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Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Nov 2023Carotenoids have been associated with risk reduction for several chronic diseases, including the association of their dietary intake/circulating levels with reduced... (Review)
Review
Carotenoids have been associated with risk reduction for several chronic diseases, including the association of their dietary intake/circulating levels with reduced incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and even lower total mortality. In addition to some carotenoids constituting vitamin A precursors, they are implicated in potential antioxidant effects and pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, including transcription factors such as nuclear factor κB and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Carotenoids and metabolites may also interact with nuclear receptors, mainly retinoic acid receptor/retinoid X receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, which play a role in the immune system and cellular differentiation. Therefore, a large number of downstream targets are likely influenced by carotenoids, including but not limited to genes and proteins implicated in oxidative stress and inflammation, antioxidation, and cellular differentiation processes. Furthermore, recent studies also propose an association between carotenoid intake and gut microbiota. While all these endpoints could be individually assessed, a more complete/integrative way to determine a multitude of health-related aspects of carotenoids includes (multi)omics-related techniques, especially transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics, as well as metagenomics, measured in a variety of biospecimens including plasma, urine, stool, white blood cells, or other tissue cellular extracts. In this review, we highlight the use of omics technologies to assess health-related effects of carotenoids in mammalian organisms and models.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Carotenoids; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Inflammation; Antioxidants; Lutein; Mammals
PubMed: 37678712
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.09.002 -
Pharmacological Reports : PR Aug 2023Astaxanthin (AXT) is a red fat-soluble pigment found naturally in aquatic animals, plants, and various microorganisms and can be manufactured artificially using chemical... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (AXT) is a red fat-soluble pigment found naturally in aquatic animals, plants, and various microorganisms and can be manufactured artificially using chemical catalysis. AXT is a xanthophyll carotenoid with a high potential for scavenging free radicals. Several studies have investigated AXT efficacy against diseases such as neurodegenerative, ocular, skin, and cardiovascular hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal and liver diseases, and immuno-protective functions. However, its poor solubility, low stability to light and oxygen, and limited bioavailability are major obstacles hindering its wide applications as a therapeutic agent or nutritional supplement. Incorporating AXT with nanocarriers holds great promise in enhancing its physiochemical properties. Nanocarriers are delivery systems with several benefits, including surface modification, bioactivity, and targeted medication delivery and release. Many approaches have been applied to enhance AXT's medicinal effect, including solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and polymeric nanospheres. AXT nano-formulations have demonstrated a high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, significantly affecting cancer in different organs. This review summarizes the most recent data on AXT production, characterization, biological activity, and therapeutic usage, focusing on its uses in the nanotechnology era.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Xanthophylls; Dietary Supplements; Nanotechnology
PubMed: 37179259
DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00488-y -
Marine Drugs Dec 2023Crocin is one of the most valuable components of the Chinese medicinal plant and is widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Traditional... (Review)
Review
Crocin is one of the most valuable components of the Chinese medicinal plant and is widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Traditional planting of is unable to fulfill the increasing demand for crocin in the global market, however, such that researchers have turned their attention to the heterologous production of crocin in a variety of hosts. At present, there are reports of successful heterologous production of crocin in , , microalgae, and plants that do not naturally produce crocin. Of these, the microalga , which produces high levels of -carotene, the substrate for crocin biosynthesis, is worthy of attention. This article describes the biosynthesis of crocin, compares the features of each heterologous host, and clarifies the requirements for efficient production of crocin in microalgae.
Topics: Carotenoids; beta Carotene; Chlorophyceae; Drug Industry; Escherichia coli; Microalgae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae
PubMed: 38248646
DOI: 10.3390/md22010022 -
BMC Public Health Aug 2023Dietary carotenoids have been proven to improve intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, yet little is known about the link between dietary...
BACKGROUND
Dietary carotenoids have been proven to improve intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, yet little is known about the link between dietary carotenoids and constipation. This study aims to examine the relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010.
METHODS
A total of 11,722 participants were enrolled. Chronic constipation was defined as type 1 (separate hard lumps, like nuts) and type 2 (sausage-like, but lumpy) in the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS). Carotenoids intake was obtained from the average of two 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires (if only one 24-hour was available, we used it) and divided into quartiles (Q). The prevalence of constipation was calculated across men and women individuals. The relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation in men and women was assessed with weighted logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting after adjusting confounders, with results displayed as weighted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The model was further stratified by age, race, and HEI 2015 scores (with median as cutoff) among men and women.
RESULTS
The total weighted prevalence of chronic constipation in this study was 8.08%, 11.11% in women and 5.18% in men. After multivariable adjustment, compared with the lowest intake, participants with the highest dietary lycopene intake (OR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.84, p for trend = 0.01) and total lycopene intake (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34-0.80, p for trend = 0.01) were negatively associated with the risk of chronic constipation in men, whereas increased dietary α-carotene intake reduced the risk of chronic constipation in women (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48-0.98, p for trend = 0.04). Smoothing curve fitting further supported these results and provided evidence of dose-response effects. No association was found between other types of carotenoids and chronic constipation in men and women.
CONCLUSIONS
Increasing lycopene intake may improve bowel function in men while increased α-carotene intake may reduce the risk of chronic constipation in women. Further studies are essential to explore the role that the intake of carotenoids plays in chronic constipation.
Topics: Male; Adult; Female; Humans; Lycopene; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutrition Surveys; Carotenoids; Constipation
PubMed: 37608273
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16367-3 -
Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters Nov 2023Long-term exposure of humans to air pollution is associated with an increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Astaxanthin (AST), a naturally occurring red...
BACKGROUND
Long-term exposure of humans to air pollution is associated with an increasing risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Astaxanthin (AST), a naturally occurring red carotenoid pigment, was proved to have multiple health benefits. However, whether or not AST also exerts a protective effect on fine particulate matter (PM)-induced cardiomyocyte damage and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
METHODS
In vitro experiments, the H9C2 cells were subjected to pretreatment with varying concentrations of AST, and then cardiomyocyte injury model induced by PM was established. The cell viability and the ferroptosis-related proteins expression were measured in different groups. In vivo experiments, the rats were pretreated with different concentrations of AST for 21 days. Subsequently, a rat model of myocardial PM injury was established by intratracheal instillation every other day for 1 week. The effects of AST on myocardial tissue injury caused by PM indicating by histological, serum, and protein analyses were examined.
RESULTS
AST significantly ameliorated PM-induced myocardial tissue injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, the release of inflammatory factors, and cardiomyocyte H9C2 cell damage. Mechanistically, AST pretreatment increased the expression of SLC7A11, GPX4 and down-regulated the expression of TfR1, FTL and FTH1 in vitro and in vivo.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggest that ferroptosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiomyocyte injury induced by PM. AST may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating cardiomyocyte injury caused by PM through the inhibition of ferroptosis.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Rats; Myocytes, Cardiac; Ferroptosis; Xanthophylls; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 38007415
DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00513-1 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023Lutein, zeaxanthin, and -zeaxanthin (a steroisomer of zeaxanthin) are macular pigments. They modify the physical properties of the lipid bilayers in a manner similar to... (Review)
Review
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and -zeaxanthin (a steroisomer of zeaxanthin) are macular pigments. They modify the physical properties of the lipid bilayers in a manner similar to cholesterol. It is not clear if these pigments are directly present in the lipid phase of the membranes, or if they form complexes with specific membrane proteins that retain them in high amounts in the correct place in the retina. The high content of macular pigments in the Henle fiber layer indicates that a portion of the lutein and zeaxanthin should not only be bound to the specific proteins but also directly dissolved in the lipid membranes. This high concentration in the prereceptoral region of the retina is effective for blue-light filtration. Understanding the basic mechanisms of these actions is necessary to better understand the carotenoid-membrane interaction and how carotenoids affect membrane physical properties-such as fluidity, polarity, and order-in relation to membrane structure and membrane dynamics. This review focuses on the properties of lutein.
Topics: Lutein; Zeaxanthins; Membranes; Carotenoids; Lipid Bilayers
PubMed: 37629129
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612948 -
International Journal of Dermatology Feb 2024Carotenodermia is a yellow to orange skin discoloration due to epidermal deposition of carotene. This can be due to an abnormality in the conversion of β-carotene to... (Review)
Review
Carotenodermia is a yellow to orange skin discoloration due to epidermal deposition of carotene. This can be due to an abnormality in the conversion of β-carotene to vitamin A, hyperlipidemia, or high dietary carotene intake. Here, I review approximately 100 previous cases of carotenodermia in humans due to high β-carotene intake. This literature review revealed that in carotenodermia associated with high β-carotene intake the discoloration tends to be widespread, mainly in thick areas of the skin (e.g., the palm of the hand), and can last from 14 days to 4.5 years. This review provides a detailed overview of the characteristics of diet-induced carotenodermia.
Topics: Humans; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Diet; Vitamin A; Pigmentation Disorders
PubMed: 37916485
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16891 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Mar 2024Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by synovitis and joint cartilage destruction. The severity of OA is highly associated with the imbalance...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by synovitis and joint cartilage destruction. The severity of OA is highly associated with the imbalance between M1 and M2 synovial macrophages. In this study, a novel strategy is designed to modulate macrophage polarization by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and regulating mitochondrial function. A ROS-responsive polymer is synthesized to self-assemble with astaxanthin and autophagy activator rapamycin to form nanoparticles (NP@Poly ). In vitro experiments show that NP@Poly significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels. Furthermore, NP@Poly restored mitochondrial membrane potential, increased glutathione (GSH) levels, and promoted intracellular autophagy, hence successfully repolarizing M1 macrophages into the M2 phenotype. This repolarization enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and vitality while inhibiting apoptosis. In vivo experiments utilizing an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced OA mouse model revealed the anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective effects of NP@Poly , effectively mitigating OA progression. Consequently, the findings suggest that intra-articular delivery of ROS-responsive nanocarrier systems holds significant promise as a potential and effective therapeutic strategy for OA treatment.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Reactive Oxygen Species; Osteoarthritis; Xanthophylls; Macrophages
PubMed: 38093659
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305363 -
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County,... Mar 2024Osteoporosis constitutes a serious challenge for public health. Dietary patterns belong to important, modifiable risk factors of this disease. Therefore, what and in... (Review)
Review
Osteoporosis constitutes a serious challenge for public health. Dietary patterns belong to important, modifiable risk factors of this disease. Therefore, what and in what quantities we consume on a daily basis are extremely relevant. It is commonly known that bone health is positively affected by vitamins (e.g., vitamin D and vitamin K) as well as mineral components (e.g., calcium and magnesium). However, the human diet consists of many other groups of compounds that exhibit a potential antiosteoporotic and supporting bone-building effect. These dietary components include carotenoids. This paper presents a broad review of studies on the influence of particular carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene) on bones. The paper discusses up-to-date in vitro experiments and research on animal models and presents how the results translate into clinical effect in humans.
Topics: Humans; Carotenoids; Bone Density; Lycopene; beta Carotene; Lutein; Diet; Zeaxanthins; Vitamins
PubMed: 38211461
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112306 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The association between dietary carotenoid intake and Soluble Klotho (S-Klotho) levels among the elderly population requires further evaluation. The purpose of this...
OBJECTIVES
The association between dietary carotenoid intake and Soluble Klotho (S-Klotho) levels among the elderly population requires further evaluation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the dietary carotenoid intake and the S-Klotho plasma levels in older adults.
METHODS
Eligible participants aged 60 years or above were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data, collected between 2007 and 2016. The consumption of carotenoids was determined through two 24-hour dietary recall assessments. Moreover, the S-Klotho levels in the serum were measured using an Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA).
RESULTS
A total of 5,056 participants were included in the study having a median total carotenoid intake of 9775.25 μg (95% confidence interval (CI): 8971.30-10579.21) and a median S-Klotho concentration of 815.59 pg/mL (95% CI: 802.59-828.60). The multivariable regression analysis showed that a single standard deviation increase in total carotenoid intake was significantly associated with an 8.40 pg/mL increase in S-Klotho levels (95% CI: 0.48-16.31). When the carotenoids were divided into quartiles, participants in the third ((4963.5μg/day,11662.5μg/day]) and fourth quartiles ((11662.5μg/day,377178μg/day]) showed higher S-Klotho levels compared to those in the first quartile. Among carotenoid subtypes, increased intake of α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein with zeaxanthin was associated with elevated S-Klotho levels. These observed associations between carotenoid subtypes and S-Klotho levels remained consistent across male participants, having a normal weight, and a moderate physical activity based on stratified analysis.
CONCLUSION
The total carotenoid intake was positively related to plasma levels of S-Klotho in the elderly population, particularly for α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein with zeaxanthin. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms behind this relationship.
Topics: Male; Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Antioxidants; Lutein; beta Carotene; Nutrition Surveys; Zeaxanthins; Carotenoids; Aging
PubMed: 37955004
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1283722