Serum Carotenoids Research Articles

Markers of systemic exposures to products of intestinal bacteria in a dietary intervention study.

Systemic exposures to intestinal bacteria may play a role in the etiology of the chronic, low-grade inflammation that is associated with western diets. Production of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) is one biomarker of increased exposures to intestinal bacteria. This study evaluated whether changes in diet quality could affect serum LBP. This was a randomized, controlled trial of Mediterranean and Healthy Eating diets over 6 months in 120 healthy subjects at increased risk of colon cancer. Blood samples obtained before and after intervention were analyzed for LBP, branched-chain fatty acids characteristic of intestinal bacteria, micronutrients and cytokines. Data were analyzed for changes in LBP over time and for predictors of LBP. Serum concentrations of branched-chain bacterial fatty acids declined significantly in both diet groups. However, there was no significant change in mean serum LBP concentrations with either diet intervention. In serum, LBP was positively associated with CRP and negatively associated with carotenoids both before and after intervention. After intervention, LBP was predicted positively by both CRP and bacterial fatty acid concentrations in serum, and negatively by serum carotenoids and the ω3/ω6 fatty acid ratio. This model accounted for 30 % of the inter-individual variation in serum LBP after intervention. These results indicate that dietary intervention over 6 months was insufficient to alter serum LBP. The relationships with inflammation-related markers, however, indicate that anti-inflammatory strategies other than changes in diet quality, such as weight loss or improved fitness, may have more potential for reducing systemic markers of LPS exposures in well-nourished populations.

Serum carotenoid, retinol and tocopherol concentrations and risk of cervical cancer among Chinese women.

Despite many epidemiological studies on the effects of dietary antioxidant micronutrients on risk of cervical cancer, the findings remain uncertain and little evidence is available for serum nutrient markers. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between serum carotenoid, retinol and tocopherol concentrations and risk of cervical cancer among Chinese women. We conducted a hospital-based case- control study in which 358 adults (158 incident cases and 200 controls) were recruited from Xinjiang, China. Serum levels of carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin), retinol, and tocopherols (α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol) were assessed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. We found inverse associations between serum carotenoid (α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein/zeaxanthin) and tocopherol (α-tocopherol) concentrations and the risk of cervical cancer after adjusting for potential confounders, but a null association for retinol. The ORs for 1-SD increase were 0.71 (95% CI: 0.56- 0.92; p=0.003) for total carotenoids and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.60-0.94; p=0.008) for total tocopherols. These results show that higher serum concentrations of some carotenoids and tocopherols are associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer among Chinese women.

Serum Carotenoid Concentrations and Prostate Cancer Risk: Results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial

Epidemiologic studies examining associations of circulating concentrations of retinol and carotenoids with prostate cancer risk have been mixed. This study examined associations with serum retinol and carotenoids in a case‐control study nested within the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (n = 1752 controls, 1687 cases). Presence or absence of cancer was determined by prostate biopsy, recommended during the trial due to elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE), and offered to all men at trial end. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusting for age, race, BMI, family history of prostate cancer, and serum cholesterol. In the placebo arm, men in the highest quartile of serum retinol had a 30% (OR (95% CI): 1.30 (1.00, 1.68), P‐trend = 0.04) and 74% (OR (95% CI): 1.74 (1.14, 2.68), P‐trend = 0.02) increased odds of total and high‐grade prostate cancer, respectively, relative to those in the lowest. The highest quartile of serum α‐carotene was associated with a 32% (OR (95% CI): 1.32 (1.01, 1.73), P‐trend = 0.03) increased odds of total prostate cancer, relative to the lowest. Associations with retinol were strongest in men who used vitamin A supplements, or who were diagnosed due to abnormal PSA or DRE. There were no associations with serum retinol and α‐carotene in the finasteride arm, or with β‐carotene and β‐cryptoxanthan in either treatment arm. This study was supported by the National Cancer Institute: P01 CA108964, U01 CA37429.

Avocado Consumption Increases Neural Lutein and Improves Cognitive Function

Lutein, a dietary carotenoid, is selectively taken up into primate neural tissue such as the macula and brain. Lutein levels in serum, macula (macular pigment, MP) and brain are related to better cognition. MP is a biomarker of lutein levels in brain. Avocados are a highly bioavailable source of lutein. This 6 mo randomized, controlled trial tested the effects of daily intake of 1 medium avocado (AV, n=19) vs 1 medium potato or 1 cup of chickpeas (C, n=20) on serum lutein levels, MP density and cognition in healthy older adults (>50 yrs). Serum carotenoids were measured by HPLC. MP density, using heterochromatic flicker photometry, was used as a measure of lutein in neural tissue. A computerized cognitive assessment battery was used for cognition measures (CANTAB). At baseline there were no significant differences between the AV and C in any of the study measures. At 6 mo, serum lutein levels in the AV group significantly increased from baseline by 20% (34.7+11.2 to 41.8+14.3 pmol/dL, p <0.0005) whereas the C group increased by 7% (34.8+17.3 to 37.1+16.3 pmol/dL, p <0.03). At 6 mo there was a significant increase in MP density in the AV group (0.396+0.141 to 0.481+0.123 OD, p <0.001). MP density did not change from baseline in the C group (0.385+0.166 vs 0.424+0.145 OD). In the AV group the change in MP density was significantly related to an improved spatial working memory (p <0.009) and problem approaching efficiency (p <0.036). No significant changes in cognitive function were observed in the C group. These data suggest that an intervention with avocados to increase neural lutein is an effective dietary strategy for cognitive health. This study was supported by the Hass Avocado Board and USDA 58-1950-0-014

Vitamin A Status and Serum Carotenoid Levels of Adolescent School Girls from Northern Ethiopia

Vitamin A Status and Serum Carotenoid Levels of Adolescent School Girls from Northern Ethiopia

β-Cryptoxanthin and the risk for lifestyle-related disease: findings from recent nutritional epidemiologic studies

Antioxidant micronutrients, such as vitamins and carotenoids, exist in abundance in fruits and vegetables and have been known to contribute to the body's defense against reactive oxygen species. Numerous recent epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that a high dietary consumption of fruit and vegetables rich in carotenoids or with high serum carotenoid concentrations results in lower risks of certain cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These epidemiologic studies have suggested that antioxidant carotenoids may have a protective effect against several lifestyle-related diseases. β-Cryptoxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in Japanese mandarin (Citrus unshiu MARC.) fruit, which is mainly produced in Japan. Our nutritional epidemiologic survey, the Mikkabi Study, utilized data derived from health examinations of inhabitants performed in the town of Mikkabi in Shizuoka, Japan. In this survey, we measured serum β-cryptoxanthin as a specific biomarker to estimate the consumption of Japanese mandarin fruit. From the cross-sectional analyses from the Mikkabi Study, we found inverse associations of serum β-cryptoxanthin with the risks for atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, liver dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, low bone mineral density, and oxidative stress. In this review, recent epidemiologic studies about the associations between serum β-cryptoxanthin with the risk for several lifestyle-related diseases were reviewed.

Dietary predictors of arterial stiffness in a cohort with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Objective: To determine the dietary predictors of central blood pressure, augmentation index and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Methods: Participants were diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and had PWV and/or pulse wave analysis performed. Dietary intake was measured using the Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies Version 2 Food Frequency Questionnaire. Serum lipid species and carotenoids were measured, using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography, as biomarkers of dairy and vegetable intake, respectively. Associations were determined using linear regression adjusted for potential confounders. Results: PWV (n = 95) was inversely associated with reduced fat dairy intake (β = −0.01; 95% CI −0.02, −0.01; p = 0 < 0.05) in particular yoghurt consumption (β = −0.04; 95% CI −0.09, −0.01; p = 0 < 0.05) after multivariate adjustment. Total vegetable consumption was negatively associated with PWV in the whole cohort after full adjustment (β = −0.04; 95% CI −0.07, −0.01; p < 0.05). Individual lipid species, particularly those containing 14:0, 15:0, 16:0, 17:0 and 17:1 fatty acids, known to be of ruminant origin, in lysophosphatidylcholine, cholesterol ester, diacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin and triacylglycerol classes were positively associated with intake of full fat dairy, after adjustment for multiple comparisons. However, there was no association between serum lipid species and PWV. There were no dietary predictors of central blood pressure or augmentation index after multivariate adjustment. Conclusion: In this cohort of subjects with diabetes reduced fat dairy intake and vegetable consumption were inversely associated with PWV. The lack of a relationship between serum lipid species and PWV suggests that the fatty acid composition of dairy may not explain the beneficial effect.

Higher serum carotenoid concentrations associated with a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults

The association between serum carotenoids and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains uncertain, and little is known about this relationship in the Chinese population. The present study examined the association between serum carotenoid concentrations and the MetS in Chinese adults. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in which 2148 subjects (1547 women and 601 men) aged 50-75 years were recruited in urban Guangzhou, China. Dietary data and other covariates were collected during face-to-face interviews. Blood pressure, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose and serum carotenoids (α-, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin) were examined. We found dose-response inverse relationships between individual serum carotenoid concentrations and total carotenoids and the prevalence of the MetS after adjusting for potential confounders (P for trend < 0.001). The OR of the MetS for the highest (v. lowest) quartile were 0.31 (95% CI 0.20, 0.47) for α-carotene, 0.23 (95% CI 0.15, 0.36) for β-carotene, 0.44 (95% CI 0.29, 0.67) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.39 (95% CI 0.26, 0.58) for lycopene, 0.28 (95% CI 0.18, 0.44) for lutein+zeaxanthin and 0.19 (95% CI 0.12, 0.30) for total carotenoids. Higher concentrations of each individual carotenoid and total carotenoids were significantly associated with a decrease in the number of abnormal MetS components (P for trend < 0.001-0.023). Higher serum carotenoid levels were associated with a lower prevalence of the MetS and fewer abnormal MetS components in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults.

Abstract 2144: Retinoid and carotenoid depletion in patients at high-risk for liver cancer

Abstract Approximately 3.2 million Americans are chronically infected with hepatitis C (HCV), forming the largest group at high-risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Oxidative stress due to chronic inflammation impels the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) &amp; subsequent HCC. Deficiencies in dietary antioxidants such as retinoids and carotenoids may represent a modifiable risk factor for HCC progression. This study aims to identify key predictors of serum antioxidant levels in patients with CLD, to quantify the association between systemic measures of oxidative stress and antioxidant status, and to examine the relationship between retinoid/carotenoid concentrations in serum and hepatic tissue. Patients with HCV undergoing liver biopsy (n=69) provided fasting blood, fresh tissue, urine, and responses to a diet history questionnaire (DHQ). We also collected serum and questionnaire data from healthy volunteers (n=11), and normal liver tissue from public repositories and patients without liver disease (n=11). Serum and tissue retinoid concentrations were obtained by mass spectroscopy. Serum retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) was quantified by ELISA. Urine 8OHdG and F2α-isoprostanes were determined by mass spectroscopy. Dietary retinoid intake was estimated by DHQ. Associations between diet, serum and tissue retinoids, and urinary oxidative stress markers were assessed by Spearman correlation coefficients. Dietary β-carotene and lutein were associated with their respective serum concentrations (r = 0.24, p = 0.05; r = 0.33, p &amp;lt; 0.01). There was a significant downward trend for serum retinol, lycopene and RBP4 concentrations with progressive fibrosis; mean serum concentrations were lower in subjects with chronic HCV but no fibrosis compared to controls. Urinary isoprostanes levels were inversely correlated with serum retinol (r= -0.22, p = 0.05), β-carotene (r= -0.22 p = 0.05), and RBP4 (r= -0.25 p = 0.03). Urinary 8OHDG did not correlate with any serum retinoids or carotenoids. Serum β-carotene and lycopene were strongly associated with the respective tissue concentrations (r = 0.56, p&amp;lt;.01; r= 0.76 p&amp;lt; 0.01); however, serum retinol and tissue retinyl palmitate did not correlate in this population (r = -0.08 p = 0.55). There was a suggestive downward trend of tissue retinyl palmitate with increasing levels of fibrosis. Depletion of serum retinol, β-carotene, and RBP4 worsens with liver fibrosis severity. RBP4 might be a better marker for vitamin A status due to its stronger association with disease severity. Retinoid and carotenoid levels decline as disease progresses, and our data suggest that this decline occurs early in the disease process, even before fibrosis is apparent. In HCV patients, decreases in retinoid/carotenoid levels are accompanied by an increase in urinary F2α-isoprostanes, an indicator of lipid peroxidation due to oxidative stress. Dietary or chemopreventive strategies for replenishing antioxidant levels should be studied further. Citation Format: Yachana Kataria, Erika Enk Rueter, Ryan Deaton, Donald Jensen, Scott Cotler, Peter Gann. Retinoid and carotenoid depletion in patients at high-risk for liver cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2144. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2144

Patterns of dietary intake and serum carotenoid and tocopherol status are associated with biomarkers of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Dietary modification may affect inflammatory processes and protect against chronic disease. In the present study, we examined the relationship between dietary patterns, circulating carotenoid and tocopherol concentrations, and biomarkers of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation in a 10-year longitudinal study of Scottish postmenopausal women. Diet was assessed by FFQ during 1997-2000 (n 3237, mean age 54·8 (SD 2·2) years). Participants (n 2130, mean age 66·0 (SD 2·2) years) returned during 2007-11 for follow-up. Diet was assessed by FFQ (n 1682) and blood was collected for the analysis of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-6, serum amyloid A, E-selectin, lipid profile and dietary biomarkers (carotenoids, tocopherols and retinol). Dietary pattern and dietary biomarker (serum carotenoid) components were generated by principal components analysis. A past 'prudent' dietary pattern predicted serum concentrations of hs-CRP and IL-6 (which decreased across the quintiles of the dietary pattern; P= 0·002 and P= 0·001, respectively; ANCOVA). Contemporary dietary patterns were also associated with inflammatory biomarkers. The concentrations of hs-CRP and IL-6 decreased across the quintiles of the 'prudent' dietary pattern (P= 0·030 and P= 0·006, respectively). hs-CRP concentration increased across the quintiles of a 'meat-dominated' dietary pattern (P= 0·001). Inflammatory biomarker concentrations decreased markedly across the quintiles of carotenoid component score (P< 0·001 for hs-CRP and IL-6, and P= 0·016 for E-selectin; ANCOVA). Prudent dietary pattern and carotenoid component scores were negatively associated with serum hs-CRP concentration (unstandardised β for prudent component: -0·053, 95% CI -0·102, -0·003; carotenoid component: -0·183, 95% CI -0·233, -0·134) independent of study covariates. A prudent dietary pattern (which reflects a diet high in the intakes of fish, yogurt, pulses, rice, pasta and wine, in addition to fruit and vegetable consumption) and a serum carotenoid profile characteristic of a fruit and vegetable-rich diet are associated with lower concentrations of intermediary markers that are indicative of CVD risk reduction.

PENILAIAN STATUS VITAMIN A SECARA BIOKIMIA

VITAMIN A ASSESSMENT BY BIOCHEMICAL METHODS Vitamin A has an important preventive effects on maternal and child mortality. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the most devastating dietary deficiencies. Several methods are available to assess VAD. Tradisionally, clinical signs and symptoms of xerophthalmia were used to identify the severity of population with vitamin A deficiency. Biochemical assessment methods available which include serum retinol, serum retinol binding protein, serum retinyl ester, serum carotenoids, dose response test, the deuterated retinol isotope dilution test and breast milk retinol concentrations. The determination of of retinol in blood (serum retinol concentrations) is one of the most frequently used methods, have been used extensively to identify populations at risk of vitamin A deficiency. However, this method has several limitations. The major drawback of serum retinol is taking blood samples are required. Beside that, serum retinol is decreased only in sever VAD, when liver stores are nearly exhausted. Because the majority of vitamin A in the body is stored in the liver, then the tests to measure vitamin A stores should be developed in order to know the vitamin A status. Vitamin A concentration in breast milk is a prospective indicator of VAD. Breast milk collection is less invasive and usually easier than blood drawing, do not have to be further processed at the field station, thus shortening sample preparation. For the future indicator of vitamin A, methods that are in development include using isotope dilution. Keywords : breast milk retinol, serum retinol, vitamin A analysis

Gene polymorphisms and gene scores linked to low serum carotenoid status and their associations with metabolic disturbance and depressive symptoms in African-American adults.

Gene polymorphisms provide a means to obtain unconfounded associations between carotenoids and various health outcomes. In the present study, we tested whether gene polymorphisms and gene scores linked to low serum carotenoid status are related to metabolic disturbance and depressive symptoms in African-American adults residing in Baltimore city, MD, using cross-sectional data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study (age range 30-64 years, n 873-994). We examined twenty-four SNP of various gene loci that were previously shown to be associated with low serum carotenoid status (SNPlcar). Gene risk scores were created: five low specific-carotenoid risk scores (LSCRS: α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein+zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) and one low total-carotenoid risk score (LTCRS: total carotenoids). SNPlcar, LSCRS and LTCRS were entered as predictors for a number of health outcomes. These included obesity, National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III metabolic syndrome and its components, elevated homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, hyperuricaemia and elevated depressive symptoms (EDS, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression score ≥ 16). Among the key findings, SNPlcar were not associated with the main outcomes after correction for multiple testing. However, an inverse association was found between the LTCRS and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) dyslipidaemia. Specifically, the α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin LSCRS were associated with a lower odds of HDL-C dyslipidaemia. However, the β-cryptoxanthin LSCRS was linked to a higher odds of EDS, with a linear dose-response relationship. In summary, gene risk scores linked to low serum carotenoids had mixed effects on HDL-C dyslipidaemia and EDS. Further studies using larger African-American population samples are needed.

Dietary Carotenoids Are Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Biomarkers Mediated by Serum Carotenoid Concentrations

Hyperlipidemia and elevated circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) and total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations are cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Previous studies indicated that higher serum carotenoid concentrations were inversely associated with some of these biomarkers. However, whether dietary carotenoid intake is inversely associated with these CVD risk biomarkers is not well known. We assessed the associations between individual dietary carotenoid intake and CVD risk biomarkers and tested whether the serum carotenoid concentrations explain (mediate) or influence the strength of (moderate) the associations, if any association exists. Dietary data collected from 2 24-h dietary recalls and serum measurements in adult men (n = 1312) and women (n = 1544) from the NHANES 2003–2006 were used. Regression models designed for survey analysis were used to examine the associations between individual dietary carotenoids and log-transformed blood cholesterol, CRP, and tHcy. The corresponding individual serum carotenoid concentration was considered as mediator (and moderator if applicable). After adjustment for covariates, significant inverse associations with LDL cholesterol were observed for dietary β-carotene (P < 0.05) and lutein + zeaxanthin (P < 0.001), and with tHcy for dietary β-carotene (P < 0.05), lycopene (P < 0.05), and total carotenoids (P < 0.05). Dietary lutein + zeaxanthin intake was also positively associated with HDL cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.01). Most of these associations were null after additional adjustment for corresponding serum carotenoid concentrations, indicating the complete mediation effects of serum carotenoids. Serum β-carotene significantly moderated the associations between dietary β-carotene and CRP (P-interaction < 0.05), and quartile 4 of dietary β-carotene was associated with lower CRP concentrations only among participants with serum β-carotene > 0.43 μmol/L. In this population-based cross-sectional study, serum carotenoids were mediators of dietary carotenoids and CVD risk biomarker associations. Serum β-carotene was also a moderator of the dietary β-carotene and CRP association. These findings may help in the design of future intervention studies on dietary carotenoids in the prevention of CVD.

Skin Carotenoids: A Biomarker of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Children

BackgroundStudies of adult subjects have found a strong correlation between serum carotenoids and skin carotenoids measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS). No published studies have examined correlations between skin and serum carotenoids among children. ObjectivesWe aimed to validate skin RRS methodology against serum carotenoid measurements by high-performance liquid chromatography and to determine whether RRS can be used as a valid biomarker of fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake among children. DesignIn our cross-sectional study, participants were 45 healthy children aged 5 to 17 years who provided three blood samples used to assess serum carotenoid concentrations and three RRS skin measurements of the palm within a 4-week period. Dietary intake of F/V was assessed three times within 4 weeks using a 27-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and an automated multiple-pass 24-hour daily recall. Estimates of intake from three FFQs, completed at least 7 days apart, were averaged. Estimates of intake from 24-hour daily recalls were collected on 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day and averaged. ResultsLevels of skin and serum carotenoids were highly correlated (R2=0.62; P<0.001). A linear regression model, controlling for child's weight and scanner unit, predicted that for every unit increase of total F/V from FFQ and total F/V as assessed by 24-hour daily recall, RRS intensity was predicted to increase by 3,798 (P=0.001) and 3,504 (P=0.001), respectively. Similar results were observed for reported high-carotenoid vegetable intake. Total carotenoid and beta carotene levels from 24-hour daily recalls correlated to total serum carotenoids levels (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Total carotenoid, alpha carotene, and beta carotene levels from the 24-hour daily recalls correlated to RRS (P<0.01). ConclusionsSkin carotenoids measured by RRS were strongly correlated with serum carotenoid levels and were positively associated with estimates of intake from FFQ and an automated multiple-pass 24-hour daily recall among children aged 5 to 17 years. Skin carotenoids may be used as valid biomarker of F/V intake among children.

Impact of daily Chlorella consumption on serum lipid and carotenoid profiles in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

BackgroundHigh level of serum cholesterol is considered to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed to test the hypothesis that a daily intake of Chlorella may improve serum lipid profile through enhancement of serum carotenoid concentration in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects.MethodsEligible subjects (n = 63) were randomized to either Chlorella (5 g/day) or placebo for a double-blinded trial with a 2-week lead-in period and a 4-week intervention period. Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins and carotenoids were assessed at the beginning and the end of the trial.ResultsCompared with the control group, the Chlorella group exhibited remarkable changes in total cholesterol (Chlorella −1.6%; placebo 0.03%; P = 0.036), triglycerides (Chlorella −10.3%; placebo 11.9%; P = 0.002), lutein/zeaxanthin (Chlorella 89.6%; placebo −1.7%; P < 0.0001), and α-carotene (Chlorella 163.6%; placebo 15%; P < 0.0001). Improvement of serum lipids was supported by significant reductions of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Chlorella −11%; placebo 11.8%; P = 0.006), apolipoprotein B (Chlorella −1.5%; placebo 1.7%; P = 0.044), non high-density lipoprotein (Chlorella −2.6%; placebo −0.5%; P = 0.032), and high-density lipoprotein/triglycerides (Chlorella 4.0%; placebo −9.5%; P = 0.023), suggesting an inhibitory effect of Chlorella on the intestinal absorption of dietary and endogenous lipids. Further, the changes of serum lipids appeared to be associated with the changes of serum carotenoids.ConclusionDaily consumption of Chlorella supplements provided the potential of health benefits reducing serum lipid risk factors, mainly triglycerides and total cholesterol, in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. The effect was related to carotenoid consumption.Trial registrationWHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform KCT0000259.

Diet and proinflammatory cytokine levels in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Proinflammatory cytokine levels may be associated with cancer stage, recurrence, and survival. The objective of this study was to determine whether cytokine levels were associated with dietary patterns and fat-soluble micronutrients in patients with previously untreated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This was a cross-sectional study of 160 patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC who completed pretreatment food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and health surveys. Dietary patterns were derived from FFQs using principal component analysis. Pretreatment serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and serum carotenoid and tocopherol levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models examined associations between cytokines and quartiles of reported and serum dietary variables. Three dietary patterns emerged: whole foods, Western, and convenience foods. In multivariable analyses, higher whole foods pattern scores were significantly associated with lower levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ (P ≤ .001, P = .008, and P = .03, respectively). Significant inverse associations were reported between IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels and quartiles of total reported carotenoid intake (P = .006, P = .04, and P = .04, respectively). There was an inverse association between IFN-γ levels and serum α-tocopherol levels (P = .03). Consuming a pretreatment diet rich in vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, and whole grains may be associated with lower proinflammatory cytokine levels in patients with HNSCC.

Serum carotenoid levels and risk of lung cancer death in US adults.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer-induced death in the USA. Although much attention has been focused on the anti-carcinogenic effect of consuming carotenoid-containing food or supplements, the results have been inconsistent. We investigated whether serum carotenoid levels were associated with the mortality risk of lung cancer in US adults using data from a nationally representative sample. The data were obtained from the Third Nutrition and Health Examination Survey (NHANES III) database and the NHANES III Linked Mortality File. A total of 10 382 participants aged over 20 years with available serum carotenoid levels and no other missing information on questionnaires and biomarkers at baseline (NHANES III) were included in the present study. Of the 10 382 participants, 161 subjects died due to lung cancer. We found that high serum levels of alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin at baseline were significantly associated with a lower risk of lung cancer death. When we stratified the risk by current smoking status, the risk of death of current smokers was significantly decreased to 46% (95% confidence interval, 31–94%) for alpha-carotene and 61% (95% confidence interval, 19–80%) for beta-cryptoxanthin. By contrast, no association was observed among never/former smokers at baseline. High serum levels of alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin are associated with a lower risk of lung cancer death in US adults.

Consumption of 12 eggs per week for 1 year increases serum zeaxanthin concentrations but not other major carotenoids, tocopherols, and retinol in humans (645.25)

Previous work has shown that egg yolk consumption yields increase bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin compared to dietary supplements. However, little is known of the effects of an egg‐rich diet on serum levels of the other carotenoids, vitamin A and vitamin E. This study investigated how a diet of 12 eggs per week for 1 year influenced serum carotenoid, tocopherol, and retinol concentrations in adults. A group of 45 adults were placed into either the intervention group (n=27; consumed 12 eggs per week for 12 months) or control group (n=18; consumed no eggs or high egg products for 12 months) after 6 weeks of an egg‐free diet. Serum carotenoid and vitamin concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at baseline and 12 months. Seven day diet records were collected and analyzed on a monthly basis to help ensure the egg consumption protocol. Results showed that the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant increase (83%) in serum zeaxanthin concentrations after 12 months. A notable, but not statistically significant, increase in serum lutein concentration was also observed in the intervention group (52%) after 12 months. Although serum alpha‐carotene concentration did not change in the intervention group, it significantly increased in the control group (18%) after 12 months. No other serum carotenoid, retinol, or alpha‐ or gamma‐tocopherol concentrations changed significantly during the 12 months. The findings of this study suggest that egg yolk consumption does not significantly alter the serum concentrations of tocopherols, retinol, and carotenoids other than alpha‐carotene and zeaxanthin.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Egg Nutrition Center

Distribution of retinol, carotenoids and tocopherols in serum lipoproteins in lactating women: a longitudinal study (1017.10)

We aimed to investigate the distribution of retinol, carotenoids and tocopherols in serum lipoprotein fractions, and to investigate associations with dietary intake in a longitudinal observational study with Brazilian lactating women. Lactating adults (n=15) were followed from between the weeks 2 to 4 (t1) through to weeks 12 and 14 (t2) postpartum. Dietary intake was assessed through dietary records and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary data were analyzed by the Multiple Source Method internet tool (https://msm.dife.de/). Serum vitamins were analyzed by reversed phase HPLC‐DAD‐FL. Levels of carotenoids in serum were comparable to those reported for Brazilian lactating women in other studies. Alpha‐tocoferol, alpha‐carotene, beta‐carotene and lycopene were primarily parted in LDL/VLDL fraction and lutein and zeaxanthin were primarily in HDL fraction. In contrast, retinol was equally distributed between the LDL/VLDL and the HDL/RBP fractions. Both total and HDL‐fraction lutein/zeaxanthin were positively correlated (Pearson) with dietary intake (p&lt; 0.007 and p&lt; 0.005, respectively). Our results indicate that retinol, carotenoids and tocopherols are differently distributed in serum lipoproteins, suggesting that selective mechanisms can account for serum transport of these components in lactating women, with potential consequences to mechanisms of transference into breast milk.Grant Funding Source: Supported by FAPERJ, CNPq, CAPES (Brazil)

Independent effects of BMI, CRP and carotenoids, but not diet change, on LPS binding protein concentrations (825.2)

Mediterranean diets are known to have anti‐inflammatory effects as compared with Western diets, but the etiology of this association is not known. One factor that could contribute to the chronic, low‐grade pro‐inflammatory state that is associated with Western diets is exposure to intestinal bacteria. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide exposures elicit an immune response that is mediated by lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). LBP helps concentrate lipopolysaccharide at membrane toll‐like receptors. In this study, blood samples were obtained from 120 subjects at high risk for colon cancer before and after randomization to either a Mediterranean or Healthy Eating diet for 6 months. There was no significant change in serum LBP concentrations in either diet arm. In evaluating influential factors at baseline, there was a significant inverse correlation between LBP and serum carotenoids (r = ‐0.299, p&lt;0.001), and positive correlations with C‐reactive protein (r =0.323, p&lt;0.001) and BMI (r =0.322, p=0.004). These three factors had independent effects and accounted for 14% of the variability in serum LBP concentrations at baseline. Since the study was designed to maintain baseline weight, it was not possible to evaluate the effects of weight change on LBP levels. Both interventions did increase serum carotenoids, but the study was only 6 months long which could limit any diet intervention effects. Further research should be designed to delineate the relative effects of diet quality and body weight on serum LBP concentrations. Research on methods to quantify bacterial exposures more directly is also needed to enable studies of the links between intestinal microflora, systemic pro‐inflammatory states and cancer.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH grants RO1 CA120381 and P50 CA130810