Evaluation and comparison of colorimetric outputs for yeast-based biosensors in laboratory and point-of-use settings.

Recent research has shown the potential of yeast-based biosensors (YBBs) for point-of-use detection of pathogens and target molecules in saliva, blood, and urine samples. The choice of output can greatly affect the sensitivity, dynamic range, detection time, and ease-of-use of a sensor. For visual detection without the need for additional reagents or machinery, colorimetric outputs have shown great potential. Here, we evaluated the inducible generation of prodeoxyviolacein and proviolacein as colorimetric YBB outputs and benchmarked these against lycopene. The outputs were induced via the yeast mating pathway and were compared on agar plates, in liquid culture, and on paper slips. We found that all three outputs produced comparable pigment intensity on agar plates, making them applicable for bioengineering settings. In liquid media and on paper slips, lycopene resulted in a higher intensity pigment and a decreased time-of-detection.

Lycopene Promotes Osteogenesis and Reduces Adipogenesis through Regulating FoxO1/PPARγ Signaling in Ovariectomized Rats and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Recent interest in preventing the development of osteoporosis has focused on the regulation of redox homeostasis. However, the action of lycopene (LYC), a strong natural antioxidant compound, on osteoporotic bone loss remains largely unknown. Here, we show that oral administration of LYC to OVX rats for 12 weeks reduced body weight gain, improved lipid metabolism, and preserved bone quality. In addition, LYC treatment inhibited ROS overgeneration in serum and bone marrow in OVX rats, and in BMSCs upon H2O2 stimulation, leading to inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting osteogenesis during bone remodeling. At the molecular level, LYC improved bone quality via an increase in the expressions of FoxO1 and Runx2 and a decrease in the expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα in OVX rats and BMSCs. Collectively, these findings suggest that LYC attenuates osteoporotic bone loss through promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis via regulation of the FoxO1/PPARγ pathway driven by oxidative stress, presenting a novel strategy for osteoporosis management.

High internal phase pickering emulsions stabilized by zein/whey protein nanofibril complexes: Preparation and lycopene loading.

High internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) prepared from natural polymers have attracted much attention in the food manufactures. However, single zein-stabilized HIPPEs are poorly stable and prone to flocculation near the isoelectric point. To address this issue, in this study, zein and whey protein nanofibrils (WPN) complex nanoparticles (ZWNPs) were successfully prepared using a pH-driven method, and ZWNPs were further used as HIPPEs stabilizers. The results showed that zein and WPN were combined together through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction to form ZWNPs, and the HIPPEs stabilized by ZWNPs had excellent stability, which could effectively protect the internally encapsulated lycopene and improve the bioaccessibility of lycopene. In conclusion, this study provides a new strategy for the preparation of stable hydrophobic protein-based HIPPEs, represented by zein.

Lycopene promoted M2 macrophage polarization via inhibition of NOTCH1-PI3K-mTOR-NF-κB-JMJD3-IRF4 pathway in response to Escherichia coli infection in J744A.1 cells.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) can induce severe clinical bovine mastitis, which is to blame for large losses experienced by dairy farms. Macrophage polarization into various states is in response to pathogen infections. Lycopene, a naturally occurring hydrocarbon carotenoid, relieved inflammation by controlling M1/M2 status of macrophages. Thus, we wanted to explore the effect of lycopene on polarization states of macrophages in E. coli-induced mastitis. Macrophages were cultivated with lycopene for 24, before E. coli inoculation for 6 h. Lycopene (0.5 µmol/L) significantly enhanced cell viabilities and significantly reduced lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in macrophages, whereas 2 and 3 µmol/L lycopene significantly enhanced LDH activities. Lycopene treatment significantly reduced the increase in LDH release, iNOS, CD86, TNF-α, IL-1ß and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expressions in E. coli group. 0.5 µmol/L lycopene significantly increased E. coli-induced downregulation of CD206, arginase I (ARG1), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), chitinase 3-like 3 (YM1), PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, jumonji domain-containing protein-3 (JMJD3) and interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) levels. Moreover, Ginkgolic acid C17:1 (a specific PTEN inhibitor), 740YPDGFR (a specific PI3K activator), SC79 (a specific AKT activator) or CHPG sodium salt (a specific NF-κB activator) significantly decreased CD206, AGR1, IDO and YM1 expressions in lycopene and E. coli-treated macrophages. Therefore, lycopene increased M2 macrophages via inhibiting NOTCH1-PI3K-mTOR-NF-κB-JMJD3-IRF4 pathway in response to E. coli infection in macrophages. These results contribute to revealing the pathogenesis of E. coli-caused bovine mastitis, providing the new angle of the prevention and management of mastitis.

Clpf encodes pentatricopeptide repeat protein (PPR5) and regulates pink flesh color in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.).

KEY MESSAGE: The gene controlling pink flesh in watermelon was finely mapped to a 55.26-kb region on chromosome 6. The prime candidate gene, Cla97C06G122120 (ClPPR5), was identified through forward genetics. Carotenoids offer numerous health benefits; while, they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Watermelon stands out as one of the richest sources of carotenoids. In this study, genetic generations derived from parental lines W15-059 (red flesh) and JQ13-3 (pink flesh) revealed the presence of the recessive gene Clpf responsible for the pink flesh (pf) trait in watermelon. Comparative analysis of pigment components and microstructure indicated that the disparity in flesh color between the parental lines primarily stemmed from variations in lycopene content, as well as differences in chromoplast number and size. Subsequent bulk segregant analysis (BSA-seq) and genetic mapping successfully narrowed down the Clpf locus to a 55.26-kb region on chromosome 6, harboring two candidate genes. Through sequence comparison and gene expression analysis, Cla97C06G122120 (annotated as a pentatricopeptide repeat, PPR) was predicted as the prime candidate gene related to pink flesh trait. To further investigate the role of the PPR gene, its homologous gene in tomato was silenced using a virus-induced system. The resulting silenced fruit lines displayed diminished carotenoid accumulation compared with the wild-type, indicating the potential regulatory function of the PPR gene in pigment accumulation. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the forward genetics underlying watermelon flesh traits, particularly in relation to carotenoid accumulation. The findings lay essential groundwork for elucidating mechanisms governing pigment synthesis and deposition in watermelon flesh, thereby providing valuable insights for future breeding strategies aimed at enhancing fruit quality and nutritional value.

How to beat the bull: Lycopene as a tool to improve in vitro fertilization efficiency in bulls with high polyspermy.

High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from in vitro conditions compromise oocyte quality and subsequent polyspermy prevention by the zona and membrane block. Antioxidant supplementation, like lycopene, during in vitro maturation (IVM) mitigates ROS effects, yet, its efficacy in blocking polyspermy remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation during IVM on oocyte maturation, fertilization, and developmental parameters. To this end, bovine oocytes were supplemented with 0.2 µM lycopene and fertilized with semen from three bulls. The three bulls showed different fertilization potential in vitro, with bull 1 showing the highest penetration and polyspermy rates and the lowest in vitro fertilization (IVF) efficiency. Interestingly, in bull 1, the treatment with lycopene improved IVF efficiency (p = 0.043) and reduced the polyspermy rate (p = 0.028). However, none of these effects were observed in bulls 2 and 3. Bulls with higher penetration rates exhibited better blastocyst rates although those rates did not seem to be associated with polyspermy or IVF efficiency. Oocyte mitochondrial distribution and activity and cortical granule migration and distribution were not influenced by lycopene. In conclusion, we demonstrated that lycopene addition during oocyte maturation had a positive impact on IVF efficiency by reducing polyspermy rates in a bull-dependent manner. The reduction in polyspermy rates was not caused by changes in cortical granule migration or oocyte mitochondrial distribution. Lycopene must therefore induce other changes in the oocyte that lower the in vitro penetration rates of specific bulls prone to polyspermy.

Lycopene from tomatoes and tomato products exerts renoprotective effects by ameliorating oxidative stress, apoptosis, pyroptosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory injury in calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis: the underlying mechanisms.

Several mechanisms underlying nephrolithiasis, one of the most common urological diseases, involve calcium oxalate formation, including oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, fibrosis, pyroptosis, and apoptosis. Although lycopene has strong antioxidant activity, its protective effects against CaOx-induced injury have not yet been reported. This study aimed to systematically investigate the protective effects of lycopene and explore its mechanisms and molecular targets. Crystal deposition, renal function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, fibrosis, pyroptosis, and apoptosis were assessed to evaluate the renoprotective effects of lycopene against crystal formation in a CaOx rat model and oxalate-stimulated NRK-52E and HK-2 cells. Lycopene markedly ameliorated crystal deposition, restored renal function, and suppressed kidney injury by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and pyroptosis in the rats. In cell models, lycopene pretreatment reversed reactive oxygen species increase, apoptotic damage, intracellular lactate dehydrogenase release, cytotoxicity, pyroptosis, and extracellular matrix deposition. Network pharmacology and proteomic analyses were performed to identify lycopene target proteins under CaOx-exposed conditions, and the results showed that Trappc4 might be a pivotal target gene for lycopene, as identified by cellular thermal shift assay and surface plasmon resonance analyses. Based on molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, alanine scanning mutagenesis, and saturation mutagenesis, we observed that lycopene directly interacts with Trappc4 via hydrophobic bonds, which may be attributed to the PHE4 and PHE142 residues, preventing ERK1/2 or elevating AMPK signaling pathway phosphorylation events. In conclusion, lycopene might ameliorate oxalate-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury via the Trappc4/ERK1/2/AMPK pathway, indicating its potential for the treatment of nephrolithiasis.

Multi-modular metabolic engineering and efflux engineering for enhanced lycopene production in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Lycopene has been widely used in the food industry and medical field due to its antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, achieving efficient manufacture of lycopene using chassis cells on an industrial scale remains a major challenge. Herein, we attempted to integrate multiple metabolic engineering strategies to establish an efficient and balanced lycopene biosynthetic system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. First, the lycopene synthesis pathway was modularized to sequentially enhance the metabolic flux of the mevalonate pathway, the acetyl-CoA supply module, and lycopene exogenous enzymatic module. The modular operation enabled the efficient conversion of acetyl-CoA to downstream pathway of lycopene synthesis, resulting in a 3.1-fold increase of lycopene yield. Second, we introduced acetate as an exogenous carbon source and utilized an acetate-repressible promoter to replace the natural ERG9 promoter. This approach not only enhanced the supply of acetyl-CoA but also concurrently diminished the flux toward the competitive ergosterol pathway. As a result, a further 42.3% increase in lycopene production was observed. Third, we optimized NADPH supply and mitigated cytotoxicity by overexpressing ABC transporters to promote lycopene efflux. The obtained strain YLY-PDR11 showed a 12.7-fold increase in extracellular lycopene level compared to the control strain. Finally, the total lycopene yield reached 343.7 mg/L, which was 4.3 times higher than that of the initial strain YLY-04. Our results demonstrate that combining multi-modular metabolic engineering with efflux engineering is an effective approach to improve the production of lycopene. This strategy can also be applied to the overproduction of other desirable isoprenoid compounds with similar synthesis and storage patterns in S. cerevisiae. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: In this research, lycopene production in yeast was markedly enhanced by integrating a multi-modular approach, acetate signaling-based down-regulation of competitive pathways, and an efflux optimization strategy.

Optimization of ultrasonic conditions for improving the characteristics of corn starch-glycyrrhiza polysaccharide composite to prepare enhanced quality lycopene inclusion complex.

In this study, based on response surface optimization of ultrasound pre-treatment conditions for encapsulating lycopene, the corn starch-glycyrrhiza polysaccharide composite (US-CS-GP) was used to prepare a novel lycopene inclusion complex (US-CS-GP-Lyc). Ultrasound treatment (575 W, 25 kHz) at 35 °C for 25 min significantly enhanced the rheological and starch properties of US-CS-GP, facilitating the preparation of US-CS-GP-Lyc with an encapsulation efficiency of 76.12 ±â€¯1.76 %. In addition, the crystalline structure, thermal properties, and microstructure of the obtained lycopene inclusion complex were significantly improved and showed excellent antioxidant activity and storage stability. The US-CS-GP-Lyc exhibited a V-type crystal structure, enhanced lycopene loading capacity, and reduced crystalline regions due to increased amorphous regions, as well as superior thermal properties, including a lower maximum thermal decomposition rate and a higher maximum decomposition temperature. Furthermore, its smooth surface with dense pores provides enhanced space and protection for lycopene loading. Moreover, the US-CS-GP-Lyc displayed the highest DPPH scavenging rate (92.20 %) and enhanced stability under light and prolonged storage. These findings indicate that ultrasonic pretreatment can boost electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding between corn starch and glycyrrhiza polysaccharide, enhance composite properties, and improve lycopene encapsulation, which may provide a scientific basis for the application of ultrasound technology in the refined processing of starch-polysaccharides composite products.

Physicochemical and sensorial properties of tomato leathers at different drying conditions.

Tomato leather as a healthy alternative to traditional fruit leathers was formulated. A tray dryer with changing temperature (50, 60, and 70°C) and relative humidity (5%, 10%, and 20%) was used to achieve the best product in terms of color, water distribution, lycopene content, mechanical, and sensorial properties. Color change was the highest at 70°C due to the Maillard reaction. Lycopene content was also the highest at 70°C. Time domain-NMR relaxometry showed that water distribution of all samples was homogeneous and similar to each other. Processing conditions affected mechanical properties significantly. The highest tensile strength was observed at 70°C, possibly due to the denatured proteins. Sensory analysis indicated better flavor development at 70°C, whereas overall acceptability of samples was higher at 50°C. The results of this study showed the main processing parameters of tomato leather with a minimal amount of ingredients, with acceptable mechanical and sensorial properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Tomato leather was produced by using minimal amount of ingredients. Taste of the leather was found acceptable, as a salty snack food. Therefore, this product can be produced economically and it has a high potential to be consumed as an alternative to conventional fruit leathers.

Functional Characterization of a CruP-Like Isomerase in Dunaliella.

Dunaliella bardawil is a marine unicellular green algal that produces large amounts of ß-carotene and is a model organism for studying the carotenoid synthesis pathway. However, there are still many mysteries about the enzymes of the D. bardawil lycopene synthesis pathway that have not been revealed. Here, we have identified a CruP-like lycopene isomerase, named DbLyISO, and successfully cloned its gene from D. bardawil. DbLyISO showed a high homology with CruPs. We constructed a 3D model of DbLyISO and performed molecular docking with lycopene, as well as molecular dynamics testing, to identify the functional characteristics of DbLyISO. Functional activity of DbLyISO was also performed by overexpressing gene in both E. coli and D. bardawil. Results revealed that DbLyISO acted at the C-5 and C-13 positions of lycopene, catalyzing its cis-trans isomerization to produce a more stable trans structure. These results provide new ideas for the development of a carotenoid series from engineered bacteria, algae, and plants.

Application of ionic liquid ultrasound-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) of lycopene from guava (Psidium guajava L.) by response surface methodology and artificial neural network-genetic algorithm.

Lycopene-rich guava (Psidium guajava L.) exhibits significant economic potential as a functional food ingredient, making it highly valuable for the pharmaceutical and agro-food industries. However, there is a need to enhance the extraction methods of lycopene to fully exploit its beneficial uses. In this study, we evaluated various ionic liquids to identify the most effective one for extracting lycopene from guava. Among thirteen ionic liquids with varying carbon chains or anions, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride demonstrated the highest productivity. Subsequently, a single-factor experiment was employed to test the impact of several parameters on the efficiency of lycopene extraction using this selected ionic liquid. These parameters included extraction time, ultrasonic power, liquid-solid ratio, concentration of the ionic liquid, as well as material particle size. Moreover, models of artificial neural networks using genetic algorithms (ANN-GA) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to comprehensively assess the first four key parameters. The optimized conditions for ionic liquid ultrasound-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) were determined as follows: 33 min of extraction time, 225 W of ultrasonic power, 22 mL/g of liquid-solid ratio, 3.0 mol/L of IL concentration, and extraction cycles of three. Under these conditions, lycopene production reached an impressive yield of 9.35 ± 0.36 mg/g while offering advantages such as high efficiency, time savings, preservation benefits, and most importantly environmental friendliness.

The assessment of dietary carotenoid intake of the Cardio-Med FFQ using food records and biomarkers in an Australian cardiology cohort: a pilot validation.

Dietary carotenoids are associated with lower risk of CHD. Assessment of dietary carotenoid intake using questionnaires can be susceptible to measurement error. Consequently, there is a need to validate data collected from FFQs which measure carotenoid intake. This study aimed to assess the performance of the Cardio-Med Survey Tool (CMST)-FFQ-version 2 (v2) as a measure of dietary carotenoid intake over 12-months against plasma carotenoids biomarkers and 7-Day Food Records (7DFR) in an Australian cardiology cohort. Dietary carotenoid intakes (ß- and α-carotene, lycopene, ß-cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin) were assessed using the 105-item CMST-FFQ-v2 and compared to intakes measured by 7DFR and plasma carotenoid concentrations. Correlation coefficients were calculated between each dietary method, and validity coefficients (VCs) were calculated between each dietary method and theoretical true intake using the 'methods of triads'. Thirty-nine participants aged 37-77 years with CHD participated in the cross-sectional study. The correlation between FFQ and plasma carotenoids were largest and significant for ß-carotene (0.39, p=0.01), total carotenoids (0.37, p=0.02) and ß-cryptoxanthin (0.33, p=0.04), with weakest correlations observed for α-carotene (0.21, p=0.21) and lycopene (0.21, p=0.21). The FFQ VCs were moderate (0.3-0.6) or larger for all measured carotenoids. The strongest were observed for total carotenoids (0.61) and ß-carotene (0.59), while the weakest were observed for α-carotene (0.33) and lycopene (0.37). In conclusion, the CMST-FFQ-v2 measured dietary carotenoids intakes with moderate confidence for most carotenoids, however, there was less confidence in ability to measure α-carotene and lycopene intake, thus further research is warranted using a larger sample.

[The use of antioxidants in combination therapy of chronic prostatitis].

Currently, the significance of the chronic prostatitis (CP) is undoubted. Oxidative stress is considered as one of the standard mechanisms of cellular damage that is associated with inflammatory diseases such as CP. When choosing the combination therapy for this group of patients, a correction of oxidative stress is pathogenetically justified. Literature data about the pathogenetic feasibility and prospects of using a biologically active complex containing flavonoids and carotenoids quercetin, lycopene and naringin as part of the combination treatment of patients with CP are presented in the article. Considering the various effects of the biologically active complex Querceprost, containing quercetin, lycopene and naringin, among which antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory are of greatest importance, as well as taking into account the synergistic effect of flavonoids and carotenoids, we suggest that Querceprost is promising component of combination treatment of patients with CP.

Chemical Profile and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Rosa canina L. Dried Fruit Commercially Available in Serbia.

The aim of this work was to give as much information as possible on Rosa canina dried fruit that is commercially available in Serbia. In order to provide the chemical composition, the UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS method was employed for both polar and non-polar extracts of samples obtained with a solvent mixture consisting of hexane, acetone, and ethanol in a volume ratio of 2:1:1, respectively, and 0.05% (w/v) butylated hydroxytoluene. In addition, the total content levels of lycopene, ß-carotene, total polyphenols, and flavonoids were determined by means of UV-vis spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity was tested by applying four different methods: ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC. Overall, nine compounds were identified. The results of chemical composition analysis were used as the basis for the interpretation of the calculated results for the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The obtained results for R. canina dried fruit extract are as follows: ß-carotene-7.25 [mg/100 g fruit weight]; lycopene-2.34 (mg/100 g FW); total polyphenol content (TPC)-2980 [mg GAE/kg FW]; total flavonoid content (TFC)-1454 [mg CE/kg FW]; antioxidant activity-ABTS 12.3 [µmol/100 g FW], DPPH 6.84, FRAP 52.04, and CUPRAC 15,425; and antimicrobial activity-Staphylococcus aureus MIC/MMC 4/0 [mg∙mL-1], Enterococcus faecalis 4/0, Bacillus cereus 4/0, Escherichia coli 4/0, Salmonella enteritidis 4/4, Enteroabacter aerogenes 4/0, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2/0, and Candida albicans 2/0.

Postprandial Micronutrient Variability and Bioavailability: An Interventional Meal Study in Young vs. Old Participants.

This study explores age- and time-dependent variations in postprandial micronutrient absorption after a micronutrient-rich intervention meal within the Biomiel (bioavailability of micronutrients in elderly) study. Comprising 43 healthy participants, the study compares young (n = 21; mean age 26.90 years) and old (n = 22; mean age 66.77 years) men and women, analyzing baseline concentrations and six-hour postprandial dynamics of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), iodine (I), free zinc (fZn), vitamin C, retinol, lycopene, ß-carotene, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol, along with 25(OH) vitamin D (quantified only at baseline). Methodologically, quantifications in serum or plasma were performed at baseline and also at 90, 180, 270, and 360 min postprandially. Results reveal higher baseline serum Zn and plasma lycopene concentrations in the young group, whereas Cu, Se, Cu/Zn ratio, 25(OH) vitamin D, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol were higher in old participants. Postprandial variability of Zn, vitamin C, and lycopene showed a strong time-dependency. Age-related differences in postprandial metabolism were observed for Se, Cu, and I. Nevertheless, most of the variance was explained by individuality. Despite some limitations, this study provides insights into postprandial micronutrient metabolism (in serum/plasma), emphasizing the need for further research for a comprehensive understanding of this complex field. Our discoveries offer valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to address and mitigate micronutrient deficiencies in older adults, fostering optimal health and well-being across the lifespan.

A phase I study of docetaxel plus synthetic lycopene in metastatic prostate cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Our preclinical studies showed that lycopene enhanced the anti-prostate cancer efficacy of docetaxel in animal models. A phase I trial (NCT0149519) was conducted to identify an optimum dose of synthetic lycopene in combination with docetaxel (and androgen blockade [androgen deprivation therapy, ADT]), and to evaluate its effect on the safety and pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in men with metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS: Subjects were treated with 21-day cycles of 75 mg/m2 docetaxel (and ADT), plus lycopene at 30, 90 or 150 mg/day. A Bayesian model averaging continual reassessment method was used to guide dose escalation. Pharmacokinetics of docetaxel and multiple correlative studies were carried out. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants were enrolled, 18 in a dose escalation cohort to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and six in a pharmacokinetic cohort. Docetaxel/ADT plus 150 mg/day synthetic lycopene resulted in dose-limiting toxicity (pulmonary embolus) in one out of 12 participants with an estimated probability of .106 and thus was chosen as the MTD. Lycopene increased the AUCinf and Cmax of plasma docetaxel by 9.5% and 15.1%, respectively. Correlative studies showed dose-related changes in circulating endothelial cells and vascular endothelial growth factor A, and reduction in insulin-like growth factor 1R phosphorylation, associated with lycopene therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of docetaxel/ADT and synthetic lycopene has low toxicity and favourable pharmacokinetics. The effects of lycopene on biomarkers provide additional support for the toxicity-dependent MTD definition. HIGHLIGHTS: The maximum tolerated dose was identified as 150 mg/day of lycopene in combination with docetaxel/ADT for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer patients. Small increases in plasma exposure to docetaxel were observed with lycopene co-administration. Mechanistically significant effects were seen on angiogenesis and insulin-like growth factor 1 signalling by lycopene co-administration with docetaxel/ADT.

Lycopene possess an antimalarial effect on chloroquine-resistant malaria and its hematological aberrations in murine model.

Malaria remains a major public health issue worldwide, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The resistance of Plasmodium parasites to commonly used antimalarial drugs has necessitated the development of novel drugs and targets for malaria treatment. Lycopene is a natural compound present in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. This study aimed to evaluate the antimalarial activity of lycopene and its co-administration with chloroquine against chloroquine-resistant malaria, as well as to assess its impact on hematological abnormalities associated with malaria infection. The experimental animals for this study were infected with 10 7 NK65 Plasmodium berghei-infected red blood cells via intraperitoneal injection. The animals were then treated with artemether-lumefantrine, chloroquine, and varying doses of lycopene. The study evaluated percentage parasitemia, mean survival time, and various hematological parameters, including red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width - coefficient of variation, red blood cell distribution width - standard deviation, white blood cell count, granulocyte count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, and procalcitonin level. The study revealed that lycopene demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) antimalarial activity and the ability to ameliorate hematological abnormalities associated with acute malaria infection. The findings of this study highlight the potential of lycopene as a novel antimalarial agent. The results of this study may contribute to the development of new drugs for malaria treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The Association between Circulating Carotenoids and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies.

Carotenoids appear to have anticancer effects. Prospective evidence for the relation between serum carotenoids and breast cancer is controversial. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the link between circulating carotenoids and the risk of breast cancer. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 30 November, 2022. Prospective studies on adults aged ≥18 y that have reported risk estimates for the association between circulating carotenoids and breast cancer risk were considered. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was used for combining studies' risk estimates. Dose-response relations were explored through a 1-stage random-effects model. Fifteen publications (17 nested case-control studies and 1 cohort study) with 20,188 participants and 7608 cases were included. We observed an inverse association between the highest level of circulating total carotenoids (relative risk [RR]: 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62, 0.93; n = 8), α-carotene (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.87; n = 13), ß-carotene (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.65, 0.98; n = 15), ß-cryptoxanthin (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.96; n = 11), lycopene (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.98; n = 13), and lutein (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.93; n = 6) and the risk of breast cancer compared with the lowest level. Additionally, each 10 µg/dL of total carotenoids, α-carotene, ß-carotene, and ß-cryptoxanthin was associated with 2%, 22%, 4%, and 10% lower risk of breast cancer, respectively. This relationship was stronger at lower levels of total carotenoids and ß-cryptoxanthin. The certainty of evidence was rated from very low to low. Most studies were performed among Western nations, which should be acknowledged for extrapolation of findings. Total circulating carotenoids, α-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein seem to be related to a decreased risk of breast cancer. Our findings could have practical importance for public health. This study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023434983.

Lycopene Ameliorated DSS-Induced Colitis by Improving Epithelial Barrier Functions and Inhibiting the Escherichia coli Adhesion in Mice.

Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Blocking the adhesion of E. coli to intestinal epithelial cells appears to be useful for attenuating inflammatory bowel disease. Lycopene has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to test the intervention effect of lycopene on colitis in mice and to investigate the possible mechanism through which lycopene affects the adhesion of E. coli to intestinal epithelial cells. Lycopene (12 mg/kg BW) attenuated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, decreased the proportion of E. coli, and activated the NLR family pyrin domain containing 12 and inactivated nuclear factor kappa B pathways. Furthermore, lycopene inhibited the adhesion of E. coli O157:H7 to Caco-2 cells by blocking the interaction between E. coli O157:H7 and integrin ß1. Lycopene ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by improving epithelial barrier functions and inhibiting E. coli adhesion. Overall, these results show that lycopene may be a promising component for the prevention and treatment of colitis.