Characterizing the lipid-lowering effects and antioxidant mechanisms of tomato [Lycopersicon esculentum] paste

• Published in: Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry Vol. 72; no. 3; pp. 677 - 685
• Main Authors: Hsu, Y.M.(China Medical Univ., Taichung (Taiwan)), Lai, C.H, Chang, C.Y, Fan, C.T, Chen, C.T, Wu, C.H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry 01.03.2008; Japan Society for Bioscience Biotechnology and Agrochemistry; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Adenylate Kinase - analysis; Adenylate Kinase - physiology; Animals; ANTIOXIDANTES; ANTIOXIDANTS; Antioxidants - pharmacology; ANTIOXYDANT; atherogenesis; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - blood; Carbonic Anhydrase III - analysis; Carbonic Anhydrase III - physiology; Carotenoids - administration & dosage; Carotenoids - pharmacology; CHOLESTEROL; COLESTEROL; Cricetinae; Food Handling; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; HAMSTER; HAMSTERS; Isoenzymes - analysis; Isoenzymes - physiology; LICOPENO; Lipid Metabolism - drug effects; Lipid Peroxidation - drug effects; LIPIDE; LIPIDOS; LIPIDS; Lipids - blood; LYCOPENE; Lycopersicon esculentum; Mesocricetus; OXIDACION; OXIDATION; OXYDATION; PUBLIC HEALTH; SALUD PUBLICA; SANTE PUBLIQUE; SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE; SUPEROXIDO DISMUTASA; SUPEROXYDE DISMUTASE; TOMATE; tomato paste; TOMATOES; atherogenesis; tomato paste; Lipids; Oxidation; Antioxidant; Cholesterol; Mechanism
• ISSN: 0916-8451; 1347-6947
• DOI: 10.1271/bbb.70402

Lycopene is known to decrease cardiovascular risks. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of tomato paste containing approximately 0.1% lycopene in regulating lipid metabolism and oxidation. Hamsters fed 3% or 9% tomato paste containing 0.2% cholesterol were subjected to total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride (TG) measurements. Our results showed reduced rates of serum TC and LDL levels due to 9% tomato paste were 14.3% and 11.3% respectively. Concentrations of 3% and 9% of tomato paste after 8 weeks of feeding significantly increased serum HDL levels, by 19.4% and 28.8% respectively. After ingestion of tomato paste for 8 weeks, the plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly decreased, by 80.18% and 89.33% respectively, as compared to the cholesterol group. MDA and diene conjugation assays indicated the potent antioxidant activity of the tomato paste. The increased activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), further supported the antioxidant effects of the tomato paste. Two dimension-gel electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis revealed that carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII) and adenylate kinase 2 (AK2) may be two important regulators involved in the anti-lipid and antioxidant effects of tomato paste, opening new insight into the nutritional value of tomato in public health promotion.