Effect of lycopersicon esculentum mill (tomato) puree on the liver function and oxidative stress biomarkers in lead acetate exposed wistar rats

Abstract

Substantial quantity of lead escapes into the food chain leading to organ failure. This study investigated the effect of tomato puree on liver function and biomarkers of oxidative stress on lead acetate exposed rats. Twenty male albino rats were randomized into four groups of five rats. Normal control (NC) received water and feed only. Lead group (Pb) was given 50mg/Kg lead acetate. Standard control (Pb+Vit C) received 50mg/kg lead acetate + 100mg/kg vitamin C while the treatment group (Pb+TP) received 50mg/kg lead acetate + 400mg/kg tomato puree. Animals were allowed access to feed and water. Administration was done once daily by oral gavage for 28 days. Blood samples were analysed using standard procedures. One (1) Kg of tomato yielded 48.9% puree. Animals given 50mg/Kg lead acetate without treatment showed a significant (p<0.05) increases in the activities of Liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) compared with the normal control. Administration of tomato puree and vitamin C improved the liver function parameters by decreasing significantly the elevated liver enzymes when compared with the untreated counterparts. The concentration of plasma albumin increased while bilirubin decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the same groups compared to the untreated. The catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly (p<0.05) elevated while the concentration of malondialdehyde decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the treated groups compared with the untreated. These findings suggest that tomato puree can mitigate liver damage and oxidative stress caused by lead compounds and restore the normal function of both the liver and antioxidant system.