention of Radiation-Induced Esophagitis

Nutr Cancer. 2017 Feb-Mar;69(2):319-329. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2017.1265133. Epub 2017 Jan 17.

Abstract

We aimed to research whether lycopene (L) could prevent radiation-induced acute esophageal toxicity in Wistar albino rats. 60 rats were placed in five groups as follows: control, L, radiotherapy (RT), L before RT (L + RT), and L before and after RT (L + RT + L). 6 mg/kg bw/day L was administered 7 days in the L group, 7 days before RT in the L + RT group, and 7 days before and after in the L + RT + L group. 35 Gy thoracic RT was performed. Serum L levels were measured, and the esophagi were evaluated histopathologically for intraepithelial degenerative changes-necrosis, vacuole formation, inflammation, regeneration-mitosis, and subepithelial bulla formation. L levels were significantly higher in the L receiving groups. All histopathologic results were significantly worse in the RT group than in the none-RT groups. The L + RT and the L + RT + L groups had better results than the RT group. Grade 2-3 degenerative changes-necrosis and vacuole formation were significantly lesser in the L + RT and the L + RT + L groups than those in the RT group. There was a trend toward decreased subepithelial bulla formation and inflammation in the L + RT and the L + RT + L groups compared to the RT group. Regeneration-mitosis was insignificantly lesser in the L + RT and significantly fewer in the L + RT + L groups than that in the RT group.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carotenoids / pharmacology*
  • Esophagitis / etiology
  • Esophagitis / pathology
  • Esophagitis / prevention & control*
  • Lycopene
  • Radiation Injuries / pathology
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Carotenoids
  • Lycopene