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Lycopene Inhibits Propagation of Chlamydia Infection

Naylia A Zigangirova1, Elena Y Morgunova1, Elena D Fedina1

  • 1Gamaleya Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia.

Scientifica
|September 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Lycopene, a tomato carotenoid, effectively inhibits Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae infections in cells and reduces antibodies in humans. Further research into its antichlamydial effects is warranted.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Chlamydiaceae are obligate intracellular bacteria causing various diseases.
  • Dietary carotenoids like lycopene are known for their antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antichlamydial activity of lycopene against Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
  • To evaluate the effect of lycopene on the chlamydial developmental cycle and infectious progeny.
  • To assess the clinical efficacy of oral lycopene in reducing Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies.

Main Methods:

  • Immunofluorescence analysis and electron microscopy were used to study intracellular infections.
  • In vitro experiments were conducted on alveolar macrophages.
  • A clinical study involved volunteers ingesting oral lycopene.

Main Results:

  • Lycopene demonstrated a strong inhibitory effect on C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae infections in vitro.
  • Lycopene inhibited the intracellular developmental cycle and reduced infectious progeny.
  • Oral lycopene significantly reduced IgG antibodies against C. pneumoniae in human volunteers.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene exhibits significant antichlamydial activity against C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae.
  • Lycopene may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for chlamydial infections.
  • Further studies are needed to explore lycopene's mechanisms and potential in atherosclerosis.

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