Dietary Lycopene Supplementation Research Articles

Effects of lycopene on the growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens challenged with aflatoxin B1.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene (LYC) supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of breast muscle in aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 )-challenged broilers. A total of 192 1-day-old healthy Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to 3 treatments, each with 8 replicates (8 broilers per replicate). The broilers of the three treatments were fed a basal diet (control), a basal diet supplemented with 100µg/kg AFB1 (CA), and a basal diet supplemented with 100µg/kg AFB1 and 200mg/kg LYC (CAL). The results demonstrated that the AFB1 diet increased the feed-to-gain (F/G) ratio (p<0.05), yellowness and shear force of breast muscle (p<0.05), and protein carbonyl (PC) content (p<0.05) while decreasing the average daily gain (ADG) (p<0.05), redness of breast muscle (p<0.05), glutathione peroxidase activity (p<0.05), and ability to clear OH· from breast muscle (p<0.05) in comparison to the control group. Dietary LYC supplementation significantly decreased the F/G ratio (p<0.05), yellowness and shear force (p<0.05), and the content of PC and hydrogen peroxide (p<0.05) while significantly increasing the ADG (p<0.05), redness of breast muscle (p<0.05), and ability of breast muscle to clear ABTS·+ (p<0.05) compared to the CA diet. In conclusion, LYC can alleviate the negative impacts of AFB1 on the growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity of breast muscle in broilers. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: LYC, as a popular antioxidant, is beneficial to the growth and health of animals. The detailed application effects are still being investigated. In this study, by adding LYC to an AFB1 -contaminated diet, it was found that LYC could alleviate the adverse effects of AFB1 on the growth performance, meat quality, and muscle antioxidant capacity of broilers. These findings can provide a reference for the application of LYC and similar plant-derived materials in animal production.

Effect of Lycopene on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Enzyme Activity, and Expression of Gene in the Keap1-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway of Arbor Acres Broilers.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary lycopene supplementation on the growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity of serum and liver, and gene expressions associated with Kelch-like ech-associated protein-1 (Keap1)/Nuclear Factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in liver of Arbor Acres broilers. A total of 288 1-day-old male broilers were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 6 replicates and 12 chickens for each replicate. The control group was fed with the basal diet, while the treated groups were fed with the basal diet with 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg lycopene in powder. Feed and water were provided ad libitum for 42 days. Compared with the control group, (a) the average daily gain increased (p = 0.002 vs. p = 0.001) and the feed conversion ratio decreased (p = 0.017 vs. p = 0.023) in groups treated with lycopene in the grower and whole phases, and the average daily feed intake was quadratically affected (p = 0.043) by lycopene in the grower phase; (b) the serum superoxide dismutase content was linearly affected (p = 0.035) by lycopene at 21 days; (c) the serum glutathione peroxidase content, superoxide dismutase content, and total antioxidant capability were higher (p = 0.014, p = 0.003, and p = 0.016, respectively) in the 30 mg/kg lycopene group at 42 days; (d) the liver glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase contents in groups treated with lycopene were higher (p ≤ 0.001 vs. p ≤ 0.001) at 21 days; (e) the liver glutathione peroxidase content was higher (p ≤ 0.001) in the 20 and 30 mg/kg lycopene groups, at 42 days; (f) the mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, superoxide dismutase 2, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1, and heme oxygenase 1 genes were higher (21 days: p = 0.042, p = 0.021, p = 0.035, and p = 0.043, respectively; 42 days: p = 0.038, p = 0.025, p = 0.034, and p = 0.043, respectively) in the 20 and 30 mg/kg lycopene groups at 21 and 42 days. The 30 mg/kg lycopene concentration improved the growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity in serum and liver, and gene expression in the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway of Arbor Acres broilers.

Influence of dietary lycopene on growth performance, antioxidant status, blood parameters and mortality in broiler chicken with cold-induced ascites

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary lycopene supplementation on growth performance and antioxidant status of broiler chickens exposed to cold environment to induce ascites. Three hundred male chickens were exposed full-day to cold stress (CT, 10°C) starting from day 15 of age until the end of experiment at day 42, while a positive control group (NT, 100 birds) was kept under normal temperature (23–25°C). The CT groups (three treatments and five replicates of 20 birds) were as follows: negative control (basal diet, CT) and CT + 200 or 400 mg lycopene per kg diet from 15 to 42 d of age. Results showed that CT without lycopene supplementation caused a reduction of feed intake and weight gain and increased the feed conversion ratio. Supplementation of lycopene during CT restored the performance to levels of the positive control, lowered the index of right ventricles/total ventricles and ascites mortality. Birds reared under CT had lower serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and higher malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration than birds reared under the NT environment. With lycopene supplementation, serum MDA level significantly decreased and the activity of SOD and GPx increased. Blood concentration of haematocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cells were decreased by the highest lycopene supplementation to a level comparable to NT. Moreover, increasing dietary lycopene level suppressed serum concentrations of cholesterol and enhanced high-density lipoproteins levels in blood. In conclusion, lycopene supplementation alleviates adverse effects of cold stress on performance through modulating activity of antioxidant enzymes in broiler chickens.

Effects of dietary lycopene supplementation on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capability and inflammatory response in finishing pigs

In this study, eighteen healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire barrows with initial body weight of 63.89 ± 1.15 kg were randomly allotted to three treatments and fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg lycopene, respectively. Data showed that villus height to crypt depth ratio increased with 200 mg/kg lycopene (p < 0.05) in the jejunum. In duodenum, the malondialdehyde content was decreased (p < 0.05) in 100 and 200 mg/kg lycopene groups. Furthermore, in the jejunum, dietary 100 and 200 mg/kg lycopene supplementation increased (p < 0.05) catalase activity. In the duodenum, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α contents were decreased (p < 0.05) in 200 mg/kg lycopene group. In the jejunum, IL-1β content was reduced (p < 0.05) and IL-1β mRNA expression was down-regulated (p = 0.046) in 200 mg/kg lycopene group. Additionally, claudin-1 mRNA and protein levels in 200 mg/kg group were also increased (p < 0.05). These results indicated that dietary lycopene supplementation could maintain intestinal health, which was associated with improving intestinal morphology, enhancing tight junction function, inhibiting inflammatory response, and elevating antioxidant capacity in finishing pigs.

Dietary Lycopene Supplementation Could Alleviate Aflatoxin B1 Induced Intestinal Damage through Improving Immune Function and Anti-Oxidant Capacity in Broilers.

Simple SummaryAflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common and devastating food-borne fungal toxic in the broiler industry. AFB1 has adverse effects on the world poultry industry as it impairs the health, performance, intestinal integrity, and immunity of broilers. There has been a great economic concern in the global poultry production, leading to billions of dollars loss every year due to AFB1. Antibiotic-free broiler production relies on feed supplementation as an alternative to antibiotic usage. We previously reported that dietary supplementation with lycopene (LYC) has shown a promising effect on performance and intestinal integrity in the broilers infected with AFB1. However, there are few reports on the effects of LYC on the intestinal development and antioxidant capacity in the broiler against AFB1. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of LYC supplementation on the intestinal immune function, barrier function, and antioxidant capacity of broilers fed with an AFB1 contaminated diet. The findings of this research highlighted that the diet supplemented with LYC has a potential effect to improve intestinal health and reduce AFB1 related oxidative and inflammatory status. Hence, this study suggested that addition of LYC in broiler poultry production alleviates the AFB1 toxicity.The present study aims to evaluate the effects of lycopene (LYC) supplementation on the intestinal immune function, barrier function, and antioxidant capacity of broilers fed with aflatoxinB1 (AFB1) contaminated diet. A total of 144 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into three dietary treatment groups; each group consisted of six replicates (eight birds in each cage). Treatments were: (1) a basal diet containing neither AFB1 nor LYC (Control), (2) basal diet containing 100 µg/kg AFB1, and (3) basal diets with 100 µg/kg AFB1 and 200 mg/kg LYC (AFB1 and LYC). The results showed that dietary LYC supplementation ameliorated the AFB1 induced broiler intestinal changes by decreasing the inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 1beta (IL-1β), and increasing mRNA abundances of cludin-1 (CLDN-1) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the jejunum mucosa. On the other hand, AFB1-induced increases in serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activities, D-lactate concentration, mucosal malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations were reversed by dietary LYC supplementation (p < 0.05). Additionally, LYC supplementation ameliorated the redox balance through increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities and their related mRNA expression abundances compared to AFB1 exposed broilers. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with LYC could alleviate AFB1 induced broiler intestinal immune function and barrier function damage and improve antioxidants status.

Dietary lycopene supplementation improves meat quality, antioxidant capacity and skeletal muscle fiber type transformation in finishing pigs.

This study aimed to investigate effects of dietary lycopene supplementation on meat quality, antioxidant ability and muscle fiber type transformation in finishing pigs. In a 70-day experiment, 18 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire barrows were randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments including a basal diet supplemented with 0, 100 and 200 mg/kg lycopene, respectively. Each dietary treatment had 6 replicates with one pig each. Results showed that dietary 200 mg/kg lycopene supplementation increased muscle redness a∗ value, intramuscular fat and crude protein contents, and decreased muscle lightness L∗ and yellowness b∗ values (P < 0.05), suggesting that addition of 200 mg/kg lycopene to the diet of finishing pigs improved color, nutritional value and juiciness of pork after slaughter. Results also showed that dietary lycopene supplementation enhanced antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation of 200 mg/kg lycopene significantly increased slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein level and slow-twitch fiber percentage, and decreased fast MyHC protein level and fast-twitch fiber percentage (P < 0.05), suggesting that the addition of 200 mg/kg lycopene to the diet of finishing pigs promoted muscle fiber type conversion from fast-twitch to slow-twitch. Together, we provide the first evidence that dietary 200 mg/kg lycopene supplementation improves meat quality, enhances antioxidant capacity and promotes muscle fiber type transformation from fast-twitch to slow-twitch in finishing pigs.

The Effect of Dietary Lycopene Supplementation on Drip Loss during Storage of Lamb Meat by iTRAQ Analysis

This study was designed to investigate the impact of dietary lycopene (antioxidant extracted from tomato) supplementation on postmortem antioxidant capacity, drip loss and protein expression profiles of lamb meat during storage. Thirty male Hu lambs were randomly divided into three treatment groups and housed in individual pens and received 0, 200 or 400 mg·kg−1 lycopene in their diet, respectively. All lambs were slaughtered after 3 months of fattening, and the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle was collected for analyses. The results indicated that drip loss of LT muscle increased with storage days (P < 0.05). After storage for 7 days, significantly lower drip loss of meat was found in fed the lycopene-supplemented diet (P < 0.05). Dietary lycopene supplementation increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)) (P < 0.05) and decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and carbonyl contents (P < 0.05). During the storage period (days 0, 5 and 7), a number of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs), including oxidases, metabolic enzymes, calcium channels and structural proteins, were identified based on iTRAQ data, with roles predominantly in carbon metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, cardiac muscle contraction and proteasome pathways, and which contribute to decreased drip loss of lamb meat during storage. It can be concluded that dietary lycopene supplementation increased antioxidant capacity after slaughter, and the decreased drip loss during postmortem storage might occur by changing the expression of proteins related to enzyme activity and cellular structure in lamb muscle.

Lycopene improves maternal reproductive performance by modulating milk composition and placental antioxidative and immune status.

Placental health and milk quality are important for maternal reproductive performance during pregnancy and lactation. Lycopene plays an important role in antioxidation, anti-inflammation and regulating lipid metabolism. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene supplementation in the pig model on reproductive performance, placental health and milk composition during maternal gestation and lactation. In the present study, the litter size of live piglets was increased and the litter size of dead piglets was decreased by lycopene supplementation of the diet of sows. The litter weight at birth and weaning were increased in the lycopene group. Through placental proteomics, we enriched differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), gene ontology (GO) terms, and Kyoto encyclopedia of proteins and genomes (KEGG) pathways involved in immunity, anti-inflammation, antioxidants, and lipid metabolism and transport. Furthermore, in terms of placental health, we analyzed the levels of related enzymes, metabolites and mRNA expression in the placenta. Lycopene was shown to reduce mRNA expression and the levels of placental inflammatory factors, increase the content of immunoglobulin, improve the antioxidant capacity, and improve lipid metabolism and lipid transport in the placenta. In terms of sow milk composition, lycopene increased the levels of immunoglobulins in colostrum and lactose in colostrum and milk. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that dietary lycopene supplementation of sows during gestation and lactation improves the reproductive performance to a certain extent; this may be due to lycopene improving the placental health and milk composition of sows.

Lycopene supplementation of maternal and weanling high-fat diets influences adipose tissue development and metabolic outcomes of Sprague-Dawley offspring.

AbstractDietary patterns high in fat contribute to the onset of cardiometabolic disease through the accrual of adipose tissue (AT). Lycopene, a carotenoid shown to exert multiple health benefits, may disrupt these metabolic perturbations. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate AT development and obesity-associated metabolic outcomes in the neonate and weanling offspring of Sprague-Dawley mothers fed a high-fat diet (HFD = 50 % fat) with and without lycopene supplementation. Sprague-Dawley rats consumed either a normal fat diet (NFD; 25 % fat) or HFD throughout gestation. Upon delivery, half of HFD mothers were transitioned to an HFD supplemented with 1 % lycopene (HFDL). At postnatal day 14 (P14), P25, and P35, pups were euthanised, body weight was recorded, and visceral white AT (WAT) and brown AT (BAT) mass were determined. Serum redox status, adipokines, glucose and inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated, as well as BAT mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). The HFD was effective in inducing weight gain as evident by significantly greater BW and WAT in the HFD group compared to the NFD group across all time points. Compared to HFD, the HFDL group exhibited significantly greater BAT with concomitant reductions in WAT mass, serum lipid peroxides and serum glucose. No significant differences were observed in serum adipokines, inflammatory markers or UCP1 expression despite the aforementioned alterations in AT development. Results suggest that dietary lycopene supplementation may influence metabolic outcomes during the weaning and post-weaning periods. Additional research is warranted to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which lycopene influences AT biology.

Evaluation of the protective effect of lycopene on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activities of aflatoxinB1 challenged broilers.

The current study was conducted to investigate the protective efficiency of dietary lycopene (LYC) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activities aflatoxinB1 (AFB1 ) challenged broilers. A total of 240days old Arber across male broiler chicks were randomly allocated in five treatments and six replicates (eight birds per replicate); feed and water were provided ad libitum during the 42days experiment. The treatment diets were as follows: (i) Basal diet (control), (ii) Basal diet+100µg/kg AFB1 contaminated diet, (iii) Basal diet+100µg/kg AFB1 +100mg/kg LYC1, (iv) Basal diet+100µg/kg AFB1 +200mg/kg LYC2, and (v) Basal diet+100µg/kg AFB1 +400mg/kg LYC3. The results showed that the addition of LYC to AFB1 contaminated broiler diets significantly increased (p<.05) average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the AFB1 diet. AFB1 diet decreased the intestinal villus height (VH) and crypt depth ratio (VCR) while increasing the crypt depth (CD). However, dietary LYC supplemented diets relieved the intestinal morphological alterations. Dietary LYC supplementation (200 and 400mg/kg) significantly improved (p<.05) intestinal digestive enzyme amylase and lipase activities with AFB1 contaminated diet. These findings suggested that LYC is a promising feed supplement in the broiler industry, alleviating the harmful effects of AFB1 .

Effects of lycopene on abdominal fat deposition, serum lipids levels and hepatic lipid metabolism-related enzymes in broiler chickens.

ObjectiveThe present study was conducted to investigate the effects of lycopene on growth performance, abdominal fat deposition, serum lipids levels, activities of hepatic lipid metabolism related enzymes and genes expression in broiler chickens.MethodsA total of 256 healthy one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups with eight replicates of eight birds each. Birds were fed basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg lycopene, respectively.ResultsDietary 100 mg/kg lycopene increased the body weight at 21 day of age compared to the control group (p<0.05). Compared to the basal diet, broilers fed diet with 100 mg/kg lycopene had decreased abdominal fat weight, and broilers fed diet with 100 and 200 mg/kg lycopene had decreased abdominal fat percentage (p<0.05). Compared to control, diets with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg lycopene reduced the levels of total triglyceride and total cholesterol in serum, and diets with 100 and 200 mg/kg lycopene reduced the level of serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). The activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in 400 mg/kg lycopene treated broilers and the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg lycopene treated broilers were lower than those fed basal diet (p<0.05). Lycopene increased the mRNA abundance of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α (AMPK-α), whereas decreased the mRNA abundance of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, FAS, and ACC compared to the control group (p<0.05).ConclusionDietary lycopene supplementation can alleviate abdominal fat deposition and decrease serum lipids levels, possibly through activating the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby regulating lipid metabolism such as lipogenesis. Therefore, lycopene or lycopene-rich plant materials might be added to poultry feed to regulate lipid metabolism.

Effect of trichlorfon on some haematological and biochemical changes in Cyprinus carpio: The ameliorative effect of lycopene

Trichlorfon (TCF) is an antiparasitic agent used in aquaculture to treat external parasites and it belongs to the chemical class of organophosphates. This study was conducted to investigate the ameliorating effects of lycopene on TCF-induced toxicity in carp by evaluating haematological parameters and oxidant/antioxidant status. Fish were randomly divided into seven experimental groups. These groups were arranged as follows: control (no treatment) group, corn oil group, lycopene (10 mg kg−1) group, TCF-I (11 mg L−1) group, TCF-I (11 mg L−1) plus lycopene (10 mg kg−1) group, TCF-II (22 mg L−1) group and TCF-II (22 mg L−1) plus lycopene (10 mg kg−1) group. At the end of 14 days administration, blood and tissue (liver, kidney, and gill) samples were collected. Haematological changes [red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht) level, and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)] were determined in the blood samples, while antioxidant parameters [(malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities] were evaluated in the liver, kidney and gill samples. The results demonstrated that all the haematological parameters were significantly decreased in the TCF-I and TCF-II groups when compared to the control group. Notable increases in the tissue MDA levels were observed in the TCF-treated groups. In contrast, significant decreases were observed in the tissue SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities and GSH levels in the TCF-I and TCF-II groups. However, simultaneous treatment with lycopene provided a marked normalisation of the haematological and oxidant/antioxidant parameters compared with the TCF-I and TCF-II groups. The findings show that dietary lycopene supplementation might be helpful in abrogation of TCF toxicity by changing haematological conditions and antioxidant status in fish.

Diet Supplemented With Synthetic Carotenoids: Effects on Growth Performance and Biochemical and Immunological Parameters of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens).

The current study assessed the effect of dietary canthaxanthin and lycopene supplementation at different concentrations on growth performance and antioxidant status in yellow perch (Perca flavescens). In this regard, fish with initial weight (32 ± 1.0 g) were divided into five groups in triplicate, and fed on carotenoid-free diet (control), canthaxanthin (CTX) (50 and 100 mg/kg diet), and lycopene (200 and 400 mg/kg diet) for 60 days. Growth parameters and antioxidant enzymes were evaluated after 30 and 60 days post feeding. Tissue liver and intestine from six fish per treatment was collected for antioxidant and digestive enzymes analysis. The results revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) of lipid content in the group fed lycopene at a dietary level 400 mg/kg for 60 days, compared to the control. Moreover, dietary carotenoids exhibited no significant effect on growth performance; this was evidenced by no significant up-regulation of growth hormone (gh) and insulin-like growth factor 1b (igf-1b) genes after 30 and 60 days post feeding. Intestinal lipase and trypsin activities were significantly improved with dietary lycopene especially at a dose of (400 mg/kg diet) for 60 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver was also significantly decreased with dietary lycopene (400 mg/kg diet) for 60 days. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were significantly decreased with dietary CTX, especially at dose (100 mg/kg diet) and lycopene at a concentration of 200 and 400 mg/kg diet after 60 days feeding. Additionally, the immune-related gene interleukin-1 beta (il-1b) mRNA expression level revealed up-regulation in groups fed on CTX at different concentrations for 30 days, and fish fed lycopene at a concentration level 400 mg/kg diet for 60 days. The obtained results concluded that dietary supplementation of canthaxanthin and lycopene could enhance immune response and maintain antioxidants defense of fish. Therefore, it considered as a functional aquafeed ingredient for yellow perch.

Effects of dietary lycopene on the protection against oxidation of muscle and hepatic tissue in finishing pigs.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of lycopene supplementation on the carcass traits, meat quality, concentration of lipid oxidation products and antioxidant potential in the meat and liver of finishing barrows and gilts.MethodsA total of 40 barrows and 40 gilts were allotted in a completely randomized block design, arranged in a 2×5 factorial scheme, consisting of two sexes (barrows and gilts) and five dietary levels of lycopene (0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50.0 mg/kg). In addition, four storage times (0, 24, 48, and 72 h), at 4°C, were added to the model to evaluate the longissimus lumborum muscle.ResultsAn interaction (p = 0.010) was observed between storage periods and dietary lycopene levels. The unfolding of the interaction (lycopene×period) showed a decreasing concentration of malondialdehyde concentration as the dietary lycopene increased, at all storage periods. No interactions (p>0.050) were observed for the 2,2 diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in the pork. However, the percentage of DPPH radical inhibition reduced (p = 0.001) up to 72 h. Additionally, there was a linear increase (p = 0.001) in the capture of DPPH radicals by antioxidants, as the dietary lycopene increased. No interactions were observed (p>0.05) between the evaluated factors in liver. However, lipid oxidation was reduced by supplementing lycopene in pig diets. The capture of the DPPH radical, resulted increase in the antioxidant power exerted by lycopene in the liver (p = 0.001). The concentrations of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and DPPH in the liver were affected by sex (p = 0.001).ConclusionDietary supplementation of lycopene reduced the water loss during thawing and was effective in protecting against oxidation of the longissimus lumborum muscle and liver until 72 hours of storage, and the best results were obtained by supplementing with 50.0 mg of lycopene/kg of diet.

Dietary Tomato, but Not Lycopene Supplementation, Impacts Molecular Outcomes of Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer in the TRAMP Model (P05-015-19)

ObjectivesThe objective was to determine whether dietary tomato or lycopene supplementation impacted the expression of biomarkers associated with aggressive tumors and poorer prognostic outcomes in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). MethodsTransgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice were castrated at 12 weeks of age to mimic the effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) leading to CRPC. Mice were separated into three dietary groups (n = 30/group) and fed powdered, modified AIN-93 G diets containing 10% tomato powder (TP), lycopene beadlets matched for lycopene content of TP (LYCO), or placebo beadlets (PLAC). Tumors were detected and monitored for growth by ultrasound scan. After 5 weeks of CRPC growth, mice were euthanized, and prostate and tumor tissues were collected. Histological analysis was used to identify presence of tumor neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype (by synaptophysin [syp] expression) and androgen receptor (AR) expression. ELISA and Western blot were used to quantify interleukin-6 (IL-6) and STAT3, and RT-PCR was used to measure downstream targets of both AR and STAT3. ResultsNo differences were observed between AR expression or presence of the NE phenotype between dietary groups. However, lower tumor weight was associated with both AR and syp expression in mice fed TP. A positive correlation (P = 0.03) was observed between reduced tumor IL-6 (P = 0.012) and reduced phosphorylation (activation) of STAT3 (P = 0.017) in tumors of mice fed TP when compared to PLAC or LYCO. RNA analysis showed reduced expression of genes related to invasion (mmp-2; P = 0.006), cell proliferation (cdk1; P = 0.01), NE phenotype (ngfr; P = 0.001), and androgen metabolism (srd5a2; P = 0.03) in tumors of TP-fed mice. ConclusionsPhysiological levels of dietary tomato, but not lycopene supplementation, reduced the expression of molecular biomarkers typically upregulated in CRPC tissues that are associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Funding SourcesThis research is supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering of the National Institutes of Health.

Lycopene and resveratrol ameliorate zinc oxide nanoparticles-induced oxidative stress in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Industrial products contained nano-zinc oxide (ZnONP) can gain access to the aquaculture environment causing hazardous effects on the living biota. Therefore, this work was planned to examine the ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation of lycopene (LYC) and/or resveratrol (RES) against ZnONP toxicity in Nile tilapia. Five groups with 20 fish each were used; Control, received tap water only; ZnONP group, was intoxicated with ZnONP (50 mg/L); ZnONP-LYC group, was exposed to ZnONP and LYC (500 mg/ kg of the diet); ZnONP-RES group, was exposed to ZnONP and RES (50 mg/kg of the diet); ZnONP-LYC-RES group, was exposed to ZnONP and a combination of LYC and RES. The experiment was continued for 30 days. Fish blood and tissues were then assembled for determination of liver and kidney function and oxidative stress status in liver, kidney, and gills tissue. Results revealed a considerable elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholesterol, urea, and creatinine with a noticeable lowering of total proteins and albumin serum levels in response to ZnONP intoxication. In addition, there were significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduction in the reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. However, treatment with LYC and/or RES ameliorated the ZnONP-inflicted oxidative stress which possibly attributed to their beneficial antioxidant activities.

Rabbit metabolic response and selected meat quality traits: Evaluation of dietary PLX®23 and LycoBeads®feed supplement

Effects of dietary supplementation of verbascoside and lycopene, alone and in combination, on some blood parameters, plasma oxidative status and meat quality traits in intensively reared rabbits were investigated. The test lasted 60days and was conducted on 200 weaned-rabbits, divided into four groups of 50 animals each (5 animals each cage × 10 repetitions). The control group (CON) received a fattening feed without any feed supplements, whereas the experimental groups received the following: the first, an integration in 22g of PLX® 23 (Lippia citriodora extract; VB group) per ton of feed; the second, an integration in 100g of LycoBeads® (Solanum lycopersicum extract; LIC group) per ton of feed; and the third, an integration of both feed supplements in combination at the same doses (LIC+VB group). The dietary supplementation with Lippia citriodora and Solanum lycopersicum resulted in an improvement of the blood lipid profile, oxidative plasma markers, and hepatic and renal activity of treated growing rabbits. Feed additives also produced meat with a lower content in SFA and an increased PUFA content, and inhibited the lipid oxidation improving the oxidative stability of rabbit meat. The dietary supplementation, even reporting no effects on productive parameters and carcass yield, showed an improvement on several blood parameters, as indicator of animal welfare, and on quality and healthy meat markers.

Lycopene affects the immune responses of finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate dietary lycopene levels on the immune responses of finishing pigs. Forty barrows and 40 gilts, averaging 75.04 ± 1.6 kg of initial weight, were allotted in a randomised blocks design arranged in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, consisting of two sexes (males and females) and five lycopene levels (0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, 50.0 mg/kg of diet). The studied parameters were submitted to the statistical analysis adopting 5% significance. Increasing lycopene in pig diets increased the plasma albumin (p = .023). There was no interaction (p > .05) between sex and lycopene on the leukocyte profile or haematocrit concentration. As lycopene levels increased in the diet, the lymphocyte concentration increased linearly (p = .045). The neutrophil concentration and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were affected (p < .05) by dietary lycopene levels, showing a lower neutrophils concentration at 17.49 mg lycopene/kg of diet, and the lowest neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio was observed at 16.46 mg/kg. Eosinophils were also affected (p = .050) by lycopene supplementation, estimating the greater response by adding 22.69 mg lycopene/kg of diet. There was an interaction (p = .011) between the blood collection period and lycopene levels for anti-BSA IgG, resulting in higher production of anti-BSA IgG with the supplementation of up to 20.06 mg of lycopene/kg of diet. Dietary lycopene supplementation for finishing pigs affected the cellular and humoral immune response, and the highest anti-BSA IgG production was achieved by supplementing 20.06 mg lycopene/kg of diet.

Dietary Lycopene Supplementation Improves Cognitive Performances in Tau Transgenic Mice Expressing P301L Mutation via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Tau Hyperphosphorylation

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies and participates in their development by promoting hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein tau. Lycopene, as an effective antioxidant, combined with vitamin E seemed to be additive against oxidative stress. The present study was undertaken to examine whether lycopene or lycopene/vitamin E could exert protective effects on memory deficit and oxidative stress in tau transgenic mice expressing P301L mutation. P301L transgenic mice were assigned to three groups: P301L group (P301L), P301L+lycopene (Lyc), and P301L+lycopene/vitamin E (Lyc+VE). Age-matched C57BL/6J mice as wild type controls (Con) were used in the present study. Spatial memory was assessed by radial arm while passive memories were evaluated by step-down and step-through tests. Levels of tau phosphorylation were detected by western blot. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in the serum using biochemical assay kits. Compared with the control group, P301L mice displayed significant spatial and passive memory impairments, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in serum, and increased tau phosphorylation at Thr231/Ser235, Ser262, and Ser396 in brain. Supplementations of lycopene or lycopene/vitamin E could significantly ameliorate the memory deficits, observably decreased MDA concentrations and increased GSH-Px activities, and markedly attenuated tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple AD-related sites. Our findings indicated that the combination of lycopene and vitamin E antioxidants acted in a synergistic fashion to bring significant effects against oxidative stress in tauopathies.

Tobacco carcinogen induces both lung cancer and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinomas in ferrets which can be attenuated by lycopene supplementation.

Early epidemiologic studies have reported that tobacco smoking, which is causally associated with liver cancer, is an independent risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Lycopene from tomatoes has been shown to be a potential preventive agent against NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we investigated whether the tobacco carcinogen 4-(N-methyl-N-nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) induces lesions in both lungs and livers of ferrets with or without lycopene intervention. Male ferrets (6 groups, n = 8-10) were treated either with NNK (50 mg/kg BW, i.p., once a month for four consecutive months) or saline with or without dietary lycopene supplementation (2.2 and 6.6 mg/kg BW/day, respectively) for 26 weeks. Results demonstrate that NNK exposure results in higher incidences of lung tumors, HCC and steatohepatitis (which is characterized by severe inflammatory cell infiltration with concurrent fat accumulation in liver, hepatocellular ballooning degeneration and increased NF-κB expression), as well as elevations in bilirubin and AST levels in ferrets. Lycopene supplementation at two doses prevented NNK-induced expressions of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the lung and NF-κB and CYP2E1 in the liver and attenuated the NNK-induced mortality and pathological lesions in both the lungs and livers of ferrets. The present study provided strong experimental evidence that the tobacco carcinogen NNK can induce both HCC and steatohepatitis in the ferrets and can be a useful model for studying tobacco carcinogen-associated NAFLD and liver cancer. Furthermore, lycopene could provide potential benefits against smoke carcinogen-induced pulmonary and hepatic injury.