zeaxanthin and Stroke

Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophyll carotenoids found particularly in dark-green leafy vegetables and in egg yolks. They are widely distributed in tissues and are the principal carotenoids in the eye lens and macular region of the retina. Epidemiologic studies indicating an inverse relationship between xanthophyll intake or status and both cataract and age-related macular degeneration suggest these compounds can play a protective role in the eye. Some observational studies have also shown these xanthophylls may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly those of the breast and lung. Emerging studies suggest as well a potential contribution of lutein and zeaxanthin to the prevention of heart disease and stroke. Even as the evidence for a role of lutein and zeaxanthin in disease prevention continues to evolve, particularly from human studies directed to their bioavailability, metabolism, and dose-response relationships with intermediary biomarkers and clinical outcomes, it is worth noting that recommendations to consume foods rich in xanthophylls are consistent with current dietary guidelines.

Topics: Aging; Anticarcinogenic Agents; beta Carotene; Cataract; Coronary Disease; Humans; Lutein; Macular Degeneration; Neoplasms; Primary Prevention; Stroke; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

Recent evidence introduces the possibility that lutein and zeaxanthin may protect against the development of the two common eye diseases of aging, cataract and macular degeneration. This potential and the lack of other effective means to slow the progression of macular degeneration have fueled high public interest in the health benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin and the proliferation of supplements containing them on pharmacy shelves. An understanding of the biologic consequences of limiting or supplementing with these carotenoids is only beginning to emerge. Some epidemiologic evidence supports a role in eye disease and, to a lesser extent, cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, the overall body of evidence is insufficient to conclude that increasing levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, specifically, will confer an important health benefit. Future advances in scientific research are required to gain a better understanding of the biologic mechanisms of their possible role in preventing disease. Additional research is also required to understand the effect of their consumption, independent of other nutrients in fruits and vegetables, on human health. The newly advanced ability to measure levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina in vivo creates a unique opportunity to contribute some of this needed evidence.

Topics: Aging; beta Carotene; Cataract; Chronic Disease; Fruit; Heart Diseases; Humans; Lutein; Macular Degeneration; Neoplasms; Stroke; Tissue Distribution; Vegetables; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

To examine the association between plasma concentrations of antioxidative micronutrients and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in elderly adults.. Cross-sectional cohort study.. Austrian Stroke Prevention Study, a population-based cohort study on brain aging.. Individuals with a mean age of 66 ± 7 (n = 786; 58% female).. Concentrations of vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, lycopene, α- and γ-tocopherol, α- and β-carotene, and retinol in plasma, advanced oxidation protein products as a measure of oxidative stress in serum, and LTL were measured. Vitamins and carotenoids were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, advanced oxidation protein products using spectrophotometry, and telomere length using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.. Multiple linear regression analyses with adjustment for age and sex demonstrated that higher lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C concentrations were strongly associated with longer telomere length. The associations were independent of body mass index, maximum oxygen uptake, and vascular risk factors and were not mediated by advanced oxidation protein products content.. This study provides first evidence that higher lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C concentrations in plasma are associated with longer LTL in normal elderly persons and suggest a protective role of these vitamins in telomere maintenance.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Austria; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; Leukocytes; Lutein; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retrospective Studies; Spectrophotometry; Stroke; Telomere Homeostasis; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins

An association between ischemic stroke and increased oxidative stress has been suggested from animal studies. However, there is a lack of evidence with respect to this association in humans. Here, the time course of plasma levels of six carotenoids, which are lipophilic micronutrients with antioxidant properties, as well as of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, was followed in ischemic stroke patients. Plasma levels of lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha- and beta-carotene, as well as MDA were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in 28 subjects (19 men and nine women aged 76.9+/-8.7 years) with an acute ischemic stroke of recent onset (<24h) on admission, after 6 and 24 h, and on days 3, 5, and 7. Carotenoid and MDA levels in patients on admission were compared with those of age- and sex-matched controls. Plasma levels of lutein, lycopene, alpha- and beta-carotene were significantly lower and levels of MDA were significantly higher in patients in comparison with controls. Significantly higher levels of MDA and lower levels of lutein were found in patients with a poor early-outcome (functional decline) after ischemic stroke as compared to patients who remained functionally stable. These findings suggest that the majority of plasma carotenoids are lowered immediately after an ischemic stroke, perhaps as a result of increased oxidative stress, as indicated by a concomitant rise in MDA concentrations. Among the carotenoids, only lutein plasma changes are associated with a poor early-outcome.

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Brain Ischemia; Carotenoids; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Stroke; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins