Lycopene inhibits carrageenan-induced thrombi by regulating AKT/FoxO3a and TLR4/NF-κB pathways

Lycopene (LYC) is a natural phytonutrient with various bioactivities, such as anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation. In this study, human endothelial cells (HUVECs), macrophages and human platelets, and carrageenan-induced thrombosis mouse model were used to evaluate the antithrombosis effects of LYC. In vitro, LYC reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by activating antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting cellular inflammatory factors. LYC inhibited platelets activation by enhancing antioxidant enzymes expression through reducing AKT/FoxO3a signaling pathway. In vivo, LYC effectively improved carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mouse tail, liver and lung tissues. Additionally, in mouse liver and lung tissues, LYC reduced inflammation by inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, and inhibited oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes expression. In conclusion, LYC can inhibit thrombosis in mouse model, which suggesting that LYC could act as a potential functional food for prevention or treatment of thrombus.