Lycopene and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Cardiometabolic risk factors increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease development by 2-fold. Lycopene, a potent lipophilic antioxidant, may be able to mediate oxidative stress, a mechanism underpinning metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its risk factors. This is, to our knowledge, the first systematic review of the literature with the purpose of investigating the relation between circulating lycopene or dietary intake of lycopene and MetS as well as its risk factors. The review was conducted using PubMed and EBSCOhost databases with the search terms "lycopene"and "metabolic syndrome." Inclusion criteria included human studies published in English in a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal and evaluation of lycopene in relation to ≥3 of the 5 MetS risk factors as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) report. The process identified 11 studies, including 8 cross-sectional and 3 intervention studies. Cross-sectional studies were grouped into 3 categories, with several studies falling into >1 category, based on results reporting associations of lycopene with the prevalence and outcomes of MetS (5 studies), presence of ATP III risk factors (4 studies), and variables mediating lycopene's influence on MetS risk (3 studies). All studies in each category reported significant protective associations. Of the 3 intervention studies, all reported significant protective effects from a lycopene-rich beverage, despite varying doses and durations of intake. Although a protective relation between lycopene and MetS was generally supported, different MetS components appeared to be influenced by lycopene rather than demonstrating consistent improvement in a single component. Thus, additional research is needed to elucidate the mechanistic effects of lycopene on MetS, as well as to determine evidence-based recommendations concerning dosedurational effects of lycopene and MetS risk reduction. In conclusion, the evidence of lycopene's benefit exists such that lycopene status or lycopene consumption may be associated with favorable alterations to the components of MetS.

The Role of Circulating Lycopene in Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…These reported effects are furthermore explained by incorporating details on the molecular mechanism of action of lycopene. The results of the cross-sectional studies are consistent with the findings of previous systematic reviews assessing the relationship between lycopene and vascular risk, metabolic syndrome, prostate, and bladder cancer [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ].…”

“…While in vitro and animal studies show promise for the potential health effects of lycopene, the relationship between lycopene and low-grade chronic inflammation in itself has so far been inconclusive in humans. Various systematic reviews have already been conducted on lycopene and how it affects different diseases and their symptoms, such as prostate and bladder cancer, Cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. The cross-sectional and intervention studies assessed in these reviews were often inconclusive, and the inconsistency among studies and the type of lycopene tested makes comparison difficult.…”

Lycopene as a Natural Antioxidant Used to Prevent Human Health Disorders

“…Moreover, the protective role of lycopene in metabolic syndrome has been well-studied. It seems that different metabolic syndrome components can be improved by lycopene supplementation "rather than demonstrating consistent improvement in a single component" [16]. Lycopene can be used in different CVDs, too [17].…”

Variation of Serum Lycopene in Response to 100% Watermelon Juice: An Exploratory Analysis of Genetic Variants in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Study

“…Results are supported by previous findings in which a similar dose of lycopene provided by watermelon or tomato juice did not result in improvements in antioxidant capacity or cholesterol levels in middle-aged adults ( 33 ). In contrast, 2 recent systematic reviews reported varying degrees of improvement in lipid profiles after consumption of 100% fruit juice or supplementation with lycopene ( 34 , 35 ). It is plausible that the discrepancy in results may be attributed to differing bioactive compounds as well as the dose and duration of the intervention.…”