Lycopene reduced gene expression of steroid targets and inflammatory markers in normal rat prostate

SPECIFIC AIMSEpidemiology has established a link between consumption of lycopene, the red carotenoid in tomato, and reduced prostate cancer risk. We investigated the effect of lycopene on gene regulation in normal prostate tissue of Copenhagen rats to identify mechanisms by which this nutrient could contribute to primary prevention of prostate cancer risk.PRINCIPAL FINDINGSForty-two male Copenhagen rats were randomly assigned to treatment groups. The placebo group (n=8) received a basal diet containing 40 ppm vitamin E (originating from placebo formulation), a reduced vitamin A content (4000 IU/kg), and devoid of phytosterols. Lycopene-treated animals were fed basal diet enriched with 200 ppm lycopene. Starting at day 0 of supplementation, every 2 wk, a group of 6–8 lycopene-supplemented animals was killed. Eight wk after start of supplementation, eight lycopene-fed rats and eight placebo-fed rats were killed. For each animal, one lobe per prostate lobe pair (anterior, dorsal, lateral, and ventral) was us...