Autophagic-Related anticancer effect of grapes extract and tomatoes extract: Ex-Vivo study

Cells undergo autophagy to save themselves from injury, but progressive autophagy can cause cell death. This study characterized and compared the effect of grape (resveratrol) and tomato (lycopene) extracts and their combination on modulating autophagy-related miRNA and its target gene in squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Docking analysis for extracts and selected genes was performed. Methyl Thiazol Tetrazolium assays were used to assess the cytotoxicity of extracts and their combination toward HEp-2 cells. qRT-PCR was used to quantify changes in gene expression. Data were statistically analyzed. miRNA-20a was identified as a potential effector in laryngeal cancer, and sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) was its target gene. Docking analysis showed that resveratrol interacted with miRNA-20a and showed less affinity toward SQSTM1. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were predicted. In contrast, lycopene showed less affinity toward miRNA-20a than resveratrol. Increasing doses of resveratrol, lycopene, and their combination induced a statistically significant reduction in mean percent viability and mean fold changes of miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 expression in treated HEp-2 cells. Pearson's correlation showed a statistically significant positive correlation between miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 (R=0.812, p≤0.001). Grape and tomato extracts and their combination display promising cytotoxicity against HEp-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Both extracts reduce the expression of miRNA-20a and SQSTM1 with subsequent inhibition autophagy and promotion of apoptosis in HEp-2 cells.

Las células se someten a autofagia para salvarse de lesiones, pero la autofagia progresiva puede provocar la muerte celular. Este estudio caracterizó y comparó el efecto de los extractos de uva (resveratrol) y tomate (licopeno) y su combinación en la modulación de miARN relacionado con la autofagia y su gen diana en la línea celular de carcinoma de células escamosas. Se realizó análisis de acoplamiento para extractos y genes seleccionados. Se utilizaron ensayos de metil tiazol tetrazolio para evaluar la citotoxicidad de los extractos y su combinación frente a las células HEp-2. qRT-PCR se utilizó para cuantificar los cambios en la expresión génica. Los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente. El miARN-20a se identificó como un efector potencial en el cáncer de laringe y el secuenciasoma-1 (SQSTM1) fue su gen diana. El análisis de acoplamiento mostró que el resveratrol interactuaba con miRNA-20a y mostraba menos afinidad hacia SQSTM1. Se predijeron enlaces de hidrógeno e interacciones hidrofóbicas. Por el contrario, el licopeno mostró menos afinidad hacia el miARN-20a que el resveratrol. El aumento de las dosis de resveratrol, licopeno y su combinación indujo una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje medio de viabilidad y los cambios medios en la expresión de miRNA- 20a y SQSTM1 en las células HEp-2 tratadas. La correlación de Pearson mostró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre miRNA-20a y SQSTM1 (R=0,812, p≤0,001). Los extractos de uva y tomate y su combinación muestran una citotoxicidad prometedora contra las células HEp-2 de forma dependiente de la dosis y el tiempo. Ambos extractos reducen la expresión de miRNA-20a y SQSTM1 con la posterior inhibición de la autofagia y promoción de la apoptosis en células HEp-2.

Lycopene enhances bone neoformation in calvaria bone defects of ovariectomized rats

Abstract Osteoporosis can affect a significant part of the population and fractures are the most common complications associated with this disease, leading to high public health costs. Thus, the prevention of fractures is relevant to individuals with signs and symptoms as well as to the health system. Postmenopausal osteoporosis has been associated with oxidative stress, emphasizing the importance of an efficient defense system to maintain bone health. Lycopene is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties that may stimulate osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastogenesis. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the influence of lycopene in the bone neoformation of calvaria defects in ovariectomized rats utilizing the concentration of 45 mg/kg. Wistar Hannover female rats were divided into ovariectomized and sham groups. The ovariectomized animals received 45 mg/kg lycopene (OvxL) or water (Ovx) by daily gavage the day after ovariectomy/sham surgery for 16 weeks. Twelve weeks after ovariectomy, there were performed 5-mm calvaria defects followed by euthanasia after 4 weeks. Samples of bone tissue were collected to perform morphological and morphometrical analysis of the neoformed bone area, and percentage with Software Image J. Morphological evaluation showed mature bone with more osteocytes in the group OVxL when compared to the other groups. The morphometrical analysis demonstrated a significant increase of bone neoformation in the group OvxL (p<0.05). The data obtained suggest that lycopene benefits bone repair in the absence of estrogenic hormones.

Resumo A osteoporose afeta grande parte da população e as fraturas são as complicações mais importantes relacionadas a essa doença, gerando altos gastos para o poder público. Dessa forma, a prevenção de fraturas decorrentes da osteoporose torna-se relevante tendo em vista que gera benefícios tanto para o indivíduo acometido pela doença quanto para o sistema de saúde. A osteoporose pós menoupasa tem sido associada ao estresse oxidativo, portanto, um eficiente sistema de defesa antioxidante é primordial para a manutenção da saúde óssea. O licopeno é um carotenoide antioxidante que aparentemente estimula a osteoblastogênese e inibe a osteoclastogênese. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influência do licopeno na neoformação óssea em defeitos de calvária em ratas ovariectomizadas utilizando a concentração de 45 mg/kg. Foram utilizados 15 ratas Wistar Hannover pesando aproximadamente 200g, sendo que 10 animais foram submetidos à ovariectomia bilateral e 5 (Grupo Sham) foram submetidos à simulação da cirurgia de ovariectomia bilateral. Os animais ovariectomizados foram divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: Ovariectomizado (Ovx) e Ovariectomizado Licopeno (OvxL) que receberam água e licopeno respectivamente, por sonda gástrica, diariamente. As administrações iniciaram-se no dia seguinte à cirurgia de ovariectomia e/ou da exposição dos ovários e foram mantidas por 120 dias, data de realização da eutanásia. O grupo Sham recebeu água diariamente. Noventa dias após a ovariectomia bilateral foram confecionados defeitos ósseos nas calvárias de todos os animais e após trinta dias as ratas foram eutanasiadas. As amostras de tecido ósseo foram coletadas e foi realizado o processamento para a obtenção das lâminas histológicas. Foram realizadas as análises morfológicas e morfométrica, onde foi estimada a área (mm2) e porcentagem (%) relativa de osso neoformado utilizando o Software Image J. A avaliação morfológica evidenciou a ação benéfica do licopeno pois os animais que receberam esse antioxidante apresentaram um tecido ósseo mais maduro, com maior presença de osteócitos quando comparados aos demais grupos. Por meio das análises morfométricas verificou-se maior neoformação óssea para os animais que receberam o licopeno (p<0,05). Diante dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o licopeno na concentração de 45 mg/Kg teve efeito benéfico no processo de reparação, promovendo significante formação óssea frente à ausência de hormônios estrogênicos.

Lycopene - A Review: Chemistry, Source, Health Role, Extraction, Applications

Lycopene is an unsaturated carotenoid pigment which is acyclic and open chain, of great dietary prominence obtained mainly from colored plant sources. It is a phytochemical which is found mainly in red amaranth, tomatoes, water melon and other plants and fruits mostly red colored which covered various antioxidant which attracted attentions due to its biological properties. Lycopene has critical role in the prevention of tumor and cancer. Various ways can be utilized to identify, extract and purify lycopene from various sources by efficient analytical support. Several analyses have been attended for the extraction and quantification of lycopene in various natural sources such as various red leaf plants and fruits. This review study highlights lycopene as a carotenoid pigment including auspicious nutraceutical implications, and counts the important plant and also microbial sources for its production, and methods to calculate its bioavailability and utilization.

The protective effect of lycopene against oxidative kidney damage associated with combined use of isoniazid and rifampicin in rats

It is known that the combined use of antibiotics, such as isoniazid and rifampicin, in the treatment of tuberculosis causes oxidative kidney damage. The aim of this study was to biochemically and histopathologically investigate the effect of lycopene on oxidative kidney damage due to the administration of isoniazid and rifampicin in albino Wistar male rats. Lycopene at a dose of 5 mg/kg was orally administered to lycopene+isoniazid+rifampicin (LIR) rats, and normal sunflower oil (0.5 mL) was orally administered to isoniazid+rifampicin (IR) and healthy control (HG) rats as vehicle by gavage. One hour after the administration of lycopene and vehicle, 50 mg/kg isoniazid and rifampicin were given orally to the LIR and IR groups. This procedure was performed once a day for 28 days. Rats were sacrificed by a high dose of anesthesia at the end of this period, and oxidant-antioxidant parameters were measured in the removed kidney tissues. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured in blood samples, and kidney tissues were also evaluated histopathologically. The combined administration of isoniazid and rifampicin changed the oxidant-antioxidant balance in favor of oxidants, and it increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, which are indicators of kidney function. Co-administration of isoniazid and rifampicin also caused oxidative kidney damage. Lycopene biochemically and histopathologically decreased oxidative kidney damage induced by isoniazid and rifampicin administration. These results suggested that lycopene may be beneficial in the treatment of nephrotoxicity due to isoniazid and rifampicin administration.

Steroid and Antioxidant in the Treatment of Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis - A Comparative Study

Oral Sub Mucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a common condition found in India due to unique habit of chewing areca nut mixed with pan masala, gutkha, tobacco and spicy food etc. Once started and if neglected it can get transformed into malignancy. The disease once stared can only be controlled with life style changes. We wanted to study the effectiveness of intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide, oral llycopene alone and a combination of both in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis. METHODSThis is a randomised comparative study. All cases with history of chewing of areca nut, pan masala, gutkha, tobacco and associated intolerance to spicy food, restricted mouth opening (grade III) and of age ranging between 15 - 70 years irrespective of gender were included in this study. Patients with previous history of treatment for oral sub mucus fibrosis, disorders of temporomandibular joint and pre-malignant conditions such as leukoplakia, drug allergy were excluded. A total of 150 enrolled cases were randomized into group I, II and III and treated with 1 mL of intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide weekly, lycopene capsule twice daily and both in combination respectively for a period of two months. Group II and III cases received oral lycopene throughout the study period, whereas group I and III cases received weekly injection of triamcinolone acetonide till mouth opening of 36 mm or more was achieved. All cases were followed up every two weeks for entire study period of two months, final follow up after two months and oral cavity was assessed for mucosal ulcerations, palpable fibrous bands, mouth opening in millimetres, and tolerance to spicy foods. RESULTSThe number of males and females amongst all groups was 71 and 79 respectively. The most common age group was 51 - 70 years. The mouth opening in 150 cases (grade III) of all groups showed significant improvement (p < 0.001) to grades I and II, of which the group III had maximum mouth opening of 20.22 ± 0.07mm. Amongst all groups in 143 cases, painful mucosal ulcerations disappeared in 136 (95.10 %) and majority (49) were from group II. Similarly, amongst all groups in 142 cases the symptom of burning sensation disappeared in 130 (91.5 %), and majority (49) were from group III. Also, amongst all groups in 150, palpable fibrous bands in oral cavity disappeared significantly in 138 (92 %) (p < 0.15), and the majority (49) were from group III, in remaining 12 it became supple. CONCLUSIONSGroup III agent lycopene in combination with triamcinolone acetonide was more effective than triamcinolone acetonide and lycopene of group I and II respectively when used singly in improving the symptoms and signs of OSMF.

Consumo de licopeno en varones adultos de Panamá: relacionado a un alto consumo de productos ultra-procesados derivados del tomate / Lycopene consumption related to a high consumption of ultra-processed foods derived from tomatoes among Panamanian adult males

RESUMEN Antecedentes: En Panamá se desconoce el consumo de licopeno en la dieta usual de población masculina adulta. Varios estudios reportan la relación entre el consumo de licopeno y el cáncer de próstata. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la ingesta de licopeno en varones adultos que acuden a dos Centros de Salud de la Provincia de Panamá. En un estudio analítico y transversal, participaron 130 hombres adultos (18-70 años) perteneciente a los Centros de Salud de Pueblo Nuevo y Parque Lefevre de Ciudad de Panamá en marzo-agosto 2018. Se aplicó cuestionario sociodemográfico y frecuencia de consumo semi-cuantitativa de 12 alimentos conocidos como fuentes de licopeno. Se realizó regresión lineal multivariada empleando método de paso a paso. Resultados: La media geométrica y rango de ± 1DE para ingesta de licopeno fue 6,8(2,5-18,6) mg/día. Sin embargo, en sujetos indígenas, ingesta de licopeno fue 3,4(0,8-14,4) mg/día. Luego de ajustar por edad, lugar, ingresos económicos y errores estándares robustos, pertenecer a una etnia indígena se asoció negativamente con ingesta dietética de licopeno, β= −4,8 mg/día; e IC95%= −9,4 a −0,2 mg/día. Conclusión: La ingesta de licopeno se encuentra dentro de rangos esperados. El mayor consumo se encontró en alimentos ultra-procesados derivados del tomate.

ABSTRACT Background: In Panama, the dietary consumption of lycopene of the male population is unknown. Several studies report the relationship between lycopene consumption and prostate cancer. Objective: To determine the intake of lycopene in adult males who attend two primary health facilities the Province of Panama. Material and methods: We conducted an analytical and cross-sectional study of 130 males (18-70 years) who attend the Pueblo Nuevo and Parque Lefevre health facilities in Panama City. The study was carried-out from March to August 2018. A sociodemographic survey and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire were applied and multivariable linear regression using stepwise method was used. Results: The geometric mean and range (±1SD) of the total lycopene consumption was 6.8 (2.5-18.6) mg/day of lycopene. However, in indigenous people, lycopene intake was 3.4 (0.8-14.4) mg/day. After adjustment by age, place, income and standard robust errors, indigenous ethnicity was negatively associated with lycopene dietary intake, β= −4.8 mg/day; and 95% CI= −9.4 to-0.2 mg/day Conclusion: Lycopene intake is within the expected ranges. Indigenous ethnicity was negatively associated with lycopene dietary intake. The highest consumption was found in tomato-derived processed foods.

Autocuidado y prevención del cáncer: de los nahuas prehispánicos a los nutracéuticos contemporáneos / Self-care and cancer prevention: from pre-Hispanic Nahuas to contemporary nutraceuticals

RESUMEN Hace unos cuantos siglos, en la materia médica de los nahuas prehispánicos se incluían alimentos curativos. En la actualidad, legitimado por las ciencias experimentales, nace el nutracéutico como un alimento con propiedades curativas que se utiliza en los modelos de salud preventivos del cáncer. En este artículo, comienzo por proponer que el conocimiento prehispánico puede ser validado epistémica y metodológicamente, si se apela al particular marco conceptual de los prehispánicos. Después, arguyo que el consumo de nutracéticos, como anticancerígenos, puede pensarse como parte de medidas preventivas primarias y secundarias, así como en la comprensión de las prácticas de autocuidado en el marco de la ética contemporánea del cáncer. Concretamente, que el consumo de nutracéticos y los alimentos prehispánicos mexicanos pueden legitimarse como prácticas de bienestar y prevención cada vez más pertinentes, en la intersección de la experiencia del enfermo y de su contexto. La responsabilidad de quien padece, dentro de un contexto sociopolítico cada vez más estructurado por las exigencias de vulnerabilidad del mercado terapéutico y de las estrategias confesionarias que otorgan verdad y validez a las figuras de autoridad, se gana en la práctica de conocerse y entenderse a sí mismo en la intersubjetividad contextual.(AU)

ABSTRACT The pre-Hispanic Nahuas had a medical system that included healing foods among their therapeutic practices. Nowadays, a new knowledge is born, legitimated by experimental sciences: the nutraceutical, a food with curative properties used in cancer preventive health models. In this article, I begin by proposing that pre-Hispanic knowledge can be validated epistemically and methodologically, if we appeal to the particular conceptual framework of the pre-Hispanic. Later, that the consumption of nutraceuticals, as anti-cancer drugs, can be thought of as part of primary and secondary preventive measures, as well as in the understanding of self-care practices in the framework of contemporary cancer bioethics. Specifically, that the consumption of nutraceuticals and Mexican pre-Hispanic foods can be legitimized as increasingly relevant wellness and prevention practices, at the intersection of the patient's experience and his or her context. The responsibility of those who suffer, within a sociopolitical context that is increasingly structured by the demands of vulnerability of the therapeutic market and the confessional strategies that give truth and validity to the figures of authority over whom they suffer, is gained in the practice of knowing and understanding oneself within contextual intersubjetivity.(AU)

Therapeutic and medicinal uses of lycopene: a systematic review

Lycopene is a carotenoid present in fruits and vegetables. The richest sources of lycopene are tomatoes and tomato products. The beneficial effects of lycopene in human health and disease are mainly associated with its antioxidant properties. Lycopene is a carotenoid with strongest antioxidant property because of its capability of quenching the singlet oxygen. Eleven conjugated double bonds of lycopene give it a deep red color and are responsible for its antioxidant activity which is major functional feature of lycopene. Dietary intakes of tomatoes and tomato products containing lycopene have been shown to be associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases in numerous studies. Although there are evidences from many epidemiological and cell culture and animal studies explaining the inverse relationship between lycopene and cancer or cardiovascular disease risk, more clinical trial data is needed to support this hypothesis. In this article we outline the possible mechanisms of action of lycopene and review the current understanding of its role in human health and disease prevention.

Agronomic and biochemical evaluation of cassava clones with roots that have pink pulp / Avaliação agronômica e bioquímica de clones de mandioca com polpa rosada

ABSTRACT: Sweet cassava breeding programs are focused on the development of bio fortified cultivars that combine significant amounts of carotenoids in their reserve roots with desirable agronomic. The objective of this research was to evaluate agronomic and biochemical traits in sweet cassava clones with roots that have pink pulp. The nine genotypes were evaluated in two seasons in a randomized block design with three replications. Among the evaluated clones, the following stood out: i) for the height of the first branch (390/08, 345/08 and the control IAC 576-70); ii) for plant height (390/08, 345/08 e 378/08); iii) for shoot weight without original steam cutting (390/08, 406/08, 378/08 e 341/08); iv) for the percentage of starch in roots (378/08, 413/08, 390/08 and the control IAC 576-70); and v) for the root yield (the control IAC 576-70 and 341/08, 390/08, 406/08 e 387/08). In the 2011/2012 season, all clones cooked within 30 minutes, indicating that they all have good culinary qualities. Regarding the total carotenoid content in the roots, the clones that stood out were 406/08 and 341/08. All clones evaluated had HCN content below 100 mg kg-1. Clones 341/08 and 406/08 have agronomic and biochemical potential for direct cultivation by producers in the Cerrado region of Central Brazil and / or for use as stock in sweet cassava breeding programs.

RESUMO: Os programas de melhoramento genético de mandioca de mesa estão focados no desenvolvimento de variedades biofortificadas que aliem aos caracteres agronômicos a presença de carotenoides nas raízes de reserva. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar características agronômicas e bioquímicas em clones de mandioca de mesa com polpa rosada. Os nove genótipos foram avaliados por duas safras em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com três repetições. Dentre os clones avaliados se destacaram: i) para altura da primeira ramificação (390/08, 345/08 e a testemunha IAC 576-70); ii) para altura da planta (390/08, 345/08 e 378/08); iii) para peso da parte aérea sem a cepa (390/08, 406/08, 378/08 e 341/08); iv) para porcentagem de amido nas raízes (378/08, 413/08, 390/08 e a testemunha IAC 576-70); v) para produtividade de raízes (IAC 576-70 e 341/08, 390/08, 406/08 e 387/08). Na safra 2011/2012, todos os clones cozinharam em até 30 minutos, indicando que todos apresentam boas qualidades culinárias. Com relação ao teor de carotenoides totais nas raízes, os clones que se destacaram foram 406/08 e 341/08. Todos os clones avaliados apresentaram teores de HCN nas raízes de reserva de mandioca, inferiores a 100 mg kg-1. Os clones 341/08 e 406/08 apresentam potencial agronômico e bioquímico para cultivo direto pelos produtores na região do Cerrado do Brasil Central e/ou para a utilização como genitores em programas de melhoramento genético de mandioca de mesa.

Evaluation the Effect of Different Antioxidants Applied After Bleaching on Teeth Color Stability / Avaliação do efeito de diferentes antioxidantes aplicados após o clareamento na estabilidade da cor dos dentes

Objective: Vital bleaching is a popular treatment option for discolored teeth; but at post-treatment stage, loss of adhesion is highly reported. Literature focused on antioxidant application for the answer of this issue. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of six different antioxidants on color stability of bleached teeth. Material and Methods: This study included total of 84 extracted intact non-carious lower incisors. 35% hydrogen peroxide was applied on the labial surfaces of specimens in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. The bleached teeth were divided into 7 groups. No antioxidants were applied to the control group. For the experimental groups, the following antioxidants were applied for 10 minutes each: 5% proanthocyanidin, 5% sodium ascorbate, 5% lycopene, %5 green tea, %5 white tea and %5 α-tocopherol. CIE L*, a* and b* values of the teeth were measured by a spectrophotometer. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the differences among the groups. Multiple comparisons were examined with Tukey HSD. Results: The one-way ANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.005). Highest color change was observed in lycopene group and the lowest in green tea group. Conclusion: Proanthocyanidin, white tea and green tea could be considered as post-bleaching antioxidant alternatives based on their herbal nature. (AU)

Objetivo: O clareamento vital é uma opção popular de tratamento para dentes descoloridos, mas na fase pós-tratamento, a perda de adesão é altamente relatada. A literatura enfocou a aplicação de antioxidantes para a resposta desta questão. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos de seis diferentes antioxidantes na estabilidade da cor de dentes clareados. Material e Métodos: Este estudo incluiu um total de 84 incisivos inferiores extraídos, intactos e não cariados. Peróxido de hidrogênio a 35% foi aplicado nas superfícies labiais dos espécimes de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. Os dentes clareados foram divididos em 7 grupos. Nenhum antioxidante foi aplicado ao grupo controle. Para os grupos experimentais, os seguintes antioxidantes foram aplicados por 10 minutos cada: proantocianidina a 5%, ascorbato de sódio a 5%, licopeno a 5%, chá verde a 5%, chá branco a 5% e α-tocoferol a 5%. Os valores CIE L *, a * e b * dos dentes foram medidos por um espectrofotômetro. ANOVA um fator foi usada para determinar as diferenças entre os grupos. As comparações múltiplas foram examinadas com Tukey HSD. Resultados: O teste ANOVA revelou uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos (p <0,005). A maior mudança de cor foi observada no grupo do licopeno e a menor no grupo do chá verde. Conclusão: Proantocianidina, chá branco e chá verde podem ser considerados como alternativas antioxidantes pós-clareamento com base em sua natureza fitoterápica. (AU)

Efecto del zumo de sandía (citrullus lanatus) en el estrés oxidativo en espermatozoides humanos / Effect of watermelon juice (citrullus lanatus) on oxidative stress in human sperm

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las alteraciones reproductivas de causa masculina relacionadas con el estrés oxidativo son cada día más estudiadas y dan cuenta de causas de infertilidad diagnosticada como idiopáticas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del zumo de sandía sobre los parámetros seminales convencionales y funcionales in vitro e in vivo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Cinco muestras de espermatozoides puros fueron incubados con peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2, 5mM) y 0,45% de extracto de sandía, se determinó la movilidad espermática al tiempo 0, 30 y 60 minutos. En los ensayos in vivo se incluyeron 20 individuos a los cuales se les determinaron los parámetros espermáticos convencionales, funcionales y la capacidad antioxidante del plasma seminal por microscopía, citometría y espectrofotometría en los días 0, 7 y 15 después de iniciar el consumo diario de 16 onzas de zumo de sandía. RESULTADOS: El extracto de sandía protege a los espermatozoides del efecto deletéreo del H2O2 sobre la movilidad espermática. Además, el consumo regular de jugo de sandía disminuye la lipoperoxidación de la membrana espermática, la producción intracelular de especies reactivas del oxígeno, el índice de fragmentación del ADN el día 15 y la capacidad antioxidante el día 7 y 15. CONCLUSIONES: El extracto de sandía genera un efecto protector sobre los espermatozoides humanos in vitro, protegiendo su movilidad del efecto negativo del H2O2. Además, si bien el consumo regular de zumo de sandía no mejora los parámetros seminales convencionales, si mejora algunos parámetros funcionales relacionados con el estrés oxidativo.

OBJETIVE: Male reproductive alterations related to oxidative stress are increasingly studied and account for causes of infertility diagnosed as idiopathic. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of watermelon juice on conventional and functional seminal parameters in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five samples of pure sperm were incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 5mM) and 0.45% watermelon extract, sperm motility was determined at time 0, 30 and 60 minutes. In vivo assays, 20 individuals were included. Conventional and functional sperm parameters, and antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma using microscopy, cytometry and spectrophotometry were determined on days 0, 7 and 15 after starting daily consumption of 16 ounces of watermelon juice. RESULTS: Watermelon extract protects sperm cells from the deleterious effect of H2O2 on sperm motility. In addition, regular consumption of watermelon juice decreases sperm membrane lipoperoxidation, intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, DNA fragmentation index on day 15 and antioxidant capacity on day 7 and 15. CONCLUSION: Watermelon extract generates a protective effect on human sperm in vitro, protecting sperm motility from the negative effect of H2O2. In addition, although regular consumption of watermelon juice does not improve conventional seminal parameters, it does improve some functional parameters related to oxidative stress.

Effect of lycopene on glycolipid metabolism and pancreatic tissue through regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in high-fat diet induced obese mice / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the effects of lycopene on glycolipid metabolism and pancreatic tissue inflammation in obese mice and its underlying mechanism. Methods: The obese mouse model was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The effects of lycopene on body weight, blood glucose, blood lipid and body fat were observed after 8 weeks of administration. Pathological changes of pancreas were observed by HE staining. Protein expressions involved in TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting, and the degree of macrophage infiltration in the pancreatic tissues of obese mice were detected by IHC. Results: Lycopene significantly inhibited body weight gain and reduced fasting blood glucose, as well as improved glucose tolerance and blood lipid level in obese mice. In addition, lycopene also reduced vacuolization, edema degeneration, islet hypertrophy and other inflammatory lesions in pancreatic tissues. Moreover, the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB in pancreatic tissue were decreased and the inflammatory infiltration was reduced. Conclusion: Lycopene can improve blood glucose, lipid metabolism and pancreatic inflammation in obese mice, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Construction of a highly efficient synthetic lycopene engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae / 生物工程学报

Lycopene, as a high value-added terpene compound, has been widely concerned by researchers at home and abroad. Firstly, the ability of lycopene synthesis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae model strains S288c and YPH499 was analyzed and compared. The results showed that YPH499 was more suitable for lycopene synthesis as yeast chassis. Subsequently, the effects of constitutive promoters GPDpr, TEF1pr and inducible promoters GAL1pr, GAL10pr on Lycopene synthesis were compared. The results showed that when GPDpr and TEF1pr were used as promoters of crtE, crtB and crtI in lycopene synthesis pathway, the production of lycopene was 15.31 mg/L after 60 h fermentation in shaking flask. When GAL1pr and GAL10pr were used as promoters, the production was 123.89 mg/L, which was 8.09 times higher. In addition, the methylvaleric acid (MVA) pathway was further modified to overexpress the key enzyme gene of N-terminal truncation, tHMG1 (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase). The lycopene production was 265.68 mg/L, and the yield per cell was 72.79 mg/g. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain designed and constructed in this study can express lycopene in high yield per cell, thus could be used in the industrial production of lycopene after further construction and optimization.

Role of rate-limiting step of mevalonate pathway in improving lycopene production in Escherichia coli / 生物工程学报

The introduction of the mevalonate pathway (MVA pathway) in recombinant Escherichia coli can improve the synthesis of terpenoids. But the imbalance expression of MVA pathway genes and accumulation of intermediates inhibit cell growth and terpenoids production. In this study, each gene of MVA pathway and key genes of lycopene synthesis pathway were cloned in plasmid to express in the recombinant E. coli LYC103 with optimizing the expression of the key genes of the 2-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate pathway (MEP pathway), chromosome recombinant MVA pathway and the lycopene synthesis pathway. The results showed that the overexpression of ispA, crtE, mvaK1, idi and mvaD genes did not affect the cell growth, while lycopene production increased by 13.5%, 16.5%, 17.95%, 33.7% and 61.1% respectively, indicating that these genes may be the rate-limiting steps for the synthesis of lycopene. mvaK1, mvaK2, mvaD of MVA pathway were the rate-limiting steps and were in an operon. The mvaK1, mvaK2, mvaD operon was regulated by mRS (mRNA stabilizing region) library in front of mvaK1, obtaining strain LYC104. Lycopene yield of LYC104 was doubled and cell growth was increased by 32% compared with the control strain LYC103. CRISPR-cas9 technology was used to integrate idi into chromosome at lacZ site to obtain LYC105 strain. Cell growth of LYC105 was increased by 147% and lycopene yield was increased by 2.28 times compared with that of LYC103. In this study, each gene of lycopene synthesis pathway was expressed in plasmid to certify the rate-limiting gene based on the complete MVA pathway on the chromosome. Then the rate-limiting gene was integrated in chromosome with homologous recombination to release the rate-limiting, which providing a new strategy for the construction of high-yield strains for metabolic engineering.

¿El licopeno puede eliminar los efectos perjudiciales de la hiperoxia en los cerebros inmaduros? / Can lycopene eliminate the harmful effects of hyperoxia in an immature brain?

Objetivos: Al ser un antioxidante, el licopeno protege a las células contra el daño causado por los radicales libres, fortalece los enlaces intercelulares y mejora el metabolismo celular. Este estudio analiza los efectos del licopeno sobre los trastornos neurodegenerativos por hiperoxia en ratas recién nacidas a término. Métodos: Estas ratas se dividieron en cuatro grupos: grupo 1 de referencia con normoxia, grupo 2 con normoxia + licopeno, grupo 3 de referencia con hiperoxia y grupo 4 con hiperoxia + licopeno. Los grupos 1 y 2 se supervisaron en condiciones de aire ambiental, y los grupos 3 y 4 se supervisaron con un nivel de oxígeno > 85 % O2. Los grupos 2 y 4 recibieron inyecciones intraperitoneales de licopeno de 50 mg/kg/día; los otros grupos recibieron inyecciones intraperitoneales de aceite de maíz con el mismo volumen. Las ratas se sacrificaron en el día 11, después de 10 días con hiperoxia. Se extrajeron los cerebros, y se evaluaron los parámetros del sistema oxidativo. Resultados: Se detectaron lesiones cerebrales por hiperoxia en sustancia blanca, regiones corticales y tálamo. Aumentó la cantidad de células apoptóticas y disminuyó la cantidad de células PCNA positivas en los grupos 3 y 4, comparados con el grupo 1. No se observó una mejora significativa en la cantidad de células apoptóticas y células PCNA positivas en los grupos 3 y 4; además, aumentó la apoptosis. Conclusión: Se halló que el licopeno no mostró efectos terapéuticos para el daño cerebral en ratas recién nacidas. Además, se demostró que el licopeno podría causar efectos tóxicos.

Objectives. In addition to protecting cells against free radical harm thanks to its anti-oxidant nature, lycopene strengthens the bonds among cells and improves cell metabolism. This study focuses on analyzing therapeutic effects of lycopene in hyperoxia-induced neurodegenerative disorders in newborn rats. Methods. Term newborn rats were divided into four groups as the normoxia control group (group-1), normoxia+lycopene group (group-2), hyperoxia control group (group-3) and hyperoxia+lycopene group (group-4). Group-1 and group-2 were monitored in room air while the group-3 and group-4 were monitored at > 85% O2. The group-2 and group-4 were injected with lycopene intrapertioneally (i.p. ) at 50mg/kg/day while the other groups were injected with corn oil i.p. at the same volume. The rats we sacrificed on the 11th day following the 10-day hyperoxia. The brains were removed and oxidant system parameters were assessed. Results. Injury resulting from hyperoxia was detected in the white matter, cortical regions, and thalamus of the brains. It was observed that the number of apoptotic cells increased and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells decreased in the groups-3 and 4 compared to the group-1. No significant improvement in the number of apoptotic cells and PCNA positive cells was observed in the groups-3 and 4, and apoptosis increased as well. Conclusion. This study found that lycopene, did not show any therapeutic effects for brain damage treatment in newborn rats. In addition, this study demonstrated that lycopene might lead to toxic effects.

Correlation between Lycopene Intake and Blood Pressure in Healthy Adults from Celaya, Mexico

Aims: To identify if there is a correlation between lycopene intake and blood pressure levels in healthy adults of Celaya.Study Design:Cross-sectional, observational, analytical study.Place:All students registered at a public university in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico Methodology:To measure blood pressure, a humeral digital baumanometer with adult bracelet (Rossmax MG150f) was used. The measurement was performed three times with a two-minuteinterval and the average systolic and diastolic blood pressure was obtained. The daily intake of lycopene was evaluated with a questionnaire of the frequency of consumption of meals. Theμg of lycopene were estimated with software related to the frequencyof consumption of meals. Descriptive statistics were used for all variables.To identify the correlation and possible linear relationship between lycopene intake and blood pressure, Pearson r was calculated, linear regression equation, t-test, and P-valueand Confidence Intervals at 95%.Results: We included 446 participants (74.28% women, 25.78% men; between 18-51 years of age). The average systolic blood pressure was108.30 mmHg, while the average diastolic blood pressure was 71.07 mmHg. The mean daily intake of lycopene was 6477.38 μg. However, there was no correlation or lineal relationship between lycopene intake and the measurement of systolic blood pressure (P=.93) and diastolic blood pressure (P=.5). Conclusion: No correlation was found between daily intake of lycopene and blood pressure (P> .05) in this adult sample from Celaya, Mexico. Studies should be conducted with a different way of determining the intake or level of lycopene in the body

Evaluation of the effect of lycopene on lipid profile, serum antioxidant enzymes and blood sugar level in New Zealand white rabbits

Background: Dyslipidaemias are the major cause of increased atherogenesis. Lycopene is a pigment that imparts red colour to fruits and vegetables like tomatoes. Risk of cardiovascular diseases has been shown to decrease with dietary intake of tomatoes. Although the antioxidant and hypolipidaemic properties of tomatoes have been studied extensively, beneficial effect of pure lycopene supplement as hypolipidaemic is still debatable So, we aimed to evaluate the effect of pure lycopene powder on lipid profile, serum antioxidant enzymes and blood sugar level in hyperlipidaemic rabbits.Methods: Adult male New Zealand White rabbits (1.5-2.5kg) were divided into three groups of six each. Group I-High Fat Diet (HFD) (5ml/kg). Group II-HFD (5ml/kg) + lycopene (10mg/kg) orally. Group III-HFD (5ml/kg) + lycopene (20mg/kg) orally. Blood samples were taken from all rabbits for baseline estimations of serum lipids, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and blood sugar. Same tests were performed after six weeks.Results: There was significant decrease in the levels of serum TC, LDL-C, TG and VLDL and an increase in serum HDL-C and antioxidant SOD with lycopene administration. However, significant increase in HDL was not seen with lycopene 10mg. TG and VLDL levels were significantly less with 20mg lycopene compared to 10mg lycopene. There was however no change in blood sugar level with lycopene.Conclusions: Pure lycopene supplement showed significant hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activity. However, it did not show significant effect on blood glucose levels.

Validated analytical study of the effect of Lycopene on the pharmacokinetics of Paracetamol and Chlorzoxazone in rats

Lycopene was reported to influence some cytochrome P450 enzymes activity. The present study investigates the effect of lycopene on the pharmacokinetics of paracetamol and chlorzoxazone. Lycopene (20 mg/kg) was intra-peritoneally administered to two groups of rats for eight consecutive days and two other groups were given vehicle. On the eighth day, chlorzoxazone and paracetamol were separately intravenously administered to a lycopene group and a control group. Blood samples were collected at different time intervals, treated and analyzed using HPLC. The HPLC method used for paracetamol analysis was based on isocratic elution using a mobile phase consisting of water: methanol, (77:23 v/v) at a flow rate 1 mL min−1, Kromasil C18 column, and UV detection at 254 nm using caffeine as internal standard. About chlorzoxazone, separation was carried out using water: acetonitrile (60: 40, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate 1 mL min−1, Inertsil ODS-3 C18 column, UV detection at 283 nm and esomeprazole as internal standard. Statistical analysis of the pharmacokinetic data using student t test showed a significant increase in AUC 0-t , AUC 0-Inf and t1/2 of paracetamol (P<0.05) and of chlorzoxazone (P<0.05) in the groups pretreated with lycopene (20 mg/kg), significant increase in the volume of distribution of paracetamol (P < 0.05), but no significant difference in that of chlorzoxazone. In other words, paracetamol and chlorzoxazone showed significant decrease (P < 0.05), respectively. These results demonstrate that treatment of rats with Lycopene (20mg/kg, ip) has a significant effect on the metabolic clearance and the pharmacokinetics of both drugs

Protective effects of lycopene on cerebral vessels and neurons of hyperlipidemic model rats / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To study the protective effects of lycopene on cerebral vessels and neurons in hyperlipidemic model rats. METHODS SD rats were fed with hypercholesterolemia diet and ig administered with lycopene 5, 25, 45, 65, 85, 105 and 125 mg-kg-1 simultaneously every day for four weeks. At the same time, normal control group, hyperlipidemic model group and fluvastatin sodium (10 mg-kg-1) group were set up. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) levels of the serum and brain were detected by kits. Claudin-5 glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylation-P38 protein (p-P38) levels in the brain were detected by Western blotting. Morphological changes of neurons were observed and counted by Nissl staining while lycopene levels were detected by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Compared with the hyperlipidemic model group, serum and cerebral TC, TG, LDL-C, Ox-LDL, IL-1, TNF-a, VCAM-1, VEGF as well as cerebral NO, GFAP, p-P38 levels were decreased in lycopene (25-85 mg·kg-1) groups (PO.01), but serum T-AOC, NO and cerebral claudin-5 levels as well as the number of neurons were increased (PO.01). Serum TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1, TNF-a and cerebral IL-1, TNF-a levels were decreased in lycopene 105 and 125 mg-kg"1 groups (P< 0.05), but serum NO levels were increased (P<0.01). The concentration of serum lycopene was quadratic with the dose of lycopene (P<0.01), and the concentrations of lycopene 65 and 85 mg·kg-1 groups were higher than those of other groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Lycopene cna reduce Ox-LDL formation mainly by affecting cholesterol levels in the blood, which alleviates the inflammatory response and maintains blood-brain barrier permeability. Activation in astrocytes is indirectly attenuated, and the production of p-P38 protein, IL-1, TNF-a and NO in the brain is decreased, which reduces hyperlipidemia-induced injury to cerebral vessels and neurons.

Effects of allicinin combined with lycopene on target organ damage and the antioxidative status in hypertensive rats / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the effects of allicin (All) in combination with lycopene (Lyc) against target organ damage and oxidative stress induced by hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Methods: SHRs aged 10 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 in each group): SHR, SHR+All, SHR+Lyc, and SHR+All+Lyc. SHR in SHR+All, SHR+Lyc and SHR+All+Lyc groups were intraperitoneally or intragastrically administered with 15 or 7.5 mg/(kg•d) of All and Lyc at the same time daily for 6 weeks. Male WKY rats were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of normal saline and served as normotensive controls (WKY group). Six weeks later, histopathological changes of thoracic aorta and kindeys were evaluated by HE staining and according to Paller's method. The indexes of oxidation (MDA) and antioxidants (SOD, CAT and GSH) in serum or thoracic aorta were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Production of intracellular superoxide anion was stained by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and detected using laser scanning confocal microscope. Results: SHR+Lyc+All group significantly ameliorated arterial wall thickening and inflammatory injury of the kindey in SHR compared with SHR+All group and SHR+Lyc group. Administration of All combined with Lyc significantly increased activities of antioxidative enzymes (SOD and GSH) and the content of CAT in aortas when compared with those of SHR and SHR receiving All or Lyc administration alone (P<0.05). In addition, the combined treatment of All with Lyc also significantly reduced the contents of MDA and O2- of SHR compared to SHR (P<0.05). Conclusion: This combination of All and Lyc can reduce target organ damage and level of oxidative stress induced by hypertension, which may be attributed to their regulations on ROS level, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.