Higher serum carotenoid concentrations were associated with the lower risk of cancer-related death: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The study focuses on the association between serum carotenoids and cancer-related death. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2006 and 2017-2018), the study encompasses 10,277 participants older than age 20 years, with recorded baseline characteristics and serum carotenoid concentrations (including α-carotene, trans-ß-carotene, cis-ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, trans-lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin). We hypothesized that serum carotenoid concentrations were negatively associated with cancer-related death. The weighted chi-square analyses indicate significant negative correlations between higher serum concentrations of α-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, trans-lycopene, and total carotenoids, and the risk of cancer-related deaths. Using weighted Cox regression analysis, this study confirms that α-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, trans-lycopene, and total carotenoids, as continuous or categorical variables, are inversely related to cancer mortality (P < .0001). Furthermore, considering competitive risk events, lower concentrations of serum ß-cryptoxanthin (Fine-Gray P = 1.12e-04), trans-lycopene (P = 5.68e-14), and total carotenoids (P = .03) are associated with an increased risk of cancer-related deaths. The research reveals a crucial inverse relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and cancer-related death.

Modulatory effects of lycopene and vitamin E on cloacal temperature, thyroid hormonal and reproductive performance responses in laying hens during the hot-dry season.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of lycopene and vitamin E on cloacal temperature (CT), thyroid hormones and performance indices in laying hens (Gallus domesticus) during the hot-dry season. The dry-bulb temperature and temperature-humidity index in the pen and CT were measured in all hens twice weekly and thyroid hormones for five consecutive weeks. Ovarian and follicular activities were assessed at the end of the study after slaughter. The CT values in control hens at 09:00 h, 12:00 h and 15:00 h (41.20 ± 0.07 °C, 41.84 ± 1.8 °C and 42.1 ± 1.1 °C, respectively) were higher (P < 0.05), compared to the corresponding values recorded in lycopene (41.50 ± 0.07 °C, 41.50 ± 0.07 °C and 41.73 ± 0.08 °C, respectively), and lycopene + vitamin E (41.31 ± 0.07 °C, 41.40 ± 0.05 °C and 41.63 ± 0.09 °C, respectively). In lycopene + vitamin E laying hens, plasma thyroxine concentration (15.22 ± 1.74 nmol/L) was greater (P < 0.05) than in lycopene (7.64 ± 0.8 nmol/L), vitamin E hens (6.80 ± 1.3 nmol/L) and controls (6.5 ± 0.9 °C nmol/L). Plasma triiodothyronine concentration was highest (P < 0.05) in lycopene + vitamin E (4.80 ± 0.37 nmol/L), compared to lycopene (3.42 ± 0.4 nmol/L), vitamin E (1.96 ± 0.2 nmol/L) and control (1.2 ± 0.1 nmol/L) laying hens. Lycopene + vitamin E hens recorded higher (P < 0.05) count of preovulatory follicles (6.0 ± 0.2) than the controls (4.5 ± 0.3). Countable white follicles were higher (P < 0.05) in lycopene + vitamin E and lycopene hens (58.0 ± 1.4 and 48.5 ± 0.5, respectively) than controls (33.0 ± 2.5). In conclusion, lycopene and vitamin E, especially their combination, modulated the heat stress-induced responses in the laying hens by decreasing CT values, and increasing thyroid hormone concentrations, the count of hierarchical preovulatory and white ovarian follicles during the hot-dry season.

Daily 100% watermelon juice consumption and vascular function among postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Watermelon juice is a rich food source of cardioprotective compounds such as arginine, citrulline, and lycopene. Preventative interventions are warranted as risk of cardiovascular disease increases among women after menopause, and age alone is an independent risk factor for vascular dysfunction. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of 100% watermelon juice on measures of vascular function. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 21 healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to consume two 360 mL servings of 100% watermelon juice per day or an isocaloric placebo for four weeks. Following a two-week washout period, they consumed the other beverage for an additional four weeks. Before and after each treatment arm, a fasting blood sample was taken for measurement of serum arginine, citrulline, lycopene, glucose, and insulin. Assessments of vascular function included pulse pressure, pulse wave velocity, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, and flow-mediated dilation. General linear mixed models with intent-to-treat analyses were used to examine the effects of the intervention. Despite a significant treatment effect for circulating lycopene (p = 0.002), no changes in arginine, citrulline, or any vascular measures were observed. Although the juice intervention resulted in a slight but significant increase in fasting serum glucose (p = 0.001), changes in glucose homeostasis were not clinically significant. CONCLUSION: In contrast to findings from previous studies in younger adults and those with pre-existing hypertension, measures of vascular function in this cohort of healthy postmenopausal women were not impacted by supplemental watermelon juice. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03626168.

The Associations of Plasma/Serum Carotenoids with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple lines of evidence indicate protective effects of carotenoids in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, previous epidemiological studies reported inconsistent results regarding the associations between carotenoids levels and the risk of AD. OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to evaluate the associations of six major members of carotenoids with the occurrence of AD by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Ebsco, and PsycINFO databases was conducted, and the quality of each included studies was evaluated by a validated scoring systems. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined by using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistics. Publication bias was detected using funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS: Sixteen studies, with 10,633 participants were included. Pooled analysis showed significantly lower plasma/serum levels of lutein (SMD = -0.86, 95% CI: -1.67 to -0.05, p = 0.04) and zeaxanthin (SMD = -0.59; 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.06, p = 0.03) in patients with AD versus cognitively intact controls, while α-carotene (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI: -0.68 to 0.26, p = 0.39), ß-carotene (SMD = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.57 to 0.65, p = 0.9), lycopene (SMD = -0.12, 95% CI: -0.96 to 0.72, p = 0.78), and ß-cryptoxanthin (SMD = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.83 to 0.65, p = 0.81) did not achieve significant differences. CONCLUSION: Of six major members of carotenoids, only lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma/serum were inversely related to the risk of AD. More high-quality longitudinal studies are needed to verify these findings.

Association between Serum Concentration of Carotenoid and Visceral Fat.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids has been widely reported to prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and visceral fat area (VFA), which is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular diseases than the body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the relationship in healthy individuals in their 20s or older, stratified by sex and age, to compare the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and VFA and BMI. The study was conducted on 805 people, the residents in Hirosaki city, Aomori prefecture, who underwent a health checkup. An inverse relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and VFA and BMI was observed only in women. In addition, the results were independent of the intake of dietary fiber, which is mainly supplied from vegetables as well as carotenoids. This suggests that consumption of a diet rich in carotenoids (especially lutein and beta-carotene) is associated with lower VFA, which is a good predictor of cardiovascular disease, especially in women. This study is the first to comprehensively evaluate the association between serum carotenoid levels and VFA in healthy individuals.

Nutritional Controlled Preparation and Administration of Different Tomato Purées Indicate Increase of ß-Carotene and Lycopene Isoforms, and of Antioxidant Potential in Human Blood Bioavailability: A Pilot Study.

The isoforms of lycopene, carotenoids, and their derivatives including precursors of vitamin A are compounds relevant for preventing chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Tomatoes are a major source of these compounds. However, cooking and successive metabolic processes determine the bioavailability of tomatoes in human nutrition. To evaluate the effect of acute/chronic cooking procedures on the bioavailability of lycopene and carotene isoforms in human plasma, we measured the blood levels of these compounds and of the serum antioxidant potential in volunteers after a meal containing two different types of tomato sauce (rustic or strained). Using a randomized cross-over administration design, healthy volunteers were studied, and the above indicated compounds were determined by HPLC. The results indicate an increased bioavailability of the estimated compounds and of the serum antioxidant potential with both types of tomato purée and the subsequently derived sauces (the increase was greater with strained purée). This study sheds light on the content of nutrient precursors of vitamin A and other antioxidant compounds derived from tomatoes cooked with different strategies. Lastly, our study indicates that strained purée should be preferred over rustic purée.

Physiological significance of link between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and serum nutritional biomarkers.

It is well-known that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) may cause adverse health impacts. However, there are few investigations assessing the association between PAH exposure and the nutritional status of the general population. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the correlation between PAH metabolites and nutritional biomarkers in the U.S. general population. From the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 4,545 eligible participants were included in this cross-sectional study. To assess PAH exposure, ten urinary PAH metabolites were measured. Eleven serum nutritional biomarkers including carotenoids and vitamins were measured. The association between PAH metabolites and serum nutritional biomarkers was investigated using multivariate linear regression models. Increased 2-hydroxyfluorene was inversely correlated with elven serum nutritional biomarkers: α-carotene (ß = -0.529, p < 0.001), ß-cryptoxanthin (ß = -0.968, p < 0.001), cis-ß carotene (ß = -0.149, p < 0.001), lutein and zeaxanthin (ß = -1.188, p < 0.001), retinyl palmitate (ß = -0.145, p < 0.001), retinyl stearate (ß = -0.025, p = 0.006), total lycopene (ß = -1.074, p < 0.001), trans-ß carotene (ß = -2.268, p < 0.001), trans-lycopene (ß = -0.466, p < 0.003), retinol (ß = -0.694, p = 0.004) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (ß = -1.247, p = 0.007). Increased 3-hydroxyfluorene was inversely correlated with eleven serum nutritional biomarkers: α-carotene (ß = -0.740, p < 0.001), ß-cryptoxanthin (ß = -1.377, p < 0.001), cis-ß carotene (ß = -0.205, p < 0.001), lutein and zeaxanthin (ß = -1.521, p < 0.001), retinyl palmitate (ß = -0.209, p < 0.001), retinyl stearate (ß = -0.034, p = 0.014), total lycopene (ß = -1.20, p = 0.007), trans-ß carotene (ß = -3.185, p < 0.001), trans-lycopene (ß = -0.490, p = 0.039), retinol (ß = -1.366, p < 0.001) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (ß = -2.483, p < 0.001). Increased 1-hydroxypyrene was inversely correlated with eight serum nutritional biomarkers: α-carotene (ß = -0.601, p = 0.001), ß-cryptoxanthin (ß = -1.071, p = 0.001), cis-ß carotene (ß = -0.170, p = 0.001), lutein and zeaxanthin (ß = -1.074, p < 0.001), retinyl palmitate (ß = -0.214, p = 0.005), retinyl stearate (ß = -0.041, p = 0.043), total lycopene (ß = -1.664, p = 0.011) and retinol (ß = -1.381, p = 0.011). These results demonstrate that PAH exposure is significantly correlated with decreased levels of serum nutritional biomarkers.

Serum carotenoids and Pediatric Metabolic Index predict insulin sensitivity in Mexican American children.

High concentrations of carotenoids are protective against cardiometabolic risk traits (CMTs) in adults and children. We recently showed in non-diabetic Mexican American (MA) children that serum α-carotene and ß-carotene are inversely correlated with obesity measures and triglycerides and positively with HDL cholesterol and that they were under strong genetic influences. Additionally, we previously described a Pediatric Metabolic Index (PMI) that helps in the identification of children who are at risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we quantified serum lycopene and ß-cryptoxanthin concentrations in approximately 580 children from MA families using an ultraperformance liquid chromatography-photodiode array and determined their heritabilities and correlations with CMTs. Using response surface methodology (RSM), we determined two-way interactions of carotenoids and PMI on Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI). The concentrations of lycopene and ß-cryptoxanthin were highly heritable [h2 = 0.98, P = 7 × 10-18 and h2 = 0.58, P = 1 × 10-7]. We found significant (P ≤ 0.05) negative phenotypic correlations between ß-cryptoxanthin and five CMTs: body mass index (- 0.22), waist circumference (- 0.25), triglycerides (- 0.18), fat mass (- 0.23), fasting glucose (- 0.09), and positive correlations with HDL cholesterol (0.29). In contrast, lycopene only showed a significant negative correlation with fasting glucose (- 0.08) and a positive correlation with HDL cholesterol (0.18). Importantly, we found that common genetic influences significantly contributed to the observed phenotypic correlations. RSM showed that increased serum concentrations of α- and ß-carotenoids rather than that of ß-cryptoxanthin or lycopene had maximal effects on ISI. In summary, our findings suggest that the serum carotenoids are under strong additive genetic influences and may have differential effects on susceptibility to CMTs in children.

Epigenetic stratification of head and neck cancer survivors reveals differences in lycopene levels, alcohol consumption, and methylation of immune regulatory genes.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation has been associated with higher rates of recurrence and mortality in head and neck cancer (HNC). While the biological mechanisms predisposing patients to heightened inflammatory states remain largely unknown, DNA methylation has been proposed to reflect systemic inflammation. In this analysis, we attempt to identify meaningful epigenetic patterns in HNC survivors by stratifying individuals based on DNA methylation profiles in leukocytes. RESULTS: We used hierarchical clustering to uncover three distinct methylation patterns among HNC survivors. Each group displayed a unique methylation signature in inflammatory pathways including cytokine and B-cell receptor signaling. Additionally, we examined physiological, clinical, and lifestyle parameters related to inflammation, such as circulating carotenoid and cytokine levels, cancer treatment type, and alcohol consumption. Specifically, we identified one group of survivors who had significant differential methylation of transcriptional and translational regulators as well as genes in the T-cell receptor signaling pathway, including hypermethylation of CD40 ligand (CD40LG) and Tec protein tyrosine kinase (TEC) and hypomethylation of CD8A. This group also displayed high circulating lycopene levels. We identified another group that had distinctive methylation in the toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, including hypomethylation of TLR5, a component of the inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B kinase complex (CHUK), and two mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAP3K8 and MAP2K3). This group also had hypermethylation of mitochondrial ribosomal genes along with higher rates of alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: The correlation between lycopene, alcohol consumption, DNA methylation, and inflammation warrants further investigation and may have implications in future recommendations and interventions to impact health outcomes in HNC survivors.

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

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In recent years, it has become clear that low-grade chronic inflammation is involved in the onset and progression of many non-communicable diseases. Many studies have investigated the association between inflammation and lycopene, however, results have been inconsistent. This systematic review aims to determine the impact of circulating lycopene on inflammation and to investigate the effect of consuming tomato products and/or lycopene supplements on markers of inflammation. METHODS: Eligible studies, published before March 2020, were identified from PubMed, EBSCOhost and ScienceDirect. Human studies published in English, that evaluated the effect of circulating lycopene in relation to inflammation biomarkers were screened and included. Studies assessing lycopene intake or general intake of carotenoids/antioxidants without measuring circulating lycopene, as well as those not reporting inflammation biomarkers as outcomes, were excluded. RESULTS: Out of 80 publications identified and screened, 35 met the inclusion criteria. Results from 18 cross-sectional studies suggest that lycopene levels are adversely affected during inflammation and homeostatic imbalance. Most of the 17 included intervention studies reported increased circulating lycopene levels after tomato/lycopene supplementation, but almost no changes in inflammation biomarkers were observed. CONCLUSIONS: There is little evidence that increasing tomato intake or lycopene supplementation diminuates this inflammation. However, depletion of lycopene may be one of the first signs of low-grade inflammation. The available data thereby imply that it is beneficial to consume lycopene-rich foods occasionally to stay healthy and keep circulating lycopene at a basal level.

5-cis-, Trans- and Total Lycopene Plasma Concentrations Inversely Relate to Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Subjects.

Diabetic subjects are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis, the common soil of most of the cardiovascular complications, is more prevalent and extensive in this population due not only to hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, but also to inflammation and oxidative stress. Lycopenes are bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities mostly supplied by tomato and tomato byproducts. We investigated the association between circulating lycopenes and carotid plaque burden in diabetic patients, in a cross-sectional study in 105 newly diagnosed diabetic subjects. Atheroma plaque (wall thickness ≥ 1.5 mm), number of plaques, and plaque burden (sum of maximum heights of all plaques) were assessed by sonographic evaluation of carotid arteries. Plasma lycopenes (5-cis-, 9-cis-, 13-cis-, and trans-lycopene) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry HPLC-MS. Atheroma plaque was observed in 75 participants, from which 38 presented one plaque and 37 two or more carotid plaques. No differences were observed in the plasmatic concentrations of lycopenes between subjects with and without atherosclerotic plaque presence. However, plaque burden was inversely associated with 5-cis-lycopene, all cis-lycopene isomers, trans-lycopene, and total lycopene isomers (all, p < 0.05). High plasma levels of lycopenes inversely relate to atherosclerotic burden. We provide novel evidence that suggests that the consumption of compounds found in tomato and tomato byproducts might be beneficial for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Associations between serum carotenoid levels and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a case-control study.

Limited studies have investigated the effects of serum carotenoids on the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and the findings have been inconclusive. This study aims to assess the association between serum total or specific carotenoid levels and NHL risk. This 1:1 matched, hospital-based case-control study enrolled 512 newly diagnosed (within 1 month) NHL patients and 512 healthy controls who were matched by age (±5 years) and sex in Urumqi, China. Serum carotenoid levels were measured by HPLC. Conditional logistic regression showed that higher serum total carotenoid levels and their subtypes (e.g. α-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) were dose-dependently associated with decreased NHL risk. The multivariable-adjusted OR and their 95 % CI for NHL risk for quartile 4 (v. quartile 1) were 0·31 (95 % CI 0·22, 0·48; Pfor trend < 0·001) for total carotenoids, 0·52 (95 % CI 0·33, 0·79; Pfor trend: 0·003) for α-carotene, 0·63 (95 % CI 0·42, 0·94; Pfor trend: 0·031) for ß-carotene, 0·73 (95 % CI 0·49, 1·05; Pfor trend: 0·034) for ß-cryptoxanthin and 0·51 (95 % CI 0·34, 0·75; Pfor trend: 0·001) for lycopene. A null association was observed between serum lutein + zeaxanthin and NHL risk (OR 0·89, 95 % CI 0·57, 1·38; Pfor trend: 0·556). Significant interactions were observed after stratifying according to smoking status, and inverse associations were more evident among current smokers than past or never smokers for total carotenoids, α-carotene and lycopene (Pfor heterogeneity: 0·047, 0·042 and 0·046). This study indicates that higher serum carotenoid levels might be inversely associated with NHL risk, especially among current smokers.

Daily watermelon consumption decreases plasma sVCAM-1 levels in overweight and obese postmenopausal women.

Postmenopausal status is associated with an increase in total and abdominal body fat as well as increased incidence of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if watermelon supplementation affects select systemic markers of atherosclerosis and measures of insulin resistance in overweight and obese postmenopausal women. We hypothesized that overweight and obese postmenopausal women consuming 100% watermelon puree daily for 6 weeks would have improved levels of select systemic markers connected with cardiovascular disease without changing markers of insulin resistance. To test this hypothesis, overweight and obese postmenopausal women were recruited to participate in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control group (no intervention) or the watermelon puree group (WM) for 6 weeks. Plasma concentration of markers connected with atherosclerosis and glycemic control were measured pre- and poststudy. A significant 6% decrease in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 occurred pre- to poststudy in WM, P = .003. The pattern of change in fasting blood glucose (P = .633), insulin (P = .158), and homeostatic model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (P = .174) did not differ between groups. Pre- to poststudy increases were measured in the fasting plasma concentration of l-arginine (8%, P = .005), cis-lycopene (32%, P = .003), and trans-lycopene (42%, P = .003) in WM. We conclude that 6 weeks of watermelon supplementation improved soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels, a marker connected to atherogenesis, independent of changes in body composition or glycemic control.

Effect of Tomato Nutrient Complex on Blood Pressure: A Double Blind, Randomized Dose⁻Response Study.

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Tomato carotenoids such as lycopene and the colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene induce the antioxidant defense mechanism. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to find effective doses of Tomato Nutrient Complex (TNC) to maintain normal blood pressure in untreated hypertensive individuals. The effect of TNC treatment (5, 15 and 30 mg lycopene) was compared with 15 mg of synthetic lycopene and a placebo over eight weeks. Results indicate that only TNC treatment standardized for 15 or 30 mg of lycopene was associated with significant reductions in mean systolic blood pressure (SBP). Treatment with the lower dose standardized for 5 mg of lycopene or treatment with 15 mg of synthetic lycopene as a standalone had no significant effect. To test carotenoid bioavailability, volunteers were treated for four weeks with TNC providing 2, 5 or 15 mg lycopene. The increase in blood levels of lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene was dose dependent. Results suggest that only carotenoid levels achieved by the TNC dose of 15 mg lycopene or higher correlate to a beneficial effect on SBP in hypertensive subjects while lower doses and lycopene alone do not.

Effect of 12-Week Daily Intake of the High-Lycopene Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum), A Variety Named "PR-7", on Lipid Metabolism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid that confers various positive biological effects such as improved lipid metabolism. Here, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study to investigate the effects of regular and continuous intake of a new high-lycopene tomato, a variety named PR-7, for 12 weeks, based on 74 healthy Japanese subjects with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥120 to <160 mg/dL. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the high-lycopene tomato or placebo (lycopene-free tomato) group. Each subject in the high-lycopene group ingested 50 g of semidried PR-7 (lycopene, 22.0-27.8 mg/day) each day for 12 weeks, while subjects in the placebo group ingested placebo semidried tomato. Medical interviews were conducted, vital signs were monitored, body composition was determined, and blood and saliva samples were taken at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12. The primary outcome assessed was LDL-C. The intake of high-lycopene tomato increased lycopene levels in this group compared to levels in the placebo group (p < 0.001). In addition, high-lycopene tomato intake improved LDL-C (p = 0.027). The intake of high-lycopene tomato, PR-7, reduced LDL-C and was confirmed to be safe.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in ß-Carotene Oxygenase 1 are Associated with Plasma Lycopene Responses to a Tomato-Soy Juice Intervention in Men with Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Human plasma and tissue lycopene concentrations are heterogeneous even when consuming controlled amounts of tomato or lycopene. OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in or near known or putative carotenoid metabolism genes [ß-carotene 15,15' monooxygenase 1 (BCO1), scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1), ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), apolipoprotein B-48, elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 2 (ELOVL2), and ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), and an intergenic superoxide dismutase 2, mitochondrial-associated SNP] are predictive of plasma lycopene responses to steady state tomato juice consumption. METHODS: Secondary linear regression analyses of data from a dose-escalation study of prostate cancer patients [n = 47; mean ± SEM age: 60 ± 1 y; BMI (in kg/m2): 32 ± 1] consuming 0, 1, or 2 cans of tomato-soy juice/d (163 mL/can; 20.6 mg lycopene 1.2 mg ß-carotene/can) for 24 ± 0.7 d before prostatectomy were conducted to explore 11 SNP genotype effects on the change in plasma lycopene and plasma and prostate tissue concentrations of lycopene, ß-carotene, phytoene, and phytofluene. RESULTS: Two BCO1 SNP genotypes were significant predictors of the change in plasma lycopene, with SNP effects differing in magnitude and direction, depending on the level of juice intake (rs12934922 × diet group P = 0.02; rs6564851 × diet group P = 0.046). Further analyses suggested that plasma ß-carotene changes were predicted by BCO1 rs12934922 (P < 0.01), prostate lycopene by trending interaction and main effects of BCO1 SNPs (rs12934922 × diet group P = 0.09; rs12934922 P = 0.02; rs6564851 P = 0.053), and prostate ß-carotene by BCO1 SNP interaction and main effects (rs12934922 × diet group P = 0.01; rs12934922 P < 0.01; rs7501331 P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, SNPs in BCO1 and other genes may modulate human plasma and prostate tissue responses to dietary lycopene intake and warrant validation in larger, human controlled feeding intervention and cohort studies. Genetic variants related to carotenoid metabolism may partially explain heterogeneous human blood and tissue responses and may be critical covariates for population studies and clinical trials. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01009736.

Watermelon Juice: a Novel Functional Food to Increase Circulating Lycopene in Older Adult Women.

Because of accruing oxidative stress with advancing age, older adults may benefit from increased dietary intake of lycopene, a lipophilic carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties. Yet, intake of dietary lycopene as well as circulating lycopene levels are known to decrease with aging. Watermelon is one of the few food sources of dietary lycopene. Because heat treatment increases lycopene bioavailability, ingestion of watermelon in pasteurized juice form may be an optimal delivery vehicle to increase lycopene levels in older adults. However, due to its lipophilic nature, there are concerns that co-ingestion of dietary fat may be necessary for efficient intestinal absorption of lycopene. Thus, this feasibility study aimed to examine the effects of a one-time dose of 100% pasteurized watermelon juice on circulating lycopene concentrations of postmenopausal women after a 10-h overnight fast. Blood was sampled from eight women before and 2 h after ingestion of 360 ml of juice, and serum lycopene was measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. Circulating lycopene levels increased by three-fold (p < 0.001) with increases observed for every participant. Results demonstrate that 100% watermelon juice is a palatable, effective means of increasing serum lycopene in older adult women, a group at risk for low carotenoid intake. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03608254 .

Quantification of Lutein + Zeaxanthin Presence in Human Placenta and Correlations with Blood Levels and Maternal Dietary Intake.

Lutein + zeaxanthin (L + Z) are carotenoids recognized in eye health, but less is known about their status during pregnancy. While quantified in maternal and umbilical cord blood, they have never been analyzed in placenta. The purpose of this study is to quantify combined L + Z concentrations in human placenta and correlate with levels in maternal dietary intake, maternal serum, and umbilical cord blood. The proportions of combined L + Z were compared within diet, placenta, maternal serum, and umbilical cord blood among additional carotenoids (lycopene, ß-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, and ß-carotene). This Institutional Review Boardapproved cross-sectional study enrolled 82 mother-infant pairs. Placenta, maternal serum, and umbilical cord blood samples were analyzed for carotenoids concentrations. Mothers completed a food frequency questionnaire and demographic/birth outcome data were collected. L + Z were present in placenta, median 0.105 micrograms/gram (mcg/g) and were significantly correlated with maternal serum (r = 0.57; p < 0.001), umbilical cord blood levels (r = 0.49; p = 0.001), but not dietary intake (p = 0.110). L + Z were the most prevalent in placenta (49.1%) umbilical cord blood (37.0%), but not maternal serum (18.6%) or dietary intake (19.4%). Rate of transfer was 16.0%, the highest of all carotenoids. Conclusively, L + Z were identified as the two most prevalent in placenta. Results highlight unique roles L + Z may play during pregnancy.

Lycopene and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

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 dose-durational 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.