β-Carotene-15,15'-epoxide

β-carotene-15,15ʹ-epoxide is a XIAP antagonist with apoptosis-inducing and antitumor activity, found in the leaves of Spondias mombin. In a DMBA (HY-W011845) -induced rat model of breast cancer, β-carotene-15,15ʹ-epoxide binds to the BIR3 domain of the anti-apoptotic protein XIAP, blocking its interaction with caspase-9 and thereby promoting tumor cell apoptosis. In addition, β-carotene-15,15ʹ-epoxide significantly downregulates the expression of BCL-2, COX-2, and TNF-α in tumor tissues, reduces MDA levels, increases catalase activity, and modulates serum levels of LDH, ALP, and ALT, demonstrating strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic protective effects. β-carotene-15,15ʹ-epoxide may be used in research on inflammation-related conditions and cancers such as breast cancer[1].