Lycopene Intake Research Articles

INTAKE OF ORAL PHOTOPROTECTORS BY POSTMEN IN PORTO ALEGRE

Introduction: Postmen are daily exposed to high levels of solar radiation, and lack of protection can result in many health damages. The present study aimed to identify cutaneous phototypes and evaluate the intake of oral photoprotectors by postmen. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out from August 2011 to December 2012 in the city of Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Socioeconomic and behavioral data regarding daily solar exposure were collected through a questionnaire. To evaluate the intake of beta-carotene, lycopene and omega-3, two 24-hour dietary recalls were applied. Cutaneous phototypes were assessed by Fitzpatrick’s classification. Results: A total of 181 postmen were analyzed, whose mean age was 40.2±11.4 years old, and 140 (77.3%) were male. The cutaneous phototypes II, III and IV were the most prevalent (n=138), totaling 76.3% of the sample. The median for the oral photoprotectors intake was 1.16 mg (0.46 – 2.29) of beta-carotene, 3.60 mg (1.01 – 6.31) of lycopene and 0.95 g (0.61 – 1.45) of n-3 fatty acids, all values significantly lower than the minimal doses to obtain photoprotective effect (p<0.001). The individuals in the group of phototypes V and VI showed lower adherence to the use of sunscreen and lower intake of beta-carotene, comparing to the other groups. Conclusions: The intake of oral photoprotectors is low in this population. Future studies may evaluate the real effect of oral photoprotectors, so that preventive measures using this approach can be included in photoprotection education actions for outdoor workers. Keywords: Diet; food and nutrition; skin aging; skin neoplasms; occupational health

Association between vitamin A, retinol and carotenoid intake and pancreatic cancer risk: Evidence from epidemiologic studies.

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with poor prognosis. The association between vitamin A, retinol and carotenoid intake and the risk of pancreatic cancer occurrence remains controversial, and therefore it is necessary to make a meta-analysis to clarify the association between vitamin A, retinol and carotenoid intake and pancreatic cancer risk. In the present study, PubMed and EMBASE databases were used to identify qualified studies. The association between dietary vitamin A, retinol and carotenoids was estimated by pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). It was found that there was an inverse correlation between vitamin A, beta-carotene and lycopene intake and the risk of pancreatic cancer (for vitamin A, pooled OR = 0.85, 95%CI = 0.74–0.97, P = 0.015; for beta-carotene, pooled OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.66–0.92, P = 0.003; for lycopene, pooled OR = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.73–0.97, P = 0.020), which was more prominent in case-control study subgroup. In conclusion, dietary vitamin A, beta-carotene and lycopene might inversely correlate with pancreatic cancer.

Lycopene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin May Reduce Faecal Blood, Mucus and Pus but not Abdominal Pain in Individuals with Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is diarrhoea, which is often accompanied by painful tenesmus and faecal blood and mucus. It sometimes co-occurs with abdominal pain, fever, feeling of fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Some dietary factors have been indicated as important in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The aim of the study was to analyse the association between retinoid intake (total vitamin A, retinol, β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin) and ulcerative colitis symptoms (abdominal pain, faecal blood, faecal mucus, faecal pus) in individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission. Methods: Assessment of diet was based on self-reported data from each patient’s dietary records taken over a period of three typical, random days (2 weekdays and 1 day of the weekend). Results: A total of 56 individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission (19 males and 37 females) were recruited for the study. One in every four individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission was characterised as having inadequate vitamin A intake. Higher lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin intakes in individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission were associated with lower faecal blood, mucus and pus but not with lower incidence of abdominal pain. Higher carotene intake in individuals with ulcerative colitis in remission may contribute to higher incidence of faecal mucus. Conclusions: Optimising intake of specific retinoids may enhance disease control in individuals with ulcerative colitis. Prospective studies, including patient reported and objective outcomes, are required to confirm this.

Plasma Lycopene Is Associated with Pizza and Pasta Consumption in Middle-Aged and Older African American and White Adults in the Southeastern USA in a Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundThe role of dietary lycopene in chronic disease prevention is not well known.MethodsThis study examined intake of lycopene and other antioxidants from lycopene-rich foods (e.g., pizza and pasta) simultaneously with plasma levels of lycopene and other antioxidants in a representative cross-sectional sample (187 Blacks, 182 Whites, 40–79 years old) from the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). The SCCS is an ongoing study conducted in populations at high risk for chronic diseases living in Southeastern United States. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and plasma levels of lycopene and other antioxidants were measured at baseline (2002–2005). The participants were classified into tertiles according to consumption of pizza and pasta food groups.ResultsLycopene dietary intake and plasma lycopene concentrations were significantly higher in the highest (tertile 3) compared to tertiles 1 and 2 (both P < 0.01). Total energy intake ranged from 1964.3 ± 117.1 kcal/day (tertile 1) to 3277.7 ± 115.8 kcal/day (tertile 3) (P<0.0001). After adjusting for age and energy intake, total dietary fat, saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, and sodium intakes were significantly higher in tertile 3 than tertiles 2 and 1 (all P <0.01). Vitamin C intake was significantly lower in tertile 3 than tertiles 1 and 2 (P = 0.003). Except for γ-tocopherol being higher in tertile 3 than tertiles 1 and 2 (P = 0.015), the plasma concentrations of antioxidants were lower in tertile 3 than tertiles 1 and 2 (β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, all P<0.05).ConclusionsIn the SCCS population, pizza and pasta were the main sources of dietary lycopene and their intake was associated with plasma lycopene concentration. Diets with frequent pizza and pasta consumption were high in energy, saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, sodium and low in other antioxidants. Future studies of lycopene as a protective dietary factor against chronic disease should consider the overall nutritional quality of lycopene-containing foods.

Lycopene Consumption and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

ABSTRACTA number of epidemiological studies have explored the association between lycopene or lycopene-rich food intake and the risk of colorectal cancer, but the results of these studies have not been consistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in the PubMed and EMBASE databases to quantitatively assess the association between lycopene consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer. A total of 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the summary relative risk (RR) for highest versus lowest category indicated no significant association between lycopene consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer [RR = 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80–1.10]. However, a significant inverse association was observed between lycopene consumption and the site of cancer in the colon (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.96). We also found that the incidence of colon cancer and lycopene intake did not exhibit dose-response relationships. The Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) quality in our study was very low. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that lycopene consumption is not associated with the risk of colorectal cancer. Further research will be needed in this area to provide conclusive evidence.

Association between intake of antioxidants and pancreatic cancer risk: a meta-analysis

We conducted a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the association between antioxidants intake and pancreatic cancer risk. Relevant articles were retrieved from PUBMED and EMBASE databases and standard meta-analysis methods were applied. Finally a total of 18 studies were included. Comparing the highest with lowest categories, higher dietary intakes of selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were significantly associated with reduced pancreatic cancer risk (for selenium, pooled OR = 0.47, 95%CI 0.26–0.85; for vitamin C, pooled OR = 0.68, 95%CI 0.57–0.80; for vitamin E, pooled OR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.62–0.81; for β-carotene, pooled OR = 0.74, 95%CI 0.56–0.98; for β-cryptoxanthin, pooled OR = 0.70, 95%CI 0.56–0.88). Lycopene intake was marginally associated with pancreatic cancer risk (pooled OR = 0.85, 95%CI 0.73–1.00), while no significant association was observed for α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. In summary, higher dietary intake of selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin was inversely associated with pancreatic cancer risk.

Dietary Tomato Powder Inhibits Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammation and Tumorigenesis in Beta‐carotene‐15, 15′‐oxygenase (BCO1) and Beta‐carotene‐9, 10′‐oxygenase (BCO2) Double Knockout Mice

Consumption of tomatoes and tomato products which are rich in lycopene, is associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease. Lycopene can be cleaved by beta‐carotene‐15, 15′‐oxygenase (BCO1) and beta‐carotene‐9′, 10′‐oxygenase (BCO2) to produce biological active apolycopenoids. We have recently shown that lycopene and apolycopenoid have different mechanisms of protection against high fat diet (HFD)‐induced hepatic steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in BCO2 knockout (KO) mice (Ip, 2014, 2015). Since apolycopenoids also exist in tomato and tomato products (Kopec, 2010), the present investigation examined whether or not the whole tomato (tomato powder, TP) can inhibit HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis, inflammation and HCC in the absence of both BCO1/BCO2 in mice.BCO1/BCO2 double KO mice were injected with a carcinogen (diethylnitrosamine, i.p. 25 mg/kg body weight) at 2 weeks of age. At the age of 6 weeks, the mice were randomly assigned to either the HFD (n=9, 60% of energy as fat) feeding alone group or the HFD feeding with TP supplementation (n=9, HFD+TP, 41.8 g TP/kg diet, equivalent to 36 mg lycopene/day in human, which is 3–4 times higher than the average intake of lycopene) for 24 weeks. BCO1/BCO2 double KO mice (n=9) of the same age were fed with a chow diet as the control group.Results showed that TP supplementation significantly decreased hepatic steatosis and HCC development (67% reduction in incidence, 83% reduction in multiplicity, and 95% reduction in tumor volume) in BCO1/BCO2 double KO mice, as compared with the mice fed with HFD alone. The protective effects of TP supplementation were associated with 1) decreased hepatic inflammatory foci (89% reduction) and mRNA expressions of pro‐inflammatory biomarkers [interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐12a, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and inducible NO synthase]; 2) increased mRNA expressions of deacetylase sirtuin 1, sirtuin 3, and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase involving NAD+ production; and 3) restored HFD‐reduced circadian clock gene expressions (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput, period 2, and cryptochrome‐2) to the normal levels of the control group. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that dietary TP can effectively inhibit HFD‐promoted steatosis, inflammation and tumorigenesis in the absence of BCO1/BCO2. The protective effects of TP against HFD‐induced liver injury may involve the regulations of sirtuin deacetylation and its related molecular clock function.Support or Funding InformationSupported by USDA/NIFA (2015‐67017) and USDA/ARS (58‐1950‐0014)

Prostate cancer - evidence of exercise and nutrition trial (PrEvENT): study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial.

BackgroundA growing body of observational evidence suggests that nutritional and physical activity interventions are associated with beneficial outcomes for men with prostate cancer, including brisk walking, lycopene intake, increased fruit and vegetable intake and reduced dairy consumption. However, randomised controlled trial data are limited. The ‘Prostate Cancer: Evidence of Exercise and Nutrition Trial’ investigates the feasibility of recruiting and randomising men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer and eligible for radical prostatectomy to interventions that modify nutrition and physical activity. The primary outcomes are randomisation rates and adherence to the interventions at 6 months following randomisation. The secondary outcomes are intervention tolerability, trial retention, change in prostate specific antigen level, change in diet, change in general physical activity levels, insulin-like growth factor levels, and a range of related outcomes, including quality of life measures.Methods/designThe trial is factorial, randomising men to both a physical activity (brisk walking or control) and nutritional (lycopene supplementation or increased fruit and vegetables with reduced dairy consumption or control) intervention. The trial has two phases: men are enrolled into a cohort study prior to radical prostatectomy, and then consented after radical prostatectomy into a randomised controlled trial. Data are collected at four time points (cohort baseline, true trial baseline and 3 and 6 months post-randomisation).DiscussionThe Prostate Cancer: Evidence of Exercise and Nutrition Trial aims to determine whether men with localised prostate cancer who are scheduled for radical prostatectomy can be recruited into a cohort and subsequently randomised to a 6-month nutrition and physical activity intervention trial. If successful, this feasibility trial will inform a larger trial to investigate whether this population will gain clinical benefit from long-term nutritional and physical activity interventions post-surgery.Prostate Cancer: Evidence of Exercise and Nutrition Trial (PrEvENT) is registered on the ISRCTN registry, ref number ISRCTN99048944. Date of registration 17 November 2014.

Dietary lycopene intake and risk of prostate cancer defined by ERG protein expression

AbstractBackground: There is limited evidence that supports etiologically distinct molecular subtypes of prostate cancer, the identification of which may improve prevention. Given their antioxidant properties, we hypothesized that lycopene and tomato sauce may be especially protective against diseases harboring the common gene fusion transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2):v-ets avian erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog (ERG).Objective: We aimed to examine associations between estimated lycopene and tomato sauce intake and the risk of prostate cancer defined by ERG protein expression subtype.Design: Our study population consisted of a prospective cohort of 46,719 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. TMPRSS2:ERG was assessed by ERG immunohistochemistry on tumor tissue microarrays constructed from radical prostatectomy specimens. We used multivariable competing risk models to calculate HRs and 95% CIs for the risk of ERG-positive and, separately, ERG-negative disease. We implemented inverse probability weighting to account for evaluating ERG status only in surgically treated cases.Results: During 23 y of follow-up, 5543 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, among whom 884 were assayed for ERG (426 ERG-positive). With inclusion of only the latter cases, increasing cumulative average tomato sauce intake was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer overall (≥2 servings/wk compared with <1 serving/mo; multivariable HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.95; P-trend = 0.002). With respect to molecular subtypes, cumulative average tomato sauce intake was associated with a decreased risk of ERG-positive disease (HR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.81; P-trend = 0.004) but not with ERG-negative disease (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.62, 1.50; P-trend = 0.10) (P-heterogeneity = 0.04). Increasing quintiles of lycopene intake were associated with a decreased risk of both subtypes (P-heterogeneity = 0.79). Inverse probability weighting did not materially change the results.Conclusions: Our results lend some support to the hypothesis that prostate cancers that harbor TMPRSS2:ERG may be etiologically distinct from fusion-negative cancers. In particular, tomato sauce consumption may play a role in reducing TMPRSS2:ERG-positive disease.

Lycopene, tomato products and prostate cancer-specific mortality among men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort.

While dietary lycopene and tomato products have been inversely associated with prostate cancer incidence, there is limited evidence for an association between consumption of lycopene and tomato products and prostate-cancer specific mortality (PCSM). We examined the associations of prediagnosis and postdiagnosis dietary lycopene and tomato product intake with PCSM in a large prospective cohort. This analysis included men diagnosed with nonmetastatic prostate cancer between enrollment in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort in 1992 or 1993 and June 2011. Prediagnosis dietary data, collected at baseline, were available for 8,898 men, of whom 526 died of prostate cancer through 2012. Postdiagnosis dietary data, collected on follow-up surveys in 1999 and/or 2003, were available for 5,643 men, of whom 363 died of prostate cancer through 2012. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PCSM. Neither prediagnosis nor postdiagnosis dietary lycopene intake was associated with PCSM (fourth vs. first quartile HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.78-1.28; HR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.91-1.64, respectively). Similarly, neither prediagnosis nor postdiagnosis consumption of tomato products was associated with PCSM. Among men with high-risk cancers (T3-T4 or Gleason score 8-10, or nodal involvement), consistently reporting lycopene intake ≥ median on both postdiagnosis surveys was associated with lower PCSM (HR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-0.99, based on ten PCSM cases consistently ≥ median intake) compared to consistently reporting intake < median. Future studies are needed to confirm the potential inverse association of consistently high lycopene intake with PCSM among men with high-risk prostate cancers.

Assessment of dietary lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene intakes and sources in the Spanish survey of dietary intake (2009–2010)

We assessed the intake and major dietary sources of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene (non-provitamin A carotenoids) in Spain using food consumption data from the Spanish National Dietary Intake Survey (2009–2010). Three-day diaries and one 24-h recall were used to collect dietary data and a software application that includes HPLC data was used. Average intake of those carotenoids was 4290.8 μg/d (67.1% total carotenoid intake), mainly from vegetables (3414.0 μg/d), followed by fruits (393.5 μg/d), oils/fats (204.0 μg/d) and eggs/egg products (170.0 μg/d). Main sources of lutein and zeaxanthin were vegetables (62.9% total diet, 1235.2 μg/person/d). Lycopene intake was 3055.6 μg/d (71.2% of non-provitamin A carotenoids), mainly from tomato and by-products (86.3%) and watermelon. Red- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables were the major contributors of non-provitamin carotenoids (3219.0 μg/person/d). Balanced diets should favor fruits and vegetables over other dietary sources (oils, eggs, processed foods) that contain components to be consumed with moderation.

A Common Variant in the SETD7 Gene Predicts Serum Lycopene Concentrations.

Dietary intake and higher serum concentrations of lycopene have been associated with lower incidence of prostate cancer and other chronic diseases. Identifying determinants of serum lycopene concentrations may thus have important public health implications. Prior studies have suggested that serum lycopene concentrations are under partial genetic control. The goal of this research was to identify genetic predictors of serum lycopene concentrations using the genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach among a sample of 441 Old Order Amish adults that consumed a controlled diet. Linear regression models were utilized to evaluate associations between genetic variants and serum concentrations of lycopene. Variant rs7680948 on chromosome 4, located in the intron region of the SETD7 gene, was significantly associated with serum lycopene concentrations (p = 3.41 × 10−9). Our findings also provided nominal support for the association previously noted between SCARB1 and serum lycopene concentrations, although with a different SNP (rs11057841) in the region. This study identified a novel locus associated with serum lycopene concentrations and our results raise a number of intriguing possibilities regarding the nature of the relationship between SETD7 and lycopene, both of which have been independently associated with prostate cancer. Further investigation into this relationship might help provide greater mechanistic understanding of these associations.

A Review About Lycopene-Induced Nuclear Hormone Receptor Signalling in Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism via still Unknown Endogenous Apo-10´-Lycopenoids.

Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and tomato products and is an important dietary carotenoid found in the human organism. Lycopene-isomers, oxidative lycopene metabolites and apo-lycopenoids are found in the food matrix. Lycopene intake derived from tomato consumption is associated with alteration of lipid metabolism and a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Lycopene is mainly described as a potent antioxidant but novel studies are shifting towards its metabolites and their capacity to mediate nuclear receptor signalling. Di-/tetra-hydro-derivatives of apo-10´-lycopenoic acid and apo-15´-lycopenoic acids are potential novel endogenous mammalian lycopene metabolites which may act as ligands for nuclear hormone mediated activation and signalling. In this review, we postulate that complex lycopene metabolism results in various lycopene metabolites which have the ability to mediate transactivation of various nuclear hormone receptors like RARs, RXRs and PPARs. A new mechanistic explanation of how tomato consumption could positively modulate inflammation and lipid metabolism is discussed.

Dietary lycopene and cardiovascular health in ethnic Lithuanians

Background. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant, and it has been suggested that intake of lycopene-rich food results in a decreased risk of cardiovascular dis­eases. However, no official recommendation of lycopene consumption from natural dietary sources exists, and intake data of the Lithuanian population are limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate the median intake of lycopene in ethnic Lithuanians and to relate lycopene intake with biochemical blood risk factors for CVD in the general population and different ethnolinguistic groups. Materials and methods. One thousand one hundred forty randomly selected individuals (2–85 years of age) from six Lithuanian ethnolinguistic regions provided 3-day diet records for evaluation of lycopene consumption. Individuals were interviewed using a validated questionnaire consisting of lifestyle and clinical data. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, glucose, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a) were measured using standardised procedures. Due to the non-normal distribution of variables, nonparametric tests were applied using the IBM SPSS v20.0 software. Results. The mean dietary lycopene intake in the study population was 5.05 ± 7.48 or 0.07 ± 0.11 mg/kg body weight per day. Major food sources of lycopene were tomatoes and tomato products (79%). The lycopene intake from natural dietary sources varied significantly between the Lithuanian ethnolinguistic groups (the lowest intake 3.52 ± 5.64 mg/day, the highest intake 6.22 ± 7.66 mg/ day, p = 0.01) and genders (women 5.26 ± 7.78 mg/day and men 4.8 ± 7.22 mg/ day, p = 0.01). The mean lycopene intake was significantly (p

Higher levels of serum lycopene are associated with reduced mortality in individuals with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of mortality. Increased oxidative stress and inflammation may play an important role in the high mortality of individuals with metabolic syndrome. Previous studies have suggested that lycopene intake might be related to the reduced oxidative stress and decreased inflammation. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we examined the hypothesis that lycopene is associated with mortality among individuals with metabolic syndrome. A total of 2499 participants 20 years and older with metabolic syndrome were divided into 3 groups based on their serum concentration of lycopene using the tertile rank method. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from years 2001 to 2006 was linked to the mortality file for mortality follow-up data through December 31, 2011, to determine the mortality rate and hazard ratios (HR) for the 3 serum lycopene concentration groups. The mean survival time was significantly higher in the group with the highest serum lycopene concentration (120.6 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 118.8-122.3) and the medium group (116.3 months; 95% CI, 115.2-117.4), compared with the group with lowest serum lycopene concentration (107.4 months; 95% CI, 106.5-108.3). After adjusting for possible confounding factors, participants in the highest (HR, 0.61; P = .0113) and in the second highest (HR, 0.67; P = .0497) serum lycopene concentration groups showed significantly lower HRs of mortality when compared with participants in the lower serum lycopene concentration. The data suggest that higher serum lycopene concentration has a significant association with the reduced risk of mortality among individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Abstract PL02-02: Tomatoes, lycopene, and prostate cancer

Abstract In 1995, the first large prospective cohort data emerged from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) demonstrating a protective association between the intake of tomatoes and processed tomato products and a lower risk of prostate cancer (PCa). By utilizing data-bases of food content of carotenoids it has been possible to demonstrate similar associations between the estimated intake of lycopene (LYC), the non-provitamin A carotenoid providing the familiar red color of tomatoes, and PCa risk. With an additional two decades of monitoring the associations originally identified in the HPFS remain consistent in the 2014 update, while other epidemiologic studies are less convincing. LYC and other carotenoids were documented in human prostate tissue supporting the hypothesis of a direct effect on prostate carcinogenesis. Studies employing various laboratory models from multiple investigators show that tomato components or pure LYC have a protective impact on experimental prostate carcinogenesis. Although an antioxidant mechanism is frequently imputed based upon the known capacity of LYC to quench reactive oxygen species, other potential mechanisms of action related to hormonal activity, cell signaling and growth control, angiogenesis, and metastasis have emerged. Yet, proof of a protective relationship remains elusive and there are many obstacles to defining the impact of specific plant derived phytochemicals for human prostate cancer risk. The importance of dose-response, host genetics, and the complexity of human prostate cancer are but a few of the challenges faced in establishing a causal relationship. The examination of a tomato, lycopene, and prostate cancer relationship provides an example for considering how we as a discipline will address the challenges of defining food or phytochemical based interventions for cancer risk. Citation Format: Steven K. Clinton. Tomatoes, lycopene, and prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2014 Sep 27-Oct 1; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2015;8(10 Suppl): Abstract nr PL02-02.

Abstract A33: Pizza and pasta consumption levels in relation to lycopene and other antioxidant nutrients status among a low-income population in Southeast USA

Abstract Purpose: Lycopene is regarded as a promising antioxidant, potentially protective against chronic diseases such as certain cancers. Unlike other antioxidant nutrients, lycopene mostly comes from tomato based processed foods, rather than from fresh vegetables and fruits. Herein we examine whether foods rich in lycopene offer a full spectrum of antioxidant nutrients needed for chronic disease prevention. Methods: Serum levels of lycopene and other antioxidant nutrients were measured in a representative cross-sectional sample of low-income Blacks (n=189) and Whites (n=183) age 40-79 years participating in the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS). Dietary intakes of lycopene, other nutrients, and individual foods were ascertained via a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Pizza and pasta showed the strongest correlation with dietary lycopene (adjusted for age and total calories, R spearman = 0.54, P&amp;lt;0.0001), and were the only food sources significantly correlated with serum lycopene (adjusted for age and LDL-cholesterol, R spearman = 0.14, P=0.007). Across pizza and pasta consumption tertiles, estimated dietary lycopene intake increased from 4147±305 to 4983±287 to 8208±301 mcg (P&amp;lt;.0001) per day while serum lycopene concentrations were 27.8±1.3, 32.7±1.3 and 32.0±1.2 mcg (P=.01). There were no significant differences in key socio-demographic and lifestyle variables, except for slightly younger age in the highest tertile. Total caloric intake increased substantially with tertiles of consumption of pizza and pasta, rising from 1965±18 to 2294±114 to 3242±114 kcal (P&amp;lt;.0001). Adjusted for age and total calories, the consumption of protein, saturated fat, and trans fat were increased significantly at tertile 3 compared to tertile 1 and tertile 2 (e.g., saturated fat rose from 27.5±0.7 to 27.9±0.7 to 32.1±0.7 g, P&amp;lt;.0001), whereas fiber and sugar intake levels did not differ significantly across the tertiles. For micronutrients, the sodium and sodium to potassium ratio were much higher in tertile 3 than those in tertile 1 and tertile 2 (e.g., sodium tertile levels were 4179±90, 4095±85, 4635±89 mg, P&amp;lt;.0001). The majority of other antioxidant nutrients' intake levels, however, did not vary across tertiles, or even decreased significantly with higher intake of pizza and pasta (e.g., folate declined from 310.3±8.3 to 302.6±7.8 to 270.8±8.2 mcg, P=.003). Similarly, serum concentrations of other major antioxidants either did not change significantly or even decreased across tertiles of pizza and pasta (e.g., serum concentrations of carotene declined from 16.8±1.4 to 12.8±1.4 to 10.3±1.4 µg/dl, P=.0005). Conclusion: In the current study, pizza and pasta were shown to be the main contributors to dietary lycopene and predictive of serum lycopene levels. Pizza and pasta as consumed by the SCCS participants, however, may offer less antioxidation protection than expected based on their lycopene content alone, since such meals provide higher calories, more unhealthy fat and less overall antioxidants. Citation Format: Yuan Eva Zhou, Maciej S. Buchowski, David G. Schlundt, William J. Blot, Margaret K. Hargreaves. Pizza and pasta consumption levels in relation to lycopene and other antioxidant nutrients status among a low-income population in Southeast USA. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2014 Sep 27-Oct 1; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2015;8(10 Suppl): Abstract nr A33.

Effect of Carotene and Lycopene on the Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

BackgroundMany epidemiologic studies have investigated the association between carotenoids intake and risk of Prostate cancer (PCa). However, results have been inconclusive.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of dietary intake or blood concentrations of carotenoids in relation to PCa risk. We summarized the data from 34 eligible studies (10 cohort, 11 nested case-control and 13 case-control studies) and estimated summary Risk Ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models.ResultsNeither dietary β-carotene intake nor its blood levels was associated with reduced PCa risk. Dietary α-carotene intake and lycopene consumption (both dietary intake and its blood levels) were all associated with reduced risk of PCa (RR for dietary α-carotene intake: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.76–0.99; RR for dietary lycopene intake: 0.86, 95%CI: 0.75–0.98; RR for blood lycopene levels: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.69–0.96). However, neither blood α-carotene levels nor blood lycopene levels could reduce the risk of advanced PCa. Dose-response analysis indicated that risk of PCa was reduced by 2% per 0.2mg/day (95%CI: 0.96–0.99) increment of dietary α-carotene intake or 3% per 1mg/day (95%CI: 0.94–0.99) increment of dietary lycopene intake.Conclusionsα-carotene and lycopene, but not β-carotene, were inversely associated with the risk of PCa. However, both α-carotene and lycopene could not lower the risk of advanced PCa.

Lycopene and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common illness for aging males. Lycopene has been identified as an antioxidant agent with potential anticancer properties. Studies investigating the relation between lycopene and PCa risk have produced inconsistent results. This study aims to determine dietary lycopene consumption/circulating concentration and any potential dose–response associations with the risk of PCa. Eligible studies published in English up to April 10, 2014, were searched and identified from Pubmed, Sciencedirect Online, Wiley online library databases and hand searching. The STATA (version 12.0) was applied to process the dose–response meta-analysis. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and to incorporate variation between studies. The linear and nonlinear dose–response relations were evaluated with data from categories of lycopene consumption/circulating concentrations. Twenty-six studies were included with 17,517 cases of PCa reported from 563,299 participants. Although inverse association between lycopene consumption and PCa risk was not found in all studies, there was a trend that with higher lycopene intake, there was reduced incidence of PCa (P = 0.078). Removal of one Chinese study in sensitivity analysis, or recalculation using data from only high-quality studies for subgroup analysis, indicated that higher lycopene consumption significantly lowered PCa risk. Furthermore, our dose–response meta-analysis demonstrated that higher lycopene consumption was linearly associated with a reduced risk of PCa with a threshold between 9 and 21 mg/day. Consistently, higher circulating lycopene levels significantly reduced the risk of PCa. Interestingly, the concentration of circulating lycopene between 2.17 and 85 μg/dL was linearly inversed with PCa risk whereas there was no linear association >85 μg/dL. In addition, greater efficacy for the circulating lycopene concentration on preventing PCa was found for studies with high quality, follow-up >10 years and where results were adjusted by the age or the body mass index. In conclusion, our novel data demonstrates that higher lycopene consumption/circulating concentration is associated with a lower risk of PCa. However, further studies are required to determine the mechanism by which lycopene reduces the risk of PCa and if there are other factors in tomato products that might potentially decrease PCa risk and progression.

Dietary Intake and Serum Level of Carotenoids in Lung Cancer Patients: A Case-Control Study

The aim of this study was to compare the dietary intake and serum levels of some selected carotenoids of lung cancer patients with healthy subjects. Thirty-five lung cancer patients and 33 healthy people were enrolled into this case-control study. Daily intake of nutrients was estimated using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day 24-h food recall questionnaire. The concentration of serum beta-carotene and lycopene were analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatography method. Case and control groups did not differ by the means of age, gender, smoking habits, weight, body mass index, mean daily energy intake, mean daily fat intake, and the percentage of daily energy provided by fat to total daily energy intake. The beta-carotene and lycopene intake of the case subjects was 96% and 195% greater than that of the control subjects. Daily intake of fruits and vegetables in the cancer group was higher than the control group. However, the serum concentration of 118% beta-carotene and 60% lycopene were higher in the control group. Despite a higher daily dietary intake of beta-carotene and lycopene by lung cancer patients, serum beta-carotene and lycopene concentrations were significantly lower than the group without cancer.