Lycopene inhibits NF-κB activation and adhesion molecule expression through Nrf2-mediated heme oxygenase-1 in endothelial cells

Lycopene inhibits pyroptosis of endothelial progenitor cells induced by ox-LDL through the AMPK/mTOR/NLRP3 pathway

The malfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) due to ox-LDL is a risk contributor for arteriosclerotic disease. Meanwhile, lycopene possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative qualities. This investigation aimed to determine if lycopene can protect EPCs from ox-LDL-induced damage and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. The effects of lycopene on the survival, migration, and tube-forming capacity of EPCs were determined via in vitro assays. Expression of proteins related to pyroptosis and cellular proteins related to AMPK/mTOR/NLRP3 signaling was determined by western blot/flow cytometry. Our results demonstrated that lycopene treatment significantly enhanced proliferation, tube formation, and migration of EPCs stimulated by ox-LDL. Additionally, lycopene was found to suppress pyroptosis in ox-LDL-induced EPCs through the activation of AMPK, which led to the inhibition of mTOR phosphorylation and subsequent downregulation of the downstream NLRP3 inflammasome. In summary, our study suggests that lycopene mitigates ox-LDL-induced dysfunction in EPCs and inhibits pyroptosis via AMPK/mTOR/NLRP3 signaling. Our study suggests that lycopene may act as promising therapies for preventing atherosclerosis.

Lycopene: A Potent Antioxidant with Multiple Health Benefits

Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid predominantly found in tomatoes and tomato-based products. Like other phytochemicals, it exhibits health beneficial biological activities that can be exploited when it is used as a dietary supplement. In vitro and in vivo, lycopene has been demonstrated to mitigate oxidative stress-induced metabolic dysfunctions and diseases including inflammation, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Lycopene has been shown to alleviate metabolic diseases that affect the bone, eye, kidney, liver, lungs, heart, and nervous system. This review presents the state of the art regarding lycopene's health benefits and its potential applications in health system delivery. Furthermore, lycopene's protective effects against toxins, safety in its use, and possible toxicity are explored.

Recent advancements in deciphering the therapeutic properties of plant secondary metabolites: phenolics, terpenes, and alkaloids

Plants produce a diverse range of secondary metabolites that serve as defense compounds against a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, their potential curative attributes in addressing various human diseases render them valuable in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Different secondary metabolites including phenolics, terpenes, and alkaloids have been investigated for their antioxidant and therapeutic potential. A vast number of studies evaluated the specific compounds that possess crucial medicinal properties (such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, and antibacterial), their mechanisms of action, and potential applications in pharmacology and medicine. Therefore, an attempt has been made to characterize the secondary metabolites studied in medicinal plants, a brief overview of their biosynthetic pathways and mechanisms of action along with their signaling pathways by which they regulate various oxidative stress-related diseases in humans. Additionally, the biotechnological approaches employed to enhance their production have also been discussed. The outcome of the present review will lead to the development of novel and effective phytomedicines in the treatment of various ailments.

Comparing lycopene's impact on mortality in adults with or without obesity

Objective: Given lycopene's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, we investigated its mortality impact in individuals with and without obesity, confirming distinct effects. Methods: This study analyzes the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2003-2006 and 2017-2018, linking lycopene levels to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Using various statistical methods, three models are sequentially adjusted for confounders, investigating the lycopene-outcome relationship. Results: We studied 11 737 adults for 162 months and found 1537 all-cause deaths (13.1%) and 443 cardiovascular deaths (3.8%). For those without obesity, serum lycopene had an "L" shape relationship with all-cause mortality, being harmful at very low levels but protective above a certain threshold. It consistently protects against cardiovascular mortality. In individuals with obesity, the relationship with all-cause mortality formed a "U" shape, with increased risk at very low and very high lycopene levels and protection in the middle range. Cardiovascular mortality showed a similar pattern in individuals with obesity. Interestingly, dietary lycopene intake had protective effects in both groups. Conclusion: This study reveals that lycopene exhibits distinct associations with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in populations with or without obesity, emphasizing the importance of considering individual health profiles when assessing its benefits.

Lycopene Ameliorated DSS-Induced Colitis by Improving Epithelial Barrier Functions and Inhibiting the Escherichia coli Adhesion in Mice

Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Blocking the adhesion of E. coli to intestinal epithelial cells appears to be useful for attenuating inflammatory bowel disease. Lycopene has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to test the intervention effect of lycopene on colitis in mice and to investigate the possible mechanism through which lycopene affects the adhesion of E. coli to intestinal epithelial cells. Lycopene (12 mg/kg BW) attenuated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, decreased the proportion of E. coli, and activated the NLR family pyrin domain containing 12 and inactivated nuclear factor kappa B pathways. Furthermore, lycopene inhibited the adhesion of E. coli O157:H7 to Caco-2 cells by blocking the interaction between E. coli O157:H7 and integrin β1. Lycopene ameliorated DSS-induced colitis by improving epithelial barrier functions and inhibiting E. coli adhesion. Overall, these results show that lycopene may be a promising component for the prevention and treatment of colitis.

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.

Lycopene Inhibits IL-6 Expression by Upregulating NQO1 and HO-1 via Activation of Nrf2 in Ethanol/Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Pancreatic Acinar Cells

In alcoholic pancreatitis, alcohol increases gut permeability, which increases the penetration of endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS act as clinically significant triggers to increase pancreatic damage in alcoholic pancreatitis. Ethanol or LPS treatment increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in pancreatic acinar cells. ROS induce inflammatory cytokine production in pancreatic acinar cells, leading to pancreatic inflammation. The nuclear erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is activated as a cytoprotective response to oxidative stress, and induces the expression of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Lycopene exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various cells. We previously showed that lycopene inhibits NADPH oxidase to reduce ROS and IL-6 levels, and zymogene activation in ethanol or palmitoleic acid-treated pancreatic acinar cells. In this study, we examined whether lycopene inhibits IL-6 expression by activating the Nrf2/NQO1-HO-1 pathway, and reducing intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels, in ethanol and LPS-treated pancreatic AR42J cells. Lycopene increased the phosphorylated and nuclear-translocated Nrf2 levels by decreasing the amount of Nrf2 sequestered in the cytoplasm via a complex formation with Kelch-like ECH1-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Using exogenous inhibitors targeting Nrf2 and HO-1, we showed that the upregulation of activated Nrf2 and HO-1 results in lycopene-induced suppression of IL-6 expression and ROS production. The consumption of lycopene-rich foods may prevent the development of ethanol and LPS-associated pancreatic inflammation by activating Nrf2-mediated expression of NQO1 and HO-1, thereby decreasing ROS-mediated IL-6 expression in pancreatic acinar cells.

Oxidative Stress in Arterial Hypertension (HTN): The Nuclear Factor Erythroid Factor 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Pathway, Implications and Future Perspectives

Arterial hypertension (HTN) is one of the most prevalent entities globally, characterized by increased incidence and heterogeneous pathophysiology. Among possible etiologies, oxidative stress (OS) is currently extensively studied, with emerging evidence showing its involvement in endothelial dysfunction and in different cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as HTN, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target. While there is a clear physiological equilibrium between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants essential for many cellular functions, excessive levels of ROS lead to vascular cell impairment with decreased nitric oxide (NO) availability and vasoconstriction, which promotes HTN. On the other hand, transcription factors such as nuclear factor erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mediate antioxidant response pathways and maintain cellular reduction-oxidation homeostasis, exerting protective effects. In this review, we describe the relationship between OS and hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction and the involvement and therapeutic potential of Nrf2 in HTN.

Lycopene in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of human mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development of CVD. That is why bioactive food ingredients, including lycopene, are so important in their prevention, which seems to be a compound increasingly promoted in the diet of people with cardiovascular problems. Lycopene present in tomatoes and tomato products is responsible not only for their red color but also for health-promoting properties. It is characterized by a high antioxidant potential, the highest among carotenoid pigments. Mainly for this reason, epidemiological studies show a number of favorable properties between the consumption of lycopene in the diet and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. While there is also some controversy in research into its protective effects on the cardiovascular system, growing evidence supports its beneficial role for the heart, endothelium, blood vessels, and health. The mechanisms of action of lycopene are now being discovered and may explain some of the contradictions observed in the literature. This review aims to present the current knowledge in recent years on the preventive role of lycopene cardiovascular disorders.

Dietary Carotenoids in Head and Neck Cancer-Molecular and Clinical Implications

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers in the world according to GLOBCAN. In 2018, it was reported that HNC accounts for approximately 3% of all human cancers (51,540 new cases) and is the cause of nearly 1.5% of all cancer deaths (10,030 deaths). Despite great advances in treatment, HNC is indicated as a leading cause of death worldwide. In addition to having a positive impact on general health, a diet rich in carotenoids can regulate stages in the course of carcinogenesis; indeed, strong epidemiological associations exist between dietary carotenoids and HNS, and it is presumed that diets with carotenoids can even reduce cancer risk. They have also been proposed as potential chemotherapeutic agents and substances used in chemoprevention of HNC. The present review discusses the links between dietary carotenoids and HNC. It examines the prospective anticancer effect of dietary carotenoids against intracellular cell signalling and mechanisms, oxidative stress regulation, as well as their impact on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoprevention; it also provides an overview of the limited preclinical and clinical research published in this arena. Recent epidemiological, key opinion-forming systematic reviews, cross-sectional, longitudinal, prospective, and interventional studies based on in vitro and animal models of HNC also indicate that high carotenoid content obtained from daily supplementation has positive effects on the initiation, promotion, and progression of HNC. This article presents these results according to their increasing clinical credibility.

Cancer Chemopreventive Role of Dietary Terpenoids by Modulating Keap1-Nrf2-ARE Signaling System—A Comprehensive Update

ROS, RNS, and carcinogenic metabolites generate excessive oxidative stress, which changes the basal cellular status and leads to epigenetic modification, genomic instability, and initiation of cancer. Epigenetic modification may inhibit tumor-suppressor genes and activate oncogenes, enabling cells to have cancer promoting properties. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that in humans is encoded by the NFE2L2 gene, and is activated in response to cellular stress. It can regulate redox homoeostasis by expressing several cytoprotective enzymes, including NADPH quinine oxidoreductase, heme oxygenase-1, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, etc. There is accumulating evidence supporting the idea that dietary nutraceuticals derived from commonly used fruits, vegetables, and spices have the ability to produce cancer chemopreventive activity by inducing Nrf2-mediated detoxifying enzymes. In this review, we discuss the importance of these nutraceuticals in cancer chemoprevention and summarize the role of dietary terpenoids in this respect. This approach was taken to accumulate the mechanistic function of these terpenoids to develop a comprehensive understanding of their direct and indirect roles in modulating the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling system.

Gene regulation of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1): A molecule with multiple functions

Intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is one of the most extensively studied inducible cell adhesion molecules which is responsible for several immune functions like T cell activation, extravasation, inflammation, etc. The molecule is constitutively expressed over the cell surface and is regulated up / down in response to inflammatory mediators like cellular stress, proinflammatory cytokines, viral infection. These stimuli modulate the expression of ICAM-1 primarily through regulating the ICAM-1 gene transcription. On account of the presence of various binding sites for NF-κB, AP-1, SP-1, and many other transcription factors, the architecture of the ICAM-1 promoter become complex. Transcription factors in union with other transcription factors, coactivators, and suppressors promote their assembly in a stereospecific manner on ICAM-1 promoter which mediates ICAM-1 regulation in response to different stimuli. Along with transcriptional regulation, epigenetic modifications also play a pivotal role in controlling ICAM-1 expression on different cell types. In this review, we summarize the regulation of ICAM-1 expression both at the transcriptional as well as post-transcriptional level with an emphasis on transcription factors and signaling pathways involved.

Multifaceted Effects of Lycopene: A Boulevard to the Multitarget-Based Treatment for Cancer

Lycopene is a pigment belonging to the group of carotenoids and it is among the most carefully studied antioxidants found especially in fruit and vegetables. As a carotenoid, lycopene exerts beneficial effects on human health by protecting lipids, proteins, and DNA from damage by oxidation. Lycopene is a powerful oxygen inactivator in the singlet state. This is suggestive of the fact that lycopene harbors comparatively stronger antioxidant properties over other carotenoids normally present in plasma. Lycopene is also reported to hinder cancer cell proliferation. The uncontrolled, rapid division of cells is a characteristic of the metabolism of cancer cells. Evidently, lycopene causes a delay in the progression of the cell cycle, which explains its antitumor activity. Furthermore, lycopene can block cell transformation by reducing the loss of contact inhibition of cancer cells. This paper collects recent studies of scientific evidence that show the multiple beneficial properties of lycopene, which acts with different molecular and cellular mechanisms.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Heat-Processed Artemisia capillaris Thunberg by Regulating IκBα/NF-κB Complex and 15-PGDH in Mouse Macrophage Cells

Growing evidence suggests that dietary nutrients in herbs and plants are beneficial in improving inflammatory disorders. Artemisia capillaris Thunberg (AC) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in East Asia to treat pain, hepatotoxicity, and inflammatory disorders. Heat processing is a unique pharmaceutical method used in traditional herbal medicine to enhance the pharmacological effects and safety of medicinal plants. This study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of heat-processed AC (HPAC) in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated mouse macrophage cells. HPAC reduced LPS-induced inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NO, and PGE2 in RAW 264.7 cells. Interestingly, 15-PGDH appears to play a pivotal role rather than COX-2 and mPGES-1 when HPAC regulated PGE2 levels. Meanwhile, HPAC showed anti-inflammatory effects by blocking IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB nuclear translocalization. Also, we found that HO-1 upregulation was mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in HPAC-treated RAW 264.7 cells. And, in RAW 264.7 cells challenged with LPS, HPAC restored HO-1 expression, leading to NF-κB inhibition. Through further experiments using specific MAPK inhibitors, we found that, in response to LPS, the phosphorylated IκBα and activated NF-κB were attenuated by p38 MAPK/HO-1 pathway. Therefore, HPAC targeting both the IκBα/NF-κB complex and 15-PGDH may be considered as a potential novel anti-inflammatory agent derived from a natural source.

An Overview of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway and Its Role in Inflammation

Inflammation is a key driver in many pathological conditions such as allergy, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and many others, and the current state of available drugs prompted researchers to explore new therapeutic targets. In this context, accumulating evidence indicates that the transcription factor Nrf2 plays a pivotal role controlling the expression of antioxidant genes that ultimately exert anti-inflammatory functions. Nrf2 and its principal negative regulator, the E3 ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH- associated protein 1 (Keap1), play a central role in the maintenance of intracellular redox homeostasis and regulation of inflammation. Interestingly, Nrf2 is proved to contribute to the regulation of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) axis, which is a potent anti-inflammatory target. Recent studies showed a connection between the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) system and the expression of inflammatory mediators, NF-κB pathway and macrophage metabolism. This suggests a new strategy for designing chemical agents as modulators of Nrf2 dependent pathways to target the immune response. Therefore, the present review will examine the relationship between Nrf2 signaling and the inflammation as well as possible approaches for the therapeutic modulation of this pathway.

Spatholobi Caulis dispensing granule reduces deep vein thrombus burden through antiinflammation via SIRT1 and Nrf2

BACKGROUND

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a kind of blood stasis syndrome. Spatholobi Caulis (SC) has been widely used for the treatment of blood stasis syndrome in China, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood.

PURPOSE

The aim of present study was to investigate the anti-DVT mechanism of Spatholobi Caulis dispensing granule (SCDG).

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

A rat model of inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis-induced DVT and a cell model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) were performed. Rats were orally administered with SCDG solution once daily for seven consecutive days. IVC stenosis-induced DVT was operated on the sixth day. Thrombi were harvested and weighed on the seventh day. Pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β of serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured with turbidimetric immunoassay. Protein expressions in thrombosed IVCs and/or OGD-stimulated EA. hy926 cells were evaluated by western blot and/or immunofluorescence analyses.

RESULTS

SCDG dramatically decreased thrombus weight. SCDG decreased tissue factor (TF) protein expression, inflammatory cells influxes in thrombosed vein wall and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and CRP. Further, SCDG up-regulated Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein expression and down-regulated acetylated-NF-κB p65 (Ace-p65) protein expression. Moreover, SCDG up-regulated nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expressions, and down-regulated phosphorylated-NF-κB p65 (p-p65) protein expression. In the OGD cell model, SCDG medicated serum decreased the protein expression of TF. SCDG medicated serum enhanced SIRT1 protein expression and reduced Ace-p65 nuclear protein expression. SCDG medicated serum promoted protein expressions of nuclear Nrf2 and total HO-1, and inhibited translocation of p65. Furthermore, inhibiting SIRT1 and Nrf2 reversed the protective effect of SCDG medicated serum on OGD-induced EA. hy926 cells.

CONCLUSION

SCDG may prevent DVT through antiinflammation via SIRT1 and Nrf2.

Lycopene Inhibit IMQ-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation by Inhibiting ICAM-1 Production in Mice

Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid in tomatoes, which has been identified to have the properties of anti-inflammation in addition to the capability to inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules. Intercellular adhesion molecules play a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Here, we report that the topical use of a lycopene decreased imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like inflammatory responses, the progress of which was based on adhesion molecules. In vitro analysis showed that lycopene decreased keratinocyte and monocyte adhesion. Evidence suggests that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a main mediator of psoriasis pathogenesis. Therefore, it will be interesting to investigate the factors that contribute to the lycopene-mediated inhibition of ICAM-1 expression in psoriasis. We expect that lycopene will with potential value in the treatment of psoriasis.

Nutraceutical Boom in Cancer: Inside the Labyrinth of Reactive Oxygen Species

In recent years, epidemiological studies have shown that food is a very powerful means for maintaining a state of well-being and for health prevention. Many degenerative, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases are related to nutrition and the nutrient-organism interaction could define the balance between health and disease. Nutrients and dietary components influence epigenetic phenomena and modify drugs response; therefore, these food-host interactions can influence the individual predisposition to disease and its potential therapeutic response. Do nutraceuticals have positive or negative effects during chemotherapy? The use of nutraceutical supplements in cancer patients is a controversial debate without a definitive conclusion to date. During cancer treatment, patients take nutraceuticals to alleviate drug toxicity and improve long-term results. Some nutraceuticals may potentiate the effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy by inducing cell growth arrest, cell differentiation, and alteration of the redox state of cells, but in some cases, high levels of them may interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy, making cancer cells less reactive to chemotherapy. In this review, we highlighted the emerging opinions and data on the pros and cons on the use of nutraceutical supplements during chemotherapy.

Lycopene ameliorates oxidative stress in the aging chicken ovary via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

After 480 days of age, high-producing hens are likely to be subject to ovarian aging, mainly due to oxidative stress. In this study, the amelioration of ovarian aging in chickens, using a plant antioxidant, lycopene, was investigated. The activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in chicken ovaries at different ages (90, 150, 280 and 580 days old) were compared to elucidate any age-related changes. Subsequently, the putative attenuating effect of lycopene (100 ng/mL) on ovarian aging was evaluated through the establishment of a D-gal-induced aging ovarian culture model. The cultured ovarian tissues of young (280 days) and old (580 days) hens were treated with lycopene for 72 h to verify protective effects of lycopene on naturally aged ovaries. Results showed that the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was down-regulated during the ovarian aging process. Lycopene rescued the decreased antioxidant capacity by increasing the activities of antioxidases and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in both D-gal-induced and naturally aged ovaries. Moreover, lycopene promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in both D-gal-induced and naturally aged ovaries. Lycopene also alleviated D-gal-induced mitochondrial damage in the living granulosa cells. In conclusion, lycopene can effectively ameliorate the oxidative stress in aging hen ovaries via the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Protective Effect of Tomato-Oleoresin Supplementation on Oxidative Injury Recoveries Cardiac Function by Improving β-Adrenergic Response in a Diet-Obesity Induced Model

The system redox imbalance is one of the pathways related to obesity-related cardiac dysfunction. Lycopene is considered one of the best antioxidants. The aim of this study was to test if the tomato-oleoresin would be able to recovery cardiac function by improving β-adrenergic response due its antioxidant effect. A total of 40 animals were randomly divided into two experimental groups to receive either the control diet (Control, n = 20) or a high sugar-fat diet (HSF, n = 20) for 20 weeks. Once cardiac dysfunction was detected by echocardiogram in the HSF group, animals were re- divided to begin the treatment with Tomato-oleoresin or vehicle, performing four groups: Control (n = 6); (Control + Ly, n = 6); HSF (n = 6) and (HSF + Ly, n = 6). Tomato oleoresin (10 mg lycopene/kg body weight (BW) per day) was given orally every morning for a 10-week period. The analysis included nutritional and plasma biochemical parameters, systolic blood pressure, oxidative parameters in plasma, heart, and cardiac analyses in vivo and in vitro. A comparison among the groups was performed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The HSF diet was able to induce obesity, insulin-resistance, cardiac dysfunction, and oxidative damage. However, the tomato-oleoresin supplementation improved insulin-resistance, cardiac remodeling, and dysfunction by improving the β-adrenergic response. It is possible to conclude that tomato-oleoresin is able to reduce the oxidative damage by improving the system’s β-adrenergic response, thus recovering cardiac function.

Tomato Powder Modulates NF-κB, mTOR, and Nrf2 Pathways during Aging in Healthy Rats

Purpose

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of tomato powder (TP) on glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as oxidative stress and the NF-κB, mTOR, and Nrf2 pathways during the aging process in healthy rats.

Methods and Results

Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups as follows: (i) Control group 1 (n=15, 3-week old): rats were fed standard diet for 7 weeks; (ii) TP group 1 (n=15, 3-week old): rats were fed standard diet supplemented with TP for 7 weeks; (iii) Control group 2 (n=15, 8-week old): rats were fed standard diet for 69 weeks; and (iv) TP group 2 (8-week old): rats were fed standard diet supplemented with TP for 69 weeks. TP supplementation significantly reduced the hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia and improved liver function and kidney function in 77-week old rats compared with the control animals (P < 0.05). In addition, TP significantly decreased the serum and liver MDA levels (P < 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively) while increasing the activities of liver SOD (P < 0.001), CAT (P < 0.008), and GPx (P < 0.01) compared with the control groups in both 10-week-old and 77-week-old rats (P < 0.05). Age-related increases in phosphorylation of NF-κBp65, mTOR, 4E-BP1, and P70S6K were observed in livers of 77-week-old rats compared to those of 10-week-old rats (P < 0.001). TP supplementation decreased the expression of NF-κBp65 and activation of mTOR, 4E-BP1, and P70S6K in livers of 77-week-old rats compared to the control animals. Moreover, TP supplementation significantly elevated Nrf2 expression in livers of both 10-week-old and 77-week-old rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

TP ameliorates age-associated inflammation and oxidative stress through the inhibition of NF-κBp65, mTOR pathways, and Nrf2 activation may explain the observed improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as the improved liver and kidney functions.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Lycopene on Experimental Spinal Cord Ischemia Injury via Cyclooxygenase-2 Suppression

OBJECTIVE

Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCII) is a devastating complication following thoracoabdominal aortic surgeries, often leading to severe neurological deficits. We sought to examine the effects of lycopene, a naturally existing carotenoid with anti-inflammatory properties, in the treatment against SCII.

METHODS

Rats were assigned into four treatment groups: Sham (sham operation), SCII (SCII-induction), LY25, and LY50 (lycopene treatment at 25 or 50 mg/kg following SCII induction, respectively).

RESULTS

Lycopene treatment improved the recovery of neurological functions following SCII and suppressed the neuronal cell death and neuroinflammation at 14 days after SCII. Furthermore, Western blot assay revealed that lycopene treatment attenuated the SCII-induced increase in the protein levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-κB, and activate protein-1, as well as the reduction of heme oxygenase-1.

CONCLUSION

Lycopene exerted neuroprotective functions in SCII and inhibited SCII-elicited neuroinflammation via COX-2 suppression.

Lycopene Triggers Nrf2-AMPK Cross Talk to Alleviate Atrazine-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Atrazine (ATR), an environmental persistent and bioaccumulative herbicide, has been associated with environmental nephrosis. Lycopene (LYC) exhibits important properties of nephroprotection, but there are limited data on the specific underlying mechanism. The primary objective of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of LYC on ATR-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. The mice were divided randomly into 6 groups and treated as follows: control group (C), 5 mg/kg LYC group (L), 50 mg/kg ATR group (A1), 200 mg/kg ATR group (A2), 50 mg/kg ATR plus 5 mg/kg LYC group (A1+L), and 200 mg/kg ATR plus 5 mg/kg LYC group (A2+L) by oral gavage administration for 21 days. We found that pretreatment with LYC significantly suppressed the ATR-induced renal tubular epithelial cell swelling. Furthermore, LYC mitigated ATR-induced dysregulation of oxidative stress markers by reducing MDA, H₂O₂ levels, and increasing SOD, GPx, CAT concentration, and Nrf2 activation. Moreover, LYC activated the autophagic flux by a detectable change in autophagy-related genes (Beclin-1 and ATGs) and proteins (p62/SQSTM) and by the formation of autophagic vacuole (AV) and LC3 aggregation, in parallel with AMPK activation (pAMPK/AMPK). Herein, ATR-up-regulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and Nrf2-regulated redox genes, including quinoneoxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and heme oxidase-1 (HO1), whereas LYC down-regulated those of the above genes. In addition, LYC suppressed ATR-induced activation of autophagy (increased LC3II/LC3I, ATGs, Beclin1, and p62, in parallel with increased AMPK activation). Collectively, our findings identified a cross talk between AMPK-activated autophagy and the Nrf2 signaling pathway in LYC-mediated nephroprotection against ATR-induced toxicity in mice kidney.