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Lycopene modulation of molecular targets affected by smoking exposure

P Palozza1, R Simone, A Catalano

  • 1Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy. p.palozza@rm.unicatt.it

Current Cancer Drug Targets
|April 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Tomato lycopene, a potent antioxidant, shows promise in reducing cancer risk from smoking exposure. It combats reactive oxygen species (ROS) and counteracts smoke-induced cellular damage, offering protective effects against smoking-related diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional science
  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Smoking exposure significantly increases cancer risk.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by smoke contribute to cellular damage and disease.
  • Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, possesses antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the protective effects of tomato lycopene against smoking-induced cancer risk.
  • To summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying lycopene's interaction with smoke exposure.
  • To present current knowledge on lycopene's role in mitigating smoke-related diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental models investigating lycopene and smoke interactions.
  • Analysis of lycopene's effects on redox balance and cellular targets.
  • Examination of lycopene's impact on carcinogen metabolism and molecular pathways.

Main Results:

  • Lycopene decreases smoke-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • It modulates redox-sensitive cell targets, including kinases and transcription factors.
  • Lycopene counteracts smoke's effects on enzymes, cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, IGF-signalling, and DNA adducts.

Conclusions:

  • Tomato lycopene demonstrates significant potential in protecting against smoking-related cancer risk.
  • Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties offer a promising strategy for disease prevention.
  • Synergistic effects with other nutrients may enhance lycopene's protective actions.

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