Plasma Carotenoid Levels Research Articles

Does selection for growth rate in broilers affect their resistance and tolerance to Eimeria maxima?

Chickens exhibit varied responses to infection with Eimeria parasites. We hypothesise that broilers selected for increased growth rate will show lower resistance and tolerance to a coccidian challenge. 288 chickens of fast (F) or slow (S) growing lines were inoculated with 0 (control), 2500 (low-dose), or 7000 (high-dose) sporulated E. maxima oocysts at 13 days of age in two consecutive rounds. Gain and Intake were measured daily and their values relative to BW at the point of infection were calculated over the pre-patent (days 1–4 post-infection), acute (d5–8 pi), and recovery (d9–12 pi) phases of infection to assess the impact of infection. Levels of plasma carotenoids, vitamins E and A, long bone mineralisation, caecal microbiota diversity indices, and histological measurements were assessed at the acute (d6 pi) and recovery stage (d13 pi). In addition, we measured the levels of nitric oxide metabolites and the number of parasite genome copies in the jejunumat d6pi. In absolute terms F birds grew 1.42 times faster than S birds when not infected. Infection significantly reduced relative daily gain and intake (P < 0.001), with the effects being most pronounced during the acute phase (P < 0.001). Levels of all metabolites were significantly decreased, apart from NO which increased (P < 0.001) in response to infection on d6pi, and were accompanied by changes in histomorphometric features and the presence of E. maxima genome copies in infected birds, which persisted to d13pi. Furthermore, infection reduced tibia and femur mineralisation, which also persisted to d13pi. Reductions in measured variables were mostly independent of dose size, as was the level of parasite replication. The impact of infection was similar for S and F-line birds for all measured parameters, and there were no significant interactions between line x dose size on any of these parameters. In conclusion, our results suggest that line differences in productive performance do not influence host responses to coccidiosis when offered nutrient adequate diets.

The association between psychosocial factors and change in lifestyle behaviour following lifestyle advice and information about cardiovascular disease risk

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) and fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) are two key modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Achieving change in these behaviours is challenging and affected by many variables including psychosocial factors. We aimed to investigate the association between social support, stress and mood, and change in PA and FVI following provision of CVD risk information and web-based lifestyle advice.MethodsSeven hundred sixteen blood donors (56% male; mean age 57 years) from the intervention arms of the Information and Risk Modification (INFORM) trial, a randomised controlled trial to assess the impact of providing CVD risk and web-based lifestyle information, were analysed as a prospective cohort. We used linear and logistic regression analyses to quantify the association between social support, stress and mood at baseline and behaviour change following the intervention. We modelled objective (average acceleration measured by Axivity AX3 wrist-worn accelerometers and plasma carotenoid levels) and subjective (self-reported recreational PA and FVI) outcomes as change between baseline and 12 weeks follow-up.ResultsThere was no clear association between social support and change in objective or subjective PA. Higher levels of stress and, to a lesser extent, depression symptoms were associated with smaller improvement in self-reported PA (β -1.53 h/week vigorous PA, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.30 to -0.75, p < 0.001 for stress; β -1.64 h/week, 95% CI -3.50 to 0.21, p = 0.082 for little interest). Higher social support was associated with greater odds and higher stress was associated with lower odds of increasing self-reported FVI to five portions per day (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.69, p = 0.020 for social support; OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.76, p < 0.001 for stress). The associations between psychosocial factors and objective FVI were not statistically significant.ConclusionsHigh stress and low mood may reduce the likelihood and extent of reported change in PA and FVI following CVD risk information and advice. Greater social support may be associated with increased FVI. The role of psychosocial factors should be considered when developing, tailoring and evaluating future interventions.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN17721237. Registered 12 January 2015.

Effect of 4-Week Ingestion of Tomato-Based Carotenoids on Exercise-Induced Inflammation, Muscle Damage, and Oxidative Stress in Endurance Runners.

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial determined if ingestion of a supplement containing a tomato complex with lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene (T-LPP) and other compounds for 4 weeks would attenuate inflammation, muscle damage, and oxidative stress postexercise and during recovery from a 2-hr running bout that included 30min of -10% downhill running. Study participants ingested the T-LPP supplement or placebo with the evening meal for 4 weeks prior to running 2hr at high intensity. Blood samples and delayed onset muscle soreness ratings were taken pre- and post-4-week supplementation, and immediately following the 2-hr run, and then 1-hr, 24-hr, and 48-hr postrun. After a 2-week washout period, participants crossed over to the opposite treatment and repeated all procedures. Plasma lycopene, phytoene, and phytofluene increased significantly in T-LPP compared with placebo (p < .001 for each). Significant time effects were shown for serum creatine kinase, delayed onset muscle soreness, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, 9- and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids, ferric reducing ability of plasma, and six plasma cytokines (p < .001 for each). The pattern of increase for serum myoglobin differed between T-LPP and placebo (interaction effect, p = .016, with lower levels in T-LPP), but not for creatine kinase, delayed onset muscle soreness, C-reactive protein, the six cytokines, 9- and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids, and ferric reducing ability of plasma. No significant time or interaction effects were measured for plasma-oxidized low-density lipoprotein or serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. In summary, supplementation with T-LPP over a 4-week period increased plasma carotenoid levels 73% and attenuated postexercise increases in the muscle damage biomarker myoglobin, but not inflammation and oxidative stress.

Tomatoes protect against development of UV-induced keratinocyte carcinoma via metabolomic alterations

Prolonged tomato consumption can mitigate ultraviolet (UV) light induced sunburn via unknown mechanisms. Dietary carotenoids distributed to skin are hypothesized to protect skin against UV-induced damage, although other phytochemicals may play a role. We hypothesize that tomato consumption would protect against skin cancer. SKH-1 hairless and immunocompetent mice (n = 180) were fed AIN-93G or AIN-93G + 10% tangerine or red tomato powder for 35 weeks. From weeks 11–20, mice (n = 120) were exposed to 2240 J/m2 UV-B light, 3x/week, and tumors were tracked weekly. Control mice were fed the same diets but not exposed to UV. Tumor number was significantly lower in male mice consuming red tomato diets (1.73 ± 0.50, P = 0.015) or pooled tomato diets (2.03 ± 0.45, P = 0.017) compared to controls (4.04 ± 0.65). Carotenoid levels in plasma and skin were quantitated, with total lycopene higher in skin of tangerine fed animals despite a lower dose. Metabolomic analyses elucidated compounds derived from tomato glycoalkaloids (including tomatidine and hydroxylated-tomatidine) as significantly different metabolites in skin after tomato exposure. Here, we describe that tomato consumption can modulate risk for keratinocyte carcinomas; however, the role of the newly identified specific phytochemicals possibly responsible for this action require further investigation.

Carotenoids buffer the acute phase response on fever, sickness behavior and rapid bill color change in zebra finches.

Carotenoids are finite resources that animals can allocate to self-maintenance, attractiveness or reproduction. Here we test how carotenoids affect the acute phase response (APR), an intense rapid systemic response characterized by fever, sickness behavior and production of acute phase proteins, which serves to reduce pathogen persistence. We conducted a 2×2 factorial design experiment in captive adult male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to determine the effects of carotenoid supplementation on the intensity of the APR. We measured changes in feeding rate, activity level and body temperature of the birds. We found that, relative to unsupplemented controls, carotenoid-supplemented birds exhibited less severe reductions in feeding and activity, smaller increases in body temperature and lower circulating levels of haptoglobin (an acute phase protein) 24 h after inducing an APR. Among supplemented individuals, those with higher blood carotenoid levels exhibited a lower reduction in activity rate after 24 h. Forty-eight hours after APR induction, birds exhibited a significant decrease in plasma carotenoid levels and a decrease in bill hue, with less reduction in hue in carotenoid-supplemented individuals. These results demonstrate that carotenoids can alleviate several important behavioral and physiological effects of an APR and that bill color can change rapidly following induction of the costly APR immune defense. In particular, immune activation may have caused birds to preferentially draw down carotenoids from the bloodstream, ostensibly for use in health. Rapid bill color changes over a 48-h period support growing evidence that bills may serve as short-term signals of health and condition.

Evidence for decreased interaction and improved carotenoid bioavailability by sequential delivery of a supplement.

Despite the notable health benefits of carotenoids for human health, the majority of human diets worldwide are repeatedly shown to be inadequate in intake of carotenoid‐rich fruits and vegetables, according to current health recommendations. To address this deficit, strategies designed to increase dietary intakes and subsequent plasma levels of carotenoids are warranted. When mixed carotenoids are delivered into the intestinal tract simultaneously, competition occurs for micelle formation and absorption, affecting carotenoid bioavailability. Previously, we tested the in vitro viability of a carotenoid mix designed to deliver individual carotenoids sequentially spaced from one another over the 6 hr transit time of the human upper gastrointestinal system. We hypothesized that temporally and spatially separating the individual carotenoids would reduce competition for micelle formation, improve uptake, and maximize efficacy. Here, we test this hypothesis in a double‐blind, repeated‐measure, cross‐over human study with 12 subjects by comparing the change of plasma carotenoid levels for 8 hr after oral doses of a sequentially spaced carotenoid mix, to a matched mix without sequential spacing. We find the carotenoid change from baseline, measured as area under the curve, is increased following consumption of the sequentially spaced mix compared to concomitant carotenoids delivery. These results demonstrate reduced interaction and regulation between the sequentially spaced carotenoids, suggesting improved bioavailability from a novel sequentially spaced carotenoid mix.

Abstract 580: Lutein Reduces Inflammation in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease by Suppressing Cytokine and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Secretion From Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Introduction: Low plasma carotenoid levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors. Carotenoids are anti-oxidants with potential anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we measured different types of carotenoid in plasma and assessed their relationship with interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stable coronary artery disease (CAD). A sub-cohort was followed for 12 months. Moreover, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of lutein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected from CAD patients. Methods: We included 48 ACS and 109 stable CAD patients. Circulating levels of lutein+zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α- and β-carotene, and IL-6 were measured. Lutein and zeaxanthin are isomers and as such measured together. Lutein, however, is the major form of the isomers. PBMC were treated with lutein (1μM, 5μM and 25μM) for 24hr followed by 24hr incubation with or without LPS. Cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in cell media were measured. Results: Levels of lutein+zeaxanthin and lycopene were inversely correlated to IL-6 in the whole cohort, p &lt;0.001 and p &lt;0.05, respectively. In stable CAD patients, only lutein+zeaxanthin were correlated to IL-6 ( p &lt;0.001). In the sub-cohort (n=33), changes in IL-6 were inversely correlated to changes in lutein+zeaxanthin at the 3 rd month ( p &lt;0.01) and 12 th month ( p &lt;0.05). Changes in IL-6 were also inversely correlated to changes in lycopene levels at 12 th month ( p &lt;0.05). Other carotenoids did not correlate to IL-6 in plasma. In vitro , spontaneous and LPS-induced secretion of cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) and MMP-9 from PBMC were dose-dependently and significantly reduced by lutein. Conclusions: The clinical findings indicated that lutein+zeaxanthin might play a role in resolution of inflammation in CAD patients. In vitro , we were able to confirm that lutein exerted anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing secretion of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-9 from PBMC.

Dietary beta-carotene and lutein metabolism is modulated by the APOE genotype.

The human apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype has been suggested to interact with nutrient metabolism particularly with lipid soluble vitamins. Plasma carotenoid levels are determined by numerous dietary and genetic factors with high inter-individual variation; however, the APOE genotype has not been systematically examined so far. Our aim was to investigate the effect of the APOE genotype on dietary carotenoid metabolism with special regard to transcriptional regulation of carotenoid absorption, cleavage and adipocyte fat storage. We supplemented targeted replacement mice expressing human APOE3 and APOE4 isoforms with dietary beta-carotene (BC) and lutein (LUT) for 8 weeks. Plasma BC and adipose tissue BC and LUT levels were in trend lower in APOE4 than APOE3 mice, while hepatic expression of the beta-carotene oxygenases BCO1 and BCO2 was significantly higher. In contrast to the liver, mRNA levels of proteins involved in carotenoid absorption and cleavage in the small intestinal mucosa as well as of adipogenic markers in the adipose tissue were not different between APOE3 and APOE4 mice. Our data suggest that the hepatic carotenoid cleavage activity is higher in APOE4 mice partially reducing the circulation and extra-hepatic accumulation of intact carotenoids as compared to APOE3. Therefore we suggest considering the APOE genotype as modulator of carotenoid status in the future. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(4):388-396, 2016.

SNPs in Lipid and Carotenoid Metabolism and Absorption Genes Impact Carotenoid Responses to a Tomato‐Soy Juice Intervention

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes regulating lipid and carotenoid absorption and metabolism have been associated with individual differences in plasma concentrations and absorption kinetics of beta‐carotene (BC) and lycopene (LYC). However, whether these SNPs impact plasma and prostatic carotenoid concentrations in response to a dietary tomato product intervention is not known. The primary question addressed was whether any of seven common SNPs, previously found to be related to plasma carotenoid levels, are associated with the plasma LYC response in prostate cancer patients (n=47) consuming 0, 1, or 2 cans/d of a custom formulated tomato‐soy juice (20.6 mg LYC/can) for 23±1.7 d before scheduled therapeutic prostatectomy. Secondarily, the association of these SNPs with the plasma concentrations of other tomato carotenoids, phytoene (PE), phytofluene (PF), and BC, and prostate concentrations of LYC, PE, and PF were also explored. BCMO1 (rs12934922, rs7501331, and rs6564851), SCARB1 (rs11057841), ABCA1 (rs2230808), MTTP (rs2306985), and APOB48 (rs679899) genotypes were determined using TaqMan Genotyping Assays, and plasma and prostatic carotenoid levels were measured by HPLC. Significant relationships were defined using single SNP linear models with covariates for intervention duration, body mass, baseline plasma carotenoid concentrations, and extraneous carotenoid intake; plasma carotenoid concentrations were cholesterol‐adjusted. Significant SNPs and covariates were combined into a final, predictive linear model. The genotypes of BCMO1 rs12934922 and rs6564851 significantly interacted with treatment group (p=0.021 and p=0.046, respectively) to explain 5.6% of the variance in plasma LYC response to the dietary intervention, with baseline plasma LYC and treatment group being the major predictors of the plasma LYC response (15%, p&lt;0.001 and 55%, p&lt;0.001, respectively), body mass being a minor predictor (2%, p=0.021), and the remainder of the variation (23%) currently unexplained. The rs12934922 genotype interacted with group (p=0.085) to contribute 4% of the variability in prostate LYC concentrations, the rs12934922 genotype alone contributed 4% (p=0.018), and rs6564851 contributed 2% (p=0.053), while treatment group contributed 1% (p=0.035) and baseline plasma LYC contributed 16% (p=0.002), with the remaining variance being unexplained (72%). The rs12934922 genotype was significantly related to the plasma PF and BC responses, the rs7501331 genotype to the plasma PE response, and the rs2306985 and rs2230808 to the plasma and prostatic PF response, respectively. These findings indicate that common SNPs in genes related to lipid and carotenoid absorption and metabolism contribute to the variability in physiologic responses to dietary carotenoids in a controlled trial, and such SNPs may be important to consider when analyzing clinical data. Furthermore, these findings suggest novel relationships of these genes with PE and PF biodistribution. Future studies on the mechanistic effects of these SNPs on tomato carotenoid transport and metabolism are warranted. Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01009736Support or Funding InformationNIH‐R01CA112632, NIH‐UL1TR001070, NIH‐P30CA01605, The Ohio State University's Food Innovation Center and The Center for Advancement of Functional Foods Research and Entrepreneurship

Long-term effect of yolk carotenoid levels on testis size in a precocial bird.

Conditions experienced during prenatal development can have long-lasting organizational effects on offspring. Maternal carotenoids deposited in the eggs of birds and other oviparous species play an important role during fast embryonic growth and chick development through their antioxidant properties. However, the long-term consequences of variation in maternal carotenoid transfer for the offspring have seldom been considered. Since plasma carotenoid levels at adulthood are known to influence testis size and yolk carotenoid levels influence the ability to extract carotenoids later in life, we hypothesized that maternally transmitted carotenoids might influence gonad size at adulthood. Here, we showed that male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) originating from a carotenoid-enriched egg had smaller testes than control individuals at adulthood. This result shows that yolk carotenoids have long-term organizational effects. In addition, given that carotenoid intake at sexual maturity increases sperm quality and that a decreased testis size is associated with a lower sperm production, we propose that carotenoid exposure during embryo development might influence a trade-off between ejaculate size and sperm quality.

The effects of sun exposure on carotenoid accumulation and oxidative stress in the retina of the House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Diet-derived carotenoid pigments are concentrated in the retinas of birds and serve a variety of functions, including photoprotection. In domesticated bird species (e.g., chickens and quail), retinal carotenoid pigmentation has been shown to respond to large manipulations in light exposure and provide protection against photodamage. However, it is not known if or how wild birds respond to ecologically relevant variation in sun exposure. We manipulated the duration of natural sunlight exposure and dietary carotenoid levels in wild-caught captive House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), then measured carotenoid accumulation and oxidative stress in the retina. We found no significant effects of sun exposure on retinal levels of carotenoids or lipid peroxidation, in replicate experiments, in winter (Jan–Mar) and spring/summer (May–June). Dietary carotenoid supplementation in the spring/summer experiment led to significantly higher retinal carotenoid levels, but did not affect lipid peroxidation. Carotenoid levels differed significantly between the winter and spring/summer experiments, with higher retinal and lower plasma carotenoid levels in birds from the later experiment. Our results suggest that variation in the duration of exposure to direct sunlight have limited influence on intraspecific variation in retinal carotenoid accumulation, but that accumulation may track other seasonal–environmental cues and physiological processes.

Gastrointestinal tolerance and plasma status of carotenoids, EPA and DHA with a fiber-enriched tube feed in hospitalized patients initiated on tube nutrition: Randomized controlled trial

During the first days of tube feeding (TF) gastrointestinal (GI) complications are common and administration of sufficient nutrition is a challenge. Not all standard nutritionally complete formulas contain dietary fiber, fish oil or carotenoids, key dietary nutrients for health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a fiber, fish oil and carotenoid enriched TF formula on diarrhea, constipation and nutrient bioavailability. A multi-center randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel trial compared the effects of a dietary fiber, fish oil and carotenoid-enriched TF formula (test) with an isocaloric non-enriched formula (control) in 51 patients requiring initiation of TF. Incidence of diarrhea and constipation (based on stool frequency and consistency) was recorded daily. Plasma status of EPA, DHA and carotenoids was measured after 7 days. The incidence of diarrhea was lower in patients receiving the test formula compared with the control group (19% vs. 48%, p=0.034). EPA and DHA status (% of total plasma phospholipids) was higher after 7 days in test compared with control group (EPA: p=0.002, DHA: p=0.082). Plasma carotenoid levels were higher after 7 days in the test group compared with control group (lutein: p=0.024, α-carotene: p=0.005, lycopene: p=0.020, β-carotene: p=0.054). This study suggests that the nutrient-enriched TF formula tested might have a positive effect on GI tolerance with less diarrhea incidence and significantly improved EPA, DHA and carotenoid plasma levels during the initiation of TF in hospitalized patients who are at risk of diarrhea and low nutrient status. This trial was registered at trialregister.nl; registration number 2924.

Interleukin-10 neutralizing antibody for detection of intestinal luminal levels and as a dietary additive in Eimeria challenged broiler chicks

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA levels are increased within intestinal mucosa after Eimeria infection. IL-10 apical receptor presence on enterocytes suggests IL-10 is secreted into the intestinal lumen. Increased IL-10 has been shown to be central to the pathogenesis of numerous intracellular pathogens; we hypothesize luminal secretion of IL-10 enables Eimeria spp. infection in chickens. This study examines intestine luminal IL-10 levels and performance in broilers challenged with Eimeria when fed an anti-IL-10 antibody. Chicks were fed a diet (1 to 21 d) with control or anti-IL-10 antibody (0.34 g egg yolk antibody powder/Kg diet) with a saline or 10× dose of Advent coccidiosis vaccine on d 3. One chick per pen was euthanized on days 2, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 19 post-challenge, bled, and intestines were collected for luminal fluid IL-10 concentrations. Body weight and feed intake were measured on d 21, and oocyst shedding was assessed on d 7 post-challenge. A significant Eimeria × antibody interaction on d 21 body weight (P < 0.05) showed chicks fed control antibody, but not anti-IL-10, had significant reductions in body weight when challenged with Eimeria spp. Oocyst shedding was increased with Eimeria challenge, but dietary antibody had no effect. Plasma carotenoid levels were reduced in Eimeria challenged chicks 4, 7, 10, and 16 days post-challenge compared to unchallenged chicks. Lack of an Eimeria × antibody interaction showed anti-IL-10 was not protective against Eimeria-induced decreases in plasma carotenoids. Eimeria challenge increased intestine luminal IL-10 on days 4 and 7 post-challenge in the cecum and jejunum, respectively, compared to unchallenged. Dietary anti-IL-10 decreased luminal IL-10 in the ileum on day 2 post-challenge when compared to control antibody fed chicks. No interaction between Eimeria challenge and antibody was observed on intestine luminal contents of IL-10, suggesting anti-IL-10 was ineffective at preventing increased Eimeria-induced luminal IL-10. In conclusion, Eimeria challenge increased intestinal luminal IL-10 and anti-IL-10 was effective at preventing Eimeria-induced decreased body weight, however the mechanism anti-IL-10 antibody protects body weight during Eimeria challenge remains unknown.

The Importance of Carotenoid Dose in Supplementation Studies with Songbirds.

Carotenoid coloration is the one of the most frequently studied ornamental traits in animals. Many studies of carotenoid coloration test the associations between carotenoid coloration and measures of performance, such as immunocompetence and oxidative state, proceeding from the premise that carotenoids are limited resources. Such studies commonly involve supplementing the diets of captive birds with carotenoids. In many cases, however, the amount of carotenoid administered is poorly justified, and even supposedly carotenoid-limited diets may saturate birds' systems. To quantify the relationships among the amount of carotenoids administered in experiments, levels of circulating carotenoids, and quantities of carotenoids deposited into colored ornaments, we performed a meta-analysis of 15 published studies that supplemented carotenoids to one of seven songbird species. We used allometric scaling equations to estimate the per-gram carotenoid consumption of each study's subjects, and we used meta-regression to evaluate the effects of this carotenoid dose on differences in coloration and plasma carotenoid levels between supplemented and control groups of birds. After accounting for supplementation duration and species, we observed a significant positive correlation between carotenoid intake and response of plasma carotenoid level to supplementation. The presence of supplemental carotenoids also tended to increase the expression of ornamental coloration, but the magnitude of the carotenoid dose did not significantly affect how strongly coloration changed with supplementation. Further, coloration effect sizes had no significant relationship with plasma carotenoid effect sizes. We also found significant heterogeneity in responses among studies and species, and the parameters used to measure color significantly affected response to supplementation. Our results emphasize the importance of performing dosage trials to determine what supplementation levels provide limited versus surplus carotenoids and of measuring the natural level of carotenoid intake by the study species to validate the appropriateness of supplementation levels for a particular study species and experimental design.

Relation between plasma antioxidant vitamin levels, adiposity and cardio-metabolic profile in adolescents: Effects of a multidisciplinary obesity programme

Invivo and invitro evidence suggests that antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids may be key factors in the treatment and prevention of obesity and obesity-associated disorders. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between plasma lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels and adiposity and cardio-metabolic risk markers in overweight and obese adolescents participating in a multidisciplinary weight loss programme. A therapeutic programme was conducted with 103 adolescents aged 12-17 years old and diagnosed with overweight or obesity. Plasma concentrations of α-tocopherol, retinol, β-carotene and lycopene, anthropometric indicators of general and central adiposity, blood pressure and biochemical parameters were analysed at baseline and at 2 and 6 months of treatment. Lipid-corrected retinol (P<0.05), β-carotene (P=0.001) and α-tocopherol (P<0.001) plasma levels increased significantly, whereas lipid-corrected lycopene levels remained unaltered during the treatment. Anthropometric indicators of adiposity (P<0.001), blood pressure (P<0.01) and biochemical parameters (P<0.05) decreased significantly, whereas fat free mass increased significantly (P<0.001). These clinical and biochemical improvements were related to changes in plasma lipid-corrected antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels. The adolescents who experienced the greatest weight loss also showed the largest decrease in anthropometric indicators of adiposity and biochemical parameters and the highest increase in fat free mass. Weight loss in these adolescents was related to an increase in plasma levels of lipid-corrected α-tocopherol (P=0.001), β-carotene (P=0.034) and lycopene (P=0.019). Plasma lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels are associated with reduced adiposity, greater weight loss and an improved cardio-metabolic profile in overweight and obese adolescents.

Influence of phytosterol and phytostanol food supplementation on plasma liposoluble vitamins and provitamin A carotenoid levels in humans: An updated review of the evidence

ABSTRACTPhytosterols and phytostanols (PAP) compete with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, resulting in a 5–15%-reduction in plasma total and LDL cholesterol. An important issue is the PAP potential to reduce the plasma concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins and provitamin A carotenoids. Here, an update of the scientific evidence is reviewed to evaluate plant PAP-enriched foods impact on plasma fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoid levels, and to discuss potential implications in terms of cardiovascular risk. Based on 49 human interventional and 3 bioavailability studies, results showed that regular consumption, particularly over the long term, of foods fortified with PAP as recommended in labeling does not significantly impact plasma vitamins A, D, and K concentration. A 10% significant median reduction was observed for α-tocopherol. Concerning carotenoids, while 13 studies did not demonstrate statistically significant plasma β-carotene reduction, 20 studies showed significant reductions, with median effect size of −24%. This decline can be mitigated or offset by increased fruits and vegetables consumption. Furthermore, higher cardiovascular risk was observed for differences in plasma β-carotene concentration of the same magnitude as the estimated average decrease by PAP consumption. These results are supported by the only study of β-carotene bioavailability showing decrease in absorption by phytosterols daily intake.

Plasma carotenoids and tocopherols in relation to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels among men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer

BackgroundAlthough men presenting with clinically localized prostate cancer (PrCA) often are treated with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy with curative intent, about 25–40% develop biochemically recurrent PrCA within 5 years of treatment, which has no known cure. Studies suggest that carotenoid and tocopherol intake may be associated with PrCA risk and progression. We examined plasma carotenoid and tocopherol levels in relation to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels among men with PSA-defined biochemical recurrence of PrCA. MethodsData analyzed were from a 6-month diet, physical activity and stress-reduction intervention trial conducted in South Carolina among biochemically recurrent PrCA patients (n=39). Plasma carotenoids and tocopherol levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Linear regression was used to estimate least-square means comparing PSA levels of men with high versus low carotenoid/tocopherol levels, adjusting for covariates. ResultsAfter adjusting for baseline PSA level, plasma cis-lutein/zeaxanthin level at 3 months was related inversely to PSA level at 3 months (P=0.0008), while α-tocopherol (P=0.01), β-cryptoxanthin (P=0.01), and all-trans-lycopene (P=0.004) levels at 3 months were related inversely to PSA levels at 6-months. Percent increase in α-tocopherol and trans-β-carotene levels from baseline to month 3 were associated with lower PSA levels at 3 and 6 months. Percent increase in β-cryptoxanthin, cis-lutein/zeaxanthin and all-trans-lycopene were associated with lower PSA levels at 6 months only. ConclusionsCertain plasma carotenoids and tocopherols were related inversely to PSA levels at various timepoints, suggesting that greater intake of foods containing these micronutrients might be beneficial to men with PSA-defined PrCA recurrence.

Plasma carotenoid levels as biomarkers of dietary carotenoid consumption: A systematic review of the validation studies

BackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that plasma carotenoids are a reliable biomarker of usual fruit and vegetable intake. The review aims were to synthesize (i) the mean dietary intake and (ii) plasma concentrations of carotenoids reported from validation studies (iii) compare the strength of the relationship between the two, measured using different dietary assessment methods. MethodsSix databases were used to locate studies that included: adult populations, assessment of dietary intake, measurement of plasma carotenoids and reported the comparison between the two measures. ResultsOne hundred and forty-two studies were included with 95,480 participants, the majority of studies were cross-sectional (n = 86), with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 18), 14 case–control studies and 13 cohorts. The most common reported dietary carotenoid and plasma carotenoid was lycopene: weighted dietary mean intake (4555.4 ug/day), and plasma concentration 0.62 umol/L (95% CI: 0.61, 0.63, n = 56studies. The strongest weighted correlation between the two measures was found for cryptoxanthin (r = 0.38, 95% CI 0.34, 0.42) followed by a-carotene (r = 0.34, 95% CI 0.31, 0.37). ConclusionThis review summarizes typical dietary intakes and plasma concentrations and their expected associations based on validation studies conducted to date which provides a benchmark for future validation studies.

Convergent Validity of Resonance Raman Spectroscopy in Three to Five Year Old Children

ObjectiveThis poster presents data on the utility and validity of the Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RSS) device for carotenoid assessment in children. This is the first study to explore the use of the device in children less than 5 years.Design, Setting and ParticipantsRSS carotenoid values were obtained from 120 children in 12 Head Start classrooms. Parents completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) relative to 8 fruits and vegetables on a scale of 1 (Never) to 9 (2+ times/day) over the last month.Outcome Measures and AnalysisThe RSS carotenoid value was used to categorize children as above or below the national average (23,000). ANCOVA analyses adjusting for child age and ethnicity were used to examine differences between RSS categories on each FFQ item. Covariate-adjusted bivariate correlations between groups were computed.ResultsFor all FVs, children with above average RSS scores had higher FFQ scores. Differences between groups were significant or marginally significant for 5 of 7 FVs. Adjusted-bivariate correlations suggest a positive, linear relationship between RSS scores and FV consumption (range r =0.06 to r = 0.33).Conclusions and ImplicationsPrevious studies have shown a convergence between dietary questionnaires and plasma carotenoid levels in adults (e.g., Lai et al., 2014). This study builds on emerging evidence that RSS may be a valid tool for dietary assessment in young children (Aguilar et al., 2014). Due to the difficulty in findings reliable sources to report on child diet and the need to limit intrusive measurements, this device could provide an objective measure to the study of early child nutrition.FundingUSDA. ObjectiveThis poster presents data on the utility and validity of the Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RSS) device for carotenoid assessment in children. This is the first study to explore the use of the device in children less than 5 years. This poster presents data on the utility and validity of the Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RSS) device for carotenoid assessment in children. This is the first study to explore the use of the device in children less than 5 years. Design, Setting and ParticipantsRSS carotenoid values were obtained from 120 children in 12 Head Start classrooms. Parents completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) relative to 8 fruits and vegetables on a scale of 1 (Never) to 9 (2+ times/day) over the last month. RSS carotenoid values were obtained from 120 children in 12 Head Start classrooms. Parents completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) relative to 8 fruits and vegetables on a scale of 1 (Never) to 9 (2+ times/day) over the last month. Outcome Measures and AnalysisThe RSS carotenoid value was used to categorize children as above or below the national average (23,000). ANCOVA analyses adjusting for child age and ethnicity were used to examine differences between RSS categories on each FFQ item. Covariate-adjusted bivariate correlations between groups were computed. The RSS carotenoid value was used to categorize children as above or below the national average (23,000). ANCOVA analyses adjusting for child age and ethnicity were used to examine differences between RSS categories on each FFQ item. Covariate-adjusted bivariate correlations between groups were computed. ResultsFor all FVs, children with above average RSS scores had higher FFQ scores. Differences between groups were significant or marginally significant for 5 of 7 FVs. Adjusted-bivariate correlations suggest a positive, linear relationship between RSS scores and FV consumption (range r =0.06 to r = 0.33). For all FVs, children with above average RSS scores had higher FFQ scores. Differences between groups were significant or marginally significant for 5 of 7 FVs. Adjusted-bivariate correlations suggest a positive, linear relationship between RSS scores and FV consumption (range r =0.06 to r = 0.33). Conclusions and ImplicationsPrevious studies have shown a convergence between dietary questionnaires and plasma carotenoid levels in adults (e.g., Lai et al., 2014). This study builds on emerging evidence that RSS may be a valid tool for dietary assessment in young children (Aguilar et al., 2014). Due to the difficulty in findings reliable sources to report on child diet and the need to limit intrusive measurements, this device could provide an objective measure to the study of early child nutrition. Previous studies have shown a convergence between dietary questionnaires and plasma carotenoid levels in adults (e.g., Lai et al., 2014). This study builds on emerging evidence that RSS may be a valid tool for dietary assessment in young children (Aguilar et al., 2014). Due to the difficulty in findings reliable sources to report on child diet and the need to limit intrusive measurements, this device could provide an objective measure to the study of early child nutrition.

Carotenoids increase immunity and sex specifically affect color and redox homeostasis in a monochromatic seabird

Carotenoid-based integument coloration is extremely widespread in animals and commonly used as an honest signal of condition in sexual selection. Besides being used for color expression, carotenoids have antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. Being a limited resource, carotenoid allocation to competing demands generates a trade-off. Recent studies, however, suggest that the antioxidant role of carotenoids might not be as important as previously thought. To shed light on the mechanism maintaining carotenoid-based signal honesty in the black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), we supplemented males and females with dietary yellow xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin) during the chick-rearing period, when male coloration may be a good indicator of future reproductive success. The supplementation affected plasma carotenoid levels similarly in males and females, i.e., it increased the levels of lutein but decreased the levels of total astaxanthin, one of the main pigments coloring integuments in this species. Supplemented adults and their chicks had stronger immune response than controls, suggesting that yellow xanthophylls enhance the innate immune system in kittiwakes. However, supplementation caused sex-specific effects on integument coloration and oxidative stress. Supplemented males had duller integuments, but similar oxidative damages compared to control males, while supplemented females had more colorful integuments, but higher oxidative damages than control females. Because the increase in lutein was associated with a decrease in other potential antioxidants (i.e., astaxanthin and vitamin A), the role of carotenoids as antioxidants in kittiwakes remains undetermined. Our results, however, indicate that the trade-off responses to carotenoid availability are sex-specific in kittiwakes.