title: Carotenoids as chemopreventive agents.
abstract: Carotenoid pigments have been suggested as chemopreventive agents for reducing cancer risk in humans. In this article, the functions of carotenoids are reviewed, and the experimental evidence for carotenoid inhibition of mutagenicity, malignant transformation, and tumor formation is reviewed. It is suggested that the antioxidant function of carotenoids may explain their divergent effects as chemopreventive agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Tufts University Health Sciences Campus, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
authors.forename: N I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Krinsky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D002338:Carotenoids