Lycopene reduces fat-induced cell damage and death in cow mammary cells by activating cell cleanup processes controlled by TFEB

High concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) at 1.2 mM cause oxidative stress and apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells.

• FFA exposure leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impaired cellular processes.
• Lycopene (LYC) reduces oxidative damage and apoptosis in cells exposed to FFA.
• LYC enhances autophagy by increasing levels of specific proteins associated with this process.
• Inhibition of autophagy negates the protective effects of LYC against FFA-induced injury.
• Overexpression of the transcription factor EB (TFEB) helps protect cells from FFA-induced dysfunction.

Simplified