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Effect of dietary lycopene on N-methylnitrosourea-induced mammary tumorigenesis.

Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest protective effects of lycopene-rich foods on several types of cancer, including prostate and gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, an inverse association between serum lycopene concentrations and several types of cancer has been reported. However, few studies have focused on breast cancer, and they have shown little association between lycopene consumption and cancer risk. In this report, we used the N-methylnitrosourea (NMU)-induced rat mammary tumor model to compare the effects of pure lycopene with a lycopene-rich tomato carotenoid oleoresin (TCO) on NMU-induced mammary tumorigenesis. Rats were fed diets supplemented with 250 and 500 ppm crystalline lycopene or TCO beginning seven days before initiation with NMU (55 days of age) to termination (18 wk after NMU). Neither pure lycopene nor lycopene in the form of a mixed carotenoid oleoresin exerted an inhibitory effect on tumor incidence, latency, multiplicity, volume, or total tumors per group compared with unsupplemented controls. Weight gains in all groups were similar. Assay of serum lycopene concentrations in lycopene-supplemented groups indicated that median levels of 7,12,60, and 87 ng/ml were attained in blood of groups supplemented with 250 and 500 ppm lycopene and 250 and 500 ppm TCO, respectively. The results of this animal study are consistent with epidemiological reports indicating that lycopene does not protect against breast cancer.
AuthorsL A Cohen, Z Zhao, B Pittman, F Khachik
JournalNutrition and cancer (Nutr Cancer) Vol. 34 Issue 2 Pg. 153-9 ( 1999) ISSN: 0163-5581 [Print] United States
PMID10578482 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
Chemical References
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Carotenoids
  • Methylnitrosourea
  • Lycopene
Topics
  • Animals
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents (pharmacology)
  • Carotenoids (pharmacology)
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Lycopene
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental (chemically induced, diet therapy)
  • Methylnitrosourea (toxicity)
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Risk Factors

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