Tomato carotenoids protect against UV‐induced cutaneous damage and tumor development in Skh‐1 hairless mice (645.7)

Abstract

Sun exposure is a major risk factor in skin cancer development. Previous work suggests tomato consumption for >10 weeks can mitigate ultraviolet (UV) light induced sunburn. Dietary carotenoids (CAR) distributed to the skin may act as photoprotectants, free radical quenchers and antioxidants to protect skin against UV‐induced damage. In addition to lycopene, tomatoes have higher levels of UV‐absorbing CAR (phytoene/phytofluene) compared to other fruits and vegetables. We hypothesize that by decreasing the UV‐induced skin inflammatory response tomato consumption would ultimately protect against skin cancer. Male and female Skh‐1 hairless and immunocompetent mice (n=180) were fed AIN‐93G or AIN‐93G + 10% tangerine or red tomato powder for 35 weeks. From weeks 11‐20, mice (n=120) were exposed to 2240 J/m2 UVB light, 3x/week and resulting tumors were tracked weekly. Control mice were fed the diets but not exposed to UV. Mice consuming tomato diets developed significantly fewer tumors compared to mice on control diets (P<0.001). The effects of tomato supplementation and UV exposure on: carotenoids in plasma/skin, measures of chronic inflammatory markers, alteration in UV mediated DNA damage and tumor statistics/grade were determined. These findings provide impetus for continued investigation of tomato CAR on human skin outcomes.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NCI R21CA158625