Lycopene Group Research Articles

Lycopene attenuates D-galactose-induced memory and behavioral deficits by mediating microbiota-SCFAs-gut-brain axis balance in female CD-1 mice

Aging impairs cognitive function, whereas nutritional intervention can delay aging and age-related diseases. Lycopene (LYC), a naturally occurring carotenoid, posses multiple health-promoting properties, including neuroprotective function. Here, the effects of LYC on memory and behavioral deficits induced by D-galactose (D-gal) treatment and the relative contribution of LYC-derived gut microbiota in these process were investigated. Results demonstrated that LYC showed effective protection on D-gal induced cognitive deficit and neuronal damage. Moreover, LYC treatment has beneficial effects on gut barrier damage, microbiota dysbiosis and levels of SCFAs in D-gal-induced subacute aging mice. Next, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment was performed and increased SCFAs were observed in mice received stools from D-gal+LYC group when compared with D-gal-FMT group. Thus, we added SCFAs treatment served as a control group in order to evaluated whether the alterations of gut-brain axis could be attributed to LYC-reshaped gut microbiota and SCFAs. Results showed that recipient mice received SCFAs and stools from D-gal+LYC group have similar beneficial effects in improving gut and brain function, demonstrated as: improved intestinal health via elevating antioxidant enzymes contents, increasing the expressions of tight junctions proteins and protecting gut barrier, enhanced mice working memory capacity via alleviating hippocampal neurons impairment, improving synaptic function and enhancing mitochondrial function in the intestinal pseudo-aseptic mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that LYC-derived microbiome played a pivotal role in the regulation of cognitive functions during aging and enhanced SCFAs formation might be an important signaling molecule connecting gut microbiome and brain.

Lycopene Regulates Macrophage Immune Response through the Autophagy Pathway Mediated by RIPK1.

The effects of lycopene (LP) on macrophage immune responses were evaluated in this study. Compared with the control treatment, LP treatment significantly increased cell vitality, phagocytic activity, and chemokine production in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, compared with the control treatment, 4 μM LP treatment significantly activated autophagy, enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), while necrostatin-1 significantly reversed these effects of LP. Furthermore, compared with that in the control group, RIPK1 was significantly upregulated in the 4 μM LP and 4 μM LP + spautin-1 groups, whereas p-mTOR levels were reduced. More importantly, compared with that in the control group, p62 was significantly downregulated, and Beclin1, LC3-II, and Atg7 were upregulated in the 4 μM LP group, while spautin-1 significantly reversed these effects of LP. These results confirm that LP activates the mTOR/Beclin1/LC3/p62 autophagy signaling pathway through RIPK1, thereby enhancing the immune response of macrophages.

Effectiveness of lycopene dietary enrichment for growth performance, digestive enzymes, blood health, immunity, and antioxidant status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) against chronic glyphosate toxicity

For food safety challenges, sustainable aquaculture emerges as a significant source in recent years; however, despite its potential, the industry still facing challenges, notably the exposure of cultured animals to pesticidal pollution. This pollution originating from agricultural practices that can enter aquaculture system directly: to integrated-agriculture aquaculture practices, or indirectly via soil leakage. Current research based on glyphosate (GLY) toxicity and its amelioration by lycopene (LYC). Four fish groups used for six-weeks experiment in which four groups were used. Control group (CL) was fed with basal commercial diet only without any LYC and GLY exposure; 2) LYC group: exposed to LYC supplemented diet (15 mg/kg per fish diet); 3) GLY group: exposed to glyphosate only (1/5th of 96 h LC50: 0.0892 mg/L) with basal commercial diet, and; 4) GLY + LYC group: exposed to both lycopene supplemented diet (15 mg/kg per fish diet) and glyphosate (1/5th of 96 h LC50: 0.0892 mg/L). GLY observed to decrease growth parameters and feed utilization whereas, lycopene ameliorated growth rate (WG, SGR, HSI, CF) and feeding utilization (FCR) as compared to the control group. Also, GLY induced toxicity within hematobiochemical parameters with alleviation by LYC supplementation. GLY induced cytotoxicity was observed within RBCs as lobbing, notching, vacuolation, blebbing, micronuclei, and condensation. Increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were observed by GLY exposure. Also, there is observed reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, POD, TPC and GSH) upon GLY exposure. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde: MDA), 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) and DIY (dityrosine) observed to increase by GLY toxicity. There was improvement in immune responses; increased AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity, lysozyme content, ACP (acid phosphatase), NBT (nitro blue tetrazolium), NO (nitric oxide) and IgM levels (immunoglobulin M) and digestive enzyme activities (protease, lipase and amylase) observed by LYC supplemented diet. Taken together, LYC supplementation observed to alleviate GLY induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity with improved immunity, digestive actions and blood health within C. carpio. Therefore, dietary supplementation with lycopene can protect common carp from the harmful effects by glyphosate within agri-integrated aquaculture practices, so suggesting it as potential feed additive.

The Effects of Lycopene on Modulating Oxidative Stress and Liver Enzymes Levels in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

The pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) complications involves the excessive production of<br />reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Due to Lycopene, a highly unstable structure and<br />its significant effects on modulating the metabolic system, there is a strong need for a formula that can increase its<br />stability. The aim of this study was to develop an approach for encapsulating Lycopene and investigate its effects on<br />inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and liver enzymes in patients with MetS.<br />Materials and Methods: This study is a simple randomized, double-blind, objective-based clinical trial that involved<br />eighty subjects with MetS, who were equally and randomly assigned to two groups: one group received 20 mg of<br />Lycopene per day for 8 weeks, and the Placebo group followed the same protocol as the Lycopene group but received<br />a placebo instead of Lycopene. They were called Lycopene and placebo, respectively. During follow-up visits after 4<br />and 8 weeks, 20 ml of blood was collected for evaluation of liver enzymes and some inflammatory related markers.<br />Results: Prior to the assignment of volunteers to their respective groups, there were no notable differences in C-reactive<br />protein (CRP), serum liver enzymes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, or pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB)<br />between the Lycopene and placebo groups. However, our subsequent analysis revealed a significant reduction in the<br />serum levels of CRP (P=0.001) and PAB (P=0.004) in the group that received Lycopene. Our encapsulated Lycopene<br />treatment was not associated with a significant difference in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate<br />transferase (AST), or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) between our two groups.<br />Conclusion: This study investigated the impact of Lycopene on individuals with MetS, revealing a noteworthy<br />modulation effect on PAB and inflammation linked to MetS. However, no significant differences was demonstrated in<br />serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP between the studied group (registration number: IRCT20130507013263N3).

Holistic Assessment Based On Hepatocyte Mitochondria: Lycopene Repairs Oxidized mtDNA to Alleviate Mitochondrial Stress Induced by Atrazine.

Atrazine (ATZ) is a highly persistent herbicide that harms organism health. Lycopene (LYC) is an antioxidant found in plants and fruits. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of atrazine-induced mitochondrial damage and lycopene antagonism in the liver. The mice were divided into seven groups by randomization: blank control (Con group), vehicle control (Vcon group), 5 mg/kg lycopene (LYC group), 50 mg/kg atrazine (ATZ1 group), ATZ1+LYC group, 200 mg/kg atrazine (ATZ2 group), and ATZ2+LYC group. The present study performed a holistic assessment based on mitochondria to show that ATZ causes the excessive fission of mitochondria and disrupts mitochondrial biogenesis. However, the LYC supplementation reverses these changes. ATZ causes increased mitophagy and exacerbates the production of oxidized mitochondrial DNA (Ox-mtDNA) and mitochondrial stress. This study reveals that LYC could act as an antioxidant to repair Ox-mtDNA and restore the disordered mitochondrial function caused by ATZ.

Physiological Responses in Broiler Chickens Administered Lycopene During the Hot-Dry Season

Abstract This study evaluates the effects of lycopene administration on body weight, mortality, cloacal temperature, and haematological responses, in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. 40 day-old broiler chicks were divided into control and lycopene groups, 20 chickens each. Each bird in the control group received olive oil (1 ml.kg−1), and lycopene at 10 mg.kg−1 mixed with olive oil was given to each bird in the lycopene group by oral gavage once daily for 28 days. The dry- and wet-bulb temperature of the broiler chickens’ pen was recorded three times daily from days 8 to 28. The body weights were measured weekly. The incidence of mortality was recorded. The cloacal temperatures were measured on days 14, 21 and 28. The blood samples were collected for haematological analyses, on day 28. The results indicated a high overall temperature-humidity index (31.24 ± 0.43 oC) of the thermal micro-environment of the broiler chickens. There was no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) in body weight. The percentage mortality in the control group was relatively higher compared to the lycopene group. Lycopene reduced the cloacal temperature responses and the daily fluctuations in broiler chickens. The decreased (P &lt; 0.05) heterophil:lymphocyte ratio and percentage erythrocytes haemolysis were recorded in the lycopene group. In conclusion, lycopene administration reduced mortality and improved cloacal temperature and haematological responses without exerting any significant beneficial or negative effects on the body weight in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress.

Co-occurrence of Mycotoxin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice Inhibited by Lycopene: Mitochondrial Impairment and Early Hepatic Fibrosis.

Mycotoxins co-contamination of agricultural products poses a serious threat to human and animal health, especially hepatic dysfunction. Zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are three commonly co-occurring mycotoxins. This study is to determine whether lycopene (LYC) can alleviate hepatic toxicity induced by the co-occurrence of ZEN, DON, and AFB1 in mice. Eighty 6-week-old male ICR mice are divided into four groups: CON group (solvent control), LYC group (10 mgkg-1 LYC), Co-M group (10 mgkg-1 ZEN + 1 mgkg-1 DON + 0.5 mgkg-1 AFB1), and LYC+Co-M group (10 mgkg-1 LYC + 10 mgkg-1 ZEN + 1 mgkg-1 DON + 0.5 mgkg-1 AFB1). The results show that LYC can suppress the co-occurrence of mycotoxin-induced mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization accompanied by dysregulation of indices of mitochondrial dynamics (Mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, Optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), Fission 1 (Fis1) at the mRNA level; DRP1 and FIS1 at the protein level). LYC effectively inhibits co-occurrence of mycotoxin-induced activation of Cytochrome P450 2E1, and early fibrosis, as determined by staining with Masson's trichrome and α-SMA protein. LYC successfully attenuates early hepatic fibrosis mainly through antioxidant activities and prevented mitochondrial injury.

Enhancing semen quality, brain neurotransmitters, and antioxidant status of rabbits under heat stress by acacia gum, vitamin C, and lycopene as dietary supplements: an in vitro and in silico study

In the current study, the effects of enhancing semen quality, brain neurotransmitters, and antioxidant status in rabbits under heat stress with acacia gum, vitamin C, and lycopene as dietary supplements were estimated in vitro and in silico. A total of 40 males from New Zealand White rabbits aged 3 months were equally divided into four groups (n = 10). The first group was a control. The other three groups were the heat stress group (oral acacia gum, 100 mg/kg body weight), the ascorbic acid group (30 mg/kg body weight), and the lycopene group (50 mg/kg body weight). All semen showed physical characteristics in terms of increasing sperm motility, motility index, sperm normality, and live sperm as compared to the control group. On the other hand, sperm abnormalities, and dead sperm significantly (p < 0.001) decreased compared with the control group. It is of interest to show that most semen traits were significantly (p < 0.001) better for acacia gum than vitamin C and lycopene. The expression of neurotransmitters (5-HT, DA, Glu, Asp) was enhanced in all treatments compared to the control. The results of acacia gum were better (p < 0.001) than those obtained with vitamin C and lycopene. The acacia gum treatment had a lower plasma semen MDA and NO (p < 0.001) and higher GSH, TAC, SOD, CAT, L-Car, Na+-K+ ATPase, ATP, and total calcium content (p < 0.001) than in other treatments and controls. These results were confirmed by the prediction of the binding energy, several conventional and carbon H-bonds, hydrophobicity, and SAS through the in silico docking analysis results. It can be concluded that acacia gum, vitamin c, and lycopene are used for enhancing semen quality, brain neurotransmitters, and the antioxidant status of rabbits under heat stress. HIGHLIGHTS One of the most significant influences on animal metabolism and productivity is heat stress. Fertility is negatively impacted by heat stress because the level of reactive oxygen species rises. Acacia gum, lycopene, and ascorbic acid were used to improve the quality of sperm, brain neurotransmitters, and antioxidant status of rabbits under heat stress in vivo.

Lycopene prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through regulating hepatic NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and intestinal microbiota in mice fed with high-fat and high-fructose diet.

Lycopene (LY) belongs to carotenoids and is abundant in red fruits and vegetables. Several previous studies suggested that LY is beneficial for ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while the potential mechanisms are unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the potential mechanisms of LY in preventing NAFLD via exploring the hepatic NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and intestinal microbiota composition in high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD)-fed mice. Fifty eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into 5 groups: Normal control group (NC); HFFD group; HFFD with low dose of lycopene group (LLY, 20 mg/kg/d); HFFD with high dose of lycopene group (HLY, 60 mg/kg/d) and HFFD with resveratrol group (RSV, 50 mg/kg/d, positive control). After 8 weeks, feces were collected and the 12 h fasted mice were sacrificed to acquire tissues and blood for parameters measurement. The results showed that the mice in LLY, HLY and RSV groups had significantly lower body weight gain, weight of white adipose tissue, serum levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hepatic concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) than that in the HFFD group (p < 0.05). HLY and RSV groups also displayed lower serum levels of TG, total cholesterol (TC) and hepatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) than the HFFD group (p < 0.05). Liver protein expressions of NLRP3, Pro-Caspase-1, Caspase-1 and NF-κB were lower in the LLY, HLY and RSV groups than those in the HFFD group (p < 0.05). The feces of LY -treated mice had higher relative levels of SCFAs producing bacteria Allobaculum and lower destructive bacteria, including Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Desulfovibrio, and Alistipes over the HFFD group (p < 0.05). RSV group also displayed lower fecal levels of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Desulfovibrio, and Alistipes than the HFFD group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, LY might prevent NAFLD by suppressing hepatic NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and attenuating gut microbiota dysbiosis.

The expression of liver TNF-α gene, liver and small intestine histology of thermal stressed growing rabbits affected by allicin and lycopene

ObjectivesThermal stress negatively affects the productive performance and immunity responses of rabbits. In this study, we examined the effects of two allicin (AL) and lycopene (LP) levels on performance index, a liver tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) gene expression, histological parameters of liver, and small intestine of V-line growing rabbits exposed to thermal stress. MethodsIn nine replications of three rabbits per pen under thermal stress, 135 male rabbits (5 weeks old, average weight 772.02 ± 6.41 g) were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in nine replications of three rabbits per pen under thermal stress (temperature-humidity index average 31.2). The 1st group served as the control, receiving no supplements; The 2nd and 3rd groups received 100 and 200 mg AL/kg of diet supplements; and the 4th and 5th groups were supplemented with 100 and 200 mg LP/kg diet, respectively. Resultsshow that AL and LP rabbits had the best final body weight, body gain, and feed conversion ratio compared with the control. compared with control, rabbit liver TNF- α levels significantly decreased in diets containing AL and LP In contrast, AL rabbits were slightly more effective in downregulating the expression of the TNF-α gene than LP groups. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of AL and LP significantly improved antibody titers against sheep red blood titers. Compared with other treatments, AL100 treatment significantly improved immune responses to phytohemagglutinin. In all treatments, histological analysis revealed a significant reduction in binuclear hepatocytes. The diameter of the hepatic lobules, villi height, crypt depth, and absorption surface of heat-stressed rabbits were all positively affected by both doses of LP (100–200 mg/kg diet). Conclusionrabbit dietary supplementation with AL or LP could positively affect performance, TNF-α, immunity, and histological parameters of growing rabbits under thermal stress.

Comparative Evaluation of Aloe vera, Curcumin, and Lycopene in Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients – A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder characterized by fibrosis of the oral mucosa. Various treatment modalities, including conventional interventions and natural products, have been explored for managing OSMF. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Aloe vera, curcumin, and conventional intervention in Grade II OSMF patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 120 Grade II OSMF patients. They were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: A. vera group (n = 40), curcumin group (n = 40), and lycopene intervention group (n = 40). The primary outcomes assessed were mouth opening, symptom relief, and improvement in quality of life. Baseline measurements were recorded, and the interventions were administered for 12 weeks. Follow-up assessments were conducted at the end of the intervention period. SPSS 25.0 was used for data analysis. Results: All three treatment groups showed significant improvements in mouth opening and symptom relief. The lycopene group exhibited the highest mean increase in mouth opening, though not significant. There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of symptom relief. The interventions were generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that A. vera, curcumin, and conventional intervention are effective in improving the primary outcomes in Grade II OSMF patients. Both curcumin and A. vera showed promising results in terms of mouth opening and reduction in fibrotic bands. These natural products can be considered adjunctive therapies to conventional interventions for managing Grade II OSMF. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted to confirm these findings and optimize the treatment approach for OSMF.

The effect of lycopene on contrast-induced nephrotoxicity in diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography

Introduction: Radiocontrast nephrotoxicity refers to one of the most prevalent and key complications in diabetic patients. Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic and protective effect of lycopene on contrast-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN) in diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography. Patients and Methods: In this study, 113 patients who took lycopene with prevention of contrast induced kidney injury regime (lycopene group) or prevention of kidney injury regimen alone (regimen group) were investigated through medical records. Oral lycopene was administered 24 hours before to 72 hours after the angiography. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were assessed and recorded in a checklist. SPSS software was conducted for data analysis. Results: At the baseline, there was no significant difference between the mean of urea, Cr, and GFR (P&gt;0.05). However, after administration of lycopene, a significant difference between the mean BUN was observed among groups (P&lt;0.001), with lower rate in the patients taking oral lycopene. Although the mean Cr decreased after the administration of oral lycopene, no statistically significant difference was seen (P = 0.08). The mean GFR was not significant different between the two groups of regimen and lycopene (P=0.44). Conclusion: In patients with diabetes, taking lycopene for CIN may help improve some biochemical factors; nevertheless, its positive effect on the improvement of nephrotoxicity indices cannot be certainly determined.

FruHis significantly increases the anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia effect of lycopene: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

For decades, lycopene was considered the main compound of tomato protecting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Recent animal studies suggest that a newly discovered compound "FruHis" boosts lycopene for its action. This study aimed to determine whether FruHis enhances the action of lycopene to modify the laboratory parameters and clinical outcomes of patients with BPH. Current study was conducted on 52 BPH patients, who were randomly assigned into four groups of treatments: lycopene plus FruHis (n = 11, 25 mg/day lycopene and 10 mg/day FruHis), lycopene (n = 12, 25 mg/day lycopene), FruHis (n = 12, 10 mg/day FruHis), and placebo (n = 13). Patients received these supplements for 8 weeks. FruHis intake strengthened the reducing effects of lycopene on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (-54.47 ± 28.36 ng/mL in the lycopene + FruHis group vs. -30.24 ± 46.69 ng/mL in the lycopene group), total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA) (-1.49 ± 4.78 ng/mL in the lycopene + FruHis group vs. -0.64 ± 2.02 ng/mL in the lycopene group), and symptom score (-4.45 ± 4.03 in the lycopene + FruHis group vs. -1.66 ± 5.41 in the lycopene group) in BPH patients. Such findings were also seen for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). However, except for IGF-1, these reductions were not statistically significant compared with the placebo, and the intakes of lycopene and FruHis alone, however, were clinically important. Such effects of lycopene and FruHis were not seen for free PSA (FPSA) and FPSA/TPSA ratio. Despite the non-significant effects of lycopene and FruHis, it seems that FruHis intake strengthens the beneficial effects of lycopene on IGF-1, TPSA, and symptom scores among BPH patients. [www.irct.ir], identifier [IRCT20190522043669N1].

Effect of Lycopene Supplementation on Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Markers of Endothelial Function in Iranian Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to explore if supplementary lycopene tablets may help heart failure (HF) patients improve their lipid profile, BP, and the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) index for endothelial function. Fifty patients with ischemic HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the lycopene group which received 25 mg lycopene tablets once a day for 8 weeks and the control group which received placebo tablets containing starch once a day for 8 weeks. Our results showed that after two months, the amount of triglyceride (TG) and FMD improved significantly compared to the control, TG decreased (219.27 vs. 234.24), and the mean of FMD increased (5.68 vs. 2.95). Other variables, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), showed no improvement. Also, only SBP and FMD showed intragroup improvement in the intervention group. In the intervention group, only SBP and FMD exhibited intragroup improvement. It can be concluded that supplementing with lycopene can enhance endothelial function and reduce the TG levels in ischemic HFrEF patients. However, it had no positive effect on BP, TC, LDL-C, or HDL-C. Trial Registration. This clinical trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT registration number: IRCT20210614051574N4.

Lycopene Supplementation to Serum-Free Maturation Medium Improves In Vitro Bovine Embryo Development and Quality and Modulates Embryonic Transcriptomic Profile.

Bovine embryos are typically cultured at reduced oxygen tension to lower the impact of oxidative stress on embryo development. However, oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is performed at atmospheric oxygen tension since low oxygen during maturation has a negative impact on oocyte developmental competence. Lycopene, a carotenoid, acts as a powerful antioxidant and may protect the oocyte against oxidative stress during maturation at atmospheric oxygen conditions. Here, we assessed the effect of adding 0.2 μM lycopene (antioxidant), 5 μM menadione (pro-oxidant), and their combination on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in matured oocytes and the subsequent development, quality, and transcriptome of the blastocysts in a bovine in vitro model. ROS fluorescent intensity in matured oocytes was significantly lower in the lycopene group, and the resulting embryos showed a significantly higher blastocyst rate on day 8 and a lower apoptotic cell ratio than all other groups. Transcriptomic analysis disclosed a total of 296 differentially expressed genes (Benjamini–Hochberg-adjusted p < 0.05 and ≥ 1-log2-fold change) between the lycopene and control groups, where pathways associated with cellular function, metabolism, DNA repair, and anti-apoptosis were upregulated in the lycopene group. Lycopene supplementation to serum-free maturation medium neutralized excess ROS during maturation, enhanced blastocyst development and quality, and modulated the transcriptomic landscape.

Extraction of lycopene from tomato pomace and its protective effects on renal injury in diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of lycopene from tomato pomace on renal injury in diabetic rats. Lycopene was extracted from tomato pomace. The rats were divided into control, model and 10, 20 and mg/kg lycopene groups. The diabetic nephropathy model was constructed in the latter four groups. Then, the latter three groups were treated with 10, 20 and mg/kg lycopene, respectively. After four weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, in 20 and 40 mg/kg lycopene groups the serum fasting plasma glucose level was decreased (P < 0.05), the fasting insulin level was increased (P < 0.05), the renal index and 24-h urinary protein level were decreased (P < 0.05), the blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were decreased (P < 0.05), the renal tissue superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were increased (P < 0.05), the renal tissue malondialdehyde level was decreased (P < 0.05), and the serum tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 and hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels were decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lycopene from tomato pomace can alleviate renal injury in diabetic rats. The mechanism may be related to the resistance of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Study on the protective effect of Lycopene on ischemia-reperfusion myocardium through Inhibiting the opening of mitochondrial MPTP and the activation of apoptotic pathway

Through in vitro experiments, the paper investigated whether Lycopene can mitigate cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, and further explored whether the underlying mechanism works by inhibiting the opening of MPTP.A hypoxia-reoxygenation model was established. CCK8 was employed to determine the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. LDH was used to determine the degree of damage of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Trypan blue staining was applied to determine the survival rate of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Flow cytometry was used to determine the apoptosis rate of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Rhodamine 123 staining method was applied to evaluate the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Western blot was employed to determine the protein expressions of related factors of MPTP downstream apoptosis pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Calcium induction method was used to evaluate the opening degree of MPTP of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Western blot was applied to determine the protein expressions of the related factors regulating MPTP opening in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.The vitality of H9c2 cardiomyocytes in the Lycopene group was significantly improved, the LDH activity was significantly reduced, and the cell survival rate was significantly improved. The apoptosis rate was significantly reduced, and the membrane potential decreased significantly. The expression levels of Bax, cytochrome C, APAF-1, caspase 9 and caspase-3 proteins were significantly reduced. The sensitivity of MPTP opening was significantly decreased. Lycopene can effectively alleviate the hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of H9c2 cardiomyocytes. By up-regulating Bcl-2 and down-regulating Bax, Lycopene can inhibit the opening of mitochondrial MPTP and the activation of downstream apoptotic pathways, thereby reducing apoptosis.

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.

Lycopene protects sperm from oxidative stress in the experimental varicocele model.

Oxidative stress (OS) is an important parameter in the evaluation of infertility caused by varicocele. Antioxidants are the most commonly prescribed drugs in these patients. Lycopene molecule, as the powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family, has beneficial effects on improving fertility in males. Therefore, we investigated the effects of lycopene on induced OS by varicocele in an animal model. Forty‐five adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (n = 12) and varicocele (n = 33). Two months after induced varicocele, five rats in each group were sacrificed randomly and induced varicocele was investigated. Remained rats were divided into five groups (n = 7), including the control (I), varicocele (II), varicocele reserving solvent (III), varicocele reserving lycopene 4 mg/kg (IV), and 10 mg/kg (V) for two months. At the end of the experiment, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), %DNA damage, and antioxidant enzymatic levels were measured. The results indicated that there were significant increases in the levels of ROS, MDA, DNA damage, superoxide dismutase (SOD), sperm concentration, and motility in the varicocele groups compared with the control group. In the lycopene group (10 mg/kg), sperm concentration, the levels of TAC, and catalase (CAT) activity were improved so the levels of ROS, MDA, and %DNA damage were reduced compared with varicocele group. Our findings indicated that the administration of lycopene especially at a dose of 10 mg/kg in the varicocele group could protect sperm from OS and sperm DNA damage by increasing antioxidant activity and reducing ROS.

A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth controlled clinical trial of systemically administered Lycopene on periodontal health

Background/PurposeThis research aimed to compare the effects of systemically prescribed Lycopene as a monotherapy and as an alternative to scaling and root planing in patients with chronic gingivitis. Materials and methodsThe participants were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: the experimental group (n = 50), which received 10 mg of Lycopene a day for two weeks, or the control group (n = 50) received a placebo for two weeks. For each category, quadrant distribution was randomized, with two quadrants receiving oral prophylaxis (OP) and two quadrants receiving no care (non-OP). At baseline, 1st, and 2nd weeks, the sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, gingival index, and salivary uric acid level were measured. ResultsAll clinical criteria, including SBI, PI, GI, and salivary uric acid levels, showed a statistically significant decline in all patient types. Both clinical parameters were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in the OP-lycopene group relative to the non-OP-placebo group and non-OP lycopene group (p < 0.05). The PI value in the OP-lycopene group was statistically significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the non-OP-placebo group; there was no statistically significant difference in the other groups. Salivary uric acid levels in the OP- and non-OP- lycopene groups were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the non-OP-placebo population. ConclusionBased on the findings of this study, Lycopene seems to have a bright future as a treatment option for plaque-induced generalized chronic marginal gingivitis. More research with a broad sample size and multicentre trials is required. Clinical relevanceThe article reveals the positive relationship between Lycopene and gingivitis. The analysis shows that a combination of systemically administered Lycopene with oral prophylaxis can be a valuable tool in treating chronic gingivitis and controlling respiratory oxidative stress.