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Divergent effects of lycopene on pancreatic alpha and beta cells

Wei-Huang Liu1, Qiao-Na Wang1, Ying Zhou1

  • 1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.

Sheng Li Xue Bao : [Acta Physiologica Sinica]
|April 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Lycopene activates pancreatic beta cells, promoting their growth and function, which may support its use in diabetes therapy. It showed no effect on alpha cells, indicating a cell-specific role.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, shows promise for anti-diabetic activity.
  • The precise cellular mechanisms underlying lycopene's effects on pancreatic cells remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific cellular effects of lycopene on pancreatic alpha and beta cell lines.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which lycopene may exert anti-diabetic effects.

Main Methods:

  • Pancreatic alpha and beta cell lines were treated with varying concentrations of lycopene.
  • Assessed were cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP levels, and cytokine expression.

Main Results:

  • Lycopene did not impact alpha cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycle, ROS, or ATP levels.
  • In beta cells, lycopene enhanced growth, increased S phase ratio, reduced ROS, and elevated ATP levels.
  • Lycopene upregulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, TGF-β, and HIF-1α in beta cells.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene exhibits a cell-specific effect, primarily activating pancreatic beta cells.
  • These findings support the potential therapeutic application of lycopene in managing diabetes.

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