Characterizing the lipid-lowering effects and antioxidant mechanisms of tomato paste.
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.
Hsu
Yuan-Man
YM
Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
Lai
Ching-Hsiu
CH
Chang
Chih-Yue
CY
Fan
Chien-Teng
CT
Chen
Ching-Tan
CT
Wu
Chieh-Hsi
CH
D000263:Adenylate Kinase / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D024403:Carbonic Anhydrase III / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D005511:Food Handling; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects*; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D000077276:Lycopene; D018551:Solanum lycopersicum; D008647:Mesocricetus
D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008055:Lipids; D002338:Carotenoids; D000263:Adenylate Kinase; C110938:adenylate kinase 2; D024403:Carbonic Anhydrase III; D000077276:Lycopene