Carotenoid Signaling and Mitochondrial Protection at the Crossroads of Cardio-Oncology: Lycopene as a Dual Modulator of Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk

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 mitochondrial 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, experimental, and clinical evidence supporting lycopene-mediated carotenoid signaling and mitochondrial protection 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.

Keywords :

Lycopene; Cardio-Oncology; Mitochondrial Dysfunction; Carotenoid Signaling; Cardiovascular Disease; Cancer Prevention