Lycopene tissue contents

Over-expression of bacterial phytoene synthase led to only modest increases in pigment accumulation (except in the case of chloroplast-contaiifing tissues). Attention turned to CrtI, one gene that might control flux through the entire four desaturation steps from phytoene to lycopene (discussed in Section 5.3.2.4). Only a modest increase in carotenoid content in tomatoes and a variety of changes in carotenoid composition including more P-carotene, accompanied by an overall decrease in total carotenoid content (no lycopene increase), resulted when CrtI was over-expressed under control of CaMV 35S. Apparently, the bacterial desaturase... 

Higher amounts can be found in certain varieties. In L. pimpinellifolum, levels as high as 40 mg per 100 g of fresh tissue have been reported, accounting for more than 95% of the total carotenoid content of these tomatoes (Porter and Lincoln, 1950). Nitrogen fertilizers and calcium sprays (0.2%) were reported to increase the lycopene content of tomatoes. Potassium deficiency may lower lycopene concentration however, very high potassium applications (>800 kg/ha) would cause a marked decrease in color uniformity disorders (Grolier, 2000). 

Relationships (without inten/ention) between tomato intakes or estimated lycopene intakes or lycopene contents of serum, plasma, or tissues (e.g., fat biopsies) and actual disease prevalence or incidence in human cross-sectional, case-control, or prospective epidemiological studies. 

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