Abstract

I explore the role of lycopene, a non-provitamin A carotenoid predominantly derived from tomatoes, as a dual biological modulator at the interface of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Cardio-oncology has highlighted the shared pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these two leading causes of mortality, particularly mi tochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. Beyond its well-established antioxidant capacity, lycopene exerts regulatory effects on intracellular signaling pathways involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and redox balance. In this review, I synthesize mechanistic, experi mental, and clinical evidence supporting lycopene-mediated carotenoid signaling and mitochondrial protec tion as convergent mechanisms contributing to both cardiovascular and oncological risk reduction. I further discuss translational implications, limitations of current evidence, and future research directions within the evolving field of cardio-oncology.

DOI: doi.org/10.63721/26IJGMR0104

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