Abstract

A nutritionally relevant phytochemical such as lycopene, found in tomatoes and other fruits, has been proposed to have health-promoting effects by modulating hormonal and immune systems, metabolic pathways, and gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). This work analyzes lycopene extracts, obtained from tomato and tomato added with grape seeds by using a safe and environmentally friendly extraction process, based on supercritical carbon dioxide technology (S-CO2). Analysis of the innovative S-CO2-extracted oleoresins showed peculiar chemical composition with high lycopene concentration and the presence of other carotenoids, lipids, and phenol compounds. The oleoresins showed a higher in vitro antioxidant activity compared with pure lycopene and ²-carotene and the remarkable ability to enhance the GJIC and to increase cx43 expression in keratinocytes. The oleoresins, (0.9 ¼M lycopene), were also able to overcome, completely, the GJIC inhibition induced by 10 nM HgCl2, mercury(II) chloride, suggesting a possible action mechanism.

Autore Pugliese

• Leone Antonella

Tutti gli autori

• Leone A.; Zefferino R.; Longo C.; Leo L.; Zacheo G.

Titolo volume/Rivista

Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Anno di pubblicazione

2010

ISSN

0021-8561

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

Nessuna citazione

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

Non Disponibile

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

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Settori ERC

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Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile