PMID: 

Andrologia. 2019 Jul ;51(6):e13274. Epub 2019 Mar 24. PMID: 30907024

Abstract Title: 

Evaluation of ameliorating effect of lycopene against testicular toxicity due to diethylnitrosamine using biochemical, spermatological and histopathological data.

Abstract: 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible therapeutic or protective effects of lycopene on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced testicular lipid peroxidation and on the associated changes in spermatological parameters and histopathological architecture of rat testis. DEN is a carcinogenic substance that can be derived from chemicals used in agriculture, such as insecticides and nitrate. The rats were assigned to control, lycopene, DEN(1), DEN(2), lycopene + DEN(1), lycopene + DEN(2), DEN(1) + lycopene and DEN(2) + lycopene groups. During the study, lycopene was administered by oral gavage at a dose of 10 mg kg bwevery other day for 10 days and DEN was administered at a dose of 200 mg  kg bwas a single dose intraperitoneally. DEN was applied for 30 days in group DEN(1) and for 90 days in group DEN(2). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, antioxidant enzymes activities, spermatological parameters, the weight of the reproductive organs (v. seminalis, prostate, testis and epididymis) and the histopathological structure were determined. MDA levels significantly increased, while GSH and antioxidant enzymes' activities decreased in DEN groups (p 

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PMID: 

Mol Med Rep. 2019 Jul ;20(1):455-462. Epub 2019 May 22. PMID: 31180535

Abstract Title: 

Synergistic protection of matrine and lycopene against lipopolysaccharide‑induced acute lung injury in mice.

Abstract: 

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and is characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs. Increased production of reactive oxygen species is hypothesized to be associated with ALI. Matrine and lycopene are active products present in traditional Chinese medicine. Matrine is an effective inhibitor of inflammation, whereas lycopene decreases lipid peroxidation. Therefore, it was hypothesized that combinatorial treatment with matrine and lycopene may provide synergistic protection against ALI. In the present study, mice were treated with dexamethasone (DEX; 5 mg/kg), matrine (25 mg/kg), lycopene (100 mg/kg), and matrine (25 mg/kg) + lycopene (100 mg/kg) for 7 days prior to injury induction using lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 mg/kg) for 6 h. Lung tissues were collected following the sacrifice of the mice and hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histological analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and myeloperoxidas (MPO) levels were examined by respective kits. The expressions of interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) and tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) were evaluated by ELISA. The expressions of IκBα and NF‑κB p65 were examinedby reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that the combined treatment exhibited a similar effect to DEX, both of which attenuated lung structural injuries, downregulated the expressions of IL‑6, TNF‑α, MPO and MDA, and upregulated that of GSH. Furthermore, the combined treatment and DEX inhibited NF‑κB p65 activation. The present study revealed that combined treatment with matrine and lycopene exhibited protective effects on an LPS‑induced mouse model of ALI, suggesting that they may serve as apotential alternative to glucocorticoid therapy for ALI.

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PMID: 

J Med Food. 2019 Nov ;22(11):1175-1182. Epub 2019 Jul 10. PMID: 31290703

Abstract Title: 

Lycopene and Tomato Sauce Improve Hepatic and Cardiac Cell Biomarkers in Rats.

Abstract: 

This study evaluated the effects of tomato sauce and lycopene on hepatic and cardiac cell biomarkers in rats fed a high-fat diet. Animals were split into five groups: control group, high-fat group (HG), high-fat tomato sauce group, high-fat lycopene 2 mg, and high-fat lycopene 4 mg. Food and water were offered, whereas tomato sauce and lycopene (2 and 4 mg/day) were offered daily for 60 days. Body, heart, and liver weights, cardiosomatic and hepatosomatic indices, and serum parameters were also analyzed in rats. The animals' hearts and liver were processed, and cells were examined by flow cytometry. Results showed that the groups receiving tomato sauce and lycopene had lower glycemia. The serum concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hepatic enzymes, and tumor necrosis factor-did not change upon treatment. Tomato sauce and lycopene supplementation did not increase interleukin-1in response to a high-fat diet. Cell cycle analysis of cardiac and liver cells showed a lower percentage of cells in the G/Gphase and an increase in the G/M phase in HG. Both lycopene and tomato sauce reversed this effect. Both lycopene and tomato sauce reversed this effect and prevented high-fat diet-stimulated cardiac and liver cell death. Supplementation of tomato sauce and lycopene showed beneficial effects on cardiac and liver cell metabolism; therefore, it is suggested as a nutritional approach for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis.

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PMID: 

Bratisl Lek Listy. 2019 ;120(12):919-923. PMID: 31855051

Abstract Title: 

Lycopene has a protective effect on septic shock‑induced cardiac injury in rats.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the cardioprotective effect of lycopene, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, in a rat sepsis model induced by lypopolysaccharide (LPS).METHODS: The oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant parameters and cytokine levels with or without lycopene treatment in LPS‑induced septic rats as well as in controls were measured in serum and tissue. Histologic examinations of the cardiac tissues were also performed. The Kruskal-Wallis and the Bonferroni-adjusted Mann-Whitney U Test was used for analysis. A p value

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PMID: 

J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Dec 1 ;18(12):1244-1254. PMID: 31860213

Abstract Title: 

Dietary Lycopene Protects SKH-1 Mice Against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photocarcinogenesis

Abstract: 

Lycopene, an acyclic hydrocarbon, non-provitamin A carotenoid, is a potent antioxidant with well-documented anticancer properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary lycopene on sub-acute and chronic ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 mice. Groups of three mice were fed with a nonsupplemented or 1% lycopene diet for two weeks before and throughout two weeks of UVB irradiation (30 mJ/cm2 UVB, thrice weekly). The lycopene diet significantly reduced the formation of pyrimidine dimers (PDs) and the expression of proliferative cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) in UVB-irradiated skin. Then groups of eighteen mice were each fed with control diet or with a 0.25% or 1% (w/w) lycopene-supplemented diet for 40 weeks, beginning one week before UVB irradiation (30 mJ/cm2 UVB, thrice weekly for 23 weeks) and continuing after termination of UVB. Lycopene significantly inhibited the onset and decreased the incidence, multiplicity, and tumor weights of UVB-induced skin tumors. UVB-induced epidermal hyperplasia and PCNA expression were still remarkably inhibited by dietary lycopene, even up to 40 weeks. No significant difference in protection was detected between the low and high concentrations of lycopene. These results demonstrate that dietary lycopene does protect against UVB-induced epidermal hyperplasia and carcinogenesis.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(12):1244-1254.

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PMID: 

J Food Sci. 2013 Nov ;78(11):C1673-9. Epub 2013 Oct 8. PMID: 24245885

Abstract Title: 

Variation in lycopene and lycopenoates, antioxidant capacity, and fruit quality of buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea [Pursh]Nutt.).

Abstract: 

Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea [Pursh] Nutt.) has historically been used as an important food source by North American indigenous peoples, but its commercial production has been limited. These plants produce fruits rich in carotenoid and phenolic antioxidants, which may have health benefits that may make buffaloberry commercially valuable. Here, we examined these constituents in the fruit of 7 Dakota-grown buffaloberry selections. Primary carotenoids were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectral analysis and by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to be lycopene (0.27± 0.02 g/kg FW) and methyl apo-6'-lycopenoate (MA6L; 0.32 ± 0.03/kg FW). MA6L comprised the greatest proportion (55%) of carotenoid antioxidants, but its role in human nutrition is still to be evaluated. The fruit contained high total phenolics concentrations (9.06 ± 0.71 g gallic acid equivalents/kg FW). Hydrophilic antioxidant capacity among the 7 selections averaged 49.0 ± 6.6 mmol trolox equivalents/kg FW, respectively, as measured by ferric reducing ability of plasma assay. The soluble solids and titratable acids concentrations were 21% and 2.2%, respectively. This species is adaptedto poor soils and can tolerate drier climates. In the Dakotas, buffaloberry flourishes on the American Indian Tribal Reservations, yielding copious amounts of health-beneficial fruit for fresh and processing markets, making it a potentially valuable new crop for marginal lands.

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PMID: 

J Biomed Biotechnol. 2011 ;2011:678673. Epub 2011 May 31. PMID: 21660140

Abstract Title: 

Antioxidant and antinociceptive effects of Citrus limon essential oil in mice.

Abstract: 

The antioxidant and antinociceptive activities of Citrus limon essential oil (EO) were assessed in mice or in vitro tests. EO possesses a strong antioxidant potential according to the scavenging assays. Moreover, it presented scavenger activity against all in vitro tests. Orally, EO (50, 100, and 150  mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes, and, at highest doses, it reduced the number of paw licks. Whereas naloxone antagonized the antinociceptive action of EO (highest doses), this suggested, at least, the participation of the opioid system. Further studies currently in progress will enable us to understand the action mechanisms of EO.

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PMID: 

Int J Nanomedicine. 2019 ;14:8905-8922. Epub 2019 Nov 15. PMID: 31814719

Abstract Title: 

Pomegranate Juice Diminishes The Mitochondria-Dependent Cell Death And NF-kB Signaling Pathway Induced By Copper Oxide Nanoparticles On Liver And Kidneys Of Rats.

Abstract: 

Background: Pomegranate (L) has been used since ancient times in the traditional medicine of several cultures, particularly in the Middle East. It is an essential commercial crop full of bioactive compounds with several medical applications. Pomegranate is very popular for its biological effects exerted by phenolic compounds via free radical scavenging abilities. It has revealed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and is beneficial for the amelioration of liver and kidney diseases.Purpose: To elucidate the potential efficacy of pomegranate juice (PJ) against copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs)-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress damage.Study design: 37 nm sized CuO-NPs were prepared by precipitation method and characterized by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Zetasizer nano-and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). 30 Wistar rats were partitioned into 6 equal groups as follows: Group 1 (negative control), groups 2&3 (PJ control groups), group 4 (CuO-NPs group), groups 5&6 (CuO-NPs + PJ groups). Methods: Hepato-renal protective effect of PJ was evaluated by measuring levels of serum marker enzymes (ALT, AST,blood urea nitrogen and creatinine). Cu NPs bioaccumulation in liver and kidneys was determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The oxidative stress markers, Rt-PCR analysis, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were carried out in the liver and kidneys to support the above parameters.Results: Rats injected with CuO-NPs showed higher levels of the above serum marker enzymes, alteration of oxidant-antioxidant balance together with severe pathological alterations in liver and kidney tissues and overexpression of both caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B protein (NF-ĸB) associated with upregulation of Bax gene and downregulation of Bcl2 gene in these organs. PJ ameliorated all of the above toxicological parameters.Conclusion: PJ was proved to be a potential hepato-renal protective agent against liver and kidney damage induced by CuO-NPs via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Aug 27 ;24(17). Epub 2019 Aug 27. PMID: 31461832

Abstract Title: 

Hypoglycemic, Antiglycation, and Cytoprotective Properties of a Phenol-Rich Extract From Waste Peel ofL. var. Dente di Cavallo DC2.

Abstract: 

Pomegranate peel is a natural source of phenolics, claimed to possess healing properties, among which are antioxidant and antidiabetic. In the present study, an ethyl acetate extract, obtained by Soxhlet from the peel of Dente di Cavallo DC2 pomegranate (PGE) and characterized to contain 4%/of ellagic acid, has been evaluated for its hypoglycemic, antiglycation, and antioxidative cytoprotective properties, in order to provide possible evidence for future nutraceutical applications. Theα-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition, interference with advanced glycation end-products (AGE) formation, and metal chelating abilities were studied. Moreover, the possible antioxidant cytoprotective properties of PGE under hyperglycemic conditions were assayed. Phenolic profile of the extract was characterized by integrated chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. PGE resulted able to strongly inhibit the tested enzymes, especially α-glucosidase, and exerted chelating and antiglycation properties. Also, it counteracted the intracellular oxidative stress under hyperglycemic conditions, by reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species and total glutathione. Among the identified phenolics, rutin was the most abundant flavonoid (about 4 %/). Present results suggest PGE to be a possible remedy for hyperglycemia management and encourage further studies to exploit its promising properties.

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PMID: 

Food Chem Toxicol. 2019 Mar ;125:422-429. Epub 2019 Jan 28. PMID: 30703393

Abstract Title: 

Comparative antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, essential oil, coumarin and alkaloids from Cirsium japonicum DC.

Abstract: 

Cirsium japonicum DC (Asteraceae) is a perennial thistle widely distributed in Asia, it is also consumed as functional food and herb in China. To analyze the health effects of C. japonicum, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, essential oil, coumarin and alkaloids were extracted from C. japonicum, and their cytotoxicity to normal cells, anti-inflammatory effect against LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, antiproliferative effects against human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549 and anti-atherosclerosis activities in ox-LDL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell were investigated. Results showed that coumarins exhibited strongest cell toxicity (IC = 162.7 μg/ml), and alkaloids showed slightly cytotoxicity at high concentration. Saponin could significantly inhibit cancer cell proliferation, especially for A549 cell and the inhibition rate reached to 47.0% at concentration of 200 μg/ml, which might result from the promotion of ROS generation in cancer cell. Saponin, essential oil and flavonoids could dose-dependently inhibit NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages, whose inhibition rates were 65.4%, 73.0% and 80.4% at concentration of 50 μg/ml, respectively. Besides, saponin, essential oil and flavonoids also decreased lipid accumulation in ox-LDL-induced RAW 264.7 cell, which might be beneficial for cardiovascular health. These results indicated that different components from C. japonicum exhibited different bioactivities, providing useful information to better use thistle resources.

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