<b>PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF LYCOPENE AGAINST PROPOXUR-INDUCED LIVER INJURY MEDIATED BY UPREGULATION OF XANTHINEOXIDASE/URIC-ACID SIGNALING</b>

BACKGROUND: Propoxur, a carbamate pesticide, induces liver injury through oxidative stress and inflammation, primarily via the xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling pathway, leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and hepatic damage. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant in tomatoes, counters oxidative stress and inflammation, but its protective role against propoxur-induced liver toxicity remains underexplored. This study evaluates lycopene’s potential in mitigating pesticide-induced liver injury. METHODOLOGY: Thirty male Wistar rats (average weight: 165 g) were divided into six groups (A–F) of five rats each. Group A served as the control, while Groups B and C were exposed to propoxur (3 ppm) for 30 days, with exposure durations of 5 minutes and 1 hour daily, respectively. Group D received lycopene (10 mg/kg) for 30 days, while Groups E and F were co-treated with propoxur and lycopene. RESULTS: Histological analysis revealed liver damage in propoxur-exposed rats, marked by significant weight loss and elevated liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST), indicating liver dysfunction. Oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS, were elevated, alongside an increase in interleukin-6 (IL-6), indicating oxidative and inflammatory damage. CONCLUSION: Propoxur exposure resulted in liver injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and weight loss in Wistar rats, highlighting its toxic effects. Lycopene's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties show promise in protecting against pesticide-induced liver toxicity, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic applications.