Lycopene protects against memory impairment and mito-oxidative damage induced by colchicine in rats: An evidence of nitric oxide signaling

Pumpkin seeds oil rescues colchicine-induced neurotoxicity in rats via modifying oxidative stress, DNA damage, and immunoexpression of BDNF and GFAP

Colchicine (CHC), a poisonous plant alkaloid, has been widely utilized for decades in the treatment of gout, but has a rather low therapeutic index, which causes oxidative stress leading to cognitive impairment, brain damage, apoptosis, and hitopathological alterations in humans and experimental animals. The present investigation evaluated the potential palliative effect of the pumpkin seeds oil (PSO) at a dose of 4 ml/kg b.wt against CHC (0.6 mg/kg b.wt) -induced neurotoxic and neurobehavioral effects in rats. Forty male rats weighing 245-260 g were assigned to four groups. The results displayed that CHC exposure induced neurobehavioral disorders and a remarkable decline in the serotonin and dopamine levels and the immunoexpression of BDNF and GFAP in the brain. Besides, CHC treatment evoked brain oxidative stress, as manifested by depleted antioxidant enzyme activities and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels. Also, CHC triggered brain DNA damage, as indicated by a marked increment in the brain 8-Hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level. However, concurrent treatment with the PSO effectively attenuated the CHC-induced toxic effects as evidenced by a noticeable increase in the serotonin (33 ± 3.05) and dopamine (2.48 ± 0.40) concentrations, and the BDNF and GFAP immunoexpression in the brain. Moreover, PSO mitigated CHC-induced brain oxidative stress and DNA damage as shown by elevated antioxidant enzyme activities (164 ± 3.46 SOD and 7.55 ± 0.43 CAT) and reduced MDA (1.62 ± 0.23), PC (1.35 ± 0.23), and 8-OHdG (3.02 ± 0.33) levels. These results concluded that PSO could serve as a therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the neurotoxic and neurobehavioral impacts of CHC.

Mitochondrial dysfunction as a key player in aggravating periodontitis among diabetic patients: review of the current scope of knowledge

Periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory disease that leads to significant periodontal tissue destruction and compromised dental health, with its severity exacerbated in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). This review explores the complex relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and periodontitis in diabetic patients. Recent studies indicate that the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily generated by dysfunctional mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, contributes to oxidative stress (OS) and subsequent periodontal tissue damage. The interplay between impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, apoptosis of periodontal cells, and ROS accumulation highlights a critical area of concern in understanding the pathophysiology of diabetic periodontitis. Furthermore, altered glycemic control due to inflammatory processes associated with periodontitis may perpetuate a cyclical detriment to oral and systemic health. This review aims to highlight the mechanistic roles of mitochondrial dysfunction in the aggravation of periodontitis among diabetic patients, emphasizing further research to identify potential therapeutic targets and improve treatment efficacy for this dual pathology.

Lycopene mitigates atrazine-induced hypothalamic neural stem cell senescence by modulating the integrated stress response pathway

BACKGROUND

Atrazine, a widely used herbicide, has become a major pollutant in agricultural water bodies. Pesticide contamination, including atrazine, is linked to a high incidence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting its neurotoxic potential. Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, is renowned for its diverse pharmacological effects, especially its neuroprotective properties. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of lycopene and its impact on potential pathways against atrazine-induced hypothalamic damage have not been elucidated.

PURPOSE

Our study aimed to elucidate how lycopene ameliorates hypothalamic injury triggered by atrazine exposure, with a special focus on the pluripotency of neural stem cells (NSCs) and pathways involved in cell senescence.

METHODS

Mice were administered lycopene and/or atrazine via gavage for 21 days. The C17.2 NSC cell line and specific molecular inhibitors were utilized to examine the potential protective effects of lycopene in vitro. Morphological changes and ultrastructural damage in the hypothalamus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The mechanisms of action of lycopene were explored through various methods, including senescence β-galactosidase staining, multiplex immunofluorescence, Western blotting and qRT‒PCR.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that lycopene notably ameliorated atrazine-induced histological and ultrastructural damage, as well as the loss of intact and mature neurons in mouse hypothalami. Additionally, hypothalamic NSCs (HtNSCs) and microglia were recruited to areas of neuronal injury after atrazine exposure; intriguingly, lycopene treatment reduced this recruitment. Through in vivo and in vitro assays, we elucidated the outcomes of atrazine-induced HtNSC recruitment and neuronal loss, along with the neuroprotective mechanisms of lycopene. Mechanistically, lycopene prevents atrazine-induced senescence in HtNSCs and enhances their proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting the integrated stress response (ISR) signaling pathway, thus promoting the renewal of damaged neurons in the hypothalamus.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the results of the present study reveal, for the first time, that lycopene mitigates atrazine-induced HtNSC senescence by modulating the ISR signaling pathway. These findings offer novel insights into the role of lycopene in preventing and alleviating NSC senescence and suggest its potential development as a new therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Pumpkin seed oil lessens the colchicine-induced altered sex male hormone balance, testicular oxidative status, sperm abnormalities, and collagen deposition in male rats via Caspase3/Desmin/PCNA modulation

This study examined the efficiency of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) to rescue the colchicine (CHC)-induced adverse impacts on sperm characteristics, male sex hormones, testicular architecture, oxidative status, DNA content, collagen deposition, and immune expression of desmin and PCNA. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10 each): control (distilled water), CHC (0.6 mg/kg b.wt), PSO (4 mL/kg b.wt), and CHC + PSO. After 60 days of dosing, CHC significantly reduced sperm motility (19%), sperm concentration (38%), estradiol (52%), testosterone (37%), luteinizing hormone (54%), and follicle-stimulating hormone (29%) compared to the control. Yet, the testicular tissues of CHC-administered rats exhibited elevated abnormal sperms (156%), malondialdehyde (354%), lactate dehydrogenase (73%), Caspase-3 (66%), and 8-hydroxyguanosine (65%) but lower reduced glutathione (74%), catalase (73%), and superoxide dismutase (78%) compared to the control group. Moreover, CHC induced testicular degeneration, distorted seminiferous tubules, apoptotic cells, exfoliated spermatogenic cells, reduced DNA content, decreased PCNA and desmin immune-expression, and increased collagen deposition. PSO effectively reversed the CHC-induced alterations in sperm quality and testicular function and architecture, likely through its antioxidant, antifibrotic, anti-apoptotic, and DNA-protective properties. These results suggest that PSO may be a beneficial intervention for long-term CHC users and may protect against CHC-induced male reproductive toxicity.

The sources, properties, extraction, biosynthesis, pharmacology, and application of lycopene

Lycopene is an important pigment with an alkene skeleton from Lycopersicon esculentum, which is also obtained from some red fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is used in the food field with rich functions and serves in the medical field with multiple clinical values because it has dual functions of both medicine and food. It was found that lycopene was mainly isolated by solvent extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, high-intensity pulsed electric field-assisted extraction, enzymatic-assisted extraction, and microwave-assisted extraction. Meanwhile, it was also obtained via 2 synthetic pathways: chemical synthesis and biosynthesis. Pharmacological studies revealed that lycopene has anti-oxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-cancer, immunity-enhancing, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, cardiovascular-protective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and osteoporosis-inhibiting effects. The application of lycopene mainly includes food processing, animal breeding, and medical cosmetology fields. It is hoped that this review will provide some useful information and guidance for future study and exploitation of lycopene.

Lycopene: Sojourn from kitchen to an effective therapy in Alzheimer's disease

Reports on a significant positive correlation between consumption of carotenoid-rich food and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) led to the investigation of carotenoids for the treatment and prevention of AD. More than 1100 types of carotenoids are found naturally, out of which only around 50 are absorbed and metabolized in human body. Lycopene is one of the most commonly ingested members of fat-soluble carotenoid family that gives vegetables and fruits their red, yellow, or orange color. Lycopene has established itself as a promising therapy for AD owing to its neuroprotective activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiamyloidogenic properties. In this review, we highlight the various in vitro and preclinical studies demonstrating the neuroprotective effect of lycopene. Also, some epidemiological and interventional studies investigating the protective effect of lycopene in AD have been discussed. Diving deeper, we also discuss various significant mechanisms, through which lycopene exerts its remissive effects in AD. Finally, to overcome the issue of poor chemical stability and bioavailability of lycopene, some of the novel delivery systems developed for lycopene have also been briefly highlighted.

Effects of Lycopene Attenuating Injuries in Ischemia and Reperfusion

Tissue and organ ischemia can lead to cell trauma, tissue necrosis, irreversible damage, and death. While intended to reverse ischemia, reperfusion can further aggravate an ischemic injury (ischemia-reperfusion injury, I/R injury) through a range of pathologic processes. An I/R injury to one organ can also harm other organs, leading to systemic multiorgan failure. A type of carotenoid, lycopene, has been shown to treat and prevent many diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, male infertility, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disease), making it a hot research topic in health care. Some recent researches have suggested that lycopene can evidently ameliorate ischemic and I/R injuries to many organs, but few clinical studies are available. Therefore, it is essential to review the effects of lycopene on ischemic and I/R injuries to different organs, which may help further research into its potential clinical applications.

Lycopene: A Natural Arsenal in the War against Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Diseases

Lycopene is a bioactive red pigment found in plants, especially in red fruits and vegetables, including tomato, pink guava, papaya, pink grapefruit, and watermelon. Several research reports have advocated its positive impact on human health and physiology. For humans, lycopene is an essential substance obtained from dietary sources to fulfil the body requirements. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing oxidative stress and downstream complications include one of the major health concerns worldwide. In recent years, oxidative stress and its counter strategies have attracted biomedical research in order to manage the emerging health issues. Lycopene has been reported to directly interact with ROS, which can help to prevent chronic diseases, including diabetes and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present review article was written to provide an accumulative account of protective and ameliorative effects of lycopene on coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that fights ROS and, subsequently, complications. It reduces blood pressure via inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme and regulating nitrous oxide bioavailability. It plays an important role in lowering of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and improving HDL (high-density lipoproteins) levels to minimize atherosclerosis, which protects the onset of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Various studies have advocated that lycopene exhibited a combating competence in the treatment of these diseases. Owing to all the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-hypertensive properties, lycopene provides a potential nutraceutical with a protective and curing ability against coronary artery disease and hypertension.

Implications of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-Akt (PI3K-Akt) Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the foremost type of dementia that afflicts considerable morbidity and mortality in aged population. Several transcription molecules, pathways, and molecular mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and immune system interact in a multifaceted way that disrupt physiological processes (cell growth, differentiation, survival, lipid and energy metabolism, endocytosis) leading to apoptosis, tauopathy, β-amyloidopathy, neuron, and synapse loss, which play an important role in AD pathophysiology. Despite of stupendous advancements in pathogenic mechanisms, treatment of AD is still a nightmare in the field of medicine. There is compelling urgency to find not only symptomatic but effective disease-modifying therapies. Recently, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt are identified as a pathway triggered by diverse stimuli, including insulin, growth factors, cytokines, and cellular stress, that link amyloid-β, neurofibrillary tangles, and brain atrophy. The present review aims to explore and analyze the role of PI3K-Akt pathway in AD and agents which may modulate Akt and have therapeutic prospects in AD. The literature was researched using keywords "PI3K-Akt" and "Alzheimer's disease" from PubMed, Web of Science, Bentham, Science Direct, Springer Nature, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases including books. Articles published from 1992 to 2021 were prioritized and analyzed for their strengths and limitations, and most appropriate ones were selected for the purpose of review. PI3K-Akt pathway regulates various biological processes such as cell proliferation, motility, growth, survival, and metabolic functions, and inhibits many neurotoxic mechanisms. Furthermore, experimental data indicate that PI3K-Akt signaling might be an important therapeutic target in treatment of AD.

Lycopene ameliorates propionic acid-induced autism spectrum disorders by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress in rats

This study was conducted to study lycopene efficacy in brain-behavior, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and antioxidant levels in a rodent model. Rats were administered with propionic acid (PPA) (500 mg/kg BW) to induce autism-like disorders, then treated with different lycopene (L) concentrations (5, 10, 20 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ) for 35 days. The groups were: (i);control, (ii);PPA, (iii);PPA + L5, (iv);PPA + L10, and (v);PPA + L20. In this study, serum and brain malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased with lycopene supplements compared to the PPA group, similarly to the brain levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1α, IL-8, NF-κB, TNF-α; p < .05). Besides, brain levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 decreased, whereas pro-apoptotic Bax, antioxidant Nrf2, and HO-1 levels in brain increased compared with PPA (p < .05). This study showed that lycopene might have therapeutic value to improve the dysfunctions in learning and memory in a dose-dependent way, along with the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic molecular responses in a rat model of ASD-like disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study suggested that lycopene can reduce propionic acid (PPA)-induced learning and memory impairment and oxidative damage by participating in multiple biological activities such as antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Lycopene protects serum and brain tissues against PPA induced oxidative damage in rats. These effects may be realized through up-regulation of the brain Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and down-regulation of the IL-1α, IL-8, TNF-α, and NF-κB levels. Lycopene may also contribute to memory and learning function, apoptotic/antiapoptotic modulation, and antioxidant and possible therapeutic efficacy in PPA-induced- Autism spectrum disorder cases.

Effect of aromatase inhibitors on sex differentiation and embryonic development in chicks

Background

Sexual differentiation can occur after exposure to aromatase into the left gonad at 6.5 days of incubation. Aromatase inhibitors work by inhibiting the action of the aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens by a process called aromatization.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in ovo exposure to the aromatase inhibitor from tomato and garlic extract on sexual differentiation and embryonic development in chicken embryos.

Methods

Three hundred eggs divided into five groups: Control 1 (CO; no injection); control 2 distilled water, DW; 0.1 ml/egg); garlic extract (GAR; 0.1 mg/egg); tomato extract (TOM; 0.1 mg/egg); and garlic and tomato extract mixed (ATM, 0.1 ml/egg). The solution was prepared and injected into the albumin from the thin end of the eggs on day five by using a 1 ml syringe with a 23‐gauge needle. The embryonic test (embryo/egg weight) conducted at 7, 14 and 17 days of incubation. After hatching, feather sexing conducted to determine the initial male. Chicks sex was later confirmed on day 42 by an optical microscope lens.

Results

The results revealed that there was a significant increase (p < 0.01) in embryonic growth traits in all experimental treatments as compared to control treatments. There was a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the percentage of hatchability for all experimental treatments compared to control treatments and a significant increase (p < 0.01) in chick quality including one‐day‐old chick length and body weight. All experimental treatments showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the male‐to‐female ratio compared to control treatments.

Conclusions

The effect of in ovo exposure to aromatase inhibitors stimulated female‐to‐male sex reversal and improved embryonic development.

Lycopene prevents oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced autophagic death in SH-SY5Y cells via inhibition of the oxidative stress-activated AMPK/mTOR pathway

Lycopene has been reported to exert a protective effect on the brain against transient ischemia‑induced damage; however, whether it could regulate autophagic neuronal death remains elusive. The present study aimed to investigate the role of autophagy in the protective effects of lycopene against neuronal damage and its underlying mechanism. Oxygen‑glucose deprivation (OGD) was used to simulate neuronal ischemic injury in human SH‑SY5Y cells. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay revealed that OGD induced SH‑SY5Y cell death. Western blotting demonstrated that OGD upregulated the expression levels of the autophagy marker proteins autophagy protein 5 (ATG5) and LC3II, but downregulated the autophagy substrate p62 in a time‑dependent manner. By contrast, OGD‑induced cell death was significantly inhibited by the autophagy inhibitors 3‑methyladenine or bafilomycin A1 or by knockdown of ATG5, indicating that OGD may induce autophagic death in SH‑SY5Y cells. Notably, lycopene was shown not only to prevent OGD‑induced SH‑SY5Y cell death, but was also able to effectively inhibit OGD‑induced upregulation of ATG5 and LC3II, and downregulation of p62 in a dose‑dependent manner. Mechanistically, it was suggested that lycopene inhibited OGD‑induced activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway via attenuation of oxidative stress by maintaining the intracellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, the inhibitory role of lycopene in GSH depletion was found to be associated with the prevention of OGD‑induced depletion of intracellular cysteine and downregulation of xCT. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that lycopene protected SH‑SY5Y cells against OGD‑induced autophagic death by inhibiting oxidative stress‑dependent activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

A narrative review on the potential of tomato and lycopene for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias

Oxidative stress is a major factor in aging and is implicated in the pathogenesis of tumors, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer Disease (AD). Bioactive constituents of tomato as polyphenols and carotenoids, among which lycopene (LYC) are effective in reducing markers of oxidative stress, and appear to have a protective modulator role on the pathogenetic mechanisms, cognitive symptoms and behavioral manifestations of these diseases in cell cultures and animal models. Epidemiological evidence indicates a consistent association between the intake of tomatoes and reduced cardiovascular and neoplastic risk. LYC deficiency is common in elders and AD patients and it is strongly predictive of mortality and poor cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Dietary intake of tomatoes seems to be more effective than tomato/LYC supplementation. Limited evidence from human intervention trials suggests that increasing tomato intake, besides improving CV markers, enhances cognitive performances. In this narrative review, we analyze the existing evidence on the beneficial effects of tomatoes on AD-related processes or risk factors. Results support the development of promising nutritional strategies to increase the levels of tomato consumption for the prevention or treatment of AD and other dementias. Extensive well-structured research, however, is mandatory to confirm the neuroprotective effects of tomato/LYC in humans.

The Role of Natural Compounds and their Nanocarriers in the Treatment of CNS Inflammation

Neuroinflammation, which is involved in various inflammatory cascades in nervous tissues, can result in persistent and chronic apoptotic neuronal cell death and programmed cell death, triggering various degenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). The neuroprotective effects of natural compounds against neuroinflammation are mainly mediated by their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties that specifically promote or inhibit various molecular signal transduction pathways. However, natural compounds have several limitations, such as their pharmacokinetic properties and stability, which hinder their clinical development and use as medicines. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation and degenerative diseases of CNS. In addition, it emphasizes potential natural compounds and their promising nanocarriers for overcoming their limitations in the treatment of neuroinflammation. Moreover, recent promising CNS inflammation-targeted nanocarrier systems implementing lesion site-specific active targeting strategies for CNS inflammation are also discussed.

Lycopene antagonizes lead toxicity by reducing mitochondrial oxidative damage and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cultured hippocampal neurons

Lead (Pb) exhibits serious adverse effects on the central nervous system, and the major pathogenic mechanism of Pb toxicity is oxidative stress. As one of the carotenoid family members with potent antioxidant properties, lycopene has shown its protections by inhibiting oxidative stress damage in numerous models of neurotoxicity. The current study was designed to explore the possible protective property in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons challenged with Pb. We observed that 5 μM lycopene pretreatment for 4 h efficiently ameliorated Pb‐caused damage in cell viability, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, lycopene (5 μM) attenuated the 50 μM Pb‐induced mitochondrial ROS production, improved the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and ATP production, and ameliorated the 50 μM Pb‐induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential as well as opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. In addition, 5 μM lycopene restored the imbalance of Bax/Bcl‐2, inhibited translocation of cytochrome c, and reduced caspase‐3 activation. Taken together, these findings indicate that lycopene antagonizes against Pb‐induced neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanism probably involves reduction of mitochondrial oxidative damage and mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis.

Protective effects of lycopene on hippocampal neurotoxicity and memory impairment induced by bisphenol A in rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to produce polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins which are used in many consumer products. Most people encounter BPA in their daily routines. However, it has been heavily reported that BPA has a neurotoxic effect. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lycopene on cognitive deficits induced by a high dose of BPA focusing on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and memory retrieval in adult male rats. Therefore, 72 rats were divided into four groups: control group, BPA group (50 mg/kg body weight (bw)) 3 days a week for 42 days, lycopene group (10 mg/kg bw) daily for 42 days, and lycopene + BPA group. Concurrent treatment of lycopene with BPA improved the learning and cognition memory in Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests along with an increase in acetylcholine esterase activity as well as inhibition of oxidative stress by restoring reduced glutathione and suppressing malondialdehyde hippocampal level to their normal levels. Mechanistically, lycopene upregulated the protein expression of tyrosine receptor kinase B, which resulted in an upsurge in its downstream cascades MAPK/ERK1/2/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the hippocampus of BPA-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, concurrent treatment of lycopene with BPA prevented apoptosis by marked decrease in Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) gene expression and caspase 3 activity while restoring B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) gene expression. In conclusion, the present study provided evidence that lycopene exerted a neuroprotective effect against BPA intoxication in hippocampi of rats via its antioxidant properties, activation of MAPK/ERK pathway, and inhibiting a neuronal apoptosis which reflected on improving the learning and cognition memory.

Role of Antioxidants in Alleviating Bisphenol A Toxicity

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an oestrogenic endocrine disruptor widely used in the production of certain plastics, e.g., polycarbonate, hard and clear plastics, and epoxy resins that act as protective coating for food and beverage cans. Human exposure to this chemical is thought to be ubiquitous. BPA alters endocrine function, thereby causing many diseases in human and animals. In the last few decades, studies exploring the mechanism of BPA activity revealed a direct link between BPA-induced oxidative stress and disease pathogenesis. Antioxidants, reducing agents that prevent cellular oxidation reactions, can protect BPA toxicity. Although the important role of antioxidants in minimizing BPA stress has been demonstrated in many studies, a clear consensus on the associated mechanisms is needed, as well as the directives on their efficacy and safety. Herein, considering the distinct biochemical properties of BPA and antioxidants, we provide a framework for understanding how antioxidants alleviate BPA-associated stress. We summarize the current knowledge on the biological function of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and discuss their practical potential as BPA-detoxifying agents.

Possible mechanisms of lycopene amelioration of learning and memory impairment in rats with vascular dementia

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. Studies have shown that lycopene can significantly inhibit oxidative stress; therefore, we hypothesized that lycopene can reduce the level of oxidative stress in vascular dementia. A vascular dementia model was established by permanent bilateral ligation of common carotid arteries. The dosage groups were treated with lycopene (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) every other day for 2 months. Rats without bilateral carotid artery ligation were prepared as a sham group. To test the ability of learning and memory, the Morris water maze was used to detect the average escape latency and the change of search strategy. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe changes of hippocampal neurons. The levels of oxidative stress factors, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde, were measured in the hippocampus by biochemical detection. The levels of reactive oxygen species in the hippocampus were observed by dihydroethidium staining. The distribution and expression of oxidative stress related protein, neuron-restrictive silencer factor, in hippocampal neurons were detected by immunofluorescence histochemistry and western blot assays. After 2 months of drug administration, (1) in the model group, the average escape latency was longer than that of the sham group, and the proportion of straight and tend tactics was lower than that of the sham group, and the hippocampal neurons were irregularly arranged and the cytoplasm was hyperchromatic. (2) The levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in the hippocampus of the model group rats were increased, and the activity of superoxide dismutase was decreased. (3) Lycopene (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) intervention improved the above changes, and the lycopene 100 mg/kg group showed the most significant improvement effect. (4) Neuron-restrictive silencer factor expression in the hippocampus was lower in the sham group and the lycopene 100 mg/kg group than in the model group. (5) The above data indicate that lycopene 100 mg/kg could protect against the learning-memory ability impairment of vascular dementia rats. The protective mechanism was achieved by inhibiting oxidative stress in the hippocampus. The experiment was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University, China (approval No. 2014-025) in June 2014.

Dietary lycopene alters the expression of antioxidant enzymes and modulates the blood lipid profile of pigs

Lycopene has the highest antioxidant activity among carotenoids due to its high number of conjugated double bonds; thus, it can be used in pig diets to look for improvements in growth performance and health status, eliminating or preventing the formation of free radicals. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary lycopene on the growth performance, the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and blood lipid profile of finishing pigs. In total, 40 barrows and 40 gilts (Piétrain × Landrace × Large White) were used, averaging 75.04 ± 1.6 kg of initial bodyweight. Pigs were distributed in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement, consisting of two genders (male and female) and five dietary levels of lycopene (0, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 mg/kg of diet) supplemented for 28 days. It was observed that gilts presented with average daily feed intake (P = 0.001) being lower and the gain:feed ratio (P = 0.001) higher than for barrows. Increasing dietary lycopene concentration provided a linear decrease in the gene expression of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD1; P = 0.018) and catalase (P = 0.001) in the liver of gilts. The gilts showed a lower gene expression than did barrows for SOD1 gene (P = 0.001) receiving 50.0 mg lycopene/kg of diet and for catalase gene (P = 0.001) receiving of 0, 12.5 and 50.0 mg lycopene/kg of diet. Glutathione peroxidase showed a lower expression (P = 0.001) for gilts than for barrows. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and LDL:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio decreased (P = 0.001) as lycopene concentration increased in the diet. Increasing dietary lycopene in pig diets improved the lipid profile of the blood plasma, providing an increase in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL; P = 0.001). Gilts had greater plasma concentrations of urea (P = 0.001) and triglycerides (P = 0.001) and lower concentrations of HDL (P = 0.001), LDL (P = 0.001) and a lower LDL:HDL ratio (P = 0.004) than did barrows. Dietary lycopene up to 50 mg/kg does not affect the growth performance of pigs, acting as a potent modulator of the lipid profile and also reducing the plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins, while increasing the high-density lipoproteins. In addition, lycopene also reduces the gene expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes in the liver of gilts.

Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of lycopene and insulin in the hippocampus of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In the present study the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of insulin and lycopene on passive avoidance memory, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde activity (MDA) and prevention of apoptosis in the hippocampus streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were examined. The rats were randomly divided to six experimental groups (n=8 per group): Non-diabetic (controls); diabetic; diabetic treated with lycopene; diabetic treated with insulin; diabetic treated with lycopene and insulin; and normal treated with lycopene. Intraperitoneal injection of single dose (60 mg/kg) streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce the diabetes rat model. The shuttle box test was used for learning and memory assessment. Rats were then sacrificed and hippocampi tissue isolated from the two hemispheres to determine TAC and MDA. Apoptosis rate was also evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling and acridine orange staining assays. The results indicated that lycopene and insulin, solely or in combination, prevented hippocampal neuronal cell death and improved learning and cognition by increasing TAC and decreasing MDA. Collectively, the findings presented herein suggest that insulin and lycopene co-treatment has neuroprotective effect, and ameliorates STZ-induced learning and memory impairment and apoptotic cell death in the hippocampal regions of diabetic rats.

Neuroprotective Natural Molecules, From Food to Brain

The prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders is increasing; however, an effective neuroprotective treatment is still remaining. Nutrition plays an important role in neuroprotection as recently shown by epidemiological and biochemical studies which identified food components as promising therapeutic agents. Neuroprotection includes mechanisms such as activation of specific receptors, changes in enzymatic neuronal activity, and synthesis and secretion of different bioactive molecules. All these mechanisms are focused on preventing neuronal damage and alleviating the consequences of massive cell loss. Some neuropathological disorders selectively affect to particular neuronal populations, thus is important to know their neurochemical and anatomical properties in order to design effective therapies. Although the design of such treatments would be specific to neuronal groups sensible to damage, the effect would have an impact in the whole nervous system. The difficult overcoming of the blood brain barrier has hampered the development of efficient therapies for prevention or protection. This structure is a physical, enzymatic, and influx barrier that efficiently protects the brain from exogenous molecules. Therefore, the development of new strategies, like nanocarriers, that help to promote the access of neuroprotective molecules to the brain, is needed for providing more effective therapies for the disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). In order both to trace the success of these nanoplatforms on the release of the bioactive cargo in the CNS and determinate the concentration at trace levels of targets biomolecules by analytical chemistry and concretely separation instrumental techniques, constitute an essential tool. Currently, these techniques are used for the determination and identification of natural neuroprotective molecules in complex matrixes at different concentration levels. Separation techniques such as chromatography and capillary electrophoresis (CE), using optical and/or mass spectrometry (MS) detectors, provide multiples combinations for the quantitative and qualitative analysis at basal levels or higher concentrations of bioactive analytes in biological samples. Bearing this in mind, the development of food neuroprotective molecules as brain therapeutic agents is a complex task that requires the intimate collaboration and engagement of different disciplines for a successful outcome. In this sense, this work reviews the new advances achieved in the area toward a better understanding of the current state of the art and highlights promising approaches for brain neuroprotection.

Lycopene Supplementation Attenuates Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Cognitive Impairment in Aged CD-1 Mice

The carotenoid pigment lycopene (LYC) possesses several properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation with LYC on age-induced cognitive impairment, and the potential underlying mechanisms. Behavioral tests revealed that chronic LYC supplementation alleviated age-associated memory loss and cognitive defects. Histological and immunofluorescence-staining results indicated that LYC treatment reversed age-associated neuronal damage and synaptic dysfunctions in the brain. Additionally, LYC supplementation decreased age-associated oxidative stress via suppression of malondialdehyde levels, which increased glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and the levels of antioxidant-enzyme mRNAs, including those of heme oxygenase 1 and NAD-(P)-H-quinone oxidoreductase-1. Furthermore, LYC supplementation significantly reduced age-associated neuroinflammation by inhibiting microgliosis (Iba-1) and downregulating related inflammatory mediators. Moreover, LYC lowered the accumulation of Aβ_1-42 in the brains of aged CD-1 mice. Therefore, LYC has the potential for use in the treatment of several age-associated chronic diseases.

Lycopene depresses glutamate release through inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry and protein kinase C in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals

Lycopene is a natural dietary carotenoid that was reported to exhibit a neuroprotective profile. Considering that excitotoxicity and cell death induced by glutamate are involved in many brain disorders, the effect of lycopene on glutamate release in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals and the possible mechanism involved in such effect was investigated. We observed here that lycopene inhibited 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-evoked glutamate release and intrasynaptosomal Ca²⁺ concentration elevation. The inhibitory effect of lycopene on 4-AP-evoked glutamate release was markedly reduced in the presence of the Ca_v2.2 (N-type) and Ca_v2.1 (P/Q-type) channel blocker ω-conotoxin MVIIC, but was insensitive to the intracellular Ca²⁺-release inhibitors dantrolene and CGP37157. Furthermore, in the presence of the protein kinase C inhibitors GF109203X and Go6976, the action of lycopene on evoked glutamate release was prevented. These results are the first to suggest that lycopene inhibits glutamate release from rat cortical synaptosomes by suppressing presynaptic Ca²⁺ entry and protein kinase C activity.

Lycopene mitigates β-amyloid induced inflammatory response and inhibits NF-κB signaling at the choroid plexus in early stages of Alzheimer's disease rats

The choroid plexus is able to modulate the cognitive function, through changes in the neuroinflammatory response and in brain immune surveillance. However, whether lycopene is involved in inflammatory responses at the choroid plexus in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, and its molecular underpinnings are elusive. In this rat study, lycopene was used to investigate its protective effects on inflammation caused by β-amyloid. We characterized the learning and memory abilities, cytokine profiles of circulating TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6β in the serum and the expressions of Toll like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB p65 mRNA and protein at the choroid plexus. The results showed that functional deficits of learning and memory in lycopene treatment groups were significantly improved compared to the control group without lycopene treatment in water maze test. The levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6β were significantly increased, and the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein at the choroid plexus were up-regulated, indicating inflammation response was initiated following administration of Aβ_1-42. After intragastric pretreatment with lycopene, inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced and lycopene also reversed the Aβ_1-42 induced up-regulation of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expressions at the choroid plexus. These results provided a novel evidence that lycopene significantly improved cognitive deficits and were accompanied by the attenuation of inflammatory injury via blocking the activation of NF-κB p65 and TLR4 expressions and production of cytokines, thereby endorsing its usefulness for diminishing β-amyloid deposition in the hippocampus tissues.

Supplementation of lycopene attenuates oxidative stress induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment via Nrf2/NF-κB transcriptional pathway

Oxidative stress, considered as a major culprit in brain aging, triggers cognitive and memory impairment. Lycopene (LYC), a carotenoid pigment, possesses potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. In the present study, the effects of LYC on oxidative stress-induced cognitive defects and the underlying mechanisms were determined. The behavioral tests, including Y-maze test, locomotor activity and Morris water maze test, revealed that chronic LYC supplementation (50 mg/kg bodyweight per day) alleviated d-galactose induced CD-1 male mice cognitive impairments. LYC ameliorated histopathological damage and restored brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus of mice. LYC also significantly elevated antioxidant enzymes activities and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines in the d-galactose-treated mice serum. Moreover, LYC treatment activated the mRNA expressions of antioxidant enzymes HO-1 and NQO-1, and downregulated inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in mice hippocampus. Immunohistochemical results also demonstrated that LYC significantly restored the expression of glial cells inflammatory makers Iba-1 and GFAP. Furthermore, LYC attenuated neuronal oxidative damage through activation of Nrf2 signaling and inactivation of NF-κB translocation in a H₂O₂-induced SH-SY5Y cell model. Therefore, these results illustrated that LYC could ameliorate oxidative stress induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment possibly via mediating Nrf2/NF-κB transcriptional pathway.

Protective effect of lycopene on high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment in rats

A Western diet, high in saturated fats, has been linked to the development of cognitive impairment. Lycopene has recently received considerable attention for its potent protective properties demonstrated in several models of nervous system dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether lycopene exerts protective effects on cognition. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of lycopene on learning and memory impairment and the potential underlying mechanism in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). One-month-old male rats were fed different diets for 16 weeks (n=12 per group), including a standard chow diet (CD), a HFD, or a HFD plus lycopene (4mg/kg, oral gavage in the last three weeks). Behavioral testing, including the Morris water maze (MWM), object recognition task (ORT), and anxiety-like behavior in an open field (OF), were assessed at week 16. The dendritic spine density and neuronal density in the hippocampal CA1 subfield were subsequently measured. The results indicate that HFD consumption for 16 weeks significantly impaired spatial memory (P<0.001), working memory (P<0.01), and object recognition memory (P<0.01), decreased the dendritic spine density (P<0.001), damaged pyramidal neurons in the CA1 subfield (P<0.001) compared with the CD group. However, lycopene significantly attenuated learning and memory impairments and prevented the reduction in dendritic spine density (P<0.001). Thus, this study indicated that lycopene helps to protect HFD induced cognitive dysfunction.

Lycopene protects human SH‑SY5Y neuroblastoma cells against hydrogen peroxide‑induced death via inhibition of oxidative stress and mitochondria‑associated apoptotic pathways

Oxidative stress, which is characterized by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is a common pathway that results in neuronal injury or death due to various types of pathological stress. Although lycopene has been identified as a potent antioxidant, its effect on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced neuronal damage remains unclear. In the present study, pretreatment with lycopene was observed to protect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells against H₂O₂-induced death via inhibition of apoptosis resulting from activation of caspase-3 and translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) to the nucleus. Furthermore, the over-produced ROS, as well as the reduced activities of anti-oxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, were demonstrated to be alleviated by lycopene. Additionally, lycopene counteracted H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which was evidenced by suppression of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, attenuation of the decline of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibition of the increase of Bax and decrease of Bcl-2 levels within the mitochondria. The release of cytochrome c and AIF from the mitochondria was also reduced. These results indicate that lycopene is a potent neuroprotectant against apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, and could be administered to prevent neuronal injury or death.

Protective effect of ginkgo proanthocyanidins against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury associated with its antioxidant effects

Proanthocyanidins have been shown to effectively protect ischemic neurons, but its mechanism remains poorly understood. Ginkgo proanthocyanidins (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administered 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours before reperfusion. Results showed that ginkgo proanthocyanidins could effectively mitigate neurological disorders, shorten infarct volume, increase superoxide dismutase activity, and decrease malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents. Simultaneously, the study on grape seed proanthocyanidins (40 mg/kg) confirmed that different sources of proanthocyanidins have a similar effect. The neurological outcomes of ginkgo proanthocyanidins were similar to that of nimodipine in the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our results suggest that ginkgo proanthocyanidins can effectively lessen cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and protect ischemic brain tissue and these effects are associated with antioxidant properties.

Beneficial effects of lycopene against haloperidol induced orofacial dyskinesia in rats: Possible neurotransmitters and neuroinflammation modulation

Tardive Dyskinesia is a severe side effect of chronic neuroleptic treatment consisting of abnormal involuntary movements, characterized by orofacial dyskinesia. The study was designed to investigate the protective effect of lycopene against haloperidol induced orofacial dyskinesia possibly by neurochemical and neuroinflammatory modulation in rats. Rats were administered with haloperidol (1mg/kg, i.p for 21 days) to induce orofacial dyskinesia. Lycopene (5 and 10mg/kg, p.o) was given daily 1hour before haloperidol treatment for 21 days. Behavioral observations (vacuous chewing movements, tongue protrusions, facial jerking, rotarod activity, grip strength, narrow beam walking) were assessed on 0th, 7th(,) 14th(,) 21st day after haloperidol treatment. On 22nd day, animals were killed and striatum was excised for estimation of biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde, nitrite and endogenous enzyme (GSH), pro-inflammatory cytokines [Tumor necrosis factor, Interleukin 1β, Interleukin 6] and neurotransmitters level (dopamine, serotonin, nor epinephrine, 5-Hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), Homovanillic acid, 3,4- dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Haloperidol treatment for 21 days impaired muscle co-ordination, motor activity and grip strength with an increased in orofacial dyskinetic movements. Further free radical generation increases MDA and nitrite levels, decreasing GSH levels in striatum. Neuroinflammatory markers were significantly increased with decrease in neurotransmitters levels. Lycopene (5 and 10mg/kg, p.o) treatment along with haloperidol significantly attenuated impairment in behavioral, biochemical, neurochemical and neuroinflammatory markers. Results of the present study attributed the therapeutic potential of lycopene in the treatment (prevented or delayed) of typical antipsychotic induced orofacial dyskinesia.

Effects of Dietary Lycopene Supplementation on Plasma Lipid Profile, Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Defense System in Feedlot Bamei Lamb

Lycopene, a red non-provitamin A carotenoid, mainly presenting in tomato and tomato byproducts, has the highest antioxidant activity among carotenoids because of its high number of conjugated double bonds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lycopene supplementation in the diet on plasma lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system in feedlot lamb. Twenty-eight Bamei male lambs (90 days old) were divided into four groups and fed a basal diet (LP0, 40:60 roughage: concentrate) or the basal diet supplemented with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg lycopene. After 120 days of feeding, all lambs were slaughtered and sampled. Dietary lycopene supplementation significantly reduced the levels of plasma total cholesterol (p<0.05, linearly), total triglycerides (TG, p<0.05) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, p<0.05), as well as atherogenic index (p<0.001), whereas no change was observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p>0.05). The levels of TG (p<0.001) and LDL-C (p<0.001) were decreased with the feeding time extension, and both showed a linear trend (p<0.01). Malondialdehyde level in plasma and liver decreased linearly with the increase of lycopene inclusion levels (p<0.01). Dietary lycopene intake linearly increased the plasma antioxidant vitamin E level (p<0.001), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, p<0.05), and activities of catalase (CAT, p<0.01), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px, p<0.05) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, p<0.05). The plasma T-AOC and activities of GSH-Px and SOD decreased with the extension of the feeding time. In liver, dietary lycopene inclusion showed similar antioxidant effects with respect to activities of CAT (p<0.05, linearly) and SOD (p<0.001, linearly). Therefore, it was concluded that lycopene supplementation improved the antioxidant status of the lamb and optimized the plasma lipid profile, the dosage of 200 mg lycopene/kg feed might be desirable for growing lambs to prevent environment stress and maintain normal physiological metabolism.

Lycopene abrogates Aβ(1-42)-mediated neuroinflammatory cascade in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation characterized by glial activation and release of proinflammatory mediators is considered to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). β-Amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42)-induced learning and memory impairment in rats is believed to be associated with neuronal inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of lycopene, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory carotenoid, in intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) Aβ1-42-induced neuroinflammatory cascade along with learning and memory impairment in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

I.c.v. Aβ1-42 was injected bilaterally followed by treatment with lycopene or rivastigmine for 14 days. Morris water maze and elevated plus maze tests were used to assess the memory function. Rats were sacrificed and brains harvested to evaluate various biochemical parameters and mitochondrial complex activities in postmitochondrial supernatant fractions of cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rat brains. The levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor growth factor β (TGF-β), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and caspase-3 were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis.

RESULTS

Lycopene remediated Aβ-induced learning and memory deficits in a dose-dependent manner. Aβ1-42-induced mitochondrial dysfunction along with surge of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-1β as well as NF-κB and caspase-3 activity in rat brain was significantly reduced with lycopene treatment.

CONCLUSION

The amelioration of Aβ1-42-induced spatial learning and memory impairment by lycopene could be linked, at least in part, to the inhibition of NF-κB activity and the down-regulation of expression of neuroinflammatory cytokines, suggesting that lycopene may be a potential candidate for AD treatment.