Lycopene activity against chemically induced DNA damage in Chinese hamster ovary cells.
Lycopene is a natural pigment synthesized by plants and microorganisms, and it is mainly found in tomatoes. It is an acyclic isomer of beta-carotene and one of the most potent antioxidants. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of lycopene to prevent chemically induced DNA damage; however, the mechanisms involved are still not clear. In the present study, we investigated the antigenotoxic/antimutagenic effects of lycopene in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells (CHO) treated with hydrogen peroxide, methylmethanesulphonate (MMS), or 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO). Lycopene (97%), at final concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 microM, was tested under three different protocols: before, simultaneously, and after the treatment with the mutagens. Comet and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays were used to evaluate the level of DNA damage. Data showed that lycopene reduced the frequency of micronucleated cells induced by the three mutagens. However, this chemopreventive activity was dependent on the concentrations and treatment schedules used. Similar results were observed in the comet assay, although some enhancements of primary DNA damage were detected when the carotenoid was administered after the mutagens. In conclusion, our findings confirmed the chemopreventive activity of lycopene, and showed that this effect occurs under different mechanisms.
Scolastici
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Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University, UNESP 18518-000, SP, Brazil.
Alves de Lima
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Barbisan
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Ferreira
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Ribeiro
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Salvadori
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D015112:4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D016587:Antimutagenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016466:CHO Cells; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019457:Chromosome Breakage / Q000187:drug effects; D020552:Comet Assay; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004249:DNA Damage; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000633:toxicity; D000077276:Lycopene; D008741:Methyl Methanesulfonate / Q000633:toxicity; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity
D016587:Antimutagenic Agents; D009153:Mutagens; D002338:Carotenoids; D015112:4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide; D004247:DNA; D008741:Methyl Methanesulfonate; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D000077276:Lycopene