Effects of Lutein Supplement on Serum Inflammatory Cytokines, ApoE and Lipid Profiles in Early Atherosclerosis Population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lutein supplement on serum cytokines, apoE and lipoprotein profiles in early atherosclerosis population. Early atherosclerosis patients (n= 65) were randomized to receive placebo (A+P, n= 31) or 20 mg/d lutein (A+L, n= 34) for 3 months. Serum lutein increased significantly compared to baseline after lutein supplements in A+L group (p<0.001). Lutein supplements resulted in a significant decrease in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) at 3 month in A+L group (p<0.05). Intragroup comparison revealed a significant difference in the changes of serum MCP-1 between A+L and A+P groups (p= 0.021). The serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) significantly decreased in A+L group (p<0.05). The changes in serum lutein were negatively associated with those in serum LDL in A+L group (r=-0.384, p=0.043), while no such relationship was observed in A+P group (r= 0.087, p= 0.685). An increase in serum lutein after supplementation can reduce inflammatory cytokines and regulate serum lipids, which may pay important roles in early atherosclerosis.