Toxicological Assessment of Gamma-Irradiated Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) on Cardiorenal Functions in Male Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: The heart, kidneys, and blood vessels make up the cardiorenal system, which is essential for preserving fluid and electrolyte balance and guaranteeing efficient blood circulation. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is high in bioactive substances, including lycopene, quercetin, and vitamin C, which enhance its health advantages. This study aims to assess the toxicological effects of gamma-irradiated tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) on male Wistar rats’ cardiovascular and renal systems. Materials and Methods: In this study, to assess the toxicological effects of gamma-irradiated tomatoes on cardiorenal functioning, six groups of eight male Wistar rats each were created. Group A was given ordinary feed (Control), whereas Group B was provided blended tomatoes (FBT) while groups C through F were given feed mixed with tomatoes irradiated at increasing intensities: 65 KV/25 mA (FBT65/25), 70 KV/30 mA (FBT70/30), 75 KV/40 mA (FBT75/40), and 80 KV/50 mA (FBT80/50), respectively. Rats’ body weight was tracked, and following the experiment, blood samples, hearts, and kidneys were excised for biochemical examinations. Lipid profiles, indicators of renal function, oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, SOD), inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6), cardiac metabolism (troponin, CK, LDH), and apoptosis (caspase-3) were among the investigations. Additionally, electrocardiograms were performed.The results of five measurements are shown as Mean±SD. Tukey’s post hoc test and one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p<0.05). GraphPad Prism 7.0 was used for the analysis. Results: The cardiorenal parameters of male Wistar rats changed significantly after exposure to gamma radiation from tomatoes. Rats given irradiation tomatoes had dose-dependent increases in blood triglycerides (TG) by 28-46 percent, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) by 22-39 percent, and total cholesterol by 18-33 percent when compared to the control group. The reductions in cardiac and renal weights ranged from 12 to 25%, and they were substantial (p<0.05). Increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in cardiac and renal tissues were suggested by the 30-52% rise in inflammatory biomarkers TNF-α and IL-6 and the 40-60% increase in caspase-3 activity. Conclusion: These results suggest that by encouraging oxidative stress and inflammation, gamma-irradiated tomatoes may affect cardiorenal functioning.