Related Experiment Videos
Role of the Antioxidant Lycopene in Bone Health: Emphasis on the RANKL/RANK/OPG Signaling Pathway
Helia Esmaili1, Nazanin Asgari1, Negar Mosayeb1
1Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases Kashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran.
Food Science & Nutrition
|August 15, 2026
Summary
Lycopene, an antioxidant, may enhance bone health by influencing key pathways like RANK/RANKL/OPG. This review explores its potential to balance bone formation and resorption for improved bone density.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Bone Biology
- Molecular Signaling
Background:
- Bone health relies on balanced bone formation and resorption.
- Lycopene, a carotenoid, exhibits antioxidant properties.
- The receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway is crucial for bone remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on lycopene's effects on bone health.
- To elucidate the role of lycopene in modulating the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway.
- To understand lycopene's potential in managing bone resorption.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating lycopene and bone health.
- Analysis of research focusing on the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding lycopene's impact on osteoblast and osteoclast activity.
Main Results:
- Lycopene may improve bone health through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- Evidence suggests lycopene can influence osteoblast activity and regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
- Lycopene's modulation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway is a key factor in its bone-protective effects.
Conclusions:
- Lycopene shows promise as a nutritional supplement for maintaining bone health.
- Targeting the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway with lycopene may offer a strategy to prevent excessive bone resorption.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand lycopene's therapeutic potential in bone disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:31Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...
01:40Bone Remodeling
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:31Bone Remodeling and Repair
Osteoclasts are cells responsible for bone resorption and remodeling. They originate from hematopoietic progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Numerous progenitor cells fuse to form multinucleated cells, each with 10-20 nuclei. A single osteoclast has a diameter of 150 to 200 µM. These cells have ruffled borders that break down the underlying bone tissue and release minerals such as calcium into the blood in bone resorption. Osteoclasts cling to bones with their ruffled edges during bone...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...