Lutein Supplementation Research Articles

Subthreshold Nanosecond Laser Intervention in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Study Design and Baseline Characteristics of the Laser in Early Stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Study (Report Number 1)

The Laser Intervention in Early Stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (LEAD) study is an investigation of the safety and efficacy of subthreshold nanosecond laser treatment to slow the progression of intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This report presents the novel study design and baseline characteristics. Multicenter, double-masked, randomized controlled, medical device feasibility clinical trial. Persons with bilateral drusen >125 μm within 1500 μm of the fovea, monocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥20/40, and microperimetric retinal sensitivity of <25 decibels (dB) in at least 1 location within central 6° in 1 eye. Signs of late AMD; choroidal neovascularization or geographic atrophy, or anatomic end points defined on multimodal imaging (MMI) as fundus autofluorescence-defined atrophy, spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT)-defined atrophy, or nascent GA excluded participation. Participants were randomized to nanosecond or sham laser treatment. Twelve laser or sham spots are applied to the macular region of the study eye. Participants are reviewed in visits every 6 months with functional testing and MMI for 36 months and are re-treated at each visit (until 30 months) if an end point is not reached in the study eye. Progression to late AMD or MMI-defined anatomic end points in the study eye. A total of 292 participants across 6 centers were enrolled, with 145 participants randomized to arm 1 and 147 participants randomized to arm 2. Population characteristics at baseline were as follows: median age 70 years, 73% female, 90% Anglo-Saxon, and 3% current smokers. Baseline ocular characteristics of the study eyes were BCVA of 83 letters (20/25); low luminance visual acuity (LLVA) of 68 letters (20/50); hyperpigmentation, 33%; reticular pseudodrusen, 23%; square root drusen area (SD-OCT), 0.77mm; square root drusen area (color photographs), 0.92 mm; cube root drusen volume (SD-OCT), 0.26 mm; average retinal sensitivity, 26 dB; and worst point retinal sensitivity, 20 dB. Only lutein supplement use was significantly different between treatment arms. The LEAD study uses novel inclusion/exclusion criteria and end points in an attempt to optimize our study design. Risk characteristics for progression to study end points are equally distributed between treatment arms.

Abstract A31: Biological effects of lutein and kale on the prevention of colonic inflammation and carcinogenesis

Abstract Ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for colon cancer. Dietary lutein, a nutrient rich in kale, is inversely associated with the risk of developing colon cancer in human observational epidemiologic studies. Besides lutein, kale also contains abundant amounts of other bioactive components with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. As a whole food approach, kale may provide more favorable biologic effects on colonic inflammation and neoplasia than lutein alone. Additionally, it is unclear if lutein prevents colon neoplasia via the inhibition of colonic inflammation. Using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and neoplasia mouse model, we evaluated the effects of dietary lutein supplementation and kale on the DSS-induced colorectal inflammation, ulceration, hyperplasia, dysplasia and cancer. Two hundred sixty four 8-week old Swiss-Webster (CFW) mice were assigned to one of ten groups (n = 26 to 27 in each group [13 males and 13 to 14 females]) for 21 weeks as follows: 1) 0.0005% of lutein plus DSS; 2) 0.001% of lutein plus DSS; 3) 0.002% of lutein plus DSS; 4) 0.005% of lutein plus DSS; 5) kale equivalent to 0.0005% of lutein plus DSS; 6) kale equivalent to 0.001% of lutein plus DSS; 7) kale equivalent to 0.002% of lutein plus DSS; 8) kale equivalent to 0.005% of lutein plus DSS; 9) DSS only; and 10) control with no treatment. During the 21-week experimental period, mouse body weights were recorded weekly. At week 7, the mice in groups 1-9 were given DSS for 4 cycles (1 cycle = 1 week 3% of DSS in drinking water followed by 2-week water) to induce colitis and colorectal neoplasia. This report described the findings on the presence of clinical signs of colitis (hemoccult and loose stools, which were evaluated at the end of each week throughout the experiments), and the findings from histopathological evaluations (inflammation, ulceration, hyperplasia, dysplasia, and neoplasia). Dietary lutein and kale, particularly two higher doses (0.002% and 0.005%), reduced the DSS-induced hemoccult and loose stools, as well as the DSS-induced inflammation, ulceration, hyperplasia, dysplasia, and neoplasia. These data suggest that dietary lutein and kale may prevent the DSS-induced colorectal inflammation and associated preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions. Grant Funding Sources: This project was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2014-67017-21754 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and by USDA/ARS grant 1950-51000-074S. Citation Format: Chun Liu, Roderick T. Bronson, Xiang-Dong Wang. Biological effects of lutein and kale on the prevention of colonic inflammation and carcinogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Colorectal Cancer: From Initiation to Outcomes; 2016 Sep 17-20; Tampa, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A31.

Effect of supplementation of lutein and DL-methionine on certain haemato-biochemical parameters and serum concentration of corticosteronein captive Golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus)

Twenty four male golden pheasants were divided into 4 groups of 6 each. First group basal diet contained no supplementary lutein or DL-methionine (M0C0). The diet of the birds in group M0C1 were supplemented with lutein (40 mg/kg DM) without supplementary DL methionine, whereas those in group M1C0 were supplemented only with DL-methionine (1.5g/ kg DM). Birds in group M1C1 were fed both the supplements. A feeding trial of 60 days duration was conducted. Heterophill counts was significantly lower (Pless than0.001) in groups M0C1 and M1C1 as compared to group M0C0 and M1C0 and lymphocyte count was higher (Pless than0.05) in lutein supplemented group as compared to non-lutein supplemented groups. The ratio of H: L was significantly higher (P less than 0.001) in lutein supplemented groups. Other haematological and serum biochemical parameters were not significantly different among the groups. Serum concentrations of corticosterone were lower (Pless than0.001) in groups M0C1 and M1C1 as compared to groups M0C0 and M1C0. It was concluded that supplementation of lutein (40mg/kg DM) but not DL- methionine (0.15% DM) improved the capability of the Golden pheasant to combat stress.

Dietary lutein supplementation on diet digestibility and blood parameters of dogs

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the digestibility and the immunomodulatory effects of diets supplemented with lutein in dogs. Sixteen adult dogs were distributed in two groups (control and test) in a completely randomized design. Dogs were fed for 120 days with iso-nutritive diets, which only difference was the inclusion of 45g lutein/kg in the diet fed to the test group. Blood samples were collected in the beginning and at the end of the experimental period to evaluate total lymphocyte, lymphocyte proliferation index, and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts. In order to evaluate apparent diet digestibility, dogs were housed in metabolic cages for ten days (five days of adaptation and five for faeces total collection). Coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility were not different between dogs in the control and the lutein-fed groups. Lutein dietary supplementation did not influence total lymphocyte or lymphocyte proliferation index, but resulted in higher CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte numbers. Lutein supplementation did not affect diet digestibility or lymphocyte proliferation index in dogs. However, it increases the concentrations of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte subtypes.

Overall skin tone and skin-lightening-improving effects with oral supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PurposeCarotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi), filter blue light and protect skin from environmental factors including high-energy sources. These carotenoids may be able to block the formation of melanin pathways, decrease cytokines, and increase antioxidants.Subjects and methodsThis is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial over a 12-week supplementation period. Fifty healthy people (50 healthy subjects were recruited and 46 subjects completed the study) (males and females, age: 18–45 years) with mild-to-moderate dry skin were included in this study. Skin type of the subjects was classified as Fitzpatrick skin type II–IV scale. Subjects were administered with either an oral dietary supplement containing 10 mg lutein (L) and 2 mg zeaxanthin isomers (Zi) (L/Zi: RR-zeaxanthin and RS (meso)-zeaxanthin) or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The minimal erythemal dose and skin lightening (L*) were measured via the Chromameter®. The individual typological angle was calculated. Subjective assessments were also recorded.ResultsOverall skin tone was significantly improved in the L/Zi group compared to placebo (P<0.0237), and luminance (L*) values were significantly increased in the L/Zi group. Mean minimal erythemal dose was increased with L/Zi supplementation after 12 weeks of supplementation. L/Zi supplementation significantly increased the individual typological angle.ConclusionL/Zi supplementation lightens and improves skin conditions.

Lutein and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants.

Lutein and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants.

Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-zeaxanthin Supplementation Associated with Macular Pigment Optical Density.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy subjects. Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was searched through May 2016. Meta-analysis was conducted to obtain adjusted weighted mean differences (WMD) for intervention-versus-placebo group about the change of MPOD between baseline and terminal point. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the changes in MPOD and blood xanthophyll carotenoids or baseline MPOD levels. Twenty RCTs involving 938 AMD patients and 826 healthy subjects were identified. Xanthophyll carotenoids supplementation was associated with significant increase in MPOD in AMD patients (WMD, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.11) and healthy subjects (WMD, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.14). Stratified analysis showed a greater increase in MPOD among trials supplemented and combined with meso-zeaxanthin. Additionally, the changes in MPOD were related with baseline MPOD levels (rAMD = −0.43, p = 0.06; rhealthy subjects = −0.71, p < 0.001) and blood xanthophyll carotenoids concentration (rAMD = 0.40, p = 0.07; rhealthy subjects = 0.33, p = 0.05). This meta-analysis revealed that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin supplementation improved MPOD both in AMD patients and healthy subjects with a dose-response relationship.

Preliminary Results in Macular Pigment Optical Density Associated with and without Zeaxanthin and Lutein Supplementation

Purpose: To determine the change in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) after subjects with low macular pigment decide to either take lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation or forgo supplementation for one year. Methods: One hundred and ninety eight healthy subjects, 122 women, and 76 men in a clinical setting with low MPOD scores comprised two groups, who either take Lutein (L) and Zeaxanthin (Z) supplements or do not take supplements. All were followed for 12 months. Results: After 12 months, MPOD had increased by 0.11 AU in the supplement group and decreased to 0.06 AU in subjects who opted not to take supplements. The changes between the two groups were statistically significant (p< 0.0001). Conclusion: Adding zeaxanthin and lutein, along with other minerals and antioxidants to the diet in subjects with low MPOD resulted in an increase in MPOD scores. Interestingly, in subjects that did not add supplementation to their diet the MPOD scores were reduced. Although diet can play a major role in the increase or decrease of MPOD, our data point to the possibility of enhancement of low MPOD through supplementation.

Treatment of Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 With Carotenoid Supplements Containing Meso-Zeaxanthin: A Pilot Study.

To assess the outcomes of patients with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2) in response to lutein (L), meso-zeaxanthin (M), and zeaxanthin (Z) supplements (LMZ3). Thirteen patients diagnosed with MacTel 2 were started on lutein 10 mg, meso-zeaxanthin 10 mg, and zeaxanthin 2 mg and were followed-up for a mean period of 15.7 months ± 4.85 months. Visual acuity improved in three patients (13%), and there was a reduction in the percentage of patients who had worsening vision (25% to 4%; P < .05). Optical coherence tomography changes showed a reduction in the number of cavitations and the largest diameter of the cavitation after the LMZ3 supplements were started. The largest diameter of photoreceptor disruption showed mild improvement in the first 6 months after LMZ3 supplements were started. LMZ3 supplements may stabilize vision and improve the cavitations in patients with MacTel 2. Larger randomized, controlled studies are required to verify these pilot results. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:528-535.].

Xanthophyll supplementation reduced inflammatory mediators and apoptosis in hens and chicks.

This study investigated effects of xanthophylls (containing 40% lutein and 60% zeaxanthin) on gene expression of inflammatory mediators ( [] and []) and apoptosis ( [] and ) of breeding hens and chicks. In Exp. 1, 432 hens were divided into 3 groups and fed diets supplemented with 0 (as the control group), 20, or 40 mg/kg xanthophylls. The liver, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled after 35 d. Results showed that 40 mg/kg of xanthophyll addition decreased in the liver, in the liver and duodenum, and in the liver and jejunum while increasing level in the liver and jejunum. Experiment 2 was a 2 × 2 factorial design. Male chicks hatched from hens fed 0 or 40 mg/kg xanthophyll diets were fed diets containing either 0 or 40 mg/kg xanthophylls. The liver, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled at 0, 7, 14, and 21 d after hatching. Results showed that in ovo xanthophylls reduced inflammatory mediators and apoptosis in the liver, duodenum, and jejunum of chicks mainly within 1 wk after hatching, whereas dietary xanthophylls only decreased expression in the liver from 2 wk onward. These results underlined important anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of maternal but not progeny dietary xanthophylls. In conclusion, xanthophylls can suppress inflammatory mediators and apoptosis in different tissues of hens and chicks.

Lutein Supplementation Increases Serum Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Humans

Lutein Supplementation Increases Serum Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Humans

Plasma Kinetics of Lutein Supplementation to Healthy Chinese Subjects and Effect of Omega‐3 Fatty Acids on Lutein Absorption—A Single Oral Administration Study

The current study aimed to determine the dynamic changes of plasma lutein and its kinetics profiles after a single oral administration of lutein, as well as the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on lutein absorption in healthy Chinese people. Forty volunteers were randomly assigned to four dosage groups: 10mg lutein (Group L10), 20mg lutein (Group L20), 40mg lutein (Group L40), and 20mg lutein plus 560mg omega‐3 fatty acid (Group LF20). Fasting venous blood samples were collected at pre‐dosing and 4, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, 168, 240, 360 h of post‐dosing in four groups. Plasma lutein concentrations at different time points were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for kinetics analysis. We found that plasma lutein concentrations in Group L40 were significantly higher than Group L10 at 12h, 24h, 48h (p&lt;0.01) and 72h post‐dosing (p&lt;0.05). The AUC0‐360h, AUC0‐∞ and Cmax were significantly higher in Group L40 than Group L10 and Group L20 (p&lt;0.01) and the results showed a dose‐dependent linear trend. The Tmax of plasma lutein was at 12h. There were no adverse events for a single supplementation with 40mg of lutein. In summary, our results showed that the absorption of lutein was positively correlated with dosage, and a single co‐administration of omega‐3 fatty acids did not affect the absorption of lutein.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the National Key Technology Support Program (No. 2012BAD33B01‐2)

Xanthophyll supplementation regulates carotenoid and retinoid metabolism in hens and chicks

This study investigated the effects of xanthophylls (containing 40% lutein and 60% zeaxanthin; Juyuan Biochemical Co., Ltd., GuangZhou, China) on gene expression associated with carotenoid cleavage enzymes (β-carotene 15, 15'-monooxygenase, BCMO1; and β-carotene 9', 10'-dioxygenase, BCDO2) and retinoid metabolism (lecithin:retinol acyl transferase (LRAT) and STRA6) of breeding hens and chicks. In experiment 1, 432 hens were divided into 3 groups and fed diets supplemented with zero (as the control group), 20, or 40 mg/kg xanthophyll. The liver, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled at d 35 of the trial. Results showed that 40 mg/kg xanthophyll supplementation increased BCDO2 mRNA in the liver, duodenum, and jejunum; LRAT mRNA in the jejunum; and STRA6 mRNA in the liver, while it decreased LRAT mRNA in the liver. Experiment 2 was a 2 × 2 factorial design. Male chicks hatched from a zero or 40 mg/kg xanthophyll diet of hens were fed a diet containing either zero or 40 mg/kg xanthophylls. The liver, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled at zero, 7, 14, and 21 d after hatching. Results showed that in ovo xanthophyll modulated carotenoid and retinoid metabolism mainly within one wk after hatching. The maternal effects gradually vanished and dietary effects began to work one to 2 wk after hatching. Dietary xanthophyll regulated carotenoid and retinoid metabolism mainly from 2 wk onward. The xanthophyll regulation of carotenoid and retinoid metabolism also revealed strong tissue specificity. In conclusion, xanthophyll supplementation could modulate carotenoid and retinoid metabolism in different tissues of hens and chicks.

The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The antioxidant lutein is suggested as being beneficial to cardiometabolic health because of its protective effect against oxidative stress, but evidence has not systematically been evaluated. We aimed to evaluate systematically the effects of lutein (intake or concentrations) on cardiometabolic outcomes in different life stages. This is a systematic review with meta-analysis of literature published in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar up to August 2014. Included were trials and cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies in which the association between lutein concentrations, dietary intake, or supplements and cardiometabolic outcomes was reported. Two independent investigators reviewed the articles. Seventy-one relevant articles were identified that included a total of 387,569 participants. Only 1 article investigated the effects of lutein during pregnancy, and 3 studied lutein in children. Furthermore, 31 longitudinal, 33 cross-sectional, and 3 intervention studies were conducted in adults. Meta-analysis showed a lower risk of coronary heart disease (pooled RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.98) and stroke (pooled RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.93) for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of lutein blood concentration or intake. There was no significant association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (pooled RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.22), but higher lutein was associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome (pooled RR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.92) for the highest compared with the lowest tertile. The literature on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases showed that lutein might be beneficial for atherosclerosis and inflammatory markers, but there were inconsistent associations with blood pressure, adiposity, insulin resistance, and blood lipids. Our findings suggest that higher dietary intake and higher blood concentrations of lutein are generally associated with better cardiometabolic health. However, evidence mainly comes from observational studies in adults, whereas large-scale intervention studies and studies of lutein during pregnancy and childhood are scarce.

Protective effect of lutein supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammatory progression in cerebral cortex of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

Oxidative stress and inflammation are deemed to play a vital role in diabetic cerebral and neurological dysfunction. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of the naturally occurring antioxidant, lutein, against oxidative injury and inflammation in cerebral cortex (CCT) of diabetic animals. Using single IP injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg) diabetes was induced in rats. Lutein dietary supplement was provided to diabetic animals for 5 consecutive weeks in three different doses. The extent of lipid peroxidation and cellular damage were estimated in CCT. Endogenous antioxidants molecules such as non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) and enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also estimated in CCT. Levels of neurotrophic factors such as brain derived nerve factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin growth factor (IGF) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, as markers for neural inflammation, were assessed in CCT. Lutein dietary supplement, significantly inhibited the diabetes induced increased in CCT levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6. Diabetes caused inhibition in the levels of NP-SH, DNA and RNA was significantly increased following lutein dietary supplementation to diabetic group compared to normal diet fed animals in dose dependent manner. Diabetes induced down regulation of BDNF, NGF and IGF was also attenuated by lutein dietary supplementation to diabetic model for 5 weeks. These findings suggest that lutein has the potential to ameliorate diabetes-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage and neural degeneration in the CCT.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein in the Management of Eye Diseases.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein in the Management of Eye Diseases.

Oral Lutein Supplementation Enhances Macular Pigment Density and Contrast Sensitivity but Not in Combination With Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.

It has been shown that lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in the macula where they enhance contrast sensitivity and may reduce the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Furthermore, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) might further reduce this risk. However, controversy exists regarding whether PUFA may reduce the bioavailability of lutein. This was a prospective 12-month, randomized, open label study evaluating the effect of supplementation with lutein, other antioxidants, and minerals on contrast sensitivity (CS) and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in patients with age-related maculopathy. A total of 79 patients were randomized to either lutein (10 mg) and antioxidant supplement or lutein and antioxidant supplement in combination with PUFA. Patients received supplementation for a period of 6 months and were followed for a total of 12 months. Serum lutein and zeaxanthin increased significantly by the first follow-up visit at 1 month, and remained elevated throughout the intervention period of 6 months in the lutein-only group but not in the lutein+PUFA group. Macular pigment optical density and CS increased significantly in the lutein-only group (P < 0.005) but not in the lutein+PUFA group (P = 0.059) compared to baseline. Best-corrected visual acuity remained unchanged during the entire study period in both groups. Addition of PUFA may reduce the bioavailability of lutein and therefore lessen the beneficial effect on macular pigment and CS. This needs to be considered when prescribing lutein supplements to patients with low lutein levels. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00563979.).

Composition of Lutein Ester Regioisomers in Marigold Flower, Dietary Supplement, and Herbal Tea.

Characterization of lutein and its esters in a health product is necessary for its efficacy. In the current study lutein ester regioisomers were quantified and identified in several dietary supplements and herbal teas in comparison with marigold flower, the commercial source of lutein. The products were extracted with three solvents and separated on a C30 column. The separated esters were identified/confirmed with LC-MS in APCI+ve mode with the use of synthetic lutein esters. The total content of lutein esters substantially varied among marigold flowers (167-5752 μg/g), supplements (88,000-110,700 μg/g), and herbal teas (12.4-91.3 μg/g). Lutein supplement had a lutein profile similar to that of marigold flower, whereas herbal tea showed an extremely different profile. Lutein dipalmitate was the dominant compound in supplements and marigold flowers followed by lutein 3'-O-myristate-3-O-palmitate and lutein 3'-O-palmitate-3-O-myristate. Lutein was the major compound in marigold herbal tea with small amounts of lutein mono- and diesters. Differences in the concentration and composition of lutein compounds among marigold products could indicate distinct product quality and lutein bioavailability.

Vitamins and functional nutrients for extremely low birth weight infants

While the need for appropriate post natalgrowth provides many studies focused on macronutrients in the nutrition of preterm infants, the concern for the quality of development of micro premies increases the interest in micronutrients, vitamins and trace elements. Moreover, the ongoing challenge to avoid serious complications of extreme prematurity requires investigations on functional nutrients especially those with antioxidant effect or immunomodulatory properties. Despite the lack of defined recommendations, much evidence is available. The antioxidant properties of vitamin A and vitamin E make these elements important in the nutrition of ELBW infants who are born with a strong deficit of these vitamins. Low plasma vitamin A concentrations increases the risk of chronic lung disease and long-term respiratory disabilities in preterm infants. Vitamin E counteracts peroxidation of polyunsaturated fattyacids in lipid layers of cell membranes[1]. Preterm infants are exposed to a special risk for metabolic bone disease also due to maternal deficiency and difficulty achieving adequate enteral intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. The link between vitamin D supplementation, serum 25-OH-D concentration and long term outcome inpreterminfants are poorly understood. Some findings supportthe opinion that a vitamin D intake of 800-1000 IU/day is necessary in preterm infants while higher doses are needed in newbornof mothers with vitamin D deficiency [2]. Furthermore, vitamin D plays a rolein physiological processes that affect neuromuscular and immune functions, heart, lung, pancreas, and brain. Many trials reported enhanced visual acuity and better cognitive performance in the short-term assessments of preterm infants fed formulas supplemented with long chain polyunsaturated fattyacids(LCPUFA) [3-5]. However, there are many questions about the appropriate dosages and some doubts on the long-term advantages [6,7]. Among strategies for the prevention of NEC and sepsis through the use of immunonutrients, lactoferrin[8] and probiotics[9] are getting a place in clinical practice. Other studies will be needed to assess the extension of the evidence currently observed, especially for neonatesin low NEC rates settings. To date are available only weak evidence about the efficacy of arginine and glutamineto prevent intestinal mucosal injury in high risk infants [10]. Lutein supplementation for preterm infants raises plasma concentrations to those observed in human milk fed term infants and ensures the benefit of anti oxidant effect of carotenoidson immature retina and developing brain. Larger trials are needed to determine the best methods of administration to affect the retinopathy of prematurity[11].

Xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin modify gene expression and induce synthesis of hyaluronan in keratinocyte model of human skin

BackgroundClinical trials report benefits of the xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin for skin health. Here a keratinocyte culture was used to investigate the effects of in vitro xanthophyll treatment on gene expression and biochemical pathways. MethodsWe employed the EpiDerm tissue model, Affymetrix Human Genome Array U113, bioinformatics analyses, qPCR validation and biochemical assays for glycosaminoglycans. ResultsWe discovered 176 genes were significantly (p<0.05) down-regulated (log2FC>2) and 47 genes were significantly up-regulated. Among the down-regulated genes we validated by qPCR marked reduction in expression of peptidase inhibitors. Bioinformatic analysis of the up-regulated genes implicated biosynthetic pathways for glycosaminoglycans. We assayed but found no increase in production of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, however there was a significant increase in biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid, a non-sulfated glycan. ConclusionsThe pattern of xanthophyll-regulated genes and the resulting biochemical responses can be linked with the responses observed in clinic trials. General significanceSkin health benefits from xanthophyll supplementation and this study reveals molecular mechanisms for some of the effects.