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Characterizing the lipid-lowering effects and antioxidant mechanisms of tomato paste

Yuan-Man Hsu1, Ching-Hsiu Lai, Chih-Yue Chang

  • 1Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.

Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
|March 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Tomato paste rich in lycopene significantly reduced harmful cholesterol and improved beneficial HDL cholesterol in hamsters. This study reveals tomato

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, is recognized for its potential to lower cardiovascular risks.
  • Understanding the molecular pathways through which tomato components influence lipid metabolism and oxidative stress is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which tomato paste, containing lycopene, regulates lipid metabolism and oxidation.
  • To assess the impact of tomato paste consumption on serum lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers in a hamster model.

Main Methods:

  • Hamsters were fed diets supplemented with 3% or 9% tomato paste and 0.2% cholesterol.
  • Measurements included total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, triglycerides (TG), plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px).
  • Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was used to identify potential regulatory proteins.

Main Results:

  • A 9% tomato paste diet reduced serum TC by 14.3% and LDL by 11.3%.
  • Both 3% and 9% tomato paste diets significantly increased HDL levels (19.4% and 28.8%, respectively) and decreased plasma MDA levels (80.18% and 89.33%, respectively).
  • Increased antioxidant enzyme activities and identification of carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII) and adenylate kinase 2 (AK2) suggest key roles in tomato's effects.

Conclusions:

  • Tomato paste exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-lipidemic properties, likely mediated by lycopene and other compounds.
  • The study identifies CAIII and AK2 as potential molecular regulators involved in these beneficial effects.
  • These findings highlight the significant nutritional value of tomatoes for cardiovascular health promotion.

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