Results

First Results

During the first year of the project, a lot of experiments were started within Project Pillar II.1 “In vitro studies”. Besides fractionation and isolation of lycopene (Z)-isomers and lycopene metabolites, methods to determine the lipophilic antioxidant activity were optimised. Several models were established to test the transactivation of nuclear hormone receptors pathways by lycopene isomers and metabolites. For these experiments models without carotenoid metabolism as well as those with carotenoid metabolising enzymes were used. A target gene expression system was also established. First preliminary results are available regarding the involvement of intestinal membrane transporters in lycopene absorption. A variety of experiments were done to find a reproducible method to deliver lycopene to different types of cells. In the end, two procedures were set up. Protocols were established to investigate the effects of lycopene on the oxidative status of vascular cells. Endothelial function, as affected by lycopene, was investigated by using precontracted rat aortic rings. (all-E)-Lycopene showed some promising results. All these experiments will be continued with different (Z)-isomers and metabolites of lycopene.

Within Project Pillar II.2 “In vivo studies” mainly preparations for studies to be started later were done. A mice model was established to study the in vivo metabolism of lycopene. Tomatoes containing isotopically labelled lycopene were grown to be used in human intervention trials investigating the in vivo isomerisation process of lycopene. A preliminary human trial was started measuring the endothelial function after intervention with a tomato product. Recruitment of subjects was nearly finished for another human intervention trial. Anthropometric and clinical baseline values were determined for all subjects recruited.

The partners working within Project Pillar II.3 “Food product studies” started with a training course to allow all partners involved in this project pillar to use the same analytical procedures. Afterwards several tomato varieties were analysed on the contents of carotenoids, total phenolics, vitamin C and folate. First experiments evaluated the antiproliferative effect of tomato extracts in cell cultures. In addition, the effects of processing tomatoes to different tomato products on the bioactive ingredients were investigated.

The partners within Project Pillar II.4 “Dissemination” prepared a first project brochure and the project website. These first steps to raise awareness of the project together with press releases led to a high number of articles in magazines and on websites as well as to several television and radio interviews.

Further information can be found in the 2007 Annual Report

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