Original Paper

Effect of Lycopene from Tomatoes (Cooked) on Plasma Antioxidant Enzymes, Lipid Peroxidation Rate and Lipid Profile in Grade-I Hypertension
K. Subhash C. Bose^a, B.K. Agrawal<sup>b

a</sup>Department of Biochemistry, People's College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur, and
^bDepartment of Biochemistry, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, India

Address of Corresponding Author

Ann Nutr Metab 2007;51:477-481 (DOI: 10.1159/000111170)

  Key Words

• Lycopene
• Antioxidants
• Lipid peroxidation
• Oxidative stress
• Grade I hypertension

  Abstract

Background: Results from observational studies suggest that the oxidative stress and hyperlipidemic status, which prevails in hypertension, plays an important role in causation of secondary complications. So the aim of the present study is to evaluate the beneficial effect of tomatoes, which are a rich source of lycopene, a relatively new carotenoid known to play an important role in human health and disease. Methods: In this study lipid peroxidation rate was measured by estimating malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of plasma enzymes involved in antioxidant activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH), and serum lipid profile which includes total cholesterol and triglycerides were estimated in a grade I hypertensive group (n = 40) and an age-matched control group (n = 50). Results: Significantly lower plasma antioxidant enzyme activity, very high lipid peroxidation rate and very high serum total cholesterol, triglycerides in the grade I hypertensive group was observed when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Sixty days of tomato supplementation in the hypertensive group (n = 30) showed a significant improvement in the levels of serum enzymes involved in antioxidant activities and decreased lipid peroxidation rate (F value highly significant), but there were no significant changes in lipid profile (F value insignificant). Conclusion: These findings suggest that tomato lycopene may have considerable natural therapeutic potential as an antioxidant but may not be used as a hypolipidemic agent in hypertension.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

K. Subhash C. Bose, Assistant Professor
Department of Biochemistry
People's College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bypass Road
Bhanpur, Bhopal 462010 (MP) (India)
Tel. +91 9827 206 260, Fax +91 7554 005 112, E-Mail Subhashbose1@yahoo.co.in

  Article Information

Received: October 16, 2006
Accepted: April 28, 2007
Published online: November 20, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 17