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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BHNRC) » Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center » Food Components and Health Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #179058
Title: WHAT CAN PHARMACOKINETIC MODELS TELL US ABOUT THE DISPOSITION OF LYCOPENE AND THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF LYCOPENE IN CANCER PREVENTION?

Author
item Novotny, Janet

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/2005
Publication Date: 8/1/2005
Citation: Novotny Dura, J. 2005. What can pharmacokinetic models tell us about the disposition of lycopene and the potential role of lycopene in cancer prevention? Journal of Nutrition 135:2048S-2049S.

Interpretive Summary: Epidemiological studies strongly suggest a role for tomato products in the prevention of prostate cancer. The specific component that conveys the health benefit is unknown, but believed to be the red pigment lycopene. As evidence continues to support a role for lycopene in prostate cancer prevention, information is needed for generating valid recommendations for lycopene intake. Mathematical modeling will be an important tool in providing that information. Modeling is the only method by which one can obtain rigorous values for lycopene bioavailability, storage pool sizes in the body, and rates of elimination, all key values for developing intake recommendations. In addition, modeling will be helpful to highlight differences in metabolic pathways for low-risk and high-risk individuals and will show the influence of lycopene supplementation on lycopene-sensitive processes that may be important for inhibiting cancer initiation, promotion, and/or progression.

Technical Abstract: Epidemiological studies strongly suggest a role for tomato products in the prevention of prostate cancer. The specific component that conveys the health benefit is unknown, but believed to be the red pigment lycopene. Mathematical modeling will be an important tool in providing information to be used for developing valid recommendations for lycopene intake. Compartmental modeling will be useful for generating rigorous values for lycopene bioavailability, storage pool sizes in the body, and rates of elimination, all key values for developing intake recommendations. Monte Carlo modeling can be used to investigate lycopene response in populations. In addition, modeling will be helpful to highlight differences in metabolic pathways for low-risk and high-risk individuals and will show the influence of lycopene supplementation on lycopene-sensitive processes that may be important for inhibiting cancer initiation, promotion, and/or progression.