Tomato Carotenoids Research Articles

Simultaneous extraction and quantification of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants in Solanum lycopersicum L. varieties marketed in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Several varieties of Solanum lycopersicum L. are consumed in Saudi Arabia, including the most expensive Ramis tomato, which is claimed to be rich in antioxidants. However, there is a lack of studies on the extraction and quantification of antioxidants in tomatoes marketed in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a straightforward method to extract and quantify phenolics and carotenoids in tomatoes consumed in Saudi Arabia. The developed method used glass coverslips for homogenisation and a methanol-petroleum ether mixture for extraction. In 15 investigated varieties, antioxidants were abundantly present in the skin part (2.0 ± 0.72 mg/g of phenolics and 229.50 ± 21.10 μg/g of carotenoids) compared to the pulp (0.67 ± 0.20 mg/g of phenolics and 107.70 ± 21.10 μg/g of carotenoids). Generally, the Saudi varieties contained higher amounts of antioxidants than the imported varieties. The antioxidant content of the Ramis cultivar depends on the cultivation location. For instance, Ramis Awjam shows high amounts of phenolics (2.72 mg/g in the skin extract and 0.63 mg/g in the pulp) and carotenoids (338.04–388.41 μg/g in the skin and 173.93–205.75 μg/g in the pulp). This study provides valuable insights that can assist in selecting the cultivar and location of tomatoes with the maximum antioxidant quantities.

Relative Uptake of Tomato Carotenoids by In Vitro Intestinal and Prostate Cancer Cells

BackgroundConsumption of tomatoes and tomato carotenoids is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Prostate tissue accumulates tomato carotenoids, including lycopene, β-carotene, and phytoene. Phytoene accumulation is relatively greater in the prostate than that of lycopene, but the metabolic determinants of tissue carotenoid profiles are poorly understood. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine if differences in stability, cellular uptake, and clearance of phytoene compared with lycopene or β-carotene by prostate and intestinal cells may explain differences in observed tissue carotenoid profiles. MethodsGene and protein expression for carotenoid metabolism in prostate cell lines were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Uptake, efflux, and clearance of phytoene, lycopene, or β-carotene by prostate cell (LNCaP, RWPE-1, and PC-3) and absorptive enterocyte (Caco-2) cultures were compared. The effect of scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SCARB1) inhibition on carotenoid uptake by LNCaP, RWPE-1, and Caco-2 cells was tested. ResultsSCARB1 was expressed across prostate cell lines. Lycopene, phytoene, and β-carotene uptakes were similar in LNCaP and PC-3 cells, whereas RWPE-1 cells absorbed a smaller portion of the phytoene dose than lycopene or β-carotene doses. The clearance rates of carotenoids from LNCaP cells did not differ. Intestinal cell uptake of phytoene was greatest, followed by β-carotene and lycopene. SR-BI inhibitor treatment did not significantly reduce the uptake or efflux of carotenoids by LNCaP or Caco-2 cells at the dose concentration provided. ConclusionsOverall, this study suggests that greater bioavailability at the point of the intestine and greater stability of phytoene are determinants of the relative enrichment of phytoene in prostate tissue.

Accentuation of the browning characteristics and functional properties of aged tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum cv.)

Moisture-assisted aging technology (MAAT) is a green process that improves browning characteristics and functionalities. This study investigated the physicochemical and functional characteristics of aged tomatoes. MAAT modulated carotenoids biotransformation from esterified to free form (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy 1738, 2851, and 2922 cm−1) and generated primary and secondary oxidation volatiles, such as 4-terpineol, α-terpineol, and γ-terpineol (Headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass), which contributed woody and clove odors. Total flavonoids and α-glucosidase activity inhibitory were significantly increased from 1207.729 to 2318.204 mg RE/100 g DW and 77.703% to 86.851%, respectively. We discovered different synthesis pathways of 5-HMF and furfural under different water activities; this breakthrough may set furfural as an important factor in quality control of MAAT products in the future. Thus, MAAT can modulate the chemical form of tomato carotenoids, improve functionalities, and generate unique woody odor volatiles. These results may be applied to health food development in the food industry.

Enrichment of sunflower oil with tomato carotenoids and its encapsulation in Ca-alginate beads: Preparation, characterization and chemical stability upon in vitro digestion

Carotenoids from tomatoes are not only responsible for the vibrant red color of the fruits but, being powerful antioxidants, they also play a crucial role in enhancing the nutritional value and the health benefits of the raw fruits and products derived therefrom. The extraction of tomato carotenoids with the aid of ultrasounds and sunflower oil as a solvent medium, was explored in this work. Extraction parameters such as duration of sonication (min) and solvent:solid ratio (v/w) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). In a subsequent step, the obtained tomato carotenoids-enriched sunflower oil was encapsulated in Ca-alginate beads (three-dimensional cross-linked microgel particles) using ionotropic gelation. The fabricated alginate beads loaded with tomato carotenoids were characterized with a variety of analytical techniques, i.e., optical and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), chromatometry, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy, in order to obtain information regarding their size, shape, chroma as well as the molecular interactions among constituents present in the alginate beads. The encapsulation yield (%) and encapsulation efficiency (%) were found to be satisfactory. Moreover, the swelling behaviour as well as the chemical stability of tomato carotenoids in the oil phase under simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion conditions were evaluated. The developed processing approach offers an alternative route for the design of biodegradable and biocompatible carriers of tomato carotenoids-enriched sunflower oil preparations that could be used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications for protection and delivery of such non-polar bioactives derived from agricultural commodities and/or their by-products and wastes.

Differential content of leaf and fruit pigment in tomatoes culminate in a complex metabolic reprogramming without growth impacts

Although significant efforts to produce carotenoid-enriched foods either by biotechnology or traditional breeding strategies have been carried out, our understanding of how changes in the carotenoid biosynthesis might affect overall plant performance remains limited. Here, we investigate how the metabolic machinery of well characterized tomato carotenoid mutant plants [namely crimson (old gold-og), Delta carotene (Del) and tangerine (t)] adjusts itself to varying carotenoid biosynthesis and whether these adjustments are supported by a reprogramming of photosynthetic and central metabolism in the source organs (leaves). We observed that mutations og, Del and t did not greatly affect vegetative growth, leaf anatomy and gas exchange parameters. However, an exquisite metabolic reprogramming was recorded on the leaves, with an increase in levels of amino acids and reduction of organic acids. Taken together, our results show that despite minor impacts on growth and gas exchange, carbon flux is extensively affected, leading to adjustments in tomato leaves metabolism to support changes in carotenoid biosynthesis on fruits (sinks). We discuss these data in the context of our current understanding of metabolic adjustments and carotenoid biosynthesis as well as regarding to improving human nutrition.

Application of Red and Blue LED Light on Cultivation and Postharvest of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Currently, light-emitting diode (LED) technology has produced a more energy-efficient and versatile technology as an artificial lighting system that can be applied in the agricultural sector. Artificial lighting technology has been proven to be effective in increasing the production of agricultural products, especially horticultural commodities. As one of the primary horticulture commodities, tomatoes are the most common crop produced in controlled environments with LED artificial lighting. The focus of this study is to describe the application of LED lights in tomato cultivation and postharvest. We provide an amalgamation of the recent research achievements on the impact of LED lighting on photosynthesis, vegetative growth, flowering, production, and postharvest of tomatoes. Red-blue (RB) lighting induces photosynthesis; increases the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in tomato leaves; regulates vegetative growth in tomatoes; and increases the production of tomatoes. In postharvest tomatoes, blue LED lighting treatment can slowly change the color of the tomato skin to red, maintain hardness, and increase shelf life. Future research may be carried out on the effect of LED artificial lighting on tomatoes' phytochemical, antioxidant and other crucial nutritional content. Different LED wavelengths can be explored to enhance various bioactive compounds and health-promoting components.

Fruits from tomato carotenoid mutants have altered susceptibility to grey mold

The necrotrophic fungus Botritys cinerea takes advantage of the oxidative burst to facilitate tissue infection, leading to substantial losses during tomato postharvest. Tomato fruit is a source of carotenoids, pigments with a wide variety of isomeric configurations that determine their antioxidant capacity. Here, fruit susceptibility to B. cinerea was assessed in Micro-Tom Near Isogenic lines harboring mutations that alter the profile of carotenoids. Wound-inoculated fruit of the mutants Delta carotene (Del) and tangerine (t), which show large variety of carotenoids rather than the major accumulation of trans-lycopene, were less susceptible to the pathogen. Differences in susceptibility between the mutants were only observed in ripe fruit, after the formation of carotenoids, and they were associated with attenuation of damage caused by reactive oxygen species. The greater variety of carotenoid isomers, which in turn contributed to the greater lipophilic antioxidant capacity of fruit, was associated with the less susceptible mutants, Del and t. Together, our data reveals a potential activity of carotenoids in fruit defense, in addition to the well-known and widespread ecological role as attractors of seed dispersers.

P03-033-23 Assessing the Bioaccessibility and Cellular Uptake of Carotenoids in Tomato Using Simulated Human Digestion and Caco-2 Cell Uptake Model

P03-033-23 Assessing the Bioaccessibility and Cellular Uptake of Carotenoids in Tomato Using Simulated Human Digestion and Caco-2 Cell Uptake Model

Isolation, Characterization and Docking Analysis of Lycopene from Solanum lycopersicum and Daucus carota

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a berry type fruits and red carrot (Daucus carota) is a root vegetable which have essential micronutrient for the human diet. Carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamins present in tomato and red carrot act as antioxidants, anticarcinogens, and well known to promote human health and is considered as a vital functional food. Lycopene is a main carotenoid in tomatoes and red carrot, accountable for the red color of tomatoes and carrot. Lycopene can trap singlet oxygen and reduce mutagenesis. Lycopene reveals important role in a number of chronic diseases such as cancer. The present study was aimed to characterize, compare and evaluate the lycopene content in tomatoes and carrots and determine, red carrots can be an alternative source of lycopene because fresh tomatoes have a shorter shelf life than carrot. The molecular docking is presented between lycopene and Human homooxygenase enzyme-1 (HO-1) that potentiate it as a suitable antioxidant molecule.

Orchestration of miRNA Patterns by Testosterone and Dietary Tomato Carotenoids during Early Prostate Carcinogenesis in TRAMP Mice

BackgroundThe integrative effects of prostate cancer risk factors, such as diet and endocrine status, on cancer-associated miRNA expression are poorly defined. ObjectivesThis study aimed to define the influence of androgens and diet (tomato and lycopene) on prostatic miRNA expression during early carcinogenesis in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. MethodsWild type (WT) and TRAMP mice were fed control, tomato-containing, or lycopene-containing diets from 4 to 10 weeks of age. Mice underwent either sham (intact) or castration surgery at 8 wk, and half of the castrated mice received testosterone (2.5 mg/kg body weight/d) at 9 wk. Mice were killed at 10 wk, and dorsolateral prostate expression of 602 miRNAs was assessed. ResultsWe detected expression of 88 miRNAs (15% of 602), all of which were present in the TRAMP, in comparison with 49 miRNAs being detectable (8%) in WT. Expression of 61 miRNAs differed by TRAMP genotype, with the majority upregulated in TRAMP. Of the 61 miRNAs, 42 were responsive to androgen status. Diet affected 41% of the miRNAs, which differed by genotype (25/61) and 48% of the androgen-sensitive miRNAs (20/42), indicating overlapping genetic and dietary influences on prostate miRNAs. Tomato and lycopene feeding influenced miRNAs previously associated with the regulation of androgen (miR-145 and let-7), MAPK (miR-106a, 204, 145/143, and 200b/c), and p53 signaling (miR-125 and miR-98) pathways. ConclusionsExpression of miRNAs in early prostate carcinogenesis is sensitive to genetic, endocrine, and diet drivers, suggesting novel mechanisms by which tomato and lycopene feeding modulate early prostate carcinogenesis.

Threshold or not: Spectral composition and light-intensity dependence of growth and metabolism in tomato seedlings

Application of LED lighting technology in indoor cultivation systems enables to improve vegetable cultivation, including tomato plantlet production. Most studies investigated the effects of light intensity and spectral composition separately and most of them used low light intensities. The present study examined the effects of light intensity and spectral composition together on the growth, flowering and accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites in tomato leaves. The most important light factors affecting the growth and metabolism in tomato plants were determined together with the roles of photoreceptor phytochromes and cryptochromes. The changes of some morphological, physiological and metabolic parameters, such as plant height, photosynthetic activity, stomatal conductance and sugar accumulation showed a linear correlation with the increased proportion of blue light within 5–30% blue light range. Others, including stem diameter, biomass, leaf area and protein content grew up only to a point. Above this threshold, the blue light had adverse effects. Red or green light fluence stimulated the biomass production, flowering and the accumulation of carbohydrates in which phytochromes (B1 and B2) are involved. The proportion of red light influenced the specific area of leaves and also the chlorophyll biosynthesis. High amount of blue light stimulated the protein, carotenoid, anthocyanin and flavonoid biosynthesis in tomato leaves. It may have happened through CRY2-mediated regulation. The optimal blue proportion was around 15% for the growth of young tomato plants, however, it can also shift to higher blue proportion if the growth light intensity was low indicating that the optimal level of blue light depends also on the light intensity. The results showed that light intensity and spectral composition regulate the growth and metabolism of tomato plants in interaction.

Effects of different processed tomatoes on carotenoid release and microbiota composition during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation.

Carotenoids in tomatoes confer significant health benefits to humans but with the disadvantage of the carotenoids from raw tomatoes not being easily absorbed for utilization. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different cooking processes on carotenoid release and human gut microbiota composition during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion of tomatoes. The results showed that stir-frying significantly increased the release of lycopene and β-carotene during gastrointestinal digestion, with boiling being the second most effective treatment. The boiling-treated tomatoes enhanced the carotenoid release during in vitro fermentation. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that the digestion of the raw and boiled tomatoes promoted the growth of potentially beneficial microbiota while reducing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides, which potentially helps prevent obesity. Boiling treatment significantly reduced the growth of Peptostreptococcus and was negatively correlated with carotenoid release. Overall, the boiling-treated tomatoes were more effective than the raw or stir-fried tomatoes in terms of both colon health benefits and carotenoid release.

SlBEL11 affects tomato carotenoid accumulation by regulating SlLCY-b2.

Extensive data have demonstrated that carotenoid accumulation in tomato fruit is influenced by environmental cues and hormonal signals. However, there is insufficient information on the mechanism of its transcriptional regulation, as many molecular roles of carotenoid biosynthetic pathways remain unknown. In this work, we found that the silence of the BEL1-like family transcription factor (TF) BEL1-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN 11 (SlBEL11) enhanced carotenoid accumulation in virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) analysis. In its RNA interference (RNAi) transgenic lines, a significant increase in the transcription level for the lycopene beta cyclase 2 (SlLCY-b2) gene was detected, which encoded a key enzyme located at the downstream branch of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. In Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), SlBEL11 protein was confirmed to bind to the promoter of SlLCY-b2 gene. In addition, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed its intrinsic transcriptional repression activity. Collectively, our findings added a new member to the carotenoid transcriptional regulatory network and expanded the functions of the SlBEL11 transcription factor.

G2-LIKE CAROTENOID REGULATOR (SlGCR) is a positive regulator of lutein biosynthesis in tomato

Lutein is an oxygen-containing carotenoid synthesized in plant chloroplasts and chromoplasts. It plays an indispensable role in promoting plant growth and maintaining eye health in humans. The rate-limiting step of lutein biosynthesis is catalyzed by the lycopene ε-cyclase enzyme (LCYE). Although great progress has been made in the identification of transcription factors involved in the lutein biosynthetic pathway, many systematic molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, using co-expression analysis, we identified a gene, G2-LIKE CAROTENOID REGULATOR (SlGCR), encoding a GARP G2-like transcription factor, as the potential regulator of SlLCYE in tomato. Silencing of SlGCR reduced the expression of carotenoid biosynthetic genes and the accumulation of carotenoids in tomato leaves. By contrast, overexpression of SlGCR in tomato fruit significantly increased the expression of relevant genes and enhanced the accumulation of carotenoids. SlGCR can directly bind to the SlLCYE promoter and activate its expression. In addition, we also discovered that expression of SlGCR was negatively regulated by the master regulator SlRIN, thereby inhibiting lutein synthesis during tomato fruit ripening. Taken together, we identified SlGCR as a novel regulator involved in tomato lutein biosynthesis, elucidated the regulatory mechanism, and provided a potential tool for tomato lutein metabolic engineering.

Phytochemical Screening, GCMS and FTIR Profile of Bioactive Compounds in Solanum lycopersicum Wild Fruits collected from Palani Hill Ranges of the Western Ghats

Tomatoes are consumed worldwide as fresh vegetables because of their high contents of essential nutrients and antioxidant-rich phytochemicals. Tomatoes contain minerals, vitamins, proteins, essential amino acids (Leucine, Threonine, Valine, Histidine, Lysine, Arginine), monounsaturated fatty acids (Linoleic and Linolenic Acids), Carotenoids (Lycopene and β-Carotenoids) and Phytosterols (β-Sitosterol, Campesterol and Stigmasterol). GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 3-methylheptane, Ethylcyclohexane, 2-Methyl-4,6-octadiyn-3-one, 5,6-Dimethylundecane, (3E)3-Hexen-2-one, 2,2-Dimethylbutane, 1,2-Diphenyl-1-butanone, Isopropylbenzene (2-phenylpropane), 3,5-Dimethyloctane, 2-Phenyl-3-buten-1-ol, 2,4,4-Trimethylhexane, Benzoylcarboxaldehyde (Phenylglyoxal), Cis-3-Methyl-Endo-Tricyclo [5.2.1.0(2.6)] Decane, 2,4-Dimethylhexan-3-One, Benzene acetic acid,2-phenylethyl ester, Cyclopentacycloheptene, 2,3-Heptanedione, 1,6-Methano[10] annulene, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid, methyl ester, N,N-Dimethylmethanesulfonamide, Methyl tridecanoate, Cis 9-Octadecanoic acid, Methyl 15-methylheptadecanoate, 9-Octadecenoic acid, Methyl (Z)-octadec-9-enoate, (Z)-octadec-9-enamide, Methyl 2-ethyl-2-methylicosanoate, 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,12a-tetradecahydrobenzo [10] annulene Caffeic acid, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Chrysin, Cinnamic acid, Epicatechin, Ferulic acid, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Lycopene, Naringenin, P-coumaric acid, Phloretic acid, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Rutin, Sinapic acid, Vanillic acid. Lycopene, the main dietary carotenoid in tomato and tomato-based food products and lycopene consumption by humans has been reported to protect against Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cognitive function and Osteoporosis. Among phenolic compounds present in tomato, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Naringenin, Caffeic Acid and Lutein are the most common. These compounds have significant antioxidant properties and are effective in protecting human body against oxidative stress-related diseases.
 Keywords: Solanum lycopersicum; Phytochemical Screening; GCMS; FTIR

Seeing the unseen: a trifoliate (MYB117) mutant allele fortifies folate and carotenoids in tomato fruits.

In tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), mutations in the gene encoding the R2R3-MYB117 transcription factor elicit trifoliate leaves and initiate the formation of axillary meristems; however, their effects on fruit ripening remain unexplored. The fruits of a new trifoliate (tf) mutant (tf-5) were firmer and had higher °Brix values and higher folate and carotenoid contents. The transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome profiling of tf-5 reflected a broad-spectrum change in cellular homeostasis. The tf-5 allele enhanced the fruit firmness by suppressing cell wall softening-related proteins. tf-5 fruit displayed a substantial increase in amino acids, particularly γ-aminobutyric acid, with a parallel reduction in aminoacyl-tRNA synthases. The increased lipoxygenase protein and transcript levels seemingly elevated jasmonic acid levels. In addition, increased abscisic acid hydrolase transcript levels coupled with reduced precursor supply lowered abscisic acid levels. The upregulation of carotenoids was mediated by modulation of methylerythreitol and plastoquinone pathways and increased the levels of carotenoid isomerization proteins. The upregulation of folate in tf-5 was connoted by the increase in the precursor p-aminobenzoic acid and transcript levels of several folate biosynthesis genes. The reduction in pterin-6-carboxylate levels and γ-glutamyl hydrolase activity indicated that reduced folate degradation in tf-5 increased folate levels. Our study delineates that in addition to leaf development, MYB117 also influences fruit metabolism. The tf-5 allele can be used to increase γ-aminobutyric acid, carotenoid, and folate levels in tomato.

Swellable Sorbent Coatings for Parallel Extraction, Storage, and Analysis of Plant Metabolites.

Quantitative and qualitative measurements of trace-level analytes in plants or foodstuffs, e.g., secondary metabolites like carotenoids, are often performed at centralized core facilities or off-site laboratories. However, preparation, storage, and/or transport of both intact samples and sample extracts may be cumbersome and complicated, especially for air-sensitive analytes. We describe the development of inexpensive swellable microextraction (SweME) devices for extraction and storage of nonpolar analytes. SweME devices consist of a thin layer of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) grafted onto a stainless steel support. Pretreating the SweME device with small volumes of the organic solvent causes the PDMS to swell. The swollen SweME device can then be immersed directly into complex matrices for absorptive extraction of low-molecular-weight, nonpolar analytes. Following storage, analytes can be solvent-desorbed prior to characterization. Proof-of-principle work with carotenoids from tomatoes and carrots demonstrates that SweME is appropriate for semiquantitative analyses and increases the stability of air-sensitive analytes during storage at ambient temperatures as compared to the solvent extracts. Carotenoid profiles (fractional carotenoid contributions) from tomato and carrot samples were well correlated between SweME and liquid-liquid extraction (R2 = 0.97 and 0.94). Lycopene, the most abundant carotenoid in tomatoes, saw a less than 20% decrease in extracted mass during 1 month of ambient SweME storage. Extractions and desorptions can be run in parallel using multiwell plates. In summary, swelled sorbent extraction with SweME devices is a convenient and inexpensive approach for isolation and storage of analytes in complex matrices and may be particularly well suited for evaluating large numbers of plant samples through external laboratories.

Phytoene Is More Efficiently Absorbed Than Lycopene by In Vitro Intestinal Cells but Is Absorbed and Cleared Similarly to Lycopene by In Vitro Prostate Cancer Cells

ObjectivesConsuming tomatoes and the tomato carotenoid lycopene (LYC) is epidemiologically associated with reduced prostate cancer risk. Tomato carotenoids, including LYC, phytoene (PE), and beta-carotene (BC), are found in human prostate tissue, with greater PE: LYC ratios found in the blood and prostate tissue relative to the diet. We tested the hypothesis that PE is more efficiently absorbed by prostate cells and by absorptive intestinal cells than LYC, explaining the enrichment of PE in blood and prostate tissue. MethodsIn vitro prostate cancer (LNCaP, PC-3) and non-cancerous prostate epithelial (RWPE-1) cells were treated with human serum enriched with PE, LYC, BC, or control (final media concentration 1 uM) for 6 hours. Clearance of PE, LYC, and BC from LNCaP cells was monitored for 48 hours after a 16 hour pre-incubation with carotenoids (n = 5 trials). Differentiated in vitroabsorptive intestinal cells (Caco-2 HTB-37 cultured 21 d on a permeable support) were treated with mixed lipid micelles and either PE, LYC, BC, or no carotenoid (final media carotenoid concentration 2 uM) for 4 or 24 h (n = 5 trials). Cell and media carotenoid concentrations were measured by HPLC-PDA. ResultsPC-3s absorbed 3.8%, 1.9%, and 2.5% (not significantly different, ns) and LNCaP cells absorbed 1.5%, 2.6%, and 2.0% of the LYC, PE, and BC (ns) doses, respectively, while RWPE-1 cells absorbed more of the BC dose (8.7%) than the PE dose (0.4%, P < 0.05), and LYC dose absorption was intermediate and similar to both PE and BC (2.5%). LNCaP cells cleared PE at the same rate as BC and LYC over 48 h. Intestinal Caco-2 cells absorbed more PE dose at 4 and 24 h (16.3%, 10.8%) than LYC (0.6%, 0.9%, respectively) or BC (5.8%, 7.5% respectively) (P < 0.05), while the amount of carotenoid recovered in the basolateral media showed a similar, though non-significantly different, pattern. ConclusionsThese results align with whole body pharmacokinetic findings suggesting that differences in intestinal absorption may be a key determinant in relative tissue carotenoid accumulation, and reveal that cancer versus non-cancer cell types may differ in carotenoid absorption characteristics. Funding SourcesNIH NCCIH/ODS R01 AT008576.

Quality Parameters, Empirical and Kinetic Models of Lycopene and Beta-carotene Bioformation in Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

This study modelled a kinetic for estimating geranyl geranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) concentration in the carotenoid pathway in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicon). Kinetics of bioformation of carotenoids in tomatoes of different cultivars (Cherry-Nasmata, VAR-10 and 4-lobes) at different ripening stages and conditions served as a model system in estimating the GGPP concentration in the kinetic model. Physicochemical parameters, lycopene and beta-carotene contents were assessed and compared under the two ripening conditions using standard laboratory procedures. The solid contents in the three cultivars of tomato range from 5.61% to 6.85% and 5.83% to 7.16% at field and ambient temperature ripening, respectively, the pH values were all in the acidic region. Highest lycopene and beta-carotene concentrations were observed in 4-lobes cultivar at field ripening. The obtained data subjected to empirical and kinetic modeling favoured the exponential models as a first order kinetics for both lycopene and beta-carotene bioformation in Cherry-Nasmata and 4-lobes cultivars. This suggests that beta-carotene bioformation is dependent on the pathway of lycopene in the tomato cultivars under study. The quality parameters of the tomato cultivars showed that ripening conditions have influence on their quality contents and the GGPP concentrations of some of the tomatoes were successfully estimated using the kinetic model.

Effect of Lumenato oral supplementation on plasma carotenoid levels and improvement of visual and experiential skin attributes.

Cellular metabolism and exposure to solar irradiation result in generation of free radicals which are destructive and can lead to premature aging. Antioxidants and free radical scavengers such as carotenoids successfully protect from these free radicals by quenching and neutralizing them thereby strengthening skin barrier which leads to improved skin moisturization, desquamation, and a more youthful look. This study was designed to evaluate the consumer-perceived efficacy of an oral supplement (Lumenato™) containing a mix of tomato carotenoids and oil-soluble vitamins in improving skin appearance after 12weeks of supplement use. Plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, zeta-carotene, and lycopene were quantitated before and after 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-week administration of Lumenato by 24healthy volunteers. Part II of the study addressed skin visual attributes as assessed by validated tools (questionnaires). A total of 60 females, aged 35 to 55years, completed part II of the study. The subjects answered questionnaires pertaining to their assessment of skin appearance before and after 12weeks of taking the supplement. There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, and zeta-carotene after 1- to 4-week treatment with Lumenato. After 12weeks of using the supplement, the score of different skin parameters was reported to significantly improve (p<0.001). Improvement was recorded in skin elasticity, firmness, brightness, skin tone, reduction in dark spots and periorbital dark circles, skin hydration, texture and fine lines and wrinkles. A significant (p<0.001) improvement in overall skin condition after using the supplement was observed. The subjects noticed statistically significant (p<0.001) improvement in skin elasticity, firmness, brightness, skin tone, reduction in dark spots and periorbital dark circles, skin hydration, texture and fine lines and wrinkles after 12weeks of using the supplement. The overall skin condition also exhibited a significant improvement (p<0.001). Self-assessed improvement of the face was identified at the first time point (4weeks) and improved significantly (p<0.001) for the 12weeks of use. Interestingly, these improvements persisted even after treatment was stopped. Based on the confines and conditions of this study, the use of oral supplement containing a mix of tomato carotenoids significantly increased plasma levels of phytoene, phytofluene, and zeta-carotene, and continuous use resulted in improved facial skin attributes which were palpable by the consumers and continued even after treatment was stopped.