Lyc: Lycopene NO: Nitric oxide ROS: Reactive oxygen species SOD: Superoxide dismutase GSHpx: Glutathione peroxidase MI: Myocardial infarction LDL-C: Low density lipoprotein cholesterol HDL-C: High cholesterol density cholesterol PVD: Peripheral vascular disease CRP: C-reactive protein

Heart diseases and stroke represent an epidemic cause of death and disability in developed countries1, responsible for about 30 percent of all deaths worldwide each year. The term cardiovascular diseases (CVD) include coronary heart disease (CHD) (myocardial infarction [MI], angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, and coronary death), cerebrovascular diseases (stroke and transient ischemic attacks [TIA], peripheral vascular disease (PVD), congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension, valvular and congenital heart disease2. Numerous epidemiological investigations have characterized the risk pattern for CHD. In particular age, male sex, elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, diabetes mellitus, and cigarette smoking are key risk factors for CHD3. Along with genetic factors and age, lifestyle and diet are also considered important risk factors. In particular carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals substances responsible for different colors of the foods, play an important role in the prevention of human diseases and maintaining good health4.