Abstract
BackgroundSeveral previous epidemiologic studies have shown that high blood levels of carotenoids may be protective against early atherosclerosis, but results have been inconsistent. We assessed the association between atherosclerotic progression, measured by intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery wall, and serum levels of carotenoids.MethodsWe studied the effect of carotenoids on progression of early atherosclerosis in a population-based study. The association between concentrations of serum carotenoids, and intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery wall was explored in 840 middle-aged men (aged 46–65 years) from Eastern Finland. Ultrasonography of the common carotid arteries were performed at baseline and 7-year follow-up. Serum levels of carotenoids were analyzed at baseline. Changes in mean and maximum intima media thickness of carotid artery wall were related to baseline serum carotenoid levels in covariance analyses adjusted for covariates.ResultsIn a covariance analysis with adjustment for age, ultrasound sonographer, maximum intima media thickness, examination year, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, smoking, physical activity, serum LDL cholesterol, family history of coronary heart disease, antihypertensive medication and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein, 7-year change in maximum intima media thickness was inversely associated with lycopene (p = 0.005), α-carotene (p = 0.002) and β-carotene (p = 0.019), respectively.ConclusionsThe present study shows that high serum concentrations of carotenoids may be protective against early atherosclerosis.
Highlights
It is well known that early development atherosclerosis is closely associated with lipoprotein metabolism via oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
We previously reported that high plasma concentrations of bcryptoxanthin, lycopene and a-carotene are associated with decreased carotid atherosclerosis in elderly men [8]
Of the 1229 male participants at the baseline, common carotid arteries (CCAs)-intima-media thickness (IMT) at 7year follow-up was available for 840 men (68.3%)
Summary
It is well known that early development atherosclerosis is closely associated with lipoprotein metabolism via oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The presence of oxidative modified LDL in the subendothelium of arteries affect monocyte differentiation to macrophages leading to the formation of foam cells and increased thickness of the artery wall [1,2]. Carotenoids, abundant in many fruits and vegetables, are plant derived fat-soluble pigments that possess antioxidant activity. They may protect against chronic atherosclerotic diseases by decreasing the oxidative damage of cell lipids, lipoproteins, proteins and DNA [4,5]. Carotenoids inhibit oxidative modification of LDL and may play a protective role in the development of cardiovascular diseases [6] by preventing the formation of early atherosclerotic lesions [7]. We assessed the association between atherosclerotic progression, measured by intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery wall, and serum levels of carotenoids
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
