Oxidative Stress Reduced with Lycopene

The carotenoid lycopene improves oxidative stress and related endothelial function, according to a recent study. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels. Dysfunction in this lining is characterized by inflammation, less dilation of the blood vessels and an increased tendency to form clots. Thus, endothelial function is important for cardiovascular health.

In this new study, researchers evaluated the effect of lycopene supplementation on endothelial function in 126 healthy men. The subjects received 6 mg of lycopene daily, 15 mg lycopene daily or a placebo for 8 weeks. Endothelial function was evaluated using reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry, which involves the measurement of blood flow in the fingertips following compression of the upper arm with an inflatable cuff.

The subjects were also evaluated for measurements of oxidative stress and inflammation including the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase; C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation; lymphocyte DNA comet tail length, which is a measurement of DNA damage; and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), markers of inflammation associated with plaque formation in the blood vessels. Additionally, systolic blood pressure, beta-carotene and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol particles were evaluated.

The study found that lycopene reduced markers of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. The group receiving 15 mg per day of lycopene had significantly increased plasma superoxide dismutase activity and reduced lymphocyte DNA comet tail length. The group consuming 15 mg of lycopene also had a 23 percent increase in reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry compared to the beginning of the study, indicating improved endothelial function. The higher-dose lycopene group also showed a significant decrease in CRP, systolic blood pressure, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 and a significant increase in beta-carotene and LDL-particle size.

The study authors concluded, “An increase in serum lycopene after supplementation can reduce oxidative stress, which may play a role in endothelial function.”

Reference:

Kim JY, Paik JK, Kim OY, Park HW, Lee JH, Jang Y, Lee JH. Effects of lycopene supplementation on oxidative stress and markers of endothelial function in healthy men. Atherosclerosis. 2010 Dec 9. Published Online ahead of Print.