Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
07:08
The Lambda Select cII Mutation Detection System
Published on: April 26, 2018
Radical interception by carotenoids and effects on UV carcinogenesis
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Nutrition and Cancer
|October 31, 1998
Summary
Beta-carotene, astaxanthin, and lycopene show distinct radical quenching behaviors. Lycopene is least stable, and interactions may explain failed clinical trials, urging caution in future carotenoid studies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Photobiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Carotenoids like beta-carotene, astaxanthin, and lycopene are antioxidants with potential health benefits.
- Previous studies suggest varied roles in radical quenching and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct radical quenching and stability properties of beta-carotene, astaxanthin, and lycopene.
- To correlate these properties with their effects on UV-mediated carcinogenesis.
- To explore potential interactions with vitamins C and E.
Main Methods:
- Utilized time-resolved techniques to study carotenoid behavior.
- Assessed effects on ultraviolet (UV)-mediated carcinogenesis in mice.
- Examined interactions with vitamin C and E radicals.
Main Results:
- Beta-carotene, astaxanthin, and lycopene exhibited distinct radical quenching and stability profiles.
- Lycopene demonstrated the least stability.
- Beta-carotene and astaxanthin exacerbated UV-carcinogenesis in mice, while lycopene did not.
- Carotenoid interactions with vitamin C and E radicals were observed.
Conclusions:
- Carotenoid stability and radical quenching properties vary significantly.
- Observed effects on UV carcinogenesis align with distinct carotenoid behaviors.
- Interactions between carotenoids and vitamins C/E may explain clinical trial outcomes.
- Further research on carotenoid interactions and radical repair is crucial before widespread supplementation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:39Mutations
Overview
01:35Mutations
Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA. These changes can occur spontaneously or they can be induced by exposure to environmental factors. Mutations can be characterized in a number of different ways: whether and how they alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, whether they occur over a small or large area of DNA, and whether they occur in somatic cells or germline cells.
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
01:11Radical Reactivity: Overview
Radicals, the highly reactive species, gain stability by undergoing three different reactions. The first reaction involves a radical-radical coupling, in which a radical combines with another radical, forming a spin‐paired molecule. The second reaction is between a radical and a spin‐paired molecule, generating a new radical and a new spin‐paired molecule. The third reaction is radical decomposition in a unimolecular reaction, forming a new radical and a spin‐paired molecule. These three...
01:20Radical Autoxidation
The oxidation of an organic compound in the presence of air or oxygen is called autoxidation. For example, cumene reacts with oxygen to form hydroperoxide. Autoxidation involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. Many organic compounds are susceptible to autoxidation—especially ethers in the presence of oxygen, which form hydroperoxides. Even though this reaction is slow, old ether bottles contain small amounts of peroxide, which leads to laboratory explosions during ether...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...