(all-e)-phytoene and Neoplasms

Carotenoids are isoprenoid molecules that are widespread in nature and are typically seen as pigments in fruits, flowers, birds and crustacea. Animals are unable to synthesise carotenoids de novo, and rely upon the diet as a source of these compounds. Over recent years there has been considerable interest in dietary carotenoids with respect to their potential in alleviating age-related diseases in humans. This attention has been mirrored by significant advances in cloning most of the carotenoid genes and in the genetic manipulation of crop plants with the intention of increasing levels in the diet. The aim of this article is to review our current understanding of carotenoid formation, to explain the perceived benefits of carotenoids in the diet and review the efforts that have been made to increase carotenoids in certain crop plants.

Topics: Animals; Biological Availability; Breeding; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotenoids; Diet; Erythema; Eye Diseases; Hemiterpenes; Humans; Neoplasms; Organophosphorus Compounds; Plants, Edible; Plants, Genetically Modified; Transcription, Genetic; Vitamin A; Xanthophylls

Bio-chemoprevention of cancer is a new concept for cancer prevention. As the prototype, we address the possibility of gene transfer and expression of crtB gene, encoding the enzyme which converts geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate to phytoene. The effective production of phytoene was shown by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in crtB transfected cells, and their ability to withstand lipid peroxidation was demonstrated against an experimentally-induced oxidative stress. The endogenous synthesis of phytoene resulted in suppression of the malignant transformation process. This study has laid the groundwork for the future development of a genetic chemopreventive method for carcinogenesis.

Topics: Alkyl and Aryl Transferases; Animals; Carotenoids; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Gene Expression; Gene Transfer Techniques; Geranylgeranyl-Diphosphate Geranylgeranyltransferase; Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Transferases

This paper describes the development of the use of carotenoid pigments in the treatment of light-sensitive skin diseases. It also discusses the animal and human studies involved in determining whether carotenoids have any anti-cancer activity. The possible mechanisms of carotenoid photoprotective and anti-cancer actions are briefly discussed.

Topics: 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Bacteria; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; beta Carotene; Canthaxanthin; Carotenoids; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Humans; Infant; Light; Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Experimental; Photochemistry; Photosensitivity Disorders; Porphyrias; Protoporphyrins; Skin Diseases; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays