Serum Levels Of Antioxidant Vitamins Research Articles

Changes in Serum Antioxidant Vitamin Levels After Consumption of Korean Diet and American Diet Among Korean Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate changes in serum antioxidant vitamin levels after consumption of balanced Korean diet (BKD), recommended American diet (RAD), and typical American diet (TAD) among Korean adults from a randomized controlled trial. Methods Among 54 adults aged 25–65 years with body mass index ≥23 kg/m2 and blood LDL-cholesterol ≥120 mg/dL who finished a crossover feeding study conducted between 2015–2017, 16 subjects were selected for analyses of serum β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol levels at baseline and after consumption of each diet for 4 weeks. Serum antioxidant vitamin levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results Mean levels of serum β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol at baseline were 0.37, 0.34, and 7.19 mg/L, respectively. After consumption of BKD, increase in serum β-carotene and retinol levels was observed compared to the baseline, whereas α-tocopherol level was decreased. After consumption of RAD, serum β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol levels were increased. However, retinol level was reduced after consumption of TAD. Conclusions This study may provide evidences about effects of diets on antioxidant vitamin levels in human body. Funding Sources This work was carried out with the support of ‘Research Program for Agricultural Science and Technology Development’, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea (Project No. PJ013475022018).

Effects of Plantago major extract on serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in broiler

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Plantago major liquid extract on serum antioxidant vitamin and mineral concentrations of broiler. The experiment consisted of the control and 2 treatment groups, composed of 28 Ross 308 broiler chicks (Total, 84). A basal (control) diet was formulated. P. Major was added to the control diet as following: PM1 (5 g/kg feed), PM2 (10 g/kg feed). The chicks were feed for 42 days ad libitum. The serum micronutrients (Retinol, á-tocopherol, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc) levels were determined. The retinol, á-tocopherol, Fe, Mg, Mn levels were not affected, and the Zn levels decreased in the PM1 and PM2. The supplementation of P. major has affected the serum vitamin D and Zn levels for this study, and should be analyzed for the alterations on the metabolism in subsequent studies.

Association of serum carotenoid, retinol, and tocopherol concentrations with the progression of Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESA pivotal role of oxidative stress has been emphasized in the pathogenesis as well as in the disease progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed at investigating serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elucidating whether they could be associated with the pathogenesis and progression of PD.MATERIALS/METHODSSerum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, α- and β-carotenes, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin were measured and compared between 104 patients with idiopathic PD and 52 healthy controls matched for age and gender. In order to examine the relationship between antioxidant vitamins and the disease progression, multiple group comparisons were performed among the early PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage I and II, N = 47), advanced PD (stage III and IV, N = 57) and control groups. Separate correlation analyses were performed between the measured antioxidant vitamins and clinical variables, such as Hoehn and Yahr stage and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score.RESULTSCompared to controls, PD patients had lower levels of α- and β-carotenes and lycopene. α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene levels were significantly reduced in advanced PD patients relative to early PD patients and were negatively correlated with Hoehn and Yahr stage and UPDRS motor score in PD patients. No significant differences were found in serum levels of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherols, and other carotenoids between PD patients and controls. No significant correlations were found between these vitamin levels and clinical variables in PD patients.CONCLUSIONSWe found that serum levels of some carotenoids, α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene, were lower in PD patients, and that these carotenoids inversely correlated with clinical variables representing disease progression. Our findings suggest that decreases in serum α-carotene, β-carotene and lycopene may be associated with the pathogenesis as well as progression of PD.

Relationship between perinatal antioxidant vitamin and heavy metal levels and the growth and cognitive development of children at 5 years of age.

To evaluate how prenatal exposure to antioxidant vitamins and heavy metals affects subsequent development. Maternal serum and cord serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, E, and C) were determined. Full-state, performance, and verbal intelligence quotients (FSIQ, PIQ, and VIQ, respectively) of 97 children were assessed at 5 years of age. The placental transport ratio (PTR: cord level relative to maternal serum level) of vitamin A (VA) was associated positively with FSIQ score (p=0.041), vitamin E (VE)-PTR was associated positively with PIQ (p=0.002) and FSIQ (p=0.025) scores, and cord serum cadmium (Cd) level was correlated negatively with VIQ score (p=0.025) at 5 years of age. High VE-PTR protected against low PIQ (OR=0.025; p=0.021) and FSIQ (OR<0.001; p=0.004). High maternal age was a protective factor against low VIQ (OR=0.661; 95% CI, 0.500- 0.875; p=0.004) and FSIQ (OR=0.700; 95% CI, 0.512-0.957; p=0.025). A higher maternal education (OR=0.038; 95% CI, 0.003-0.458; p=0.010) and economic level (OR=0.047; 95% CI, 0.004-0.579; p=0.017) were protective against a low FSIQ score. VA-PTR predicted physical growth. VA-PTR and VE-PTR predicted intelligence test performance at 5 years old. High Cd in cord blood may negatively affect subsequent intelligence.

&lt;b&gt;Antioxidant Vitamins Status of Hypertensive Subjects in Sokoto, Nigeria&lt;/b&gt;

There is increased evidence that hypertension is associated with increased levels of oxidative stress markers. The current work aimed to estimate blood pressure, vitamins A, C, and E levels in 54 hypertensives attending the outpatient clinic of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria and the results compared with those of apparently healthy nonhypertensive volunteers of comparable age and social status. Blood pressure and Serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E were 161.3±23.0/104±14.0mmHg, 25.8±6.6 μg/dL, 0.40 ± 0.2 mg/dL, 0.40 ± 0.1 mg/dL and 123.1 ± 12.3/82.9 ± 9.2 mmHg, 40.3 ± 6.3 μg/dL, 0.7 ± 0.2 mg/dL and 1.0 ± 0.4 mg/dL in hypertensives and non-hypertensive subjects respectively. There was significantly (P<0.05) increased levels of blood pressure and significantly (P<0.05) decreased levels of antioxidant vitamins in hypertensives. Most (80%) of the hypertensives have deficient serum levels of the vitamins. The results suggest that the hypertensives in the study area have low serum levels of antioxidant vitamins, an indication that the hypertensives are predisposed to increased oxidative onslaught. Keywords: Hypertension, blood pressure, serum vitamins A, C, and E.

Serum Antioxidant Vitamins Levels in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Sokoto, North Western Nigeria

Sickle cell anaemia is associated with elevated oxidative stress via increase generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decline in antioxidant defences. Increased oxidative stress is thought to play a role in the development of sickle cell anaemic complications. In the current study, vitamins A, C, and E levels were estimated in 35 sickle cell anaemics attending the Paediatric medical clinic of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria and the results compared with those of apparently healthy non-sickle cell anaemic volunteers of comparable age and social status. Serum levels of vitamin A, C, and E were 31.06 ± 2.97 μg/dl, 0.27 ± 0.05 mg/dl, 0.20 ± 0.01 mg/dl and 69.51 ± 4.54 μg/dl, 0.77 ± 0.10 mg/dl and 0.49 ± 0.02 mg/dl in sickle cell anaemics and non- sickle cell anaemic subjects respectively. There was significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased levels of antioxidant vitamins in sickle cell anaemic subjects. Age and gender did not have significant (P&gt;0.05) difference. The results suggest that sickle cell anaemics in the study area have low serum levels of antioxidant vitamins, an indication that the sickle cell anaemics are predisposed to increased oxidative onslaught.Keywords: Sickle cell anaemia, serum vitamins A, C, and E.

The Serum and salivary level of malondialdehyde, vitamins A, E, and C in patient with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Background:Oral recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affected oral mucosa which has afflicted about 20% of the society. Etiology of this disease is unknown. Three main factors influencing aphthous stomatitis are genetic, hematologic, and immunologic factors. Another proposed factor that may be considered in etiology of aphthous ulcer is oxidant, anti-oxidant imbalance in the body. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of lipid peroxide enzyme as an important oxidant agent and anti-oxidant vitamins in the saliva and serum of the patients suffering from RAS and compare it to healthy people.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional, descriptive – analytical study, 25 patients suffering from RAS were compared to 24 healthy individuals. Applying enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as Vitamins A, E, and C were measured in the saliva and serum of two groups. The results were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version (11.5), t-test and χ2.Results:No significant difference was detected between salivary and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (A, E, and C) and MDA in both experimental groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion:According to the results of this study, RAS is not associated with oxidant–antioxidant imbalance in the body. However, it seems quite necessary to carry out more studies in this area.

Serum antioxidant vitamins and the risk of oral cancer in patients seen at a tertiary institution in Nigeria

Tobacco and alcohol are major risk factors of oral cancer, but nutritional deficiency may also contribute to development of oral cancer. This study compared serum antioxidant vitamin levels in oral cancer patients and controls in order to validate the role of vitamin deficiencies in the etiology of oral cancer. Serum vitamin A, C, and E levels of 33 oral cancer patients and 30 controls at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, were determined using standard methods. The data obtained were analyzed using the Student t-test, odds ratio, and logistic regression. Mean vitamin A, C, and E levels were significantly lower in oral cancer patients (P=0.022, P=0.000, and P=0.013 respectively). Risk of oral cancer was 10.89, 11.35, and 5.6 times more in patients with low serum vitamins A, C, and E, respectively. However, on logistic regression analysis, only low serum vitamin E independently predicted occurrence of oral cancer. The lower serum vitamin A, C, and E levels in oral cancer patients could be either a cause or an effect of the oral cancer. Further studies using a larger sample size and cohort studies with long-term follow-up of subjects are desirable.

Antioxidant Vitamins and Trace Elements Status of Diabetics in Sokoto, Nigeria

Diabetes mellitus is associated with elevated oxidative stress via increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decline in antioxidant defences. Increased oxidative stress is thought to play a role in the development of diabetic complications. In the current study, vitamins A, C, and E, chromium, manganese and zinc levels were estimated in 54 diabetics attending the outpatient clinic of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria and the results compared with those of apparently healthy non-diabetic volunteers of comparable age and social status. Serum levels of vitamin A,C, and E were 23.0 ± 6.5 ìg/dl, 15.1 ± 8.3 ìmol/l, 7.3 ± 4.0 ìmol/l and 51.7 ± 14.1 ìg/dl, 42.1 ± 20.3 ìmol/l and 30.5 ± 8.4 ìmol/l in diabetics and non - diabetic subjects respectively. There was significantly (P< 0.05) decreased levels of antioxidant vitamins in diabetics. The serum levels of Cr (2.6 ± 1.2mg/l), Mn (8.2 ± 2.8mg/l) and Zn(9.4 ± 6.9mg/l) were significantly (P< 0.05) low in diabetics. Most (82%) of the diabetics have deficient serum levels of the vitamins and minerals. The results suggest that diabetics in the study area have low serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and trace elements, an indication that the diabetics are predisposed to increased oxidative onslaught.

P1-525 Relationship between serum antioxidant vitamins and n-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide in a general Japanese population

IntroductionSeveral epidemiological studies have demonstrated that carotenoid relate inversely to cardiovascular disease incidence. However few studies have been conducted on the relationship between circulating antioxidant vitamins and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic...

Serum Antioxidant Vitamin Levels in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

The aim of this study was to investigate anthropometric measurements, body composition, and serum antioxidant vitamin levels in men with coronary heart disease (CHD). Thirty-five men with CHD and 31 men without CHD, aged 40 - 65 years, were included this study. Dietary records and anthropometric measurements of each participant were recorded by researchers and serum antioxidant vitamin levels and lipid profiles were analyzed. Fat mass (FM) and the percentage of fat mass (FM%) in men with CHD was higher than in men without CHD (p < 0.05). Lipid profiles were found to be similar in both groups, with the exception of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Men with CHD had lower HDL-C levels than men without CHD (p < 0.05). When the antioxidant vitamin intake of participants was investigated, vitamin E intake in men without CHD was found to be less than in men with CHD (p < 0.05). However, serum vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C levels in men with CHD were found to be lower than in men without CHD (p < 0.05). Based on the results of this study, we propose that high FM, low HDL-C, and low serum antioxidant vitamin levels could be important risk factors for CHD.

Serum Level of Antioxidant Vitamins (Vitamin A, C and E) in ,i&gt;Plasmodium falciparum&lt;/i&gt; Malaria Infected Children in Owerri, Eastern Nigeria

The levels of antioxidant vitamins were estimated in Plasmodium falciparum malaria infected children. Forty-three children with P.falciparum infection were selected based on the clinicalsymptoms. Twenty-two apparently healthy children with no malaria parasitaemia were included as the control subjects. P.falciparum parasitaemia and serum levels of the antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A,C and E) were determined using standard procedures. It was observed that all parameters measured were significantly lower in malaria infected children when compared with the respective control values. The relationship between malaria parasitaemia and serum concentration of vitamin E were positively correlated (r= 0.42), but vitamin A (r= -0.05) and C (-0.06) were negatively correlated. Children within 0-5 years of age had higher malarial parasitaemia (7379.82 ± 918 99/ìL) than thosebetween 6-12 years of age (5026.19 ± 1514.58/ìL), and these children had lower concentrations of vitamin A (21.27 ± 8.68 ìg/dL), C (0.45 ± 0.19 mg/dl) and E (0.69 ± 0.22 mg/dL) when comparedwith children between 6-12 years (vitamin A = 25.19 ± 8.12 ìg/dL, vitamin C = 0.53 ± 0.16 mg/ dL and vitamin E = 0.86 ± 0.41 mg/ dL). Results suggest that in Owerri, Eastern Nigeria, the degree ofmalaria parasitaemia in especially children between 0-5 years could comprise immunity (as judged by the correlation) and reduce serum antioxidant vitamin levels. Health care providers should recognizethese effects in planning malarial treatment and control programs. Changes in serum antioxidant levels during post-treatment periods should be investigated and documented.

Serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and mineral elements of human immunodeficiency virus positive subjects in Sokoto, Nigeria

Undernourishment and micronutrient deficiencies exacerbate immunosuppression, oxidative stress, acceleration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and CD4 T-cell depletion in HIV-infected individuals. The current work reports the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C and E) and minerals (Zn, Fe, Cu) in 90 HIV positive subjects attending the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria. The serum levels of the micronutrients were correlated with the CD4 count of the subjects. The results showed that the HIV positive subjects have significantly lower (P < 0.05) levels of vitamins A, C and E. Also, serum Zn, Fe, Cu and CD4 count were also significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with the HIV negative subjects. Micronutrient deficiencies were more pronounced in HIV positive subjects with CD4 counts less than 200 cell/μl. The results based on age and sex showed no significant (P > 0.05) difference. Vitamins A, E and C and Zn and Fe showed positive correlation with CD4 count of the HIV positive subjects. The results suggest that the HIV subjects in the study area have lowered serum levels of antioxidant micronutrients and that the levels decrease with increase in the severity of the infection. These may increase the chances of the symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects progressing into full-blown Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Analysis of Serum Antioxidant Materials Concentration and Their Relation with Blood Lipids and Anthropometric Indices in Middle-Aged Adults in Korea

The serum levels of antioxidant materials (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, retinol) of the healthy Korean middle-aged adults (n = 373) were measured and their relationships with the serum lipids and anthropometric indices were analyzed. The serum levels of β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, lutein were higher than those of lycopene and α-carotene. The levels of all measured carotenoids except lutein were significantly higher in females than in males, but retinol level was vice versa. There was a tendency of increase in serum levels of antioxidant vitamins with increasing age. The serum carotenoid levels had a positive correlation with serum cholesterol and a negative correlation with serum triglyceride. The serum levels of tocopherols or retinol showed a significantly positive relationship with blood cholesterol or triglyceride. In overall, anthropometric indices showed negative relations with serum carotenoids levels, but vice versa with serum tocopherol or retinol levels. Particularly, β-carotene and lutein levels showed a significantly negative relation with blood pressure in male subjects. The serum levels of α-carotene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin had significantly negative relations with body fat-related indices in female subjects. The results demonstrated that blood antioxidants levels differed by sex and age, and had significant relations with blood lipid levels and anthropometric indices. Therefore, the rationale and significance of the relationships need to be elucidated in the future study related to dietary intakes and life style. (Korean J Nutr 2009; 42(5): 464 ~ 473)

A multivariate analysis of serum nutrient levels and lung function.

BackgroundThere is mounting evidence that estimates of intakes of a range of dietary nutrients are related to both lung function level and rate of decline, but far less evidence on the relation between lung function and objective measures of serum levels of individual nutrients. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive examination of the independent associations of a wide range of serum markers of nutritional status with lung function, measured as the one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1).MethodsUsing data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a US population-based cross-sectional study, we investigated the relation between 21 serum markers of potentially relevant nutrients and FEV1, with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Systematic approaches were used to guide the analysis.ResultsIn a mutually adjusted model, higher serum levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, beta-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E), selenium, normalized calcium, chloride, and iron were independently associated with higher levels of FEV1. Higher concentrations of potassium and sodium were associated with lower FEV1.ConclusionMaintaining higher serum concentrations of dietary antioxidant vitamins and selenium is potentially beneficial to lung health. In addition other novel associations found in this study merit further investigation.

Relationship of serum carotenoids with the risk of breast cancer in Korean women

The relationship of serum antioxidant vitamin concentration and the risk of breast cancer was investigated in a case-control study in Korea. This study was carried out with 389 subjects consisting of 160 breast cancer patients and 229 control subjects from June 1994 to July 1995. The serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, carotenoids and retinol were measured simultaneously by a reverse phase, gradient HPLC system. Average serum concentrations of α-tocopherol, β-carotene and retinol were 7.63 ± 0.42 ug/ml, 40.5 ± 2.05 ug/dl, and 49.0 ± 4.10 ug/dl for cases and 11.0 ± 0.73 ug/ml, 48.3 ± 1.59 ug/dl and 64.6 ± 1.95 ug/dl for controls, respectively. Serum levels of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein+zeaxanthin, lycopene and retinol of breast cancer patients were significantly lower than those of controls. Odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking habit and alcohol drinking revealed a significant gradient of decreasing risk of breast cancer with increasing serum antioxidant vitamins. There were significant interactions between menopausal status and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins. The adjusted odds ratios for highest quintile compared with lowest quintile were 0.41 (95% CI, 0.18, 0.93) for α-tocopherol, 0.33 (95% CI, 0.15, 0.73) for β-carotene, 0.13 (95% CI, 0.06, 0.31) for zeaxanthin+lutein in premenopausal women; 0.13 (95% CI, 0.03, 0.66) for α-tocopherol, 0.28 (95% CI, 0.07, 1.12) for β-carotene, 0.12 (95% CI, 0.03, 0.58) for zeaxanthin+lutein in postmenopausal women. This results support inverse association between serum antioxidant vitamins and the risk of breast cancer in Korea and indicate that antioxidant vitamins may protect against breast cancer.

Comparison of the serum ferritin and percentage of transferrin saturation as exposure markers of iron-driven oxidative stress–related disease outcomes

Iron-catalyzed oxidative stress may be the primary mechanism for the pathogenesis of diseases related to iron excess. We hypothesized previously that certain markers of iron in bound form that are commonly used in epidemiologic studies might be inappropriate for investigating iron-related adverse health effects because oxidative stress requires iron in redox-active form. To study aspects of this hypothesis, we examined the association between levels of serum ferritin or the percentage of transferrin saturation (%TS) and levels of serum antioxidant vitamins and C-reactive protein (CRP). This cross-sectional analysis included 11245 adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Adjusted concentrations of serum alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene were inversely correlated with the serum ferritin concentration (P for trend < .01), even within the lower deciles of the serum ferritin. In contrast, the %TS was significantly and positively associated with beta-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In addition, the serum ferritin was positively associated but the %TS was strongly and inversely associated with the serum CRP (P for trend < .01). The serum ferritin and %TS showed contrasting associations with serum antioxidant vitamin levels and CRP although they have been used interchangeably in epidemiologic studies as markers of body iron. These results suggest that the %TS may not be a valid marker of exposure to iron-related oxidative stress. It appears that the serum ferritin is the preferred marker for assessment of clinical outcomes presumed to be caused by iron-related oxidative stress.

Serum levels of antioxidant vitamins, copper, zinc and magnesium in children with chronic rhinosinusitis

Reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide which are produced by activated granulocytes play an essential role in many biochemical processes and diseases. Oxidant-mediated tissue damage may be important in the development of chronic sinusitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elements in 24 children (14 boys and 10 girls, age range: 7–12 years, mean age: 9.2 years) with chronic rhinosinusitis, compared to 20 age and sex matched healthy children. Blood samples were collected in the morning before breakfast and prior to any medication. Vitamin A, E and C levels were determined using reagent kits for high performance liquid chromatography. Cu, Zn and Mg levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Vitamin E, vitamin C, Cu and Zn levels were significantly lower in the patients group than in the control group. However, vitamin A and Mg levels did not differ. In conclusion, serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elements may be important in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in children.

Serum levels of antioxidant vitamins in sicklers and non-sicklers in Sokoto Metropolis' children

The serum concentrations of vitamins A (retinol), C (ascorbic acid) and E (alpha-tocopherol) of paediatric- age group were determined in sicklers and non-sicklers within the Sokoto metropolis. The levels of the antioxidant vitamins were found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the sickler group when compared to that in non-sicklers. In all cases the concentrations of the antioxidant vitamins were significantly depressed in children with sickle-cell anaemia. The depletion in the levels of the three-antioxidant vitamins may probably account for some of the observed clinical manifestations of sickle-cell anaemia. This shall be the subject of our future investigation(s). Key Words: Sicklers, Non- sicklers, Serum Vitamin A, Serum Vitamin C, Serum Vitamin E. Sahel Med. J. Vol.6(2) 2003: 53-57

Low serum β-carotene reflects immune activation in patients with coronary artery disease

Low serum levels of antioxidant vitamins are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). An immunomodulatory effect of antioxidants has been proposed. The aim of the study was to investigate whether an increased immune response in CAD patients was associated with suppressed circulating levels of antioxidant vitamins. Forty-four men with stable angina and angiographically verified CAD were included as well as 69 healthy controls. T cell subsets in peripheral blood were quantified by 3-colour flow cytometry. C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and the lipophilic antioxidants alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene were determined in serum. Compared with controls, patients had signs of an enhanced inflammatory activity assessed by significantly increased levels of CRP, sIL-2R and CD4+CD25+T cell subsets. Patients also had significantly lower beta-carotene and lycopene levels whereas a-tocopherol levels did not differ. The increased inflammatory/immune parameters in patients showed a significant inverse relationship to serum beta-carotene but not to lycopene or alpha-tocopherol. Low serum beta-carotene in CAD patients reflects activation of the immune system. Inflammation should be considered as an important confounding factor when analysing data on beta-carotene and CAD.