Abstract
Carotenoids constitute a ubiquitous group of isoprenoid pigments. They are very efficient physical quenchers of singlet oxygen and scavengers of other reactive oxygen species. Carotenoids can also act as chemical quenchers undergoing irreversible oxygenation. The molecular mechanisms underlying these reactions are still not fully understood, especially in the context of the anti- and pro-oxidant activity of carotenoids, which, although not synthesized by humans and animals, are also present in their blood and tissues, contributing to a number of biochemical processes. The antioxidant potential of carotenoids is of particular significance to human health, due to the fact that losing antioxidant-reactive oxygen species balance results in “oxidative stress”, a critical factor of the pathogenic processes of various chronic disorders. Data coming from epidemiological studies and clinical trials strongly support the observation that adequate carotenoid supplementation may significantly reduce the risk of several disorders mediated by reactive oxygen species. Here, we would like to highlight the beneficial (protective) effects of dietary carotenoid intake in exemplary widespread modern civilization diseases, i.e., cancer, cardiovascular or photosensitivity disorders, in the context of carotenoids’ unique antioxidative properties.
Highlights
Carotenoids (Crts) are structurally and functionally a very diverse group of natural pigments of the polyene type [1]
Carotenoids and some of their metabolites are suggested to play a protective role in a number of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated disorders, such as, i.e., cardiovascular diseases, several types of cancer or neurological, as well as photosensitive or eye-related disorders
The newly formed Crt radical products can undergo further transformations, leading to a variety of secondary Crt derivatives of different reactivity. This is of extreme importance, due to the fact that the newly generated Crt species may no longer act as efficient antioxidants, but turn into potentially harmful, pro-oxidant agents
Summary
Carotenoids (Crts) are structurally and functionally a very diverse group of natural pigments of the polyene type [1] They occur ubiquitously in all organisms capable of conducting photosynthesis, a process in which sun light is effectively converted into chemical energy. Not synthesized by humans and animals, they are present in their blood and tissues They are important precursors of retinol (vitamin A); their main function in all non-photosynthetic organisms seems to be (photo)protection. Carotenoids are known to be very efficient physical and chemical quenchers of singlet oxygen (1O2), as well as potent scavengers of other reactive oxygen species (ROS) [3,4,5] This is of special significance, because the uncontrolled generation and concomitant increase of ROS level in the body results in “oxidative stress”, an essential contributor to the pathogenic processes of many diseases. In the present paper, based on the data coming from epidemiological and intervention studies, as well as clinical trials, we would like to highlight the beneficial effects of Crts intake, either as supplements or as integral components of Crt-rich food, in several exemplary modern civilization diseases
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