Abstract
Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid obtained from various foods, such as dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolk. Lutein has antioxidant activity and scavenges reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen and lipid peroxy radicals. Oxidative stress activates inflammatory mediators, leading to the development of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Thus, recent basic and clinical studies have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of lutein based on its antioxidant activity and modulation of oxidant-sensitive inflammatory signaling pathways. Lutein suppresses activation of nuclear factor-kB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and induction of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattratant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α) and inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase). It also maintains the content of endogenous antioxidant (glutathione) and activates nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf2 signaling-related antioxidant enzymes (hemeoxygenase-1, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase). In this review, we have discussed the current knowledge regarding the anti-inflammatory function of lutein against inflammatory diseases in various organs, including neurodegenerative disorders, eye diseases, diabetic retinopathy, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, skin diseases, liver injury, obesity, and colon diseases.
Highlights
Carotenoids are divided into two classes based on their chemical structure: the carotenes and xanthophylls [1]
Lutein treatment suppressed the development of choroidal neovascularization, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration and inflammatory processes, including nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and subsequent
The inin thethe retina and lens hashas notnot yet yet beenbeen wellwell elucidated, but Thebiological biologicalrole roleofoflutein lutein retina and lens elucidated, these findings suggest that dietary lutein supplementation may be beneficial for preventing but these findings suggest that dietary lutein supplementation may be beneficial for preage-related macular macular degeneration and other eye diseases by reducing oxidative stress
Summary
Carotenoids are divided into two classes based on their chemical structure: the carotenes (hydrocarbons, such as β-carotene and lycopene) and xanthophylls (polar compounds that contain oxygen atoms in their molecules, such as lutein and its stereoisomer zeaxanthin) [1]. Lutein is the second most prevalent carotenoid in human serum and is synthesized only by plants. Lutein acts as an antioxidant and protects plants from photo-induced free radical damage [5]. This study showed that lutein decreased TRPA1 activation-induced neutrophil accumulation. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of lutein are attributed to its unique structure, the presence of conjugated double bonds and hydroxyl groups [11]. The conjugated double bond acts as a powerful antioxidant by donating the electrons and reacting with free radicals to form a more stable product. This structural feature may affect its uptake efficiency via the modulation of carotenoid polarity and flexibility. This review covers the current understanding of the protective effects of lutein against oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory diseases
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