The role of carotenoids in the prevention of human pathologies

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage to biomolecules have been postulated to be involved in the causation and progression of several chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the two major causes of morbidity and mortality in Western world. Consequently dietary antioxidants, which inactivate ROS and provide protection from oxidative damage are being considered as important preventive strategic molecules. Carotenoids have been implicated as important dietary nutrients having antioxidant potential, being involved in the scavenging of two of the ROS, singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) and peroxyl radicals generated in the process of lipid peroxidation. Carotenoids are lipophilic molecules which tend to accumulate in lipophilic compartments like membranes or lipoproteins. Chronic ethanol consumption significantly increases hydrogen peroxide and decreases mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) in cells overexpressing CYP2E1. The depletion of mitochondrial GSH and the rise of hydrogen peroxide are responsible for the ethanol-induced apoptosis. Increased intake of lycopene, a major carotenoid in tomatoes, consumed as the all-trans-isomer attenuates alcohol induced apoptosis in 2E1 cells and reduces risk of prostate, lung and digestive cancers. Cancer-preventive activities of carotenoids have been associated as well as with their antioxidant properties and the induction and stimulation of intercellular communication via gap junctions which play a role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Gap junctional communication between cells which may be a basis for protection against cancer development is independent of the antioxidant property.

Lifestyle changes and breast cancer prognosis: a review

“…The cancer-preventive capacities of carotenoids are attributed to their anti-oxidant capacities and their effect on gap junctional communication which play a role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis [67]. It has been demonstrated that carotenoids influence the proliferative capacity and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells [68].…”

Effects of Lycopene Alone or Combined with Melatonin on Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

“…It has many biochemical functions as a highly efficient antioxidant and free radical scavenging agent and inhibitor of proinflamatory and pro-thrombotic factors (Cohen, 2002;Tapiero et al, 2004;Velmurugan et al, 2004;Mordente et al, 2011). It is twice as effective as β-carotene and 10-fold more activethan α-tocopherol as an antioxidant (Di Mascio, 1989) provides protectionagainst cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species.…”

Quality of low-fat pork sausages with tomato powder as colour and functional additive during refrigerated storage

“…Although they are frequently consumed fresh, over 80% of tomatoes are consumed as processed products such as tomato juice, paste, pure, ketchup and sauce (Gould 1992). Recent studies have indicated the potential health benefits of a diet rich in tomatoes and tomato products (Tapiero et al 2004). Tomato and tomato products are the major sources of lycopene and are considered to be important contributors of carotenoids in human diet (Tapiero et al 2004;Goula and Adamopoulos 2005).…”

“…Recent studies have indicated the potential health benefits of a diet rich in tomatoes and tomato products (Tapiero et al 2004). Tomato and tomato products are the major sources of lycopene and are considered to be important contributors of carotenoids in human diet (Tapiero et al 2004;Goula and Adamopoulos 2005). They are rich in lycopene and other carotenoids such as β-carotene, phytoene, phytofluene and lutein (Choski and Joshi 2007;Kavanaugh et al 2007).…”