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Antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties of lycopene

Mareike Kelkel1, Marc Schumacher, Mario Dicato

  • 1Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg , L-2540 Luxembourg , Luxembourg.

Free Radical Research
|May 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Lycopene, a tomato compound, shows strong anti-cancer potential by fighting oxidative stress and enhancing cellular defenses. Its metabolites also contribute to its effectiveness in cancer prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Molecular Oncology
  • Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

  • Dietary natural compounds are increasingly explored for anti-cancer properties due to fewer side effects.
  • Lycopene, a tomato carotenoid, is under clinical investigation for its therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the cellular mechanisms and molecular targets of lycopene's chemopreventive and anti-proliferative effects.
  • To explore synergistic interactions and the role of lycopene metabolites in anti-cancer activity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cellular and molecular studies on lycopene.
  • Analysis of lycopene's antioxidant, gene-regulating, and cell communication-modulating activities.
  • Examination of synergistic effects with other antioxidants and activity of oxidized metabolites.

Main Results:

  • Lycopene scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), preventing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.
  • It upregulates cellular antioxidant defenses via the antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway.
  • Lycopene enhances gap junctional communication, counteracting a hallmark of carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene exhibits significant chemopreventive and anti-proliferative effects through multiple molecular mechanisms.
  • Synergistic effects and the biological activity of its metabolites enhance its anti-cancer potential.
  • Lycopene represents a promising natural compound for integrated cancer treatment strategies.

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