Dietary tomato powder inhibits alcohol-induced hepatic injury by suppressing cytochrome p450 2E1 induction in rodent models

Protective Role of Lycopene in Subjects with Liver Disease: NUTRIHEP Study

BACKGROUND

Liver diseases are constantly increasing throughout the world and are often associated with other diseases, but above all they are caused by improper diet. Adherence to a diet with abundant vegetables has now been widely demonstrated to be important in combating this pathological condition. The aim of this study was to explore the protective role of lycopene (LYC) extracts from cooked and fresh tomato.

METHODS

The study cohort included 969 participants assessed in the NUTRIHEP cohort (2005-2006) and the associated follow-up (2014-2016), divided into two groups, based on liver condition: NAFLD, or AFLD and FLD.

RESULTS

The results indicated a statistical significance of LYC consumption, showing a protective role against liver disease, the best concentration being 9.50 mg/die, with an RR value of 0.59, p = 0.01, 0.39 to 0.90 at 95% C.I., and RRR = 0.40, p = 0.002, 0.22 to 0.71 at 95% C.I.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective role of LYC extracts from tomato has not been amply demonstrated in humans. We conclude that this is one of the few papers in the literature to evaluate the protective effect of LYC against liver disease, as well as how this molecule could be used in future possible treatments. Utilizing lycopene as a supplement alone or in combination with other foods could be useful for developing treatments with reduced contraindications.

Tomato as a Natural Source of Dyes in the Food Industry: A Patent Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Foods that promote health benefits are being increasingly used. Innovative techniques, such as nanotechnology, have been used to improve functional properties, sensory characteristics, or the conservation of foods.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify the technological domain of patents for tomato products with or without nanotechnology and elucidate the technological advances associated with the recent use of tomatoes as a natural food dye in the food industry by exploring patent documents.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The search was conducted using the Espacenet and INPI databases. There was an increase in patent document applications employing nanotechnology in 2013, with a peak between 2017 and 2018. China is the lead country in the number of patent applications. In Brazil, the patent applications are variable, and the food industry is most involved in studies on tomatoes as a natural food dye. Most patent deposits using nanotechnology were from companies, and the main sources of the patent application were the food and pharmaceutical industries.

CONCLUSION

There is an increasing trend for the use of tomatoes as natural food dyes, produced with or without nanotechnology, and number of patents filed yearly. New technologies are being developed in several application areas.

Lycopene: a therapeutic strategy against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID- 19)

Lycopene is a group of phytochemicals found in nature, primarily in fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is thought to protect against a variety of diseases attributed to its antioxidant capabilities. Lycopene has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity-boosting qualities, among other biological and pharmacological benefits. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has recently emerged as one of the world's leading causes of death. Patients may be asymptomatic or show signs of respiratory, cytokine release syndrome, gastrointestinal, or even multiple organ failure, all of which can lead to death. In COVID-19, inflammation, and cytokine storm are the key pathogenic mechanisms, according to SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms. ARDS develops in some vulnerable hosts, which is accompanied by an inflammatory "cytokine syndrome" that causes lung damage. Immunological and inflammatory markers were linked to disease severity in mild and severe COVID-19 cases, implying that inflammatory markers, including IL-6, CRP, ESR, and PCT were significantly linked with COVID-19 severity. Patients with severe illness have reduced levels of several immune subsets, including CD4 + T, NK, and CD8 + cells. As a result, lycopene can be commended for bolstering physiological defenses against COVID-19 infections.

The double-edged roles of ROS in cancer prevention and therapy

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as cell signaling molecules generated in oxidative metabolism and are associated with a number of human diseases. The reprogramming of redox metabolism induces abnormal accumulation of ROS in cancer cells. It has been widely accepted that ROS play opposite roles in tumor growth, metastasis and apoptosis according to their different distributions, concentrations and durations in specific subcellular structures. These double-edged roles in cancer progression include the ROS-dependent malignant transformation and the oxidative stress-induced cell death. In this review, we summarize the notable literatures on ROS generation and scavenging, and discuss the related signal transduction networks and corresponding anticancer therapies. There is no doubt that an improved understanding of the sophisticated mechanism of redox biology is imperative to conquer cancer.

Time-Restricted Feeding Reduces the Detrimental Effects of a High-Fat Diet, Possibly by Modulating the Circadian Rhythm of Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota

Background: Time-restricted feeding, also known as intermittent fasting, can confer various beneficial effects, especially protecting against obesity, and related metabolic disorders, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effects of time-restricted feeding on the circadian rhythm of gut microbiota and hepatic metabolism.

Methods: Eight-week-old male Kunming mice received either a normal diet ad libitum, a high-fat diet ad libitum, or a high-fat diet restricted to an 8-h temporal window per day for an experimental period of 8 weeks. Weight gain and calorie intake were measured weekly. Serum metabolites, hepatic sections and lipid metabolites, gut microbiota, and the hepatic expression of Per1, Cry1, Bmal1, SIRT1, SREBP, and PPARα were measured at the end of the experimental period. The composition of gut microbiota and the expression of hepatic genes were compared between four timepoints.

Results: Mice that received a time-restricted high-fat diet had less weight gain, milder liver steatosis, and lower hepatic levels of triglycerides than mice that received a high-fat diet ad libitum (p < 0.05). The numbers of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes differed between mice that received a time-restricted high-fat diet and mice that received a high-fat diet ad libitum (p < 0.05). Mice fed a time-restricted high-fat diet showed distinct circadian rhythms of hepatic expression of SIRT1, SREBP, and PPARα compared with mice fed a normal diet ad libitum, as well as the circadian rhythm of the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes.

Conclusions: Time-restricted feeding is associated with better metabolic conditions, perhaps owing to alterations in gut microbiota and the circadian pattern of molecules related to hepatic lipid metabolism, which were first to report.

Anti-Cancer Effects of Lycopene in Animal Models of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Globally, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most diagnosed cancer and the third important cause of cancer-related death. As there are only two targeted drugs for the treatment of advanced HCC—that merely extend survival by a few months—the need for alternative treatments is inevitable. Lycopene, a carotenoid that is known to be most abundant in red tomatoes and tomato-based products, has been investigated for its anticancer activity in various types of cancers including HCC. This review was conducted to evaluate the effects of lycopene on HCC from animal models to pave the way for further clinical studies.

Methods

Electronic databases and search engines including PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for original records addressing the anticancer effect of lycopene in animal models of HCC. Data were extracted using a format prepared in Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata 15.0 for analyses. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model at a 95% confidence level for the outcome measures: tumor incidence, number, and growth (tumor volume and size). The presence of publication bias between studies was evaluated using Egger’s test and funnel plot. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database with reference number: CRD42019159312.

Results

The initial database search yields 286 articles, of which 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The characteristics of the included studies were a bit diversified. The studies involved a total of 644 animals (312 treatment and 332 control groups) and mice shared the majority (488) followed by rats (117) and ferrets (39). The meta-analysis showed that lycopene significantly reduced the incidence [RR 0.8; 95% CI 0.69, 0.92 (p=0.00); I² = 30.4%, p=0.16; n=11], number [SMD-1.83; 95% CI -3.10, -0.57 (p=0.01); I² = 95.9%, p=0.00; n=9], and growth [SMD -2.13; 95% CI -4.20, -0.04 (p=0.04); I² = 94.6%, p=0.00; n=4] of HCC.

Conclusions

Administration of lycopene appears to inhibit the initiation and progression of cancer in animal models of HCC. However, more controlled and thorough preclinical studies are needed to further evaluate its anti-HCC effects and associated molecular mechanisms.

Lycopene in protection against obesity and diabetes: A mechanistic review

Lycopene, a natural pigment that mainly exists in the mature fruit of tomatoes, has gained increasing attention due to its protective effects against obesity and diabetes. The aim of this review is to summarize the potential mechanisms in which lycopene exerts protection against obesity and diabetes, along with highlighting its bioavailability, synthesis and safety. Literature sources used in this review were from the PubMed Database, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, and the Web of Science. For the inquiries, keywords such as lycopene, properties, synthesis, diabetes, obesity, and safety were used in various combinations. About 200 articles and reviews were evaluated. Lycopene exhibits anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities in different organs and/or tissues, including adipose tissue, liver, kidney, pancreas, brain, ovaries, intestine, and eyes. The underlying mechanism may be attributed to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and through its ability to regulate of AGE/RAGE, JNK/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, SIRT1/FoxO1/PPARγ signaling pathways and AchE activity. The epidemiological investigations support that lycopene consumption may contribute to lowering the risk of obesity and diabetes. The cis-isomers of lycopene are more bioavailable and better absorbed than trans-lycopene, and mainly distribute in liver and adipose tissue. Lycopene exhibits a good margin of safety and can be obtained by plant extraction, chemical synthesis and microbial fermentation. In summary, lycopene consumption beneficially contributes to protecting against diabetes and obesity in animal studies and epidemiological investigations, which supports the potential of this compound as a preventive/therapeutic agent against these disorders. Well-designed, prospective clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of lycopene against common metabolic diseases.

Association between Dietary Tomato Intake and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Singapore Chinese Health Study

BACKGROUND

Intake of tomato and/or lycopene has been associated with reduced risk of several cancers, but there is no report on the association with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The associations of tomato and lycopene consumption with risk of HCC were examined in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort of 63,257 Chinese ages 45 to 74 years at enrollment. Diet was assessed using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate HR and its 95% confidence interval (CI) of HCC with the consumption of tomato and lycopene among all cohort participants, and unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the association by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity in a nested case-control study.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 17.6 years, 561 incident HCC cases were identified. Higher tomato intake was associated with lower risk of HCC after adjustment for potential confounders (P _trend < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quartile, HRs (95% CIs) of HCC for the second, third, and fourth quartile of tomato intake were 0.70 (0.56-0.88), 0.73 (0.58-0.92), and 0.63 (0.49-0.81). Among HBsAg-negative individuals, the inverse association remained (P _trend = 0.03). There was no association between lycopene intake and HCC risk (P _trend = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Tomato intake may offer protection against the development of HCC, particularly among individuals without chronic infection with hepatitis B virus.

IMPACT

Tomato intake is a low-cost preventative measure against HCC that may help reduce risk due to increasing rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Carotenoids and their role in cancer prevention

Approximately two of every five people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Dietary modifications are one of the most promising lifestyle changes that can adjust the risk of developing cancer by nearly 40%. Carotenoids are a diverse group of natural pigments and are present in many fruits and vegetables. The data surrounding carotenoids and their potential roles in carcinogenesis have been rapidly growing over the past two decades. This review summarizes the literature surrounding the associations between the most six common carotenoids in the diet and ten of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. In this study, preclinical, epidemiological, and toxicology data were reviewed. Data from these studies suggest that several carotenoids might provide a beneficial impact on reducing carcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to determine the causal relationships between individual carotenoids and cancer incidence and progression. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.

Carotenoids and fatty liver disease: Current knowledge and research gaps

Carotenoids form an important part of the human diet, consumption of which has been associated with many health benefits. With the growing global burden of liver disease, increasing attention has been paid on the possible beneficial role that carotenoids may play in the liver. This review focuses on carotenoid actions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Indeed, many human studies have suggested an association between decreased circulating levels of carotenoids and increased incidence of NAFLD and ALD. The literature describing supplementation of individual carotenoids in rodent models of NAFLD and ALD is reviewed, with particular attention paid to β-carotene and lycopene, but also including β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. The effect of beta-carotene oxygenase 1 and 2 knock-out mice on hepatic lipid metabolism is also discussed. In general, there is evidence to suggest that carotenoids have beneficial effects in animal models of both NAFLD and ALD. Mechanistically, these benefits may occur via three possible modes of action: 1) improved hepatic antioxidative status broadly attributed to carotenoids in general, 2) the generation of vitamin A from β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin, leading to improved hepatic retinoid signaling, and 3) the generation of apocarotenoid metabolites from β-carotene and lycopene, that may regulate hepatic signaling pathways. Gaps in our knowledge regarding carotenoid mechanisms of action in the liver are highlighted throughout, and the review ends by emphasizing the importance of dose effects, mode of delivery, and mechanism of action as important areas for further study. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.

Zeaxanthin Dipalmitate in the Treatment of Liver Disease

Goji berry, Lycium barbarum, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but its properties have not been studied until recently. The fruit is a major source of zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD), a xanthophyll carotenoid shown to benefit the liver. Liver disease is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. Some conditions, such as chronic hepatitis B virus, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, remain incurable. Managing them can constitute an economic burden for patients and healthcare systems. Hence, development of more effective pharmacological drugs is warranted. Studies have shown the hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antitumor, and chemopreventive properties of ZD. These findings suggest that ZD-based drugs could hold promise for many liver disorders. In this paper, we reviewed the current literature regarding the therapeutic effects of ZD in the treatment of liver disease.

Pathogenesis, Early Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) refers to the damages to the liver and its functions due to alcohol overconsumption. It consists of fatty liver/steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, steatohepatitis, chronic hepatitis with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanisms behind the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease are extremely complicated due to the involvement of immune cells, adipose tissues, and genetic diversity. Clinically, the diagnosis of ALD is not yet well developed. Therefore, the number of patients in advanced stages has increased due to the failure of proper early detection and treatment. At present, abstinence and nutritional therapy remain the conventional therapeutic interventions for ALD. Moreover, the therapies which target the TNF receptor superfamily, hormones, antioxidant signals, and MicroRNAs are used as treatments for ALD. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are gaining attention as a potential therapeutic target of ALD. Therefore, in this review, we have summarized the current understandings of the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ALD. Moreover, we also discuss the various existing treatment strategies while focusing on promising therapeutic approaches for ALD.

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.

Tomato lycopene prevention of alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma development

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in the United States, and chronic, excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for 32%–45% of all the liver cancer cases in the United States. Avoidance of chronic or excessive alcohol intake is the best protection against alcohol-related liver injury; however, the social presence and addictive power of alcohol are strong. Induction of the cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) enzyme by chronic and excessive alcohol intake is known to play a role in the pathogenesis of ALD. High intake of tomatoes, rich in the carotenoid lycopene, is associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease. The review will overview the prevention of ALD and HCC through dietary tomato rich in lycopene as an effective intervention strategy and the crucial role of CYP2E1 induction as a molecular target. The review also indicates a need for caution among individuals consuming both alcohol and high dose lycopene as a dietary supplement.

Suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha level by lycopene is comparable to methylprednisolone in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress and inflammation may play a key role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Lycopene, a natural carotenoid, has antioxidant scavenger capacity and inhibits inflammation in many experimental models.

AIM

The study was designed to investigate whether lycopene can ameliorate l-arginine-induced pancreatitis in rats and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects.

METHODS

Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into: control group (vehicle, orally, 10 days), AP group (3 g/kg l-arginine, single i.p. injection, on day 10th of the experiment), lycopene group (50 mg/kg) and methylprednisolone group (30 mg/kg). Lycopene and methylprednisolone were given orally, once daily for 10 days prior to l-arginine injection. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after l-arginine injection. Inflammation/oxidative stress and pancreatic markers were assessed. Pancreatic histopathological studies were done.

RESULTS

Lycopene group showed a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase activity, and down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. Pancreatic nitric oxide concentration was reduced and pancreatic GSH was increased in lycopene group. Serum α-amylase and lipase activities were reduced by lycopene treatment. The histology of pancreas was improved in lycopene group as well as methylprednisolone group.

CONCLUSION

Lycopene prior treatment proved anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against AP rat model via different mechanisms.

Mechanical and structural characterization of whey protein concentrate/montmorillonite/lycopene films

BACKGROUND

The production/characterization of nanocomposites based on whey protein concentrate (WPC) and montmorillonite (MMT) with lycopene as functional substance is presented and their potential use as alternative biomaterials in foodstuff applications is discussed. A full factorial design with varying levels of MMT (0 and 20 g kg^-1 ) and lycopene (0, 60 and 120 g kg^-1 ) was used. The mechanical properties (tensile and puncture tests), thermal stability, Fourier transform infrared vibrational spectra and film morphology of the resulting materials were evaluated.

RESULTS

Lycopene and MMT nanoparticles could be successfully included in WPC films using the casting/evaporation method. The films were flexible and homogeneous and a uniform dispersion of the components was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Inclusion of 20 g kg^-1 of MMT in the polymeric matrix improved both mechanical and thermal properties. Lycopene at the tested concentrations, besides its red coloring ability, did not promote any detectable interference in the structural or physical properties. These findings are important in devising applications and open a new perspective on the use of these materials in bioactive packaging processing. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ablation of systemic SIRT1 activity promotes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by affecting liver-mesenteric adipose tissue fatty acid mobilization

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been reported to protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. The mechanism of how SIRT1 deacetylase activity affects NAFLD has not been well investigated. The current investigation addressed the causal effect of systemic SIRT1 activity on NAFLD development and the underlying mechanism involved in both liver and mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT). Both SIRT1 homozygous mice ablated the catalytic activity (sirt1^Y/Y) and their corresponding wild type littermates (WT) were fed a high fat diet (HFD, 60% calories from fat) for 34weeks. Sirt1^Y/Y mice showed significantly higher level of hepatic triglyceride which was accompanied with higher levels of SREBP-1 and SCD1and decreased phosphorylation of LKB1 and AMPK in the liver. Compared with WT mice, mRNA expression of lipogenic genes (lxrα, srebp-1c, scd1 and fas) in the MAT increased significantly in sirt1^Y/Y mice. Fatty acid oxidation biomarkers (acox1, acox3, cpt, ucp1, sirt3) in both liver and MAT were comparable between groups. Interestingly, we observed that in sirt1^Y/Y mice, the mRNA level of hormone sensitive lipase (hsl), adipose triglyceride lipase (atgl) and perilipin-2 (plin-2), all involved in lipolysis, significantly increased in MAT, but not in epididymal adipose tissue. These changes positively correlated with circulating free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations and higher hepatic mRNA expression of cd36 for FFA uptake. The present study has provided novel evidence to suggest that under HFD-induced metabolic surplus, the lack of SIRT1 catalytic activity promotes release of FFA from MAT and escalate NAFLD by interfering with lipid homeostasis in both liver and MAT.

Lycopene and tomato powder supplementation similarly inhibit high-fat diet induced obesity, inflammatory response, and associated metabolic disorders

SCOPE

Several studies have linked the high intake of lycopene or tomatoes products with lower risk for metabolic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and to compare the effect of lycopene and tomato powder on obesity-associated disorders.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male C57BL/J6 mice were assigned into four groups to receive: control diet (CD), high fat diet (HFD), high fat diet supplemented with lycopene or with tomato powder (TP) for 12 weeks. In HFD condition, lycopene and TP supplementation significantly reduced adiposity index, organ, and relative organ weights, serum triglycerides, free fatty acids, 8-iso-prostaglandin GF2α and improved glucose homeostasis, but did not affect total body weight. Lycopene and TP supplementation prevented HFD-induced hepatosteatosis and hypertrophy of adipocytes. Lycopene and TP decreased HFD-induced proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in the liver and in the epididymal adipose tissue. The anti-inflammatory effect of lycopene and TP was related to a reduction in the phosphorylation levels of IκB, and p65, and resulted in a decrease of inflammatory proteins in adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that lycopene or TP supplementation display similar beneficial health effects that could be particularly relevant in the context of nutritional approaches to fight obesity-associated pathologies.

Protective effect of wild Corni fructus methanolic extract against acute alcoholic liver injury in mice

BACKGROUND

In Chinese folk medicine, Corni fructus (C. fructus) has traditionally been used to improve liver function, although the mechanism underlying its activity remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of wild C. fructus methanolic extract against acute alcoholic liver injury.

METHODS

Alcohol was administered to mice for three consecutive days, either alone or in combination with C. fructus methanolic extract (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight/d). Serum and liver tissue were collected from the animals and subjected to biochemical and histopathological analyses.

RESULTS

C. fructus significantly alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury by reducing serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive species, inhibiting hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and increasing total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione in the liver (P < 0.05). In addition, the C. fructus treatment inhibited the expression and activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

C. fructus could be a promising natural substance for ameliorating acute alcohol-induced oxidative stress and hepatic injury.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cancer: Role of antioxidative nutraceuticals

Extensive research over the past half a century indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in cancer. Although low levels of ROS can be beneficial, excessive accumulation can promote cancer. One characteristic of cancer cells that distinguishes them from normal cells is their ability to produce increased numbers of ROS and their increased dependence on an antioxidant defense system. ROS are produced as a byproduct intracellularly by mitochondria and other cellular elements and exogenously by pollutants, tobacco, smoke, drugs, xenobiotics, and radiation. ROS modulate various cell signaling pathways, which are primarily mediated through the transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, kinases, growth factors, cytokines and other proteins, and enzymes; these pathways have been linked to cellular transformation, inflammation, tumor survival, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of cancer. ROS are also associated with epigenetic changes in genes, which is helpful in diagnosing diseases. This review considers the role of ROS in the various stages of cancer development. Finally, we provide evidence that nutraceuticals derived from Mother Nature are highly effective in eliminating cancer cells.

Alanine with the Precipitate of Tomato Juice Administered to Rats Enhances the Reduction in Blood Ethanol Levels

Delay in gastric emptying (GE) lowers the blood ethanol concentration (BEC) after alcohol administration. We previously demonstrated that water-insoluble fractions, mainly comprising dietary fiber derived from many types of botanical foods, possessed the ability to absorb ethanol-containing aqueous solutions. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the absorption of ethanol and lowering of BEC because of delay in GE. Here we identified dietary nutrients that synergize with the water-insoluble fraction of tomatoes to lower BEC in rats. Consequently, unlike tomato juice without alanine, tomato juice with 5.0% alanine decreased BEC depending on the delay in GE and mediated the ethanol-induced decrease in the spontaneous motor activity (an indicator of drunkenness). Our findings indicate that the synergism between tomato juice and alanine to reduce the absorption of ethanol was attributable to the effect of alanine on precipitates such as the water-insoluble fraction of tomatoes.

Isocaloric Pair-Fed High-Carbohydrate Diet Induced More Hepatic Steatosis and Inflammation than High-Fat Diet Mediated by miR-34a/SIRT1 Axis in Mice

To investigate the different effects of isocaloric high-fat diet (HFD) and high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) on hepatic steatosis and the underlying mechanisms, especially the role of microRNA-34a/silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1) axis, C57BL/6J mice (n = 12/group) were isocaloric pair-fed with Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing either high fat (HFLD) or high carbohydrate (HCLD) for 16 weeks. As compared to the HFLD fed mice, despite the similar final body weights, HCLD feeding: (1) induced more severe hepatic steatosis; (2) up-regulated hepatic expression of miR-34a accompanied with significant decrease of SIRT1 and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), SIRT1 activity and phosphorylation of AMPK; (3) up-regulated de novo lipogenesis (DNL) related proteins expression (ACC, SCD1), and down-regulated expressions of miR-122, miR-370 and miR-33; (4) decreased mRNA expressions of genes Cpt1, Pparα and Pgc1α related to fatty acid oxidation; (5) increased hepatic total cholesterol concentration and decreased expression of cholesterol metabolism related genes Abcg5, Abcg8, Abcg11, Cyp7a1 and Cyp8b1; and (6) induced higher hepatic inflammatory response accompanied with significant increased mRNA expressions of Il1β, Tnfα and Mcp1. Thus, isocaloric HCLD feeding induced greater severity in hepatic steatosis and inflammatory response than HFLD feeding, potentially through miR-34a/SIRT1 axis mediated promotion of DNL, inhibition of fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol metabolism.

Translational Implications of the Alcohol-Metabolizing Enzymes, Including Cytochrome P450-2E1, in Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Liver Disease

Fat accumulation (hepatic steatosis) in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a potentially pathologic condition which can progress to steatohepatitis (inflammation), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and carcinogenesis. Many clinically used drugs or some alternative medicine compounds are also known to cause drug-induced liver injury, which can further lead to fulminant liver failure and acute deaths in extreme cases. During liver disease process, certain cytochromes P450 such as the ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1) and CYP4A isozymes can be induced and/or activated by alcohol and/or high-fat diets and pathophysiological conditions such as fasting, obesity, and diabetes. Activation of these P450 isozymes, involved in the metabolism of ethanol, fatty acids, and various drugs, can produce reactive oxygen/nitrogen species directly and/or indirectly, contributing to oxidative modifications of DNA/RNA, proteins and lipids. In addition, aldehyde dehydrogenases including the mitochondrial low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), responsible for the metabolism of acetaldehyde and lipid aldehydes, can be inactivated by various hepatotoxic agents. These highly reactive acetaldehyde and lipid peroxides, accumulated due to ALDH2 suppression, can interact with cellular macromolecules DNA/RNA, lipids, and proteins, leading to suppression of their normal function, contributing to DNA mutations, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, steatosis, and cell death. In this chapter, we specifically review the roles of the alcohol-metabolizing enzymes including the alcohol dehydrogenase, ALDH2, CYP2E1, and other enzymes in promoting liver disease. We also discuss translational research opportunities with natural and/or synthetic antioxidants, which can prevent or delay the onset of inflammation and liver disease.