Lycopene inhibits regulator of calcineurin 1-mediated apoptosis by reducing oxidative stress and down-regulating Nucling in neuronal cells

Carotenoid Supplementation for Alleviating the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by, among other things, dementia and a decline in cognitive performance. In AD, dementia has neurodegenerative features and starts with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research indicates that apoptosis and neuronal loss occur in AD, in which oxidative stress plays an important role. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress with antioxidants is a natural strategy to prevent and slow down the progression of AD. Carotenoids are natural pigments commonly found in fruits and vegetables. They include lipophilic carotenes, such as lycopene, α- and β-carotenes, and more polar xanthophylls, for example, lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Carotenoids can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and scavenge free radicals, especially singlet oxygen, which helps prevent the peroxidation of lipids abundant in the brain. As a result, carotenoids have neuroprotective potential. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as randomized controlled trials, have mostly confirmed that carotenoids can help prevent neurodegeneration and alleviate cognitive impairment in AD. While carotenoids have not been officially approved as an AD therapy, they are indicated in the diet recommended for AD, including the consumption of products rich in carotenoids. This review summarizes the latest research findings supporting the potential use of carotenoids in preventing and alleviating AD symptoms. A literature review suggests that a diet rich in carotenoids should be promoted to avoid cognitive decline in AD. One of the goals of the food industry should be to encourage the enrichment of food products with functional substances, such as carotenoids, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Development of dietary small molecules as multi-targeting treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease

Cognitive dysfunction can occur both in normal aging and age-related neurological disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). These disorders have few treatment options due to side effects and limited efficacy. New approaches to slow cognitive decline are urgently needed. Dietary interventions (nutraceuticals) have received considerable attention because they exhibit strong neuroprotective properties and may help prevent or minimize AD symptoms. Biological aging is driven by a series of interrelated mechanisms, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and autophagy, which function through various signaling pathways. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have shown that dietary small molecules derived from natural sources, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenolic acids, can modulate oxidative damage, cognitive impairments, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, autophagy dysregulation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This paper reviews research on different dietary small molecules and their bioactive constituents in the treatment of AD. Additionally, the chemical structure, effective dose, and specific molecular mechanisms of action are comprehensively explored. This paper also discusses the advantages of using nanotechnology-based drug delivery, which significantly enhances oral bioavailability, safety, and therapeutic effect, and lowers the risk of adverse effects. These agents have considerable potential as novel and safe therapeutic agents that can prevent and combat age-related AD.

Targeting CaN/NFAT in Alzheimer's brain degeneration

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of cognitive functions. While the exact causes of this debilitating disorder remain elusive, numerous investigations have characterized its two core pathologies: the presence of β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Additionally, multiple studies of postmortem brain tissue, as well as results from AD preclinical models, have consistently demonstrated the presence of a sustained inflammatory response. As the persistent immune response is associated with neurodegeneration, it became clear that it may also exacerbate other AD pathologies, providing a link between the initial deposition of β-amyloid plaques and the later development of neurofibrillary tangles. Initially discovered in T cells, the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is one of the main transcription factors driving the expression of inflammatory genes and thus regulating immune responses. NFAT-dependent production of inflammatory mediators is controlled by Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), which dephosphorylates NFAT and promotes its transcriptional activity. A substantial body of evidence has demonstrated that aberrant CaN/NFAT signaling is linked to several pathologies observed in AD, including neuronal apoptosis, synaptic deficits, and glia activation. In view of this, the role of NFAT isoforms in AD has been linked to disease progression at different stages, some of which are paralleled to diminished cognitive status. The use of classical inhibitors of CaN/NFAT signaling, such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine, or adeno-associated viruses to specifically inhibit astrocytic NFAT activation, has alleviated some symptoms of AD by diminishing β-amyloid neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. In this article, we discuss the recent findings related to the contribution of CaN/NFAT signaling to the progression of AD and highlight the possible benefits of targeting this pathway in AD treatment.

The Importance of Antioxidant Activity for the Health-Promoting Effect of Lycopene

Lycopene is a compound of colored origin that shows strong antioxidant activity. The positive effect of lycopene is the result of its pleiotropic effect. The ability to neutralize free radicals via lycopene is one of the foundations of its pro-health effect, including the ability to inhibit the development of many civilization diseases. Therefore, this study focuses on the importance of the antioxidant effect of lycopene in inhibiting the development of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diseases within the nervous system, diabetes, liver diseases, and ulcerative colitis. According to the research mentioned, lycopene supplementation has significant promise for the treatment of illnesses marked by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the majority of the supporting data for lycopene's health benefits comes from experimental research, whereas the evidence from clinical studies is both scarcer and less certain of any health benefits. Research on humans is still required to establish its effectiveness.

The possible effect of lycopene in ameliorating experimentally induced ulcerative colitis in adult male albino rats (A histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study)

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is considered a long-term inflammatory disorder worldwide. Its pathogenesis is associated with reduced antioxidant capacity. Lycopene (LYC) is a powerful antioxidant with strong free radical scavenging property. The present work has done to assess changes of colonic mucosa in induced UC and the possible ameliorative effects of LYC. Forty-five adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control), group II was given 5 mg/kg/day (LYC) by oral gavage for 3 weeks. Group III (UC) was received single intra-rectal injection of acetic acid. Group IV (LYC+UC) received LYC in same dose and duration as before and acetic acid on 14th day of the experiment. UC group showed loss of surface epithelium with destructed crypts. Congested blood vessels with heavy cellular infiltration were observed. Significant decrease in goblet cell numbers and the mean area percentage of ZO-1 immunoexpression were noticed. Significant increase in the mean area percentage of collagen and the mean area percentage of COX-2 were also noticed. Ultrastructural changes were matched with light microscopic results that showed abnormal destructive columnar and goblet cells. Histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings in group IV supported the ameliorative role of LYC against destructive changes induced by UC.

Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants against Alzheimer's Disease: Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Although substantial research has been conducted to elucidate the complex pathophysiology of AD, the therapeutic approach still has limited efficacy in clinical practice. Oxidative stress (OS) has been established as an early driver of several age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration. In AD, increased levels of reactive oxygen species mediate neuronal lipid, protein, and nucleic acid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic damage, and inflammation. Thus, the identification of novel antioxidant molecules capable of detecting, preventing, and counteracting AD onset and progression is of the utmost importance. However, although several studies have been published, comprehensive and up-to-date overviews of the principal anti-AD agents harboring antioxidant properties remain scarce. In this narrative review, we summarize the role of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, non-flavonoids, mitochondria-targeting molecules, organosulfur compounds, and carotenoids as non-enzymatic antioxidants with AD diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic potential, thereby offering insights into the relationship between OS and neurodegeneration.

Cell models for Down syndrome-Alzheimer’s disease research

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality and leads to intellectual disability, increased risk of cardiac defects, and an altered immune response. Individuals with DS have an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) and are more likely to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than the general population. Changes in expression of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21)-encoded genes, such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD in DS (DS-AD). However, the mechanisms of DS-AD remain poorly understood. To date, several mouse models with an extra copy of genes syntenic to Hsa21 have been developed to characterise DS-AD-related phenotypes. Nonetheless, due to genetic and physiological differences between mouse and human, mouse models cannot faithfully recapitulate all features of DS-AD. Cells differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), isolated from individuals with genetic diseases, can be used to model disease-related cellular and molecular pathologies, including DS. In this review, we will discuss the limitations of mouse models of DS and how these can be addressed using recent advancements in modelling DS using human iPSCs and iPSC-mouse chimeras, and potential applications of iPSCs in preclinical studies for DS-AD.

Antioxidant Therapy in Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurodegenerative Diseases: Role of Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Clinical Translation

Free radicals are formed as a part of normal metabolic activities but are neutralized by the endogenous antioxidants present in cells/tissue, thus maintaining the redox balance. This redox balance is disrupted in certain neuropathophysiological conditions, causing oxidative stress, which is implicated in several progressive neurodegenerative diseases. Following neuronal injury, secondary injury progression is also caused by excessive production of free radicals. Highly reactive free radicals, mainly the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), damage the cell membrane, proteins, and DNA, which triggers a self-propagating inflammatory cascade of degenerative events. Dysfunctional mitochondria under oxidative stress conditions are considered a key mediator in progressive neurodegeneration. Exogenous delivery of antioxidants holds promise to alleviate oxidative stress to regain the redox balance. In this regard, natural and synthetic antioxidants have been evaluated. Despite promising results in preclinical studies, clinical translation of antioxidants as a therapy to treat neurodegenerative diseases remains elusive. The issues could be their low bioavailability, instability, limited transport to the target tissue, and/or poor antioxidant capacity, requiring repeated and high dosing, which cannot be administered to humans because of dose-limiting toxicity. Our laboratory is investigating nanoparticle-mediated delivery of antioxidant enzymes to address some of the above issues. Apart from being endogenous, the main advantage of antioxidant enzymes is their catalytic mechanism of action; hence, they are significantly more effective at lower doses in detoxifying the deleterious effects of free radicals than nonenzymatic antioxidants. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of antioxidant therapy, challenges in their clinical translation, and the role nanoparticles/drug delivery systems could play in addressing these challenges.

Down syndrome is an oxidative phosphorylation disorder

Down syndrome is the most common genomic disorder of intellectual disability and is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. Several genes in this chromosome repress mitochondrial biogenesis. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether early overexpression of these genes may cause a prenatal impairment of oxidative phosphorylation negatively affecting neurogenesis. Reduction in the mitochondrial energy production and a lower mitochondrial function have been reported in diverse tissues or cell types, and also at any age, including early fetuses, suggesting that a defect in oxidative phosphorylation is an early and general event in Down syndrome individuals. Moreover, many of the medical conditions associated with Down syndrome are also frequently found in patients with oxidative phosphorylation disease. Several drugs that enhance mitochondrial biogenesis are nowadays available and some of them have been already tested in mouse models of Down syndrome restoring neurogenesis and cognitive defects. Because neurogenesis relies on a correct mitochondrial function and critical periods of brain development occur mainly in the prenatal and early neonatal stages, therapeutic approaches intended to improve oxidative phosphorylation should be provided in these periods.

Regulator of calcineurin 1 is a novel RNA-binding protein to regulate neuronal apoptosis

Posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression plays an important role in the maturation, transport, stability and translation of coding and noncoding RNAs. RNA-binding protein (RBP) is a key factor of the regulation. Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is a multifunctional protein involved in neurodegeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and protein glycosylation, and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. In this report, we discovered that RCNA1 is a novel RNA-binding protein. A 23 nucleotide sequence of adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT1) mRNA was identified as the binding motif of RCAN1. Furthermore, we found that R1SR13, as the RNA aptamer of RCAN1 identified by SELEX, blocked RCAN1-induced inhibition of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and NF-κB signaling pathways, and reduced neuronal apoptosis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that RCAN1 is a novel RNA-binding protein and the RNA aptamer of RCAN1 plays a neuroprotective role.

Lycopene protects neuroblastoma cells against oxidative damage via depression of ER stress

Lycopene is a pigment derived from tomatoes and other red fruits, and has potent antioxidant and antitumor effects. However, its potential role in alleviating oxidative damage in neuronal cells is not well defined. In this study, we investigated the effects of lycopene on H₂ O₂ -induced damage in neuroblastoma cells, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Exposure to H₂ O₂ markedly decreased the viability of SH-SY5Y cells and increased LDH release, both of which were reversed by lycopene pretreatment. Lycopene also ameliorated H₂ O₂ -induced damage and reduced the expression of apoptotic markers, such as Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase 3. In addition, the H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative markers, including MDA, 8-OHdG, and protein carbonyls, were also downregulated by lycopene. Exogenous H₂ O₂ activated the GRP78/PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway, which was inhibited by pretreatment with lycopene. Finally, lycopene significantly ameliorated ER stress-induced activation and nuclear translocation of CHOP. Overexpression of CHOP markedly reversed the antiapoptotic effects of lycopene, indicating that it is essential for the latter's protective effects. Taken together, lycopene protects neuroblastoma cells from oxidative stress and ER stress-induced damage by inhibiting the PERK-CHOP signaling pathway, which is a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Lycopene demonstrated antioxidative damage properties in protecting the neural system in vitro. The present study provides a novel preventive strategy against neurodegenerative diseases. Increased consumption of lycopene-based products and lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables may result in a lower risk for neurodegenerative diseases.

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.

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.

Genome-Protecting Compounds as Potential Geroprotectors

Throughout life, organisms are exposed to various exogenous and endogenous factors that cause DNA damages and somatic mutations provoking genomic instability. At a young age, compensatory mechanisms of genome protection are activated to prevent phenotypic and functional changes. However, the increasing stress and age-related deterioration in the functioning of these mechanisms result in damage accumulation, overcoming the functional threshold. This leads to aging and the development of age-related diseases. There are several ways to counteract these changes: 1) prevention of DNA damage through stimulation of antioxidant and detoxification systems, as well as transition metal chelation; 2) regulation of DNA methylation, chromatin structure, non-coding RNA activity and prevention of nuclear architecture alterations; 3) improving DNA damage response and repair; 4) selective removal of damaged non-functional and senescent cells. In the article, we have reviewed data about the effects of various trace elements, vitamins, polyphenols, terpenes, and other phytochemicals, as well as a number of synthetic pharmacological substances in these ways. Most of the compounds demonstrate the geroprotective potential and increase the lifespan in model organisms. However, their genome-protecting effects are non-selective and often are conditioned by hormesis. Consequently, the development of selective drugs targeting genome protection is an advanced direction.

Antioxidants as Adjuvants in Periodontitis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidants as an adjuvant in periodontitis treatment. The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Lilacs, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar. Based on the PICO strategy, the inclusion criteria comprised interventional studies including periodontitis patients (participants) treated with conventional therapy and antioxidants (intervention) compared to patients treated only with conventional therapy (control) where the periodontal response (outcome) was evaluated. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB tool (for randomized studies) and ROBINS-I tool (for nonrandomized studies). Quantitative data were analyzed in five random effects meta-analyses considering the following periodontal parameters: clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD). After all, the level of certainty was measured with the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Among the 1884 studies identified, only 15 interventional studies were according to the eligibility criteria and they were included in our review. From them, 4 articles presented a high risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant difference for CAL (SMD 0.29 (0.04, 0.55), p = 0.03, I ² = 13%), PI (SMD 0.41 (0.18, 0.64), p = 0.0005, I ² = 47%), and BOP (SMD 0.55 (0.27, 0.83), p = 0.0001, I ² = 0%). The GRADE tool showed a moderate to high certainty in the quality of evidence depending on the clinical parameter and antioxidants used. These results suggest that the use of antioxidants is an adjunct approach to nonsurgical periodontal therapy which may be helpful in controlling the periodontal status.

NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition suppresses hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and cognitive impairment via RCAN1 in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

NF-κB is a core transcription factor, the activation of which can lead to hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD), while RCAN1 plays a protective role in HIBD. However, the relationship between NF-κB and RCAN1 in HIBD remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of NF-κB signaling pathway in hippocampal neuron apoptosis and cognitive impairment of neonatal rats with HIBD in relation to RCAN1. Initially, microarray analysis was used to determine the differentially expressed genes related to HIBD. After the establishment of HIBD rat models, gain- or loss-of-function assay was performed to explore the functional role of NF-κB signaling pathway in HIBD. Then, the learning and memory ability of rats was evaluated. Expression of RCAN1, NF-κB signaling pathway-related genes and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100β and acetylcholine (Ach) level, and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity were determined with neuron apoptosis detected to further explore the function of NF-κB signaling pathway. RCAN1 could influence the development of HIBD. In the HIBD model, the expression of RCAN1 and NF-κB-related genes increased, and NF-κB p65 showed a significant nuclear shift. By activation of NF-κB or overexpression of RCAN1, the number of neuronal apoptosis, S-100β protein level, and AchE level increased significantly, Ach activity decreased significantly, and GFAP positive cells increased. In addition, after the activation of NF-κB or overexpression of RCAN1, the learning and memory ability of HIBD rats was inhibited. All the results show that activation of NF-κB signaling pathway promotes RCAN1 expression, thus increasing neuronal apoptosis and aggravating cognitive impairment in HIBD rats.

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.

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.

Lycopene treatment inhibits activation of Jak1/Stat3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and attenuates hyperproliferation in gastric epithelial cells

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) colonizes the human stomach and increases the risk of gastric diseases including gastric cancer. H pylori increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), which activate Janus-activator kinase 1 (Jak1)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) in gastric epithelial cells. ROS mediate hyperproliferation, a hallmark of carcinogenesis, by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in various cells. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant exhibiting anticancer effects. We hypothesized that lycopene may inhibit H pylori-induced hyperproliferation by suppressing ROS-mediated activation of Jak1/Stat3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and β-catenin target gene expression in gastric epithelial cells. We determined cell viability, ROS levels, and the protein levels of phospho- and total Jak1/Stat3, Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules, Wnt-1, lipoprotein-related protein 5, and β-catenin target oncogenes (c-Myc and cyclin E) in H pylori-infected gastric epithelial AGS cells. The Jak1/Stat3 inhibitor AG490 served as the control treatment. The significance of the differences among groups was calculated using the 1-way analysis of variance followed by Newman-Keuls post hoc tests. The results show that lycopene reduced ROS levels and inhibited Jak1/Stat3 activation, alteration of Wnt/β-catenin multiprotein complex molecules, expression of c-Myc and cyclin E, and cell proliferation in H pylori-infected AGS cells. AG490 similarly inhibited H pylori-induced cell proliferation, alteration of Wnt/β-catenin multiprotein complex molecules, and oncogene expression. H pylori increased the levels of Wnt-1 and its receptor lipoprotein-related protein 5; this increase was inhibited by either lycopene or AG490 in AGS cells. In conclusion, lycopene inhibits ROS-mediated activation of Jak1/Stat3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and, thus, oncogene expression in relation to hyperproliferation in H pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. Lycopene might be a potential and promising nutrient for preventing H pylori-associated gastric diseases including gastric cancer.

Inhibitory Effect of Lycopene on Amyloid-β-Induced Apoptosis in Neuronal Cells

Alzheimer′s disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Brain amyloid-β deposition is a crucial feature of AD, causing neuronal cell death by inducing oxidative damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate NF-κB, which induces expression of Nucling. Nucling is a pro-apoptotic factor recruiting the apoptosome complex. Lycopene is an antioxidant protecting from oxidative stress-induced cell damage. We investigated whether lycopene inhibits amyloid-β-stimulated apoptosis through reducing ROS and inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and NF-κB-mediated Nucling expression in neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. We prepared cells transfected with siRNA for Nucling or nontargeting control siRNA to determine the role of Nucling in amyloid-β-induced apoptosis. The amyloid-β increased intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels, apoptotic indices (p53, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3 cleavage), NF-kB activation and Nucling expression, while cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxygen consumption rate decreased in SH-SY5Y cells. Lycopene inhibited these amyloid-β-induced alterations. However, amyloid-β did not induce apoptosis, determined by cell viability and apoptotic indices (p53, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3 cleavage), in the cells transfected with siRNA for Nucling. Lycopene inhibited apoptosis by reducing ROS, and by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and NF-κB-target gene Nucling expression in neuronal cells. Lycopene may be beneficial for preventing oxidative stress-mediated neuronal death in patients with neurodegeneration.