Cutaneous Carotenoid Research Articles

Modulation of Cutaneous Carotenoid Content via Ozone Exposure

Ozone (O3) is a harmful air pollutant to which we are constantly exposed. Given its strong oxidizing effects and pervasiveness in the air we breathe, O3 is especially damaging to target organs in the respiratory system (e.g., lungs) and the integumentary apparatus (e.g., skin). Both of these systems act as a barrier and are able to limit the penetration of atmospheric pollutants into the body. In this regard, skin—the largest and main barrier against atmospheric intrusions—offers continuous protection against environmental intrusions. The skin is equipped with several defensive molecules that act as protective intracellular antioxidants against oxidative intrusions, including O3. Among these antioxidants are carotenoids, a family of lipophilic phytonutrients that are abundant in fruits and vegetables. It is well established that carotenoids accumulate in the epidermis layer of the skin, where they confer protection against oxidative intrusions and modulate inflammation, and that there is a direct correlation between skin and serum carotenoids level. The present study aimed to evaluate the variations in carotenoid content present in human skin prior to and after O3 exposure in 141 human subjects. Carotenoids were measured non-invasively using a resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS)-based photonic device (Pharmanex BioPhotonic Scanner (BPS) Nu Skin Enterprises). In each volunteer, RRS skin carotenoids were determined at baseline and after 15 and 30 min of exposure to O3 0.8 ppm. The data obtained have an indicative value for individual variations in the cutaneous carotenoids, which have been shown to correlate with plasmatic contents. After the first 15 min of O3 exposure, there was a modulation of skin carotenoids, confirming their importance in the maintenance of cutaneous redox homeostasis.

Spectroscopic biofeedback on cutaneous carotenoids: a powerful tool for primary prevention in advanced age.

Antioxidants exhibit a powerful defense mechanism against ageing and chronic disease. The human skin reflects the overall antioxidant status of the body. The cutaneous carotenoid concentration is a biomarker for individual nutritional intake of antioxidants, as it correlates with the overall antioxidant status. The cutaneous carotenoid concentrations of 44 adults were measured using a Multiple Spatially Resolved Reflection Spectroscopy. During the first phase of the study, measurements of carotenoid concentrations were performed without revealing the antioxidant status, followed by an intervention phase during which the volunteers were informed about their individual values by biofeedback. During a third phase biofeedback was combined with additional intake of fruit juices. Across time points, participants showed increasing levels of carotenoid status. Thus, biofeedback leads to an improvement of the carotenoid value of the skin. Providing a biofeedback measurement to monitor the individual antioxidative status may be an easy and cost-effective way of primary prevention. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Lycopene, but not zeaxanthin, serves as a skeleton for the formation of an orthorhombic organization of intercellular lipids within the lamellae in the stratum corneum: Molecular dynamics simulations of the hydrated ceramide NS bilayer model

Carotenoids play an important role in the protection of biomembranes against oxidative damage. Their function depends on the surroundings and the organization of the lipid membrane they are embedded in. Carotenoids are located parallel or perpendicular to the surface of the lipid bilayer. The influence of carotenoids on the organization of the lipid bilayer in the stratum corneum has not been thoroughly considered. Here, the orientation of the exemplary cutaneous carotenoids lycopene and zeaxanthin in a hydrated ceramide NS24 bilayer model and the influence of carotenoids on the lateral organization of the lipid bilayer model were studied by means of molecular dynamics simulations for 32 °C and 37 °C. The results confirm that lycopene is located parallel and zeaxanthin perpendicular to the surface of the lipid bilayer. The lycopene-loaded lipid bilayer appeared to have a strong orthorhombic organization, while zeaxanthin-loaded and pure lipid bilayers were organized in a disordered hexagonal-like and liquid-like state, respectively. The effect is stronger at 32 °C compared to 37 °C based on p-values. Therefore, it was assumed that carotenoids without hydroxyl polar groups in their structure facilitate the formation of the orthorhombic organization of lipids, which provides the skin barrier function. It was shown that the distance between carotenoid atoms matched the distance between atoms in the lipids, indicating that parallel located carotenoids without hydroxyl groups serve as a skeleton for lipid membranes inside the lamellae. The obtained results provide reasonable prediction of the overall qualitative properties of lipid model systems and show the importance of parallel-oriented carotenoids in the development and maintenance of the skin barrier function.

Cutaneous Carotenoid Level Measured by Multiple Spatially Resolved Reflection Spectroscopy Sensors Correlates with Vegetable Intake and Is Increased by Continual Intake of Vegetable Juice.

Although vegetables are beneficial for human health, in many countries, the recommended vegetable intake is not reached. To assess vegetable intake, it is important to understand vegetable consumption. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional and intervention study of 26 healthy individuals (50% women; 37.0 ± 8.9 years) and estimated vegetable intake on the basis of the cutaneous carotenoid level (CCL) with a noninvasive skin carotenoid sensor, considering that vegetable juice intake can increase CCL. Participants consumed vegetable juice containing 350 g of vegetables daily for 4 weeks. Blood carotenoid levels and CCL were measured for 12 weeks. Cross-sectional analysis showed a significant positive correlation between CCL and vegetable intake (r = 0.489). Vegetable juice consumption significantly increased CCL and the blood levels of α-carotene, β-carotene, and lycopene (p < 0.05). The correlation coefficient between the blood level and CCL for lycopene was smaller (r = 0.001) compared to that between the blood level and CCL for α-carotene (r = 0.523) and β-carotene (r = 0.460), likely because of bioavailability differences. In conclusion, noninvasive skin carotenoid measurements are effective for determining vegetable intake, and vegetable juice significantly increases CCL.

Kinetics of the carotenoid concentration degradation of smoothies and their influence on the antioxidant status of the human skin in vivo during 8 weeks of daily consumption

The antioxidant status of the skin shows constant alterations depending on nutrition and other lifestyle factors. Carotenoids can serve as marker substances for the antioxidant status of the epidermis in vivo. The carotenoid concentration of 2 homemade green smoothies and a commercial green smoothie, all containing fruits and vegetables, was assessed by resonance Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, a pilot study was conducted to investigate changes of the cutaneous carotenoid concentration of 20 healthy volunteers under the daily intake of either a homemade smoothie or the commercial smoothie in vivo using reflectance spectroscopy. We hypothesized that higher carotenoid concentrations in the homemade smoothies compared to those of the commercial one would lead to a faster increase of the cutaneous carotenoid concentration in healthy volunteers. The measurements of the homemade smoothies showed notably higher initial carotenoid concentrations (7.6 ±0.8)*10−4arbitrary units (a.u.) (smoothie A) and (10.4 ± 0.6)*10−4 a.u. (smoothie B) compared to the commercial smoothie (5.8 ± 0.2)*10−4 a.u. Nevertheless, the commercial smoothie showed a higher stability of carotenoids over 24 hours. 8 weeks after daily consumption of the homemade smoothies, volunteers showed an insignificant increase of cutaneous carotenoids from (4.5 ± 0.1)*10−4 a.u. at baseline to (4.8 ± 0.3)*10−4 a.u. (means ± standard error of the mean). The volunteers consuming the commercial smoothie showed an insignificant increase of cutaneous carotenoids from (4.3 ± 0.2)*10−4 a.u. to (4.7 ± 0.2)*10−4 a.u. after 8 weeks. The observed increase of cutaneous carotenoid concentrations could be classified as a strong tendency. Fresh homemade smoothies can exhibit a higher carotenoid concentration compared to commercial smoothies but need to be consumed immediately after preparation.

In vivo detection of changes in cutaneous carotenoids after chemotherapy using shifted excitation resonance Raman difference and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Various cutaneous toxicities under chemotherapy indicate a local effect of chemotherapy by secretion after systemic application. Here, changes in the fluorescence and Raman spectral properties of the stratum corneum subsequent to intravenous chemotherapy were assessed. Twenty healthy subjects and 20 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were included. Measurement time points in cancer patients were before the first cycle of chemotherapy (Tbase ) and immediately after intravenous application of the chemotherapy (T1 ). Healthy subjects were measured once without any further intervention. Measurements were conducted using an individually manufactured system consisting of a handheld probe and a wavelength-tunable diode laser-based 488nm SHG light source. Hereby, changes in both skin fluorescence and shifted excitation resonance Raman difference spectroscopy (SERRDS) carotenoid signals were assessed. Healthy subjects showed significantly (P<.001) higher mean concentrations of carotenoids compared to cancer subjects at Tbase . An increase in fluorescence intensity was detected in almost all patients after chemotherapy, especially after doxorubicin infusion. Furthermore, a decrease in the carotenoid concentration in the skin after chemotherapy was found. The SERRDS based noninvasive detection can be used as an indirect quantitative assessment of fluorescent chemotherapeutics. The lower carotenoid SERRDS intensities at Tbase might be due to cancerous diseases and co-medication.

Influence of polyester spacer fabric, cotton, chloroprene rubber, and silicone on microclimatic and morphologic physiologic skin parameters in vivo.

Skin diseases can develop upon disadvantageous microclimate in relation to skin contact with textiles of supporting devices. Increased temperature, moisture, mechanical fracture, pressure, and inflammatory processes often occur mutually and enhance each other in their adverse effects. Therefore, the early prevention of skin irritations by improvement of microclimatic properties of skin in contact with supporting devices is important. In this study, the microclimate under occlusion with polyester, cotton, chloroprene rubber, and silicone textiles, used for supporting devices, was analyzed by determining several characteristic physiologic skin parameters in vivo, including temperature, moisture, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is achieved by comparing a miniaturized in vivo detection device with several established optical and sensory methods in vivo. A highly significant TEWL decrease was found after polyester, chloroprene rubber, and silicone application. The application of all materials showed highly significant decrease in skin surface temperature, with chloroprene rubber showing the lowest. Similarly, all materials showed highly significant increase in relative moisture, where the highest increase was found for chloroprene rubber and silicone and the lowest increase for cotton. The cutaneous carotenoid concentration of chloroprene rubber, silicone, and polyester decreased. A manipulation of the surface structure of the stratum corneum was recognized for all materials except for cotton by laser scanning microscopy. The skin parameters temperature, relative moisture, antioxidant status, and TEWL can effectively characterize the microclimatic environment during occlusion with medical supporting materials. These parameters could potentially be used to develop standardized testing procedures for material evaluation.

Influence of Sorafenib, Sunitinib and Capecitabine on the Antioxidant Status of the Skin.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of orally administered sorafenib (Nexavar®), sunitinib (Sutent®) and capecitabine (Xeloda®), which cause palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), on the antioxidant status of the skin and the formation of free radicals. A total of 42 patients were enrolled, of which 36 (85%) completed the study. Overall, 19 received capecitabine (2,000-4,000 mg per day), 10 sunitinib (25-50 mg per day) and 7 sorafenib (400-800 mg per day). Cutaneous carotenoids as markers of the antioxidant status of the skin were measured 1 day before the first oral administration (Tbase) and at day 18 of treatment (T1). The mean antioxidant concentrations increased significantly in patients treated with sunitinib from 3.99±1.01 to 4.68±1.32, p=0.047 and sorafenib from 4.83±0.74 to 5.3±0.78, p=0.007. Treatment with capecitabine did not significantly increase the mean antioxidant concentration. Formation of free radicals may not be the underlying patho-mechanism of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI)- and capecitabine-associated PPE.

Influences of Orally Taken Carotenoid-Rich Curly Kale Extract on Collagen I/Elastin Index of the Skin.

Two differently designed, spatially resolved reflectance spectroscopy-based scanners and two-photon tomography were used for noninvasive in vivo determination of cutaneous carotenoids, and collagen I/elastin aging index of dermis, respectively, in the skin of 29 healthy female volunteers between 40 and 56 years of age. The volunteers received a supplement in the form of a carotenoid-rich natural curly kale extract containing 1650 µg of carotenoids in total (three capsules of 550 µg), once a day. Measurements were taken before, after 5 months and after 10 months of daily supplementation. The results showed significantly increased values for the cutaneous carotenoids and the collagen I/elastin aging index of dermis 5 and 10 months after the beginning of the study. The obtained results show that a natural carotenoid-rich extract could prevent the aging-related collagen I degradation in the dermis and improve the extracellular matrix.

In vivo changes in the cutaneous antioxidant status during sorafenib, sunitinib and capecitabine treatment.

e21664 Background: A potential pathomechanism for doxorubicin-associated hand-foot syndrome (HFS) was shown based in particular on radical formation in the skin. Topically applied antioxidants (AO) have a therapeutic effect on HFS. Here, radical formation of orally administered sorafenib (Nexavar), sunitinib (Sutent) and capecitabine (Xeloda) was investigated. Methods: 26 patients were included in the study in total, including 13 patients receiving capecitabine (2-4 g/day), 7 patients receiving sunitinib (25-50 mg/day) and 6 patients sorafenib (400 mg/day). Cutaneous carotenoids serving as marker substance of the AO status of the epidermis were measured in vivo using a miniaturized measuring system based on multiple spatially resolved reflectance spectroscopy. Measurements were performed 1 day before the first oral administration and on the 10thday during the first cycle of chemotherapy including an assessment of HFS skin lesions. Results: The mean AO status in capecitabine patients showed an insignificant decrease from 4.09±0.25 to 4±0.25 and in sunitinib patients an insignificant increase from 4.32±0.36 to 4.82±0.52. The AO status in patients treated with sorafenib was shown to increase significantly from 4.77±0.32 to 5.20±0.33, p = 0.028, along with an enhanced subjective vitality and well-being. Overall 3 patients, 1 in each treatment group, developed HFS grade I during the observational period of the first cycle. Conclusions: Sorafenib-, sunitinib- and capecitabine-associated HFS might not occur due to radical formation only, but due to different underlying pathomechanisms. As an AO decay was observed previously after intravenous, but not after oral administration of chemotherapeutics, the metabolisation of these agents after oral and intravenous intake might influence HFS development. Therefore, the application of topical AO might not have preventive effects for these orally applied chemotherapeutics, as shown for capecitabine previously. As therapeutic effects of topically applied AO in case of capecitabine and sorafenib induced HFS have been reported, it seems that although the pathomechanisms are different, radical formation can occur once HFS lesions have developed.

Multiple spatially resolved reflection spectroscopy to monitor cutaneous carotenoids during supplementation of fruit and vegetable extracts in vivo.

A nutrition rich in fruit and vegetables and a healthy lifestyle become more and more important in the industrial countries to counteract oxidative stress and promote health. For many years, it has been possible to control human cutaneous carotenoids noninvasively by resonance Raman spectroscopic systems and by spatially resolved reflectance spectroscopy. Ten volunteers took a commercially available fruit and vegetable extract daily for a time period of 5weeks. A second group served as control group and did not take any supplements (10 volunteers). To monitor the status of the cutaneous carotenoids noninvasively, an optical sensor based on multiple spatially resolved reflectance spectroscopy was applied once a week. The study could demonstrate that the intake of the supplement significantly increase the cutaneous carotenoid values of the young adults by 50%. The control group without any supplementation showed also significantly increased values, ie, by 10%, which might be due to the fact that their lifestyle was controlled. The results illustrate that a biofeedback by measuring the skin carotenoids could improve the lifestyle of young adults and that a regular consumption of fruit and vegetables directly or as a drink can increase the concentration of cutaneous carotenoids significantly.

Influence of the Systemic Application of Blue–Green Spirulina platensis Algae on the Cutaneous Carotenoids and Elastic Fibers in Vivo

The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of a food supplement rich in antioxidants on the antioxidant status of the skin. For this reason, the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis powder was used for oral application during eight weeks. The effect of oral application of the antioxidant-containing Spirulina platensis on characteristic skin aging parameters, e.g., concentration of cutaneous carotenoids and the collagen/elastin index (SAAID), was investigated in vivo. A significant average increase from 2.67 ± 0.86 arb. units to 3.25 ± 0.93 arb. units (p < 0.001) in the cutaneous carotenoid concentration was detected subsequent to oral application of the carotenoid-containing Spirulina platensis powder, showing a significant improvement of the antioxidant status of the skin. A slight but not significant increase (p = 0.33) in the dermal SAAID mean values was measured from −0.54 ± 0.11 to −0.51 ± 0.11 subsequent to oral intake of Spirulina platensis powder.

Non-Invasive Spectroscopic Determination of the Antioxidative Status of Gravidae and Neonates

Pregnancy and postpartum adaptation cause an increased formation of free radicals. This is associated with various perinatological diseases, e.g. necrotising enterocolitis. The human body has developed a protective system in the form of the antioxidative potential. The present study was the first to investigate the kinetics of the cutaneous antioxidative status in pregnant women and newborns using a non-invasive spectroscopic method. Eighteen pregnant women and their babies took part in the study. A light-emitting diode-based compact scanner system was used for quick non-invasive measurements of carotenoid antioxidants in human skin based on reflection spectroscopy. It could be shown that the antioxidative status of the expectant mothers significantly declined during labour (p < 0.001) and on day 1 after delivery (p < 0.01). Compared to the mothers, the newborns exhibited a significantly higher cutaneous carotenoid concentration on both day 1 (p < 0.01) and 5 (p < 0.01) after delivery. These results suggest that the oxidative stress due to postpartum adaptation is counteracted by an enhanced reservoir of carotenoid antioxidants in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. The peripartum cutaneous carotenoid level of mothers declines continuously, whereas term newborns show very high cutaneous antioxidant values.

Blue-violet light irradiation dose dependently decreases carotenoids in human skin, which indicates the generation of free radicals.

In contrast to ultraviolet and infrared irradiation, which are known to facilitate cutaneous photoaging, immunosuppression, or tumour emergence due to formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species, potentially similar effects of visible light on the human skin are still poorly characterized. Using a blue-violet light irradiation source and aiming to characterize its potential influence on the antioxidant status of the human skin, the cutaneous carotenoid concentration was measured noninvasively in nine healthy volunteers using resonance Raman spectroscopy following irradiation. The dose-dependent significant degradation of carotenoids was measured to be 13.5% and 21.2% directly after irradiation at 50 J/cm² and 100 J/cm² (P < 0.05). The irradiation intensity was 100 mW/cm². This is above natural conditions; the achieved doses, though, are acquirable under natural conditions. The corresponding restoration lasted 2 and 24 hours, respectively. The degradation of cutaneous carotenoids indirectly shows the amount of generated free radicals and especially reactive oxygen species in human skin. In all volunteers the cutaneous carotenoid concentration dropped down in a manner similar to that caused by the infrared or ultraviolet irradiations, leading to the conclusion that also blue-violet light at high doses could represent a comparably adverse factor for human skin.

Antioxidants in Asian-Korean and Caucasian Skin: The Influence of Nutrition and Stress

Background: The antioxidant status of the human skin provides protection against the destructive action of free radicals. Most antioxidants cannot be synthesized by the human organism itself, but have to be ingested with a healthy nutrition rich in fruit and vegetables. The Korean cuisine is known to be one of the healthiest worldwide. This binational study investigated the cutaneous carotenoid concentrations in German subjects, South Korean subjects and immigrant Korean subjects resident in Germany and examined whether dietary- and lifestyle-related differences are reflected in the cutaneous carotenoid concentrations. Methods: Measurements of the carotenoid concentrations of 714 healthy volunteers were performed using a non-invasive spectroscopic measurement system based on reflectance spectroscopy. Results: In the present study South Korean residents showed a significantly higher antioxidant status than both native German residents and Korean immigrants living in Germany (p < 0.001). The first generation of Korean immigrants to Germany over the age of 50 mostly preserved Korean dietary habits, showing significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.001) than the German-born second and third Korean generations under the age of 50. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that a healthy nutrition alone does not provide a high antioxidant status unless the stress exposure can be reduced simultaneously.

Cutaneous Carotenoids: The Mirror of Lifestyle?

Carotenoids could serve as marker substances of the antioxidant status of the human skin. In the present study, an optical skin scanner was used to analyse the carotenoid concentration obtained from 4 volunteers over a period of 13 days. The measurements were taken daily at different time points. In addition, the volunteers were asked to keep track of their daily nutritional behaviour and stress situations in a diary. It was found that the carotenoid values reflect clearly the nutritional behaviour and stress situations of the volunteers. While a steady, increased intake of fruit and vegetables resulted in a gradual increase in the dermal carotenoid values for several days, stressful situations entailed an immediate decline in these values. Although the impact of healthy nutrition on the antioxidant protection system is generally known and notwithstanding the small number of cases, the present study clearly demonstrates that the avoidance and/or reduction of stress is similarly important in order not to counteract or nullify the results achieved by healthy nutrition.

Influence of sun exposure on the cutaneous collagen/elastin fibers and carotenoids: negative effects can be reduced by application of sunscreen

Resonance Raman spectroscopy and multi-photon tomography were used in vivo to analyse the influence of sun exposure on the cutaneous carotenoids and collagen/elastin fibers. Comparing Berlin (low sun exposure) and Monegasque (high sun exposure) volunteers, it could be demonstrated that extended sun exposure significantly reduces the cutaneous carotenoids and collagen/elastin concentration (p < 0.05). The tendency towards correlation (R(2) = 0.41) between the dermal collagen/elastin (SAAID) and carotenoids confirms the important role of antioxidants in the protection against sun-induced negative effects. The application of sunscreen was shown to be effective, protecting cutaneous carotenoids and collagen/elastin from being damaged subsequent to sun exposure.

Spectroscopic biofeedback on cutaneous carotenoids as part of a prevention program could be effective to raise health awareness in adolescents.

The cutaneous carotenoid concentration correlates with the overall antioxidant status of a person and can be seen as biomarker for nutrition and lifestyle. 50 high school students were spectroscopically measured for their cutaneous carotenoid concentrations initially in a static phase, followed by an intervention phase with biofeedback of their measured values, living a healthy lifestyle and on healthy food this time. The volunteers showed higher carotenoid concentrations than found in previous studies. A significant correlation of healthy lifestyle habits and a high antioxidant status could be determined. Subjects improved their nutritional habits and significantly increased their carotenoid concentration during intervention. Follow-up five months later showed a consolidation of the increase. The investigations show that a healthy diet and a well-balanced lifestyle correlate with a high cutaneous antioxidant concentration and that spectroscopic biofeedback measurement of cutaneous carotenoids as part of an integrated prevention program is a feasible and effective means to raise the health awareness in adolescents.

Case study: in vivo stress diagnostics by spectroscopic determination of the cutaneous carotenoid antioxidant concentration in midwives depending on shift work

Laser spectroscopic methods, for instance resonance Raman spectroscopy and reflectance spectroscopy, permit us for the first time to investigate the antioxidative status in human skin non-invasively by measurement of carotenoid concentration. The individual antioxidant concentration of the human skin is determined by the nutritional habits, on the one hand, and by stressors, such as shift work, on the other. Due to the disturbance of the circadian rhythm and melatonin secretion, shift work is associated with, inter alia, insomnia and gastrointestinal disorders. The study at hand was the first to determine the cutaneous antioxidant concentration of midwives using reflectance spectroscopy and to relate the results to shift work. Seven midwives took part in the study. An LED-based compact scanner system was used for non-invasive measurements of carotenoids in human skin. The measuring principle is based on reflection spectroscopy. The study at hand suggests that the cutaneous antioxidative status may be adversely affected by shift work. Despite numerous international strategies of programmes available which invite people to eat more healthily, there are only a few measures aiming at stress reduction and management. In this field the use of reflectance spectroscopic investigation methods could play an essential role in the future.

Influence of supplementation with a curly kale extract on cutaneous carotenoids, radical scavenging activity and skin lipids

Influence of supplementation with a curly kale extract on cutaneous carotenoids, radical scavenging activity and skin lipids