Modulation of human osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis by lycopene

Lycopene Promotes Osteogenesis and Reduces Adipogenesis through Regulating FoxO1/PPARγ Signaling in Ovariectomized Rats and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Recent interest in preventing the development of osteoporosis has focused on the regulation of redox homeostasis. However, the action of lycopene (LYC), a strong natural antioxidant compound, on osteoporotic bone loss remains largely unknown. Here, we show that oral administration of LYC to OVX rats for 12 weeks reduced body weight gain, improved lipid metabolism, and preserved bone quality. In addition, LYC treatment inhibited ROS overgeneration in serum and bone marrow in OVX rats, and in BMSCs upon H2O2 stimulation, leading to inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting osteogenesis during bone remodeling. At the molecular level, LYC improved bone quality via an increase in the expressions of FoxO1 and Runx2 and a decrease in the expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα in OVX rats and BMSCs. Collectively, these findings suggest that LYC attenuates osteoporotic bone loss through promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis via regulation of the FoxO1/PPARγ pathway driven by oxidative stress, presenting a novel strategy for osteoporosis management.

The role of carotenoids in bone health-A narrative review

Osteoporosis constitutes a serious challenge for public health. Dietary patterns belong to important, modifiable risk factors of this disease. Therefore, what and in what quantities we consume on a daily basis are extremely relevant. It is commonly known that bone health is positively affected by vitamins (e.g., vitamin D and vitamin K) as well as mineral components (e.g., calcium and magnesium). However, the human diet consists of many other groups of compounds that exhibit a potential antiosteoporotic and supporting bone-building effect. These dietary components include carotenoids. This paper presents a broad review of studies on the influence of particular carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene) on bones. The paper discusses up-to-date in vitro experiments and research on animal models and presents how the results translate into clinical effect in humans.

Strontium ranelate enriched Ruminococcus albus in the gut microbiome of Sprague-Dawley rats with postmenopausal osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiome is critical to our human health and is related to postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). Strontium ranelate (SrR) is an anti-osteoporosis oral drug that can promote osteoblast formation and inhibit osteoclast formation. However, the effect of SrR on gut microbiome has been rarely studied. Therefore, we investigated the effect of oral SrR on gut microbiome and metabolic profiles.

RESULTS

In this study, we used ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats to construct a PMO model and applied oral SrR for 6 weeks. The relative abundance of intestinal microbiome was investigated by 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was used to analyze changes in metabolites of intestinal contents. Results demonstrated that 6-week oral SrR alleviated osteoporosis and significantly changed the composition of the gut microbiome and metabolic profiles of OVX rats. Ruminococcus, Akkermansia and Oscillospira were significantly enriched in the gut of OVX rats after 6-week oral SrR. Especially, the species R. albus showed the greatest importance by a random forest classifier between OVX and OVX_Sr group. The enrichment of R. albus in the gut was positively correlated with bone mineral density and the accumulation of lycopene and glutaric acid, which also significantly elevated after oral SrR.

CONCLUSIONS

We discovered that oral SrR can improve bone health while stimulate the accumulation of gut microbe R. albus and metabolites (lycopene and glutaric acid). The results suggested possible connections between oral SrR and the gut-bone axis, which may provide new insight into the treatment/prevention of osteoporosis.

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.

Overview of the Potential Beneficial Effects of Carotenoids on Consumer Health and Well-Being

Well-known experimental research demonstrates that oxidative stress is the leading cause of the onset and progression of major human health disorders such as cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, and cancer diseases. A high concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species leads to damage of proteins, lipids, and DNA associated with susceptibility to chronic human degenerative disorders. Biological and pharmaceutical investigations have recently focused on exploring both oxidative stress and its defense mechanisms to manage health disorders. Therefore, in recent years there has been considerable interest in bioactive food plant compounds as naturally occurring antioxidant sources able to prevent, reverse, and/or reduce susceptibility to chronic disease. To contribute to this research aim, herein, we reviewed the beneficial effects of carotenoids on human health. Carotenoids are bioactive compounds widely existing in natural fruits and vegetables. Increasing research has confirmed that carotenoids have various biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory activities. This paper presents an overview of the latest research progress on the biochemistry and preventative and therapeutic benefits of carotenoids, particularly lycopene, in promoting human health. This review could be a starting point for improving the research and investigation of carotenoids as possible ingredients of functional health foods and nutraceuticals in the fields of healthy products, cosmetics, medicine, and the chemical industry.

Lycopene enhances bone neoformation in calvaria bone defects of ovariectomized rats

Osteoporosis can affect a significant part of the population and fractures are the most common complications associated with this disease, leading to high public health costs. Thus, the prevention of fractures is relevant to individuals with signs and symptoms as well as to the health system. Postmenopausal osteoporosis has been associated with oxidative stress, emphasizing the importance of an efficient defense system to maintain bone health. Lycopene is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties that may stimulate osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastogenesis. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the influence of lycopene in the bone neoformation of calvaria defects in ovariectomized rats utilizing the concentration of 45 mg/kg. Wistar Hannover female rats were divided into ovariectomized and sham groups. The ovariectomized animals received 45 mg/kg lycopene (OvxL) or water (Ovx) by daily gavage the day after ovariectomy/sham surgery for 16 weeks. Twelve weeks after ovariectomy, there were performed 5-mm calvaria defects followed by euthanasia after 4 weeks. Samples of bone tissue were collected to perform morphological and morphometrical analysis of the neoformed bone area, and percentage with Software Image J. Morphological evaluation showed mature bone with more osteocytes in the group OVxL when compared to the other groups. The morphometrical analysis demonstrated a significant increase of bone neoformation in the group OvxL (p<0.05). The data obtained suggest that lycopene benefits bone repair in the absence of estrogenic hormones.

Oxidative Stress and Natural Antioxidants in Osteoporosis: Novel Preventive and Therapeutic Approaches

This review reports in detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms which regulate the bone remodeling process in relation to oxidative stress (OS), inflammatory factors, and estrogen deficiency. OS is considered an important pathogenic factor of osteoporosis, inducing osteocyte apoptosis and varying levels of specific factors, such as receptor activator κB ligand (RANKL), sclerostin, and, according to recent evidence, fibroblast growth factor 23, with consequent impairment of bone remodeling and high bone resorption. Bone loss increases the risk of fragility fractures, and the most commonly used treatments are antiresorptive drugs, followed by anabolic drugs or those with a double effect. In addition, recent data show that natural antioxidants contained in the diet are efficient in preventing and reducing the negative effects of OS on bone remodeling and osteocytes through the involvement of sirtuin type 1 enzyme. Indeed, osteocytes and some of their molecular factors are considered potential biological targets on which antioxidants can act to prevent and reduce bone loss, as well as to promote bone anabolic and regenerative processes by restoring physiological bone remodeling. Several data suggest including antioxidants in novel therapeutic approaches to develop better management strategies for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and OS-related bone diseases. In particular, anthocyanins, as well as resveratrol, lycopene, oleuropein, some vitamins, and thiol antioxidants, could have protective and therapeutic anti-osteoporotic effects.

Effect of Lycopene Intake on the Fasting Blood Glucose Level: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Lycopene is a lipophilic unsaturated carotenoid exhibiting a strong singlet oxygen-quenching ability. Herein, we investigated the effect of lycopene intake on the fasting blood glucose (FBG) level by conducting a systematic review and meta-analyses. We searched 15 databases (from the earliest date to June 2022 for PubMed or to August or September 2018 for the other databases) and included human interventional studies that assessed the effects of oral lycopene intake on FBG levels of participants ≥ 18 years of age. Three authors independently selected applicable studies and then assessed the study quality. Data were pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) and analyzed by the random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I² statistics. A meta-analysis including 11 trial arms (n = 750) revealed a tendency towards a significant decrease in FBG level with not-important heterogeneity [SMD = -0.15 (95% CI: -0.31, 0.00), p = 0.05, I² = 9%]. Subgroup meta-analysis including two studies (n = 152) in type 2 diabetes patients revealed significantly decreased FBG levels with not-important heterogeneity [SMD = -0.37 (95% CI: -0.69, -0.05), p = 0.02, I² = 0%]. Most studies meeting the eligibility criteria had a moderate risk of bias. The funnel plot for FBG suggested an absence of publication bias. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analyses suggested that lycopene intake exerted an FBG-decreasing effect.

Terpenoid treatment in osteoporosis: this is where we have come in research

Lower bone resistance to load is due to the imbalance of bone homeostasis, where excessive bone resorption, compared with bone formation, determines a progressive osteopenia, leading to a high risk of fractures and consequent pain and functional limitations. Terpenoids, with their activities against bone resorption, have recently received increased attention from researchers. They are potentially more suitable for long-term use compared with traditional therapeutics. In this review of the literature of the past 5 years, we provide comprehensive information on terpenoids, with their anti-osteoporotic effects, highlighting molecular mechanisms that are often in epigenetic key and a possible pharmacological use in osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

Scientometric and Methodological Analysis of the Recent Literature on the Health-Related Effects of Tomato and Tomato Products

The health benefits of tomato, a vegetable consumed daily in human diets, have received great attention in the scientific community, and a great deal of experiments have tested their utility against several diseases. Herein, we present a scientometric analysis of recent works aimed to estimate the biological effects of tomato, focusing on bibliographic metadata, type of testers, target systems, and methods of analysis. A remarkably variable array of strategies was reported, including testers obtained by standard and special tomatoes, and the use of in vitro and in vivo targets, both healthy and diseased. In vitro, 21 normal and 36 cancer human cell lines derived from 13 different organs were used. The highest cytotoxic effects were reported on cancer blood cells. In vivo, more experiments were carried out with murine than with human systems, addressing healthy individuals, as well as stressed and diseased patients. Multivariate analysis showed that publications in journals indexed in the agriculture category were associated with the use of fresh tomatoes; conversely, medicine and pharmacology journals were associated with the use of purified and formulate testers. Studies conducted in the United States of America preferentially adopted in vivo systems and formulates, combined with blood and tissue analysis. Researchers in Italy, China, India, and Great Britain mostly carried out in vitro research using fresh tomatoes. Gene expression and proteomic analyses were associated with China and India. The emerging scenario evidences the somewhat dichotomic approaches of plant geneticists and agronomists and that of cell biologists and medicine researchers. A higher integration between these two scientific communities would be desirable to foster the assessment of the benefits of tomatoes to human health.

Oxidative Stress and Osteoporosis

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Oxidative stress has been implicated as a causative factor in many disease states, possibly including the diminished bone mineral density in osteoporosis.

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Understanding the effects of oxidative stress on the development of osteoporosis may lead to further research improving preventative and therapeutic measures that can combat this important contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide.

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A diet rich in whole plant foods with high antioxidant content along with antioxidant-preserving lifestyle changes may improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fragility-related fractures. While it is not explicitly clear if antioxidant activity is the effector of this change, the current evidence supports this possibility.

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Supplementation with isolated antioxidants may also provide some osteoprotective benefits, but whole plant food-derived antioxidants potentially have more overall benefits. Larger-scale clinical trials are needed to give credence to definitive clinical recommendations.

Recent advances in cellular effects of fluoride: an update on its signalling pathway and targeted therapeutic approaches

Fluoride is a natural element essential in minute quantities in human's to maintain dental and skeletal health. However, the disease fluorosis manifests itself due to excessive fluoride intake mostly through drinking water and sometimes through food. At the cellular energetics level, fluoride is a known inhibitor of glycolysis. At the tissue level, the effect of fluoride has been more pronounced in the musculoskeletal systems due to its ability to retain fluoride. Fluoride alters dentinogenesis, thereby affecting the tooth enamel formation. In bones, fluoride alters the osteogenesis by replacing calcium, thus resulting in bone deformities. In skeletal muscles, high concentration and long term exposure to fluoride causes loss of muscle proteins leading to atrophy. Although fluorosis is quite a familiar problem, the exact molecular pathway is not yet clear. Extensive research on the effects of fluoride on various organs and its toxicity was reported. Indeed, it is clear that high and chronic exposure to fluoride causes cellular apoptosis. Accordingly, in this review, we have highlighted fluoride-mediated apoptosis via two vital pathways, mitochondrial-mediated and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. This review also elaborates on new cellular energetic, apoptotic pathways and therapeutic strategies targeted to treat fluorosis.

Fucoxanthin Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis via Modulation of MAP Kinase and Nrf2 Signaling

Fucoxanthin (FX), a natural carotenoid present in edible brown seaweed, is known for its therapeutic potential in various diseases, including bone disease. However, its underlying regulatory mechanisms in osteoclastogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of FX on osteoclast differentiation and its regulatory signaling pathway. In vitro studies were performed using osteoclast-like RAW264.7 cells stimulated with the soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand or tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-6. FX treatment significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption ability, and downregulated the expression of osteoclast-specific markers such as nuclear factor of activated T cells 1, dendritic cell-specific seven transmembrane protein, and matrix metallopeptidase 9. Intracellular signaling pathway analysis revealed that FX specifically decreased the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 kinase, and increased the nuclear translocation of phosphonuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Our results suggest that FX regulates the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases and Nrf2. Therefore, FX is a potential therapeutic agent for osteoclast-related skeletal disorders including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Inhibition of Osteoclast Differentiation by Carotenoid Derivatives through Inhibition of the NF-ƙB Pathway

The bone protective effects of carotenoids have been demonstrated in several studies, and the inhibition of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by lycopene has also been demonstrated. We previously reported that carotenoid oxidation products are the active mediators in the activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 and the inhibition of the NF-ƙB transcription system by carotenoids. Here, we demonstrate that lycopene oxidation products are more potent than intact lycopene in inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. We analyzed the structure-activity relationship of a series of dialdehyde carotenoid derivatives (diapocarotene-dials) in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. We found that the degree of inhibition depends on the electron density of the carbon atom that determines the reactivity of the conjugated double bond in reactions such as Michael addition to thiol groups in proteins. Moreover, the carotenoid derivatives attenuated the NF-ƙB signal through inhibition of IƙB phosphorylation and NF-ƙB translocation to the nucleus. In addition, we show a synergistic inhibition of osteoclast differentiation by combinations of an active carotenoid derivative with the polyphenols curcumin and carnosic acid with combination index (CI) values < 1. Our findings suggest that carotenoid derivatives inhibit osteoclast differentiation, partially by inhibiting the NF-ƙB pathway. In addition, carotenoid derivatives can synergistically inhibit osteoclast differentiation with curcumin and carnosic acid.

Functional Validation of Phytoene Synthase and Lycopene ε-Cyclase Genes for High Lycopene Content in Autumn Olive Fruit (Elaeagnus umbellata)

Lycopene is the most potent antioxidant among all carotenoids and is beneficial to human health. A ripe fruit of autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) accumulates a high level of lycopene, which is 5-20 times higher than that in an ordinary tomato fruit. During fruit ripening of autumn olive, only phytoene synthase (EutPSY) expression pattern shows a tight positive correlation with the increased lycopene content observed at four ripening stages, while the lycopene ε-cyclase (EutLCYe) transcript could not be detected throughout fruit ripening. Here, we investigated whether the two genes are important targets for engineering lycopene biosynthesis. The full-length cDNAs of EutPSY and EutLCYe were first isolated. Fruit-specific overexpression of EutPSY in tomato fruits resulted in elevated contents of lycopene and β-carotene through feedforward regulation of carotenogenic genes, i.e., downregulation of SlLCYe and upregulation of SlLCYb and SlCYCB. These fruits were decreased in ethylene production throughout ripening. Transcript levels of genes for system-2 ethylene synthesis (SlACS2, SlACS4, SlACO1, and SlACO3), perception (SlNR/ETR3 and SlETR4), and response (SlE4 and SlE8) were also inhibited in EutPSY-overexpressing fruits. Repressing ethylene synthesis and signaling transduction delayed fruit climacteric ripening of transgenic tomato plants. Additionally, RNAi suppression of SlLCYe enhanced β-carotene but not lycopene accumulation through altered expression of carotenogenic genes in transgenic tomato fruits by both feedforward and feedback regulatory mechanisms. Ethylene production in SlLCYe-RNAi fruits decreased, thereby delaying fruit ripening. Collectively, these results confirmed that transcriptional regulation of EutPSY and EutLCYe plays a crucial role and a part in massive lycopene accumulation in autumn olive fruits, respectively. EutPSY overexpression enhanced lycopene accumulation in tomato fruits independently of the ethylene pathway but did not influence the size and weight of tomato fruits. EutPSY can be used as an effective strategy capable of elevating the lycopene content in fruits for improving quality.

Potential Role of Lycopene in the Prevention of Postmenopausal Bone Loss: Evidence from Molecular to Clinical Studies

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density, which affects the quality of life of the aging population. Furthermore, disruption of bone microarchitecture and the alteration of non-collagenous protein in bones lead to higher fracture risk. This is most common in postmenopausal women. Certain medications are being used for the treatment of osteoporosis; however, these may be accompanied by undesirable side effects. Phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables are a source of micronutrients for the maintenance of bone health. Among them, lycopene has recently been shown to have a potential protective effect against bone loss. Lycopene is a lipid-soluble carotenoid that exists in both all-trans and cis-configurations in nature. Tomato and tomato products are rich sources of lycopene. Several human epidemiological studies, supplemented by in vivo and in vitro studies, have shown decreased bone loss following the consumption of lycopene/tomato. However, there are still limited studies that have evaluated the effect of lycopene on the prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the relevant literature on the potential impact of lycopene on postmenopausal bone loss with molecular and clinical evidence, including an overview of bone biology and the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.

Comparative Studies on the Quality and Lycopene Content of Pomelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) Cultivars

Three cultivars of pomelo “Guanximiyou” (GX) and its variants “Hongroumiyou” (HR) and “Sanhongmiyou” (SH) were selected as experimental materials to evaluate the quality and edible value of the fruit. In this study, the fruit quality and lycopene contents were investigated. The results show that among the 3 cultivars used, the contents of soluble solids, vitamin C, and total phenol in the juice sac of SH were the highest, followed by HR and GX. SH has the largest fruit shape index, soluble sugar content: GX > HR > SH, and titratable acid content: GX < HR < SH. From our findings, the content of lycopene was the highest in SH, followed by HR and GX. SH has the greatest potential for production due to its appreciable content of lycopene and fruit quality.

Synergistic enhancement of loading contents and chemical stability of lycopene distributing both inside and on the oil/water interface

Loading contents and chemical stability of lycopene were synergistically enhanced after dispersion in genipin-crosslinked-chitosan (CS) stabilized high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). HIPEs could be prepared with the parameters for the emulsifiers of CS concentration from 0.5 to 5 mg/mL, pH value from 5.5 to 7.5, and CS/genipin mass ratio from 2:1 to 20:1. High loading content of lycopene, up to 0.25 wt% was achieved, with emulsifier in the final system only 1 mg/mL. As the loading contents were elevated, increasing amount of lycopene distributed in HIPEs in the form of insoluble crystals. Meanwhile, density of oil droplets decreased and the shape changed from polygon to sphere, which is supposed to be related to the interaction between the crystal and the oil-water interface. Stability of lycopene against ultraviolet, temperature, hydrogen peroxide, and iron ions was improved significantly, which could be ascribed to the layer of genipin-crosslinked-CS on oil droplet surface and the crystal status of lycopene. The storage stability of lycopene was improved tremendously after encapsulation by HIPEs. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Low loading content of lycopene in emulsion systems is not conducive to the evaluation of its biological function in subsequent experiments, as well as their real application in food industry. It is also crucial to improve the stability of lycopene for the practical application in food industry. In this work, the loading content in delivery system and the chemical stability of lycopene are improved through encapsulation with high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The significance of these results may have implications in fields spanning from colloidal science to functional foods applications.

Lycopene as a Natural Antioxidant Used to Prevent Human Health Disorders

Lycopene, belonging to the carotenoids, is a tetraterpene compound abundantly found in tomato and tomato-based products. It is fundamentally recognized as a potent antioxidant and a non-pro-vitamin A carotenoid. Lycopene has been found to be efficient in ameliorating cancer insurgences, diabetes mellitus, cardiac complications, oxidative stress-mediated malfunctions, inflammatory events, skin and bone diseases, hepatic, neural and reproductive disorders. This review summarizes information regarding its sources and uses amongst different societies, its biochemistry aspects, and the potential utilization of lycopene and possible mechanisms involved in alleviating the abovementioned disorders. Furthermore, future directions with the possible use of this nutraceutical against lifestyle-related disorders are emphasized. Its protective effects against recommended doses of toxic agents and toxicity and safety are also discussed.

Lycopene and bone: an in vitro investigation and a pilot prospective clinical study

Background

There are several effective therapies for osteoporosis but these agents might cause serious adverse events. Lycopene intake could prevent bone loss, however studies on its effects on bone are scarce. Our aim was to investigate the effects of lycopene on osteoblast cells as well as bone mineral density and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women.

Methods

We investigated the effect of lycopene on the Wnt/β-catenin and ERK 1/2 pathways, RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, RANKL and COL1A of Saos-2. We also carried out a pilot controlled clinical study to verify the feasibility of an approach for bone loss prevention through the intake of a lycopene-rich tomato sauce in 39 postmenopausal women.

Results

Lycopene 10 µM resulted in higher β-catenin and phERK1/2 protein Vs the vehicle (p = 0.04 and p = 0.006). RUNX2 and COL1A mRNA was induced by both 5 and 10 µM doses (p = 0.03; p = 0.03 and p = 0.03; p = 0.05) while RANKL mRNA was reduced (p < 0.05). A significant bone density loss was not detected in women taking the tomato sauce while the control group had bone loss (p = 0.002). Tomato sauce intake resulted in a greater bone alkaline phosphatase reduction than the control (18% vs 8.5%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Lycopene activates the WNT/β-catenin and ERK1/2 pathways, upregulates RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, COL1A and downregulates RANKL Saos-2. These processes contributed to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Lycopene alleviates AFB1-induced immunosuppression by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in the spleen of mice

Lycopene (LYC) has been reported to exhibit antioxidant and immunoprotective activities, and our previous studies confirmed that LYC can alleviate multiple tissue damage induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). However, it is unclear whether LYC could relieve the AFB1-induced immunosuppression. Thus, forty-eight male mice were randomly allocated and treated with LYC (5 mg kg-1) and/or AFB1 (0.75 mg kg-1) by intragastric administration for 30 days. We found that LYC alleviated AFB1-induced immunosuppression by relieving splenic structure injury and increasing the spleen weight, spleen coefficient, T lymphocyte subsets, the contents of IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α in serum, as well as the mRNA expression of IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α in spleen. Furthermore, LYC inhibited oxidative stress induced by AFB1via decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while enhancing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, LYC also restrained splenic apoptosis through blocking mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in AFB1 intoxicated mice, presenting as the increase of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the decrease of cytoplasmic Cyt-c protein expression, cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression, Caspase-3/9 activities and mRNA expressions, as well as balancing the mitochondrial protein and mRNA expressions of Bax and Bcl-2. These results indicate that LYC can alleviate AFB1-induced immunosuppression by inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of mice spleen.

Lycopene influences osteoblast functional activity and prevents femur bone loss in female rats submitted to an experimental model of osteoporosis

Antioxidant properties of several nutrients may influence bone metabolism, affording protection against damaging effects caused by oxidative stress. Thus, we hypothesized that lycopene may benefit bone tissue metabolism and functional activity of osteoblastic cells from bone marrow of osteoporotic female rats. Wistar rats were ovariectomized and paired with sham animals. In vitro evaluations were performed after 60 days of surgery, when cells were cultured in osteogenic medium and divided in control (C), ovariectomized (OVX) and ovariectomized + 1 μmol/L lycopene (OVXL) groups. Besides, in vivo studies were carried out to evaluate femur bone remodeling by histological and histomorphometric analyses after daily intake of 10 mg/kg of lycopene for 30 and 60 days after ovariectomy. Cell proliferation was significantly higher in OVX and OVXL groups after 10 days of culture. Alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) was higher in OVXL group in later periods of cell culture, whereas its in situ detection was higher for this group in all experimental periods; nevertheless, mineralization did not show significant differences among the groups. There was a significant upregulation of genes Sp7, Runx2 and Bsp after 3 days and genes Runx2 and Bglap after 10 days from OVXL when compared to OVX. In vivo results demonstrated that daily intake of 10 mg/kg of lycopene for 60 days decreased bone loss in femur epiphysis in ovariectomized rats by maintaining trabecular bone similar to controls. Data obtained suggest that lycopene might benefit the functional activity of osteoblastic cells from ovariectomized rats, as well as avoid further bone resorption.

Beneficial effects and potential risks of tomato consumption for human health: An overview

Tomato and its derived products have a very interesting nutritional value in addition to prominent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Tomatoes are generally quite safe to eat. However, overall consumption varies from individual to individual. Indeed, either beneficial or harmful effects of plants or their derived products are closely related to quality, including the presence of biologically active compounds. On the other hand, the synthesis and accumulation of these bioactive molecules depends on many other factors, such as environmental conditions. In this sense, this review briefly highlights the relationship between the chemistry of tomato and its derived products and their beneficial or harmful effects on human health, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn, allergies, kidney and cardiovascular disorders, prostate cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, lycopenodermia, body aches, arthritis, and urinary problems.

Let food be your medicine: nutraceutical properties of lycopene

In this review, we highlight research and clinical trials involving lycopene and its impact on human health.