title: Chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis by lycopene.
abstract: This review focuses on the photoprotection conferred by lycopene, one of the most potent anti-oxidants. Lycopene has been recently proposed to play a critical role on anticarcinogenic action at different levels. The photoprotective properties of lycopene remain contradictory. Some studies point out a positive and others a negative effect in both in vitro and in vivo models. Currently, researchers recognise that crucial gaps exist in understanding the role of carotenoids as effective modulators of apoptosis, cell cycle dynamics and/or of their in vivo behaviour as cellular anti-oxidants. The development of novel therapeutic strategies for skin disorders depends on our understanding of the molecular mechanism of UV damage on skin cells. The use of several effective phytocompounds, including lycopene, working through preventive and/or corrective pathways in the cell, may be an approach for reducing UV-B-generated damage.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Investigação do Medicamento (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Andreia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ascenso
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Helena C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Conceição
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simões
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D063646:Carcinogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D000077276:Lycopene; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D002338:Carotenoids; D000077276:Lycopene
keywords: lycopene; photocarcinogenesis; skin cancer