Efficacy and safety of beta carotones in treatment of oral leukoplakia: systematic review and meta-analysis / Eficacia y seguridad de las betacarotonas en el tratamiento de la leucoplasia oral: revisión sistemática y metanálisis

Objectives: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate effectiveness and safety of beta carotenes for the treatment of oral leukoplakia regarding clinical resolution and prevention of malignant transformation. Material and Methods: The systematic search was conducted in three electronic databases and the study's selection was performed according to pre-set eligibility criteria. Four studies evaluating the efficacy of beta carotenes in oral leukoplakia compared to placebo were included in the review; three of which were assigned for quantitative analysis. Data were extracted, tabulated, quality assessed and statistically analyzed. Results: The meta-analysis revealed that when comparing clinical resolution the beta carotene group favored was favored compared to placebo, with statistically significant difference. However, a meta-analysis comparing beta carotene and placebo groups regarding malignant transformation as a primary outcome failed to show any significant benefit. Furthermore, results showed evidence of beta carotene safety. Conclusion: the overall quality of evidence about efficacy of beta carotene in oral leukoplakia treatment was not high. However, given the obvious safety of this agent, data suggests it could have a promising effect in clinical improvement of oral leukoplakia lesions. However, no evidence supporting its benefits in reducing risk of malignant transformation in these lesions was found. Therefore, further long term, well designed randomized clinical trials are highly recommended.

Objetivos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática para evaluar la efectividad y la seguridad de los betacarotenos para el tratamiento de la leucoplasia oral en relación con la resolución clínica y la prevención de la transformación maligna. Material y Métodos: la búsqueda sistemática se realizó en tres bases de datos electrónicas y la selección del estudio se realizó de acuerdo con los criterios de elegibilidad preestablecidos. En la revisión se incluyeron cuatro estudios que evaluaban la eficacia de los betacarotenos en la leucoplasia oral en comparación con el placebo; tres de los cuales fueron asignados para el análisis cuantitativo. Los datos fueron extraídos, tabulados, su calidad evaluada y analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: El metanálisis reveló que al comparar la resolución clínica, el grupo de betacaroteno fue favorecido en comparación con el placebo, con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Sin embargo, un metaanálisis que comparó los grupos de betacaroteno y placebo con respecto a la transformación maligna como resultado primario no mostró ningún beneficio significativo. Además, los resultados mostraron evidencia de seguridad de betacaroteno. Conclusión: La calidad general de la evidencia sobre la eficacia del betacaroteno en el tratamiento de la leucoplasia oral no es alta. Sin embargo, dada la obvia seguridad de este agente, los datos sugieren que podría tener un efecto prometedor en la mejora clínica de las lesiones de leucoplasia oral. Sin embargo, no se encontraron pruebas que respalden sus beneficios en la reducción del riesgo de transformación maligna en estas lesiones. Por lo tanto, se recomiendan ensayos clínicos aleatorios bien diseñados a largo plazo.

Antioxidant properties of the carotenoid extracts of three Deinococcus­Thermus phylum bacteria, Meiothermus sp. strains RP and TP and Thermus sp. strain YY from Paniphala hot spring, India

BACKGROUND:The purpose of the study was to extract carotenoids from thermophilic bacteria which show efficient antioxidant and protein oxidation inhibition properties, characterize and identify those isolates, extract the carotenoids in different solvents, quantify the carotenoids and perform concentration-dependent and solvent-dependent quantitative assays validated and analysed by appropriate statistical tests. METHODS: Three pigment-forming thermophilic strains were isolated from water sample of Paniphala hot spring, India, and tentatively identified by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) homology. Different concentrations of the carotenoid extracts (100, 80, 40 and 20µg) in three solvents, methanol, DMSO and water, were used to determine the antioxidant activity through five methods: the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay, the ABTS (2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay, the hydrogen peroxide assay, TOC (total antioxidant capacity) assay and inhibition of protein oxidation assay. Statistical analysis of mean, standard deviation, ANOVA and Pearson correlationcoefficient was performed in Microsoft Excel statistical package.Results:The isolates were tentatively identified as Meiothermussp. strain RP, Meiothermussp. strain TP and Thermusstrain YY.Meiothermussp. formed red coloured pigment, where as Thermussp. formed yellow coloured pigment. Allof the extracts showed positive results in DPPH assay, ABTS assay and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assaywith best results obtained when the extracts were dissolved in water. Total antioxidant capacity assay was also highin all the extracts. Protein oxidation inhibition activity was only seen in extracts of strain YY. One-way ANOVA(analysis of variance) clearly showed that choice of solvent influenced the antioxidant capacity of all of the extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Newer and efficient antioxidative compounds are constantly being searched for, and the carotenoid extracts of RP, TP and YY have been shown to catalyze various types of antioxidative reactions, including proteinoxidation inhibition by YY. Thus, all these extracts have huge potential to be industrially and pharmaceutically useful.

Comparative study on the preventive effect of saffron carotenoids, crocin and crocetin, in NMU-induced breast cancer in rats

Objective: Crocin [Cro] and crocetin [Crt] are two widely known saffron carotenoids, which exert anticancer effects by different mechanisms. Here, we investigated and compared the preventive effect of Cro and Crt at the initiation and promotion stages of breast cancer induction in an animal model

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, female Wistar albino rats were injected with three doses of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea [NMU]. The preventive intervention was done at different times for the initiation and promotion stages. Thus, Cro/Crt was administered by gavage 20 days before, or one week after, the first NMU injection, for the prevention at the initiation or promotion stages respectively. The treatment was repeated every three days, and continued up to the end of experiment. Tumor appearance was checked by palpation and some parameters were determined after sacrifice

Results: Tumor volume, latency period, and tumor number were significantly decreased in the rat groups treated with both saffron carotenoids for prevention at both the initiation and promotion stages. Tumor incidence was 77% due to NMU injection, which was decreased to 45 and 33% [on average] after Cro and Crt administration, respectively. In addition, enkephaline degrading aminopeptidase [EDA] was decreased significantly in the ovaries of the animals, however, changes in the brain were not significant

Conclusion: Crt/Cro showed a significant protective effect against the NMU-induced breast cancer in rats. However, Crt was more effective than Cro and prevention at the initiation stage was more effective than at the promotion stage

Anti-inflammatory effect of lycopene on endotoxin-induced uveitis in rats / Efeito anti-inflamatório do licopeno na uveíte induzida por endotoxina em ratos

ABSTRACT Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy of lycopene, a dietary carotenoid and potent antioxidant, against ocular inflammation and oxidative stress in an experimental uveitis model. Methods: Endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single subcutaneous injection of 200 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Induction of EIU was preceded by daily intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg lycopene for three consecutive days (Lycopene + LPS group) or equivolume vehicle (Vehicle + LPS group). A positive control group received 1 mg/kg dexamethasone pretreatment (DEX + LPS), and a negative control group received daily vehicle injection but no LPS (Vehicle Control). Twenty-four hours after LPS or final vehicle administration, eyes were enucleated, and aqueous humor was collected for measurement of the number of infiltrating cells, total protein concentration, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and oxidative stress markers. Inflammatory response severity was compared among groups clinically and histopathologically. Results: Infiltrating cell number, total protein concentration, and NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in the aqueous humor of Vehicle + LPS group rats compared to Vehicle Controls. Compared to the Vehicle + LPS group, lycopene pretreatment significantly reduced aqueous humor concentrations of oxidative stress markers, NO (0.29 ± 0.1 μM vs. 0.19 ± 0.1 μM, p=0.003), TNF-α (71.0 ± 22.3 ng/ml vs. 50.1 ± 2.1 ng/ml, p=0.043), and IL-6 (121.6 ± 3.0 pg/ml vs. 111.1 ± 5.6 pg/ml, p=0.008). Inflammatory score was also reduced (2.0 ± 0.0 vs. 0.4 ± 0.5, p=0.001). Lycopene reduced the infiltrating cell count and protein concentration, but differences did not reach significance. Most lycopene effects were equivalent to dexamethasone. Conclusions: Lycopene may aid in the clinical management of uveitis by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliamos o efeito do licopeno, um carotenóide dietético e um potente anti-oxidante, sobre a inflamação ocular e estresse oxidativo em modelo de uveíte experimental. Métodos: Uveíte foi induzida por endotoxina (EIU) em ratos Sprague-Dawley por uma única injeção subcutânea de 200 ug de lipopolissacárido (LPS). A indução de EIU foi precedida por injeção intraperitoneal de licopeno em uma dose de 10 mg/kg (grupo LPS + Licopeno) ou veículo de mesmo volume (grupo LPS + Veículo), durante 3 dias consecutivos. O grupo controle positivo recebeu uma dose de 1 mg/kg de Dexametasona (grupo DEX + LPS) e o grupo controle negativo recebeu doses diárias de veículo mas sem LPS (grupo Controle Veículo). Vinte e quatro horas após a administração do LPS, os olhos foram enucleados, humor aquoso foi recolhido, e o número de células infiltrativas, a concentração de proteína, assim como os níveis de óxido nítrico (NO), fator de necrose tumoral α (TNF-α), interleucina-6 e marcadores de estresse oxidativo foram determinados no humor aquoso. Além disso, a resposta inflamatória foi avaliada clinicamente e histologicamente. Resultados: As células infiltrativas, concentração de proteína, o NO, TNF-α, interleucina-6 foram significativamente elevados no humor aquoso de ratos do grupo Grupo LPS + Veículo quando comparados ao Grupo Controle Veículo. O tratamento com licopeno diminuiu significativamente estes aumentos. Comparado ao Grupo LPS + Veículo, o licopeno reduziu significativamente as concentrações no humor aquoso dos marcadores de estresse oxidativo e NO (de 0,29 ± 0,1 μM para 0,19 ± 0,1 μM, p=0,003), o TNF-α (de 71,0 ± 22,3 ng/ml para 50,1 ± 2,1 ng/ml, p=0,043), interleucina-6 (de 121,6 ± 3,0 pg/ml para 111,1 ± 5,6 pg/ml, p=0,008). Do mesmo modo, o aumento do número de células infiltrativas no tecido uveal em seções histológicas foi significativamente inibido pelo licopeno, a pontuação inflamatória diminuiu de 2,0 ± 0,0 para 0,4 ± 0,5, p=0,001. Embora, não tenha sido estatisticamente significativo, o licopeno reduziu a contagem de células infiltrativas e a concentração de proteínas no humor aquoso. Conclusões: Estes resultados sugerem que o licopeno pode ter efeitos benéficos no tratamento da inflamação ocular, através dos seus efeitos anti-inflamatórios e antioxidantes.

Crocin mitigates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity in rats

Carbon tetrachloride [CCl4] is one of the most dangerous hepatotoxic environmental pollutants thus this study aimed at investigating the potential preventive effect and mechanism of crocin against CCl4- induced hepatotoxicity. Forty Male rats were allocated for two weeks treatment with; corn oil, CCl4 in corn oil, crocin [100 mg/kg], or crocin plus CCl4. At time of euthanasia liver was removed, weighted and processed for histopathological evaluation and estimation of liver contents of active caspase3, lipid peroxidation [MDA] and reduced glutathione [GSH]. We also evaluated antioxidant enzymes activities [superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] and catalase [CAT]], phase I metabolizing enzyme [cytochrome P450 sub family 2E1 [CYP2E1]] an Phase II metabolizing enzyme, [glutathione-S-transferase [GST]] in liver tissue. Blood samples were used for evaluation of liver function tests and inflammatory cytokines [interleukin 6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha]]. CCl4 induced significant [p < 0.001], increase in: relative liver weight to body weight, liver MDA content, liver active caspase-3 and plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF alpha. In addition, CCl4 disturbed liver histology, liver metabolizing enzymes [CYP2E1 and GST], and liver function tests [aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase]. CCl4 induced significant decrease in activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GSH content. Administration of crocin with CCl4 mitigated all CCl4-disturbed parameters and preserved liver histology close to normal. Crocin ameliorated CCl4-induced liver injury via inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, caspase3 and oxidative stress along with modulation of liver metabolizing enzymes favoring elimination of CCl4 toxic metabolite

Oral submucous fibrosis in India: Are we progressing.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) a condition first described in the 1950s in the modern literature still remains elusive of a cure. For many years this condition had been confined to countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc., but now this condition is being reported from Western countries as well. Inspite of intensive research over the years into the etiologic factors of OSMF, a single etiologic factor cannot be pointed out with certainty rather several causative factors have been proposed. Patients suffering with OSMF initially present with a blanched or marble-like pale mucosa, vesiculations, and also intolerance to hot and spicy food. Gradually, the patient may develop fibrous bands in the buccal and labial mucosa which causes a restriction in opening the mouth. The evidence for the various treatment modalities for OSMF is weak hence better documentation of the studies performed with standardized criteria is required. The current review aims to refresh our knowledge regarding OSMF from an Indian perspective and make a few suggestions to fill the lacunae in this field.

Effect of astaxanthin and fish oil on enzymatic antioxidant system and ?-amylase activity of salivary glands from rats

Salivary glands contribute to oral health. It is therefore of interest to study therapies that may favor their function and protection. AIM: To evaluate the effect of astaxanthin, fish oil and association of them on enzymatic antioxidant system and functional parameters of salivary glands. METHODS: Healthy rats (n=32) were divided into 4 groups: untreated-control, astaxanthin-treated (1 mg/kg body weight- BW), fish oil-treated (10 mg EPA/kg BW and 7 mg DHA/kg BW), and fish oil plus astaxanthin-treated. A prophylactic dose was administered in each group daily by gavage, for 45 days. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reductase, and α-amylase activities were determined in salivary glands and compared by ANOVA and Tukey post-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Parotid gland presented increased catalase and glutathione system and unaffected SOD activity after astaxanthin and astaxanthin plus fish oil treatment (p<0.05). Fish oil stimulated only glutathione peroxidase activity of parotid gland (p<0.05). Submandibular gland presented stimulated SOD and catalase, and reduced glutathione reductase activities after fish oil and fish oil plus astaxanthin treatment (p<0.05). SOD and glutathione reductase activities were reduced by astaxanthin treatment in submandibular gland (p<0.05). Parotid gland presented increased α-amylase activity in all groups supplemented and submandibular glands presented no changes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Astaxanthin, fish oil and combination of them stimulated the antioxidant system and functional parameter of salivary glands, which could be beneficial to oral health.

Antifibrotic effects of crocetin in scleroderma fibroblasts and in bleomycin-induced sclerotic mice

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antifibrotic effects of crocetin in scleroderma fibroblasts and in sclerotic mice. METHODS: Skin fibroblasts that were isolated from three systemic scleroderma (SSc) patients and three healthy subjects were treated with crocetin (0.1, 1 or 10 μM). Cell proliferation was measured with an MTT assay. Alpha-smooth muscle actin was detected via an immunohistochemical method. Alpha 1 (I) procollagen (COL1A1), alpha 1 (III) procollagen (COL3A1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 mRNA levels were measured using real-time PCR. SSc mice were established by the subcutaneous injection of bleomycin. Crocetin (50 mg/kg/d) was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days. Dermal thickness and lung fibrosis were assessed with Masson's trichrome staining. Plasma ET-1 was detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Skin and lung ET-1 and COL1A1 mRNA levels were measured via real-time PCR. RESULTS: Crocetin inhibited the proliferation of SSc and normal fibroblasts, an effect that increased with crocetin concentration and incubation time. Crocetin decreased the expression of α-SMA and the levels of mRNA for COL1A1, COL3A1 and matrix metalloproteinase-1, while crocetin increased TIMP-1 mRNA levels in both SSc and normal fibroblasts. Skin and lung fibrosis was induced, and the levels of ET-1 in the plasma, skin and lungs were elevated in bleomycin-injected mice. Crocetin alleviated the thickening of the dermis and lung fibrosis; decreased COL1A1 mRNA levels in the skin and lung; and simultaneously decreased ET-1 concentrations in the plasma and ET-1 mRNA levels in the skin and lungs of the bleomycin-induced sclerotic mice, especially during the early phase (weeks 1-3). CONCLUSION: Crocetin inhibits cell proliferation, differentiation and collagen production in SSc fibroblasts. Crocetin alleviates skin and lung fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced SSc ...

Effects of Serenoa Repens, Selenium and Lycopene (Profluss®) on chronic inflammation associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: results of “FLOG” (Flogosis and Profluss in Prostatic and Genital Disease), a multicentre Italian study

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Profluss® on prostatic chronic inflammation (PCI). Materials and Methods We prospectively enrolled 168 subjects affected by LUTS due to bladder outlet obstruction submitted to 12 cores prostatic biopsy for suspected prostate cancer + 2 cores collected for PCI valuation. First group consisted of 108 subjects, with histological diagnosis of PCI associated with BPH and high grade PIN and/or ASAP, randomly assigned to 1:1 ratio to daily Profluss® (group I) for 6 months or to control group (group Ic). Second group consisted of 60 subjects, with histological diagnosis of BPH, randomly assigned to 1:1 ratio to daily Profluss® + α-blockers treatment (group II) for 3 months or to control group (group IIc). After 6 months first group underwent 24 cores prostatic re-biopsy + 2 cores for PCI while after 3 months second group underwent two-cores prostatic for PCI. Specimens were evaluated for changes in inflammation parameters and for density of T-cells (CD3, CD8), B-cells (CD20) and macrophages (CD68). Results At follow-up there were statistical significant reductions of extension and grading of flogosis, mean values of CD20, CD3, CD68 and mean PSA value in group I compared to Ic, while extension and grading of flogosis in group II were inferior to IIc but not statistical significant. A statistically significant reduction in the density of CD20, CD3, CD68, CD8 was demonstrated in group II in respect to control IIc. Conclusions Serenoa repens+Selenium+Lycopene may have an anti-inflammatory activity that could be of interest in the treatment of PCI in BPH and/or PIN/ASAP patients. .

Consumo de licopeno como reductor de incidencia en sujetos con elevado riesgo de padecer cáncer de próstata / Lycopene consumption and reduction of incidence in subjects at high risk of prostate cancer

Este CAT (Critically Appraised Topics) respondió a la interrogante “en sujetos con alto riesgo de padecer cáncer de próstata ¿puede el licopeno reducir la incidencia y mortalidad?” Se analizó la pregunta clínica en tres partes: paciente, intervención y outcome. El objetivo fue comprobar la validez de los resultados y aplicabilidad respecto de la efectividad del consumo de licopeno en la reducción de la incidencia del cáncer de próstata a partir del articulo Lycopene for the prevention of prostate cáncer de Ilic, et al. (2011).

This CAT (Critically Appraised Topic) answered the question: in subjects at high risk for prostate cancer, can lycopene reduce incidence and mortality of this cancer? The clinical question was analyzed in three parts: patient, intervention and outcome. The purpose was to verify the validity and applicability of the results regarding lycopene consumption on effectiveness in reducing the incidence of prostate cancer.

Clinical, biometric and ultrasound assessment of the effects of daily use of a nutraceutical composed of lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine Complex in photoaged human skin / Avaliações clínica, biométrica e ultrassonográfica dos efeitos do uso diário de um nutracêutico a base de licopeno, extrato de acerola, extrato de semente de uva e Complexo Biomarinho na pele fotoenvelhecida humana

BACKGROUND: The use of nutraceuticals has become frequent in the cutaneous approach to photoaging. OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical efficacy of a nutraceutical product composed of lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine ComplexT in photoaged human skin. METHODS: 50 women, from 35 to 60 years of age, phototypes I to III, were assessed. For 120 days, they associated the nutraceutical product with the use of a sunscreen FPS15. On days 0 (D0), 30 (D30), 60 (D60), 90 (D90) and 120 (D120) they were evaluated and underwent Medical Assessments and Self-Assessment and cutaneous biometric analyses (corneometry, sebumetry and pH-metry) in the skin of the left zygomatic region and the upper medial side region of the left arm; on days 0 (D0), 30 (D30) and 120 (D120) the skin of the same regions was analyzed by ultrasound. On days 0 (D0) and 120 (D120) skin biopsies were performed in the areas where instrumental evaluation was performed (to evaluate collagen and elastic fibers). RESULTS: There was an improvement of the general status of the skin of all volunteers by the Medical and Volunteer Self- Assessments; increased parameters of cutaneous hydration, reduction of pH, increasing of ultrasound density and a histological increment of collagen and elastic fibers (both on the face and arm); there was a reduction of seborrhea (only on the face) CONCLUSIONS: The daily use of a nutraceutical product containing lycopene, acerola extract, grape seed extract and Biomarine ComplexT showed an important adjuvant effect to counteract skin photoaging.

FUNDAMENTOS: O uso de nutracêuticos se tornou uma condição frequente na abordagem cutânea do fotoenvelhecimento. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia clínica do uso de um produto nutracêutico a base de licopeno, extrato de acerola, extrato de semente de uva e Complexo BiomarinhoT na pele fotoenvelhecida humana. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 50 mulheres, de 35 a 60 anos de idade, fototipo I a III. Por 120 dias, elas associaram ao uso de fotoprotetor FPS15 a tomada diária do produto nutracêutico em questão. Nos dias 0 (D0), 30 (D30), 60 (D60), 90 (D90) e 120 (D120) elas foram avaliadas, quando sofreram Avaliações Médica e Auto-Avaliação e análises biométricas cutâneas (corneometria, sebumetria e pHmetria) nas peles da região zigomática esquerda e face súpero-medial do braço esquerdos; nos dias 0 (D0), 30 (D30) e 120 (D120) a pele das mesmas regiões foram analisadas do ponto de vista ultrassonográfico. Nos dias 0 (D0) e 120 (D120) biópsias cutâneas foram realizadas nas respectivas áreas das análises instrumentais (para avaliar colágeno e das fibras elásticas). RESULTADOS: Houve melhora do estado geral da pele de todas as voluntárias pelas Avaliações Médica e Voluntária; aumento alterações dos parâmetros cutâneos na hidratação, redução do pH cutâneo, aumento da densidade ultrassonográfica e aumento histológico na densidade colágena e elástica (tanto na face quanto no braço); redução da seborreia somente na face. CONCLUSÕES: O uso diário de um produto nutracêutico a base de licopeno, extrato de acerola, extrato de semente de uva e Complexo BiomarinhoT mostra-se um adjuvante importante na abordagem do fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo.

Lycopene in the management of oral lichen planus: A placebo-controlled study.

Context: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lichen planus, and a lower level of lycopene has been reported in erosive and atrophic oral lichen planus (OLP) patients. However, its efficacy in the management of OLP has not been reported. Aim: This study was designed to assess the efficacy of systemic lycopene in the management of OLP. Settings and Design: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done in the Oral Medicine Department of a postgraduate teaching dental hospital in India. Materials and Methods: Thirty symptomatic OLP patients, randomly divided into two groups of 15 each, were administered lycopene 8 mg/day and an identical placebo, respectively, for 8 consecutive weeks. Burning sensation using visual analogue scale and overall treatment response using Tel Aviv-San Francisco scale were recorded at every visit. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using Wilcoxon Rank test, Mann-Whitney and Fischer's Exact test. Results: A higher (84%) reduction in burning sensation was seen in lycopene than in the placebo group (67%). All 15 (100%) patients in the lycopene group showed 50% or more benefit and 11 (73.3%) patients showed 70-100% benefit, while this number was only 10 and 4 (26.7%), respectively, in the placebo group. Conclusion: Lycopene was very effective in the management of OLP, and oxidative stress may have a role in disease pathogenesis.

Astaxanthin: structural and functional aspects / Astaxantina: aspectos estruturais e funcionais

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid belonging to the xanthophyll class, has stirred great interest due to its antioxidant capacity and its possible role in reducing the risk of some diseases. Astaxanthin occurs naturally in microalgae, such as Haematococcus pluvialis and the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma, and has also been considered to be the major carotenoid in salmon and crustaceans. Shrimp processing waste, which is generally discarded, is also an important source of astaxanthin. The antioxidant activity of astaxanthin has been observed to modulate biological functions related to lipid peroxidation, having beneficial effects on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration and cancer. Researches have shown that both astaxanthin obtained from natural sources and its synthetic counterpart produce satisfactory effects, but studies in humans are limited to natural sources. There is no established nutritional recommendation regarding astaxanthin daily intake but most studies reported beneficial results from a daily intake of 4mg. Thus, this review discusses some aspects of the carotenoid astaxanthin, highlighting its chemical structure and antioxidant activity, and some studies that report its use in humans.

A astaxantina, carotenóide pertencente à classe das xantofilas, tem despertado grande interesse devido à sua capacidade antioxidante e possível papel na redução de risco de algumas doenças. A astaxantina pode ser encontrada naturalmente em microalgas como Haematococcus pluvialis e na levedura Phaffia rhodozyma como também tem sido considerada principal carotenóide em salmão e crustáceos. Os resíduos do processamento de camarão, geralmente descartados, são também importante fonte de astaxantina. A atividade antioxidante da astaxantina tem demonstrado importante função na modulação de funções biológicas relacionadas à peroxidação lipídica, desempenhando efeitos benéficos em doenças crônicas como doenças cardiovasculares, degeneração macular e câncer. Pesquisas têm demonstrado efeitos satisfatórios da astaxantina obtida de fontes naturais assim como da obtida sinteticamente, porém os estudos em humanos se limitam à utilização de fontes naturais. Não há recomendação nutricional estabelecida para a ingestão diária de 4mg de astaxantina, mas muitos estudos relatam resultados benéficos com a ingestão diária média de 4mg. Assim, a presente revisão discute alguns aspectos do carotenóide astaxantina, com destaque para sua estrutura química e atividade antioxidante, mostrando também alguns estudos que relatam seu uso em humanos.

Nucleótidos y carotenoides naturales / Nucleotides and carotenoids

El concepto de los nucleótidos no es nuevo; máxime que son elementos que hacen parte de los componentes naturales de la leche materna. Casi todos los estudios señalan que el consumo de carotenoides, previenen el desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas en la edad adulta, posiblemente por su efecto antioxidante que disminuye el estrés oxidativo, mejorando enfermedades degenerativas y malignas.

The concept of nucleotides is not new, especially since they are elements that are part of the natural components of human milk. Most studies indicate that the consumption of carotenoids, prevent the development of chronic diseases in adulthood, possibly by its antioxidant effect that reduces oxidative stress, improving degenerative diseases and malignancies.

Propiedades nutraceúticas del licopeno: [revisión] / Nutraceutical properties of lycopene: [review]

Las recomendaciones dietarias en los últimos años proponen el incremento del consumo de alimentos que contienen fitoquímicos, ya que éstos proveen efectos benéficos para la salud humana y juegan un papel importante en la prevención de enfermedades crónicas. El licopeno, carotenoide responsable del color rojo de los tomates, ha atraído la atención debido a sus propiedades biológicas y fisicoquímicas en la prevención de enfermedades crónicas como cáncer, enfermedades cardiovasculares y neurodegenerativas, e hipertensión, entre otras, en las cuales el estrés oxidativo es un importante factor etiológico. Los antioxidantes, incluyendo al licopeno, interactúan con las especies reactivas del oxígeno, pudiendo mitigar el efecto dañino y jugar un papel significativo en la prevención de dichas enfermedades. Este artículo presenta una revisión de algunos estudios epidemiológicos realizados en los últimos años acerca de los efectos benéficos del licopeno en la salud humana.

In recent years, dietary recommendations have suggested an increase in the consumption of foods that contain phytochemicals that provide benefits to human health and play an important role in preventing chronic diseases. Lycopene -the carotenoid responsible for the red color of tomatoes-has attracted attention because of its physicochemical and biological properties in the prevention of chronic diseases in which oxidative stress is a major etiological factor, such as cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and hypertension, among others. Antioxidants, including lycopene, interact with reactive oxygen species, can mitigate their damaging effects and play a significant role in preventing these diseases. This article presents a review of some epidemiological studies published in recent years on beneficial effects of lycopene in human health.

Antioxidantes / Antioxidants

Nuestra piel está constantemente expuesta al estrés oxidativo endógeno y exógeno, el cual juega un papel fundamental tanto en el envejecimiento intrínseco como extrínseco. El estrés oxidativo se debe a la producción de especies reactivas de oxígeno, también conocidas como radicales libres. Las estructuras vitales que se ven afectadas por este proceso son el ADN, elementos del citoesqueleto, proteínas celulares y membranas celulares. El cuerpo posee mecanismos de defensa contra los radicales libres, denominados antioxidantes, los cuales son capaces de reducirlos y neutralizarlos. Sin embargo, como parte natural del proceso de envejecimiento, no sólo la producción de especies reactivas de oxígeno aumenta, sino que los mecanismos endógenos de defensa disminuyen, resultando en un desbalance con predominio de radicales libres no neutralizados que dañan las estructuras del organismo. Aunque el cuerpo posee antioxidantes endógenos y ciertos alimentos son ricos en antioxidantes, muchos creen que niveles más altos de estas sustancias pueden obtenerse con suplementos alimentarios. En consecuencia, ha llegado a ser muy popular el uso de antioxidantes en suplementos orales o en forma tópica, los cuales podrían potencialmente aminorar los efectos adversos de las especies reactivas de oxígeno. En esta revisión se analizan los antioxidantes más conocidos que se encuentran incorporados en los productos cosméticos o que son administrados por vía oral en los pacientes interesados en la cosmética personal.

Our skin is constantly exposed to endogenous and exogenous oxidative stress, which plays a pivotal role in intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Oxidative stress is delivered by the creation of reactive oxygen species also known as free radicals. Vital structures that can be adversely affected by this process are DNA, cytoskeletal elements, cellular proteins, and cellular membranes. The body possesses defense mechanisms against free radicals, which are called antioxidants, and are able to reduce and neutralize them. However, as part of the natural aging process, not only does the production of reactive oxygen species increase, but our endogenous defense mechanisms decrease resulting in an imbalance and increased number of unchecked free radicals damaging vital structures of the body. Although the body possesses endogenous antioxidants and certain foods are rich in antioxidants, many believe that higher levels can be achieved by supplementation. Consequently, the use of antioxidants as oral supplements or topical formulation should be able to lessen the harmful adverse effects induced by reactive oxygen species and has thus become popular. This review discusses the most popular types of antioxidants found in cosmetic products or taken orally by cosmetic patients.

Carotenóides: uma possível proteção contra o desenvolvimento de câncer / Carotenoids: a possible protection against cancer development

Este artigo discute as possibilidades de proteção contra o desenvolvimento do câncer, proporcionadas por carotenóides provenientes da alimentação, com base em uma revisão da literatura. Os carotenóides têm demonstrado uma ação protetora contra a carcinogênese, tanto em estudos in vitro como in vivo, com animais e humanos. Entre eles, a beta-criptoxantina, a fucoxantina, a astaxantina, a capsantina, a crocetina e o fitoeno, têm sido pouco explorados, e a literatura ainda se mostra extremamente limitada e pouco conclusiva. Estudos experimentais com humanos demonstraram não haver efeito, ou efeito reverso, do beta-caroteno, no entanto, não incluíram anteriormente variáveis intervenientes e interativas que deveriam ter sido controladas. A partir da evidência científica, baseada em estudos epidemiológicos e ensaios experimentais recentes, e da elucidação dos mecanismos de atuação de fitoquímicos relacionados à maior proteção contra o câncer, conclui-se que a alimentação rica em carotenóides provenientes das frutas, legumes e verduras, representa um possível fator de proteção contra o desenvolvimento do câncer.

This study is a literature review that discusses the likelihood of dietary carotenoids offering protection against cancer. Carotenoids have been demonstrating a protective action against carcinogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, in animals and humans. Among them, beta-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, capsanthin, crocetin and phytoene have been little explored and literature is still very lacking and little conclusive. Experimental studies with humans have shown beta-carotene to have no effect or reverse effect; however, they have never included intervenient and interactive variables that should have been controlled. Scientific evidence based on epidemiological studies and recent experimental assays and the elucidation of phytochemical activity mechanisms associated with greater protection against cancer, a diet rich in carotenoids from fruits and vegetables may protect against carcinogenesis.

Consumo alimentar e concentrações séricas de micronutrientes: associação com lesões neoplásicas e câncer cervical / Diet and serum micronutrientes: association with cervical neoplasia and cancer

Objetivos. O câncer cervical é o segundo câncer mais comum entre as mulheres em todo o mundo. A infecção por Papilomavirus (HPV) do tipo oncogênico é causa necessária. Estudos internacionais sugerem importante papel de carotenóides e tocoferóis séricos e dietéticos na redução do risco para lesões precursoras, mas os resultados dos estudos prévios são inconsistentes. Indivíduos e métodos. O presente estudo de casos e controles de base hospitalar conduzido na cidade de São Paulo analisou a associação entre concentrações séricas de carotenóides (licopeno, ß-caroteno), tocoferóis (α- e γ-), consumo alimentar e casos incidentes, com confirmação histopatológica, de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical (NIC) graus 1,2,3 e câncer cervical. O estudo incluiu 453 mulheres do grupo controle (sem lesões do colo uterino) e 4 grupos de casos (NIC1, n=140; NIC2, n=126; NIC3, n=231; câncer cervical, n=108) recrutadas em dois hospitais públicos de referência entre 2003 e 2005. Resultados. A concentração sérica de licopeno foi inversamente associada á NIC1, NIC3 e câncer cervical com os seguintes Odds Ratio (OR) (intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento), respectivamente: 0,53 (0,27-1,00; p de tendência=0,05); 0,48 (0,22-1,04; p de tendência=0,05) e 0,18 (0,06-0,52; p de tendência=0,002) quando comparado o maior com o menor tercil após ajuste de variáveis de confusão e grupos de HPV. O maior tercil de ß-caroteno sérico foi inversamente associado ao câncer quando comparado ao menor: OR ajustado = 0,36 (0,13-1,03; p de tendência=0,04). Maiores concentrações de α- e γ-tocoferóis foram inversamente associadas a NIC3 com redução do risco em 50 por cento, após ajustes por covariáveis e HPV. Maior tercil de consumo do grupo de folhas verde-escuras, legumes e frutas de cor alaranjada ou amarela escura foi inversamente associado ao risco para NIC3: OR ajustado comparado ao menor foi 0,52 (0,27-1,00; p de tendência=0,05). Conclusão. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem...

Effect of long term supplementation of tomatoes (cooked) on levels of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation rate, lipid profile and glycated haemoglobin in Type 2 diabetes mellitus / Efectos de la suplementación a largo plazo con tomates (cocidos) en los niveles de enzimas antioxidantes, el indice de peroxidación lipídica, el perfil lipídico, y la hemoglobina glicada en la diabetes de tipo 2

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the beneficial effect of tomatoes, which are a rich source of lycopene, a relatively new carotenoid known to play an important role in human health. In this study, the lipid peroxidation rate was investigated by estimating malondialdehyde (TBARS) levels of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, GSH-Px, GR, GSH, lipid profile, which includes total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, and glycated haemoglobin HbA1c in (n = 40) the Type 2 diabetic group (n = 40) and an age-matched control group (n = 50). Significantly lower levels of antioxidant enzymes and very high lipid peroxidation rate in the Type 2 diabetic group were observed when compared to controls (p 0.10). These findings suggest that tomato lycopene may have considerable therapeutic potential as an antioxidant but there was no significant lipid lowering effect in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar el efecto beneficioso del tomate como fuente rica en licopeno – un carotenoide relativamente nuevo, del cual se sabe que juega un importante papel en la salud humana. En este estudio, investigamos el índice de peroxidación lipídica, estimando los niveles MDA (TBARS) de las enzimas antioxidantes como SOD, GSH-Px, GR, GSH, el perfil lipídico, que incluye el colesterol total, los triglicéridos, los HDL, LDL, VLDL, y la hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) en (n = 40) en el grupo diabético tipo 2 (n = 40) y el grupo de control pareado por edad (n = 50). En este estudio, observamos niveles significativamente más bajos de enzimas antioxidantes e índices de peroxidación lipídica muy altos en el grupo diabético tipo 2, en comparación con el grupo control (p < 0.001). Asimismo observamos niveles significativamente más altos de perfil lipídico y hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) en el grupo diabético al comparársele con el grupo control (p < 0.001).

Carotenóides como alternativa contra a hipovitaminose A / Carotenoids as an alternative against hypovitaminosis A

A hipovitaminose A acarreta xeroftalmia, cegueira e morte em milhares de crianças no mundo e constitui um dos principais problemas nutricionais de populações de países em desenvolvimento, incluído o Brasil. Embora haja grande disponibilidade de frutas e verduras, fontes de carotenóides no Brasil, a hipovitaminose A constitui um grave problema de saúde pública. A falta de informação da população, no que diz respeito às fontes alimentares e aos fatores que interferem na biodisponibilidade dos carotenóides, citados na literatura, com a "mnemônica" SLAMENGHI são possíveis causas associadas a esta contradição. Os atuais fatores de conversão de carotenóides em retinol são superiores aos antigos fatores, o que pressupõe uma efetividade ainda menor na conversão dos carotenóides na forma ativa da vitamina A e coloca em questão a utilização destes no combate à hipovitaminose A. Esta revisão tem como objetivo relatar o que vem sendo abordado acerca do tema biodisponibilidade e fontes de carotenóides, para possibilitar um melhor posicionamento na utilização dos carotenóides no combate à hipovitaminose A.