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Lycopene and beta-carotene induce growth inhibition and proapoptotic effects on ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma

Natália F Haddad1, Anderson J Teodoro, Felipe Leite de Oliveira

  • 1Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Plos One
|May 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Beta-carotene and lycopene, found in functional foods, reduce pituitary adenoma cell viability and ACTH secretion. These carotenoids may offer a new treatment for Cushing

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Pituitary adenomas cause significant morbidity due to hormonal imbalances and tumor compression.
  • Carotenoids, found in functional foods, are known for their potential to mitigate chronic diseases.
  • Understanding carotenoid effects on pituitary adenoma cells is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of beta-carotene and lycopene on ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma cells (AtT20).
  • To assess the effects on cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and hormone secretion.
  • To explore the influence on intercellular communication and specific protein expression (connexin 43, Skp2, p27(kip1)).

Main Methods:

  • AtT20 cells were treated with varying concentrations of beta-carotene and lycopene for 48 and 96 hours.
  • Assays included cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis detection, and ACTH secretion measurement.
  • Intercellular communication, connexin 43 phosphorylation, and expression of Skp2 and p27(kip1) were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Both beta-carotene and lycopene decreased AtT20 cell viability and colony formation.
  • Carotenoids induced apoptosis and altered cell cycle progression in a dose-dependent manner.
  • ACTH secretion was reduced, intercellular communication was inhibited, and connexin 43 phosphorylation increased, alongside changes in Skp2 and p27(kip1) expression.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene and beta-carotene demonstrate potential in negatively modulating the malignant phenotype of pituitary adenoma cells.
  • The observed effects may involve alterations in connexin 43, Skp2, and p27(kip1) expression.
  • These carotenoids suggest a potential novel pharmacological approach for treating Cushing's disease.

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