Lycopene counters certain negative consequences of paraquat induced oxidative stress

Blood digestion is associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from pro-oxidant heme ingestion.  It is unclear if ecological sources of antioxidants could contribute to ROS reduction. Mosquito capacity for defense against oxidative stress is limited and an overburden of ROS can lead to reduced fecundity and death. Reducing power from internal or external sources is essential for oxidative stress defense. Lycopene in sugar sources may benefit mosquito redox homeostasis by providing protection from paraquat induced oxidative stress.  We find that co-ingestion of lycopene improves egg number and improves the form glutathione is found in i.e. reduced:oxidized glutathione, in female An. gambiae when compared to paraquat fed.  Furthermore, we show that high fecundity is correlated with favorable metabolic conditions such as low GSSG:GSH, NADP⁺:NADPH ratios and reduced carbonylated protein concentration.  Low values in these markers indicate that oxidative stress is lower.  Carbonylated proteins also appear more quickly in PQ stressed mosquitoes (within 3 days). This effect is shifted to 5 days by the introduction of lycopene.  After 7 days carbonylated proteins dissipate for all test groups.  Favorable oxidative states benefit fecundity and can be provided by ecologically available antioxidants.  Ecologically relevant antioxidants can provide a link between mosquitoes and their environments.  This knowledge can be used to design novel and effective vector control strategies.