Effect of Lycopene on Bisphenol A-induced Immunological Disturbances in Albino Male Rats

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used and environmentally spread plasticizer. BPA has various toxic effects, including immunological alterations. Aim: Current work aimed to investigate the effect of BPA and protection with lycopene (LYC) on immunological parameters. Material and Methods: Twenty-four male albino were divided into 4 equal groups. Control group received corn oil, LYC group was given LYC 5 mg/kg,BPA group was given BPA at 5 mg/kg. Last group was given combination of BPA and LYC the same previous doses. Treatments were given daily via oral gavage for 4 weeks. Weight gain, food conversion ratio (FCR), hematological parameters and lymphocytes proliferation assay were determined. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and lymphocytes comet assay were evaluated. Spleen and thymus histopathological assessment was done. Results: BPA significantly (P<0.05) increased FCR while decreased lymphocytes proliferation than control group however, hematological parameters didn't alter. Serum TAC was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in BPA group than control group while MDA, IL-1β and IL-12 were significantly (p<0.05) increased than control group. Lymphocyte showed significant increase in comet tail and % of damage. Thymus and spleen revealed mild lymphoid depletion. Conclusion: BPA induced immunological perturbations that favors pro-inflammation and autoimmunity. LYC administration ameliorated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation induced immunological disorders.