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Multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of lycopene in cancer inhibition

Cristina Trejo-Solís1, Jose Pedraza-Chaverrí, Mónica Torres-Ramos

  • 1Departamentos de Neuroinmunología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía (INNN), C.P. 14269, Mexico City, DF, Mexico.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|August 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, rich in lycopene, may prevent cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Further research into molecular biomarkers can enhance cancer prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Epidemiological studies link diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduced cancer incidence.
  • Bioactive food components modulate multiple carcinogenic processes, including metabolism, cell-cycle control, and apoptosis.
  • Lycopene, a tomato carotenoid, possesses strong antioxidant properties and demonstrated anti-cancer effects in various models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence supporting lycopene's role in cancer prevention.
  • To highlight lycopene's mechanisms of action against cancer cells.
  • To emphasize the need for molecular biomarkers in clinical cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on lycopene and cancer.
  • Analysis of lycopene's effects on cellular carcinogenesis, apoptosis, and tumor growth.
  • Discussion of challenges in integrating molecular findings into clinical practice.

Main Results:

  • Lycopene selectively induces apoptosis and arrests cell growth in cancer cells without harming normal cells.
  • In vivo studies show lycopene inhibits tumor growth in various organs, including the prostate.
  • Clinical studies indicate lycopene's protective effect against prostate cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene demonstrates significant potential in cancer prevention due to its antioxidant and anti-neoplastic properties.
  • Understanding lycopene's molecular mechanisms is crucial for effective cancer prevention strategies.
  • Identifying molecular biomarkers associated with lycopene levels is essential for clinical application.

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