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The study focuses on the association between serum carotenoids and cancer-related death. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2006 and 2017-2018), the study encompasses 10,277 participants older than age 20 years, with recorded baseline characteristics and serum carotenoid concentrations (including α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, cis-β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, trans-lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin). We hypothesized that serum carotenoid concentrations were negatively associated with cancer-related death. The weighted chi-square analyses indicate significant negative correlations between higher serum concentrations of α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, trans-lycopene, and total carotenoids, and the risk of cancer-related deaths. Using weighted Cox regression analysis, this study confirms that α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, trans-lycopene, and total carotenoids, as continuous or categorical variables, are inversely related to cancer mortality (P < .0001). Furthermore, considering competitive risk events, lower concentrations of serum β-cryptoxanthin (Fine-Gray P = 1.12e-04), trans-lycopene (P = 5.68e-14), and total carotenoids (P = .03) are associated with an increased risk of cancer-related deaths. The research reveals a crucial inverse relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and cancer-related death., Competing Interests: Author Declarations The authors declare no competing interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Antioxidant vitamin intake has been reported to be associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. To date, however, no study has examined the association between antioxidant vitamin intake and LOX-index, a predictive biomarker of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the cross-sectional association between antioxidant vitamin (α-carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and vitamin C) intake and LOX-index in Japanese municipal workers. Participants were 346 workers (171 men and 175 women aged 19-71 y) who received a health check-up and participated in a nutrition and health survey. Antioxidant vitamin intake was assessed using a validated brief self-administered diet history questionnaire. LOX-index was calculated by multiplying serum concentrations of the soluble form of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 by those of LOX-1 ligands containing apolipoprotein B. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the geometric mean of LOX-index according to tertile of each antioxidant vitamin intake. Overall, α-carotene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and vitamin C intake were not associated with LOX-index. However, in stratified analyses by sex, geometric means of LOX-index tended to decrease with antioxidant vitamin intake in women, but not in men. The geometric means of LOX-index for the lowest through highest tertile of α-carotene intake were 771 (604-984), 639 (511-799), and 564 (469-677) (p for trend=0.07). Our results suggest that there is no association between antioxidant vitamin intake and LOX-index in Japanese workers. The suggestive inverse association between antioxidant vitamin intake and LOX-index in women warrants further investigation.

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 Q4 vs. Q1= 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.84, p for trend = 0.01) and total lycopene intake (OR Q4 vs. Q1 = 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 Q4 vs. Q1 = 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., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Head and neck cancer (HNC) includes oral cavity cancer (OCC), pharyngeal cancer (PC), and laryngeal cancer (LC). It is one of the most frequent cancers in the world. Smoking and alcohol consumption are the typical well-known predictors of HNC. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an increasing etiological factor for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Moreover, food and nutrition play an important role in HNC etiology. According to the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, an intake of non-starchy vegetables and fruits could decrease HNC risk. The carotenoids included in vegetables and fruits are well-known antioxidants which have anti-mutagenic and immune regulatory functions. Numerous studies have shown the relationship between carotenoid intake and a lower HNC risk, but the role of carotenoids in HNC risk is not well defined. The goal of this review is to present the current literature regarding the relationship between various carotenoids and HNC risk.

Carotenoids have been constantly investigated since the early fifty for their chemical, biochemical and biological properties being presence in foods. Among the more than 1100 carotenoids synthesized by plants and microorganisms, approximately 50 are present in the human diet, and about 20 can be detected in human blood and tissues. Review articles that discuss the anticancer and cancer preventing activity of phytochemicals have often in common the difficulty to find a coherency between the results deriving from experimental studies and the controversial or weak clinical indications arising from epidemiological and interventional studies. In this scenario, the class of carotenoids does not represent an exception. In fact, according with World Cancer Research Fund, strong evidence exists that high-dose supplementation of β-carotene increases the risk of lung cancer, while for other types of cancer, the protective or harmful effects of food-containing carotenoids or carotenoid supplements have been considered limited, suggestive or unlikely. The analysis of the mechanistic evidence is complicated by the double nature of carotenoids being molecules acting either as antioxidant or pro-oxidant compounds. The present review analyzes the ambiguity and the unexpected results deriving from the epidemiological and interventional studies and discusses how the effects of carotenoids on cancer risk can be explained by understanding their capacity to modulate the cellular antioxidant response, depending on the concentration applied and the cellular metabolism. In the final part, a new global approach is proposed to study the contribution of carotenoids, but also of other phytochemicals, to disease prevention, including cancer., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Carotenoids are important natural pigments that give bright colors to plants. The difference in the accumulation of carotenoids is one of the key factors in the formation of various colors in carrot taproots. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs), including CCD and 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, are the main enzymes involved in the cleavage of carotenoids in plants. Seven CCD genes have been annotated from the carrot genome. In this study, through expression analysis, we found that the expression level of DcCCD4 was significantly higher in the taproot of white carrot (low carotenoid content) than orange carrot (high carotenoid content). The overexpression of DcCCD4 in orange carrots caused the taproot color to be pale yellow, and the contents of α- and β-carotene decreased sharply. Mutant carrot with loss of DcCCD4 function exhibited yellow color (the taproot of the control carrot was white). The accumulation of β-carotene was also detected in taproot. Functional analysis of the DcCCD4 enzyme in vitro showed that it was able to cleave α- and β-carotene at the 9, 10 (9', 10') double bonds. In addition, the number of colored chromoplasts in the taproot cells of transgenic carrots overexpressing DcCCD4 was significantly reduced compared with that in normal orange carrots. Results showed that DcCCD4 affects the accumulation of carotenoids through cleavage of α- and β-carotene in carrot taproot., (© 2021 Society for Experimental Biology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

We showed that black soldier fly larvae reared on fruits and vegetables rich in provitamin A carotenoids can accumulate significant amounts of these vitamin A precursors. Using a simulated gastro-intestinal digestion model, we demonstrated that α- and β-carotene from the larvae are as bioaccessible as from the fruits and vegetables they were reared on. We calculated that provitamin A carotenoid-rich larvae have the capacity to provide more vitamin A than fruits and vegetables rich in these molecules. Remarkably, the incorporation of usual quantities of these larvae in feed could cover the needs of several production animals for this vitamin. Thus, our findings suggest that rearing black soldier fly larvae on by-products or waste rich in provitamin A carotenoids could be a sustainable strategy to recycle a fraction of vitamin A back into the food chain and could represent a new approach to fight against vitamin A deficiency., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

There is emerging evidence linking fruit and vegetable consumption and cognitive function. However, studies focusing on the nutrients underlying this relationship are lacking. We aim to examine the association between plasma nutrients and cognition in a population at risk for cognitive decline with a suboptimal diet. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) trial is a randomized controlled intervention that examines the effects of the MIND diet to prevent cognitive decline. The primary outcome is global cognition. A multivariate linear model was used to investigate the association between blood nutrients and global and/or domain-specific cognition. The model was adjusted for age, sex, education, study site, smoking status, cognitive activities and physical activities. High plasma α-carotene was associated with better global cognition. Participants in the highest tertile of plasma α-carotene had a higher global cognition z score of 0⋅17 when compared with individuals in the lowest tertile ( P 0⋅002). Circulating α-carotene levels were also associated with higher semantic memory scores ( P for trend 0⋅007). Lutein and zeaxanthin (combined) was positively associated with higher semantic memory scores ( P for trend 0⋅009). Our study demonstrated that higher α-carotene levels in blood were associated with higher global cognition scores in a US population at risk for cognitive decline. The higher α-carotene levels in blood reflected greater intakes of fruits, other types of vegetables and lesser intakes of butter and margarine and meat. The higher circulating levels of lutein plus zeaxanthin reflected a dietary pattern with high intakes of fruits, green leafy, other vegetables and cheese, and low consumption of fried foods. Objective nutrient markers in the blood can better characterize dietary intake, which may facilitate the implementation of a tailored dietary intervention for the prevention of cognitive decline., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

The aim was to enhance provitamin A carotenoid (proVA CAR) concentrations and bioaccessibility in carrots by manipulating post-harvest factors. To that end, we assessed the effects of Ultraviolet-C light, pulsed light, storage temperature, and storage duration. We also measured CAR bioaccessibility by using an in vitro model. Pulsed light, but not Ultraviolet-C, treatment increased proVA CAR concentrations in the cortex tissue (p < 0.05). Longer storage times and higher temperatures also increased concentrations (p < 0.05). The maximal increase induced by pulsed light was obtained after treatment with 20 kJ/m 2 and 3-days of storage at 20 °C. However, the positive effect induced by pulsed light decreased considerably over the next seven days. ProVA CAR in carrots with the highest concentrations also proved to be more bioaccessible (p < 0.05). Thus, proVA CAR concentrations in stored carrots can be increased significantly through storage times and temperatures. Pulsed light can also significantly increase proVA CAR concentrations, but only temporarily., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

β-carotene, α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin are greater contributors to vitamin A intake than retinol in the human diet for most people around the world. Their contribution depends on several factors, including bioavailability and capacity of conversion into retinol. There is an increasing body of research showing that the use of retinol activity equivalents or retinol equivalents could lead to the underestimation of the contribution of β-cryptoxanthin and of α-carotene. The aim is to assess their apparent bioavailability by comparing concentrations in blood to their dietary intakes and identifying the major food contributors to their dietary intake. Dietary intake (3-day 24-h records) and serum concentrations (by HPLC) were calculated in normolipemic subjects with adequate retinol status (≥1.1 µmol/L) from our studies ( n = 633) and apparent bioavailability calculated from 22 other studies ( n = 29,700). Apparent bioavailability was calculated as the ratio of concentration in the blood to carotenoid intake. Apparent bioavailabilities for α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were compared to those for β-carotene. Eating comparable amounts of α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene foods resulted in 55% greater α-carotene (95% CI 35, 90) and 686% higher β-cryptoxanthin (95% CI 556, 1016) concentrations than β-carotene in blood. This suggests differences in the apparent bioavailability of α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin and even larger differences with β-cryptoxanthin, greater than that of β-carotene. Four fruits (tomato, orange, tangerine, red pepper) and two vegetables (carrot, spinach) are the main contributors to their dietary intake (>50%) in Europeans.

Background: A protective association of dietary carotenoids with cognitive function has been suggested, but most studies have been relatively small with limited periods of follow-up., Objectives: We examined prospectively long-term intakes of carotenoids in relation to subjective cognitive function (SCF), a self-reported, validated indicator of cognitive dysfunction., Methods: Among 49,493 female registered nurses with a mean age of 48 y in 1984, we used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs relating intakes of carotenoids to self-reported SCF in 2012 and 2014. Mean intakes of carotenoids were calculated from 7 repeated FFQs collected in 1984, 1986, and every 4 y afterwards until 2006. Self-reported SCF was assessed by a 7-item questionnaire on changes in memory and cognition; validity was supported by strong associations with Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype and concurrent cognitive function and cognitive decline measured by telephone-based neuropsychological tests. The mean values of scores assessed in 2012 and 2014 were categorized as "good" (0 points, 40.8%), "moderate" (0.5-2.5 points, 46.9%), and "poor" (3-7 points, 12.3%)., Results: Higher intake of total carotenoids was associated with substantially lower odds of moderate or poor cognitive function after controlling for other dietary and nondietary risk factors and total energy intake. Comparing the top with the bottom quintile of total carotenoids, the multivariable ORs were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80, 0.93; P-trend < 0.001) for moderate SCF and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.75; P-trend < 0.001) for poor SCF. This lower OR was also seen for carotenoids consumed 28 y before SCF assessment. Similar associations were found for total β-carotene, dietary β-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, lutein + zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. The significant associations for β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin persisted after mutual adjustment for each other., Conclusions: Our findings support a long-term beneficial role of carotenoid consumption on cognitive function in women., (Copyright © The Author(s) on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition 2020.)

The health benefits of fruits and vegetables are well-documented. Those rich in provitamin A carotenoids are good sources of vitamin A. This cross-sectional study indirectly assessed fruit and vegetable intakes using serum carotenoids in 193 schoolchildren aged 7 to 12 years in the Western part of Burkina Faso. The mean total serum carotenoid concentration was 0.23 ± 0.29 µmol/L, which included α- and β-carotene, lutein, and β-cryptoxanthin, and determined with serum retinol concentrations in a single analysis with high performance liquid chromatography. Serum retinol concentration was 0.80 ± 0.35 µmol/L with 46% of children ( n = 88) having low values <0.7 µmol/L. Total serum carotene (the sum of α- and β-carotene) concentration was 0.13 ± 0.24 µmol/L, well below the reference range of 0.9⁻3.7 µmol carotene/L used to assess habitual intake of fruits and vegetables. Individual carotenoid concentrations were determined for α-carotene (0.01 ± 0.05 µmol/L), β-carotene (0.17 ± 0.24 µmol/L), β-cryptoxanthin (0.07 ± 0.06 µmol/L), and lutein (0.06 ± 0.05 µmol/L). These results confirm the previously measured high prevalence of low serum vitamin A concentrations and adds information about low serum carotenoids among schoolchildren suggesting that they have low intakes of provitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables.

The micellar incorporation of carotenoids (lycopene, α- and β-carotene) and lipid digestion products (free fatty acids, FFAs, and monoacylglycerides, MAGs) during in vitro digestion of oil-in-water emulsions was investigated by a kinetic approach. A fractional conversion model could adequately describe the hydrolysis of triacylglycerides, formation of FFAs and MAGs, and micellar incorporation of carotenoids, FFAs and MAGs. The release of FFAs and MAGs from TAGs proceeded faster than their incorporation into micelles. Rate constants of carotenoid micellar incorporation were inversely proportional to their hydrophobicity and dependent on the isomeric configuration, being the incorporation of the cis faster than their all-trans isomers. Furthermore, a positive linear relation was found between the micellar incorporation of carotenoids and lipid digestion products. The isomeric form of carotenoids did not affect such relation. The present kinetic approach can be useful to gain mechanistic insight into carotenoid bioaccessibility as affected by various process- and product-related factors., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Asymmetric α-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid, is cleaved to produce retinol (vitamin A) and α-retinol (with negligible vitamin A activity). The vitamin A activity of α-carotene-containing foods is likely overestimated because traditional analytic methods do not separate α-retinol derivatives from active retinol. Objective: This study aimed to accurately characterize intestinal α-carotene cleavage and its relative contribution to postprandial vitamin A in humans after consumption of raw carrots. Design: Healthy adults ( n = 12) consumed a meal containing 300 g raw carrot (providing 27.3 mg β-carotene and 18.7 mg α-carotene). Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fractions of plasma were isolated and extracted, and α-retinyl palmitate (αRP) and retinyl palmitate were measured over 12 h postprandially via high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The complete profile of all α-retinyl esters and retinyl esters was measured at 6 h, and total absorption of α- and β-carotene was calculated. Results: αRP was identified and quantified in every subject. No difference in preference for absorption of β- over α-carotene was observed (adjusting for dose, 28% higher, P = 0.103). After absorption, β-carotene trended toward preferential cleavage compared with α-carotene (22% higher, P = 0.084). A large range of provitamin A carotenoid conversion efficiencies was observed, with α-carotene contributing 12-35% of newly converted vitamin A (predicted contribution = 25.5%). In all subjects, a majority of α-retinol was esterified to palmitic acid (as compared with other fatty acids). Conclusions: α-Retinol is esterified in the enterocyte and transported in the blood analogous to retinol. The percentage of absorption of α-carotene from raw carrots was not significantly different from β-carotene when adjusting for dose, although a trend toward higher cleavage of β-carotene was observed. The results demonstrate large interindividual variability in α-carotene conversion. The contribution of newly absorbed α-carotene to postprandial vitamin A should not be estimated but should be measured directly to accurately assess the vitamin A capacity of α-carotene-containing foods. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01432210., (© 2017 American Society for Nutrition.)

Background: Dietary intake of phytonutrients present in fruits and vegetables, such as carotenoids, is associated with a lower risk of obesity and related traits, but the impact of genetic variation on these associations is poorly understood, especially in children. Objective: We estimated common genetic influences on serum carotenoid concentrations and obesity-related traits in Mexican American (MA) children. Design: Obesity-related data were obtained from 670 nondiabetic MA children, aged 6-17 y. Serum α- and β-carotenoid concentrations were measured in ∼570 (α-carotene in 565 and β-carotene in 572) of these children with the use of an ultraperformance liquid chromatography-photodiode array. We determined heritabilities for both carotenoids and examined their genetic relation with 10 obesity-related traits [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, fat mass (FM), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin and glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance] by using family data and a variance components approach. For these analyses, carotenoid values were inverse normalized, and all traits were adjusted for significant covariate effects of age and sex. Results: Carotenoid concentrations were highly heritable and significant [α-carotene: heritability ( h 2 ) = 0.81, P = 6.7 × 10 -11 ; β-carotene: h 2 = 0.90, P ≤ 0.05) negative phenotypic correlations between carotenoid concentrations and the following traits: BMI, WC, FM, and triglycerides (range: α-carotene = -0.19 to -0.12; β-carotene = -0.24 to -0.13) and positive correlations with HDL cholesterol (α-carotene = 0.17; β-carotene = 0.24). However, when the phenotypic correlations were partitioned into genetic and environmental correlations, we found marginally significant ( -15 ]. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, we found significant ( P ≤ 0.05) negative phenotypic correlations between carotenoid concentrations and the following traits: BMI, WC, FM, and triglycerides (range: α-carotene = -0.19 to -0.12; β-carotene = -0.24 to -0.13) and positive correlations with HDL cholesterol (α-carotene = 0.17; β-carotene = 0.24). However, when the phenotypic correlations were partitioned into genetic and environmental correlations, we found marginally significant ( P = 0.051) genetic correlations only between β-carotene and BMI (-0.27), WC (-0.30), and HDL cholesterol (0.31) after accounting for multiple comparisons. None of the environmental correlations were significant. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that the serum carotenoid concentrations were under strong additive genetic influences based on variance components analyses, and that the common genetic factors may influence β-carotene and obesity and lipid traits in MA children., (© 2017 American Society for Nutrition.)

Background: Biomarkers of micronutrient status are needed to best define deficiencies and excesses of essential nutrients., Objective: We evaluated several supporting biomarkers of vitamin A status in Zambian children to determine whether any of the biomarkers were consistent with high liver retinol stores determined by using retinol isotope dilution (RID)., Design: A randomized, placebo-controlled, biofortified maize efficacy trial was conducted in 140 rural Zambian children from 4 villages. A series of biomarkers were investigated to better define the vitamin A status of these children. In addition to the assessment of total-body retinol stores (TBSs) by using RID, tests included analyses of serum carotenoids, retinyl esters, and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) by using high-pressure liquid chromatography, retinol-binding protein by using ELISA, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity by using a colorimetric assay., Results: Children (n = 133) were analyzed quantitatively for TBSs by using RID. TBSs, retinyl esters, some carotenoids, and PLP differed by village site. Serum carotenoids were elevated above most nonintervened reference values for children. α-Carotene, β-carotene, and lutein values were >95th percentile from children in the US NHANES III, and 13% of children had hypercarotenemia (defined as total carotenoid concentration >3.7 μmol/L). Although only 2% of children had serum retinyl esters >10% of total retinol plus retinyl esters, 16% of children had >5% as esters, which was consistent with high liver retinol stores. Ratios of serum retinol to retinol-binding protein did not deviate from 1.0, which indicated full saturation. ALT activity was low, which was likely due to underlying vitamin B-6 deficiency, which was confirmed by very low serum PLP concentrations., Conclusions: The finding of hypervitaminosis A in Zambian children was supported by high circulating concentrations of carotenoids and mildly elevated serum retinyl esters. ALT-activity assays may be compromised with co-existing vitamin B-6 deficiency. Nutrition education to improve intakes of whole grains and animal-source foods may enhance vitamin B-6 status in Zambians., (© 2015 American Society for Nutrition.)

The flowers of twenty-three cultivars of Dendranthema grandiflorum Ramat. were investigated to determine anthocyanin and carotenoid levels and to confirm the effects of the pigments on the flower colors using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The cultivars contained the anthocyanins cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3g) and cyanidin 3-(3"-malonoyl) glucoside (C3mg) and the following carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, 13-cis-β-carotene, α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, and 9-cis-β-carotene. The cultivar "Magic" showed the greatest accumulation of total and individual anthocyanins, including C3g and C3gm. On the other hand, the highest level of lutein and zeaxanthin was noted in the cultivar "Il Weol". The cultivar "Anastasia" contained the highest amount of carotenoids such as trans-β-carotene, 9-cis-β-carotene, and 13-cis-β-carotene. The highest accumulation of β-cryptoxanthin and α-carotene was noted in the cultivar "Anastasia" and "Il Weol". Our results suggested that 'Magic", "Angel" and "Relance' had high amounts of anthocyanins and showed a wide range of red and purple colors in their petals, whereas "Il Weol', "Popcorn Ball' and "Anastasia" produced higher carotenoid contents and displayed yellow or green petal colors. Interestingly, "Green Pang Pang", which contained a high level of anthocyanins and a medium level of carotenoids, showed the deep green colored petals. "Kastelli", had high level of carotenoids as well as a medium level of anthocyanins and showed orange and red colored petals. It was concluded that each pigment is responsible for the petal's colors and the compositions of the pigments affect their flower colors and that the cultivars could be a good source for pharmaceutical, floriculture, and pigment industries.

This study aimed to investigate the anti-metastatic activity of α-carotene (AC) in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and in combination with taxol in LLC-xenografted C57BL/6 mice. Cell culture studies reveal that AC significantly inhibited invasion, migration and activities of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -9 and urokinase plasminogen activator but increased protein expression of tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1, -2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1. These effects of AC are similar to those of β-carotene at the same concentration (2.5 μM). AC (2.5 μM) also significantly inhibited integrin β1-mediated phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) which then decreased the phosphorylation of MAPK family. Findings from the animal model reveal that AC treatment (5m g/kg) alone significantly decreased lung metastasis without affecting primary tumor growth, whereas taxol treatment (6 mg/kg) alone exhibited significant inhibition on both actions, as compared to tumor control group. AC treatment alone significantly decreased protein expression of integrin β1 but increased protein expression of TIMP-1 and PAI-1 without affecting protein expression of TIMP-2 and phosphorylation of FAK in lung tissues, whereas taxol treatment alone significantly increased protein expression of TIMP-1, PAI-1 and TIMP-2 but decreased protein expression of integrin β1 and phosphorylation of FAK. The combined treatment produced stronger actions on lung metastasis and lung tissues protein expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-2 and PAI-1. Overall, we demonstrate that AC effectively inhibits LLC metastasis and suppresses lung metastasis in combination with taxol in LLC-bearing mice, suggesting that AC could be used as an anti-metastatic agent or as an adjuvant for anti-cancer drugs., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aims: Carotenoids may reduce diabetes risk, due to their antioxidant properties. However, the association between dietary carotenoids intake and type 2 diabetes risk is still unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine whether higher dietary carotenoid intakes associate with reduced type 2 diabetes risk., Methods and Results: Data from 37,846 participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition- Netherlands study were analyzed. Dietary intakes of β-carotene, α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein & zeaxanthin and the sum of these carotenoids were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Incident type 2 diabetes was mainly self-reported, and verified against general practitioner information. Mean ±SD total carotenoid intake was 10 ± 4 mg/day. During a mean ±SD follow-up of 10 ± 2 years, 915 incident cases of type 2 diabetes were ascertained. After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes risk factors, dietary intake, waist circumference and BMI, higher β-carotene intakes associated inversely with diabetes risk [Hazard Ratio quartile 4 versus quartile 1 (HR(Q4)): 0.78 (95%CI:0.64,0.95), P-linear trend 0.01]. For α-carotene, a borderline significant reduced risk was observed, with a HR(Q4) of 0.85 (95%CI:0.70,1.03), and P-linear trend 0.05. β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein & zeaxanthin, and the sum of all carotenoids did not associate with diabetes risk., Conclusions: This study shows that diets high in β-carotene and α-carotene are associated with reduced type 2 diabetes in generally healthy men and women., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Three categories of roots differing in both β/α-carotene ratio and in total carotenoid content were selected based on HPLC measurements: high α- and β-carotene (HαHβ), low α- and high β-carotene (LαHβ), and low α- and low β-carotene (LαLβ). Single carotenoid crystals present in the root cells were directly measured using high resolution Raman imaging technique with 532nm and 488nm lasers without compound extraction. Crystals of the HαHβ root had complex composition and consisted of β-carotene accompanied by α-carotene. In the LαHβ and LαLβ roots, measurements using 532nm laser indicated the presence of β-carotene only, but measurements using 488nm laser confirmed co-occurrence of xanthophylls, presumably lutein. Thus the results show that independently on carotenoid composition in the root, carotenoid crystals are composed of more than one compound. Individual spectra extracted from Raman maps every 0.2-1.0μm had similar shapes in the 1500-1550cm(-1) region indicating that different carotenoid molecules were homogeneously distributed in the whole crystal volume. Additionally, amorphous carotenoids were identified and determined as composed of β-carotene molecules but they had a shifted the ν1 band probably due to the effect of bonding of other plant constituents like proteins or lipids., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Carotenoid biosynthesis in bryophytes has yet to be clarified. The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L. is known to be an early land plant and is an emerging bryophyte model. In order to gain insight into the evolution of carotenoid biosynthesis in plants, we studied carotenoid biosynthesis in this liverwort. As is the case in higher plants, liverwort thalli contain lutein and β-carotene, as major carotenoids, as well as zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin, violaxanthin and 9'-cis-neoxanthin. Based on liverwort expressed sequence tag (EST)/cDNA and genome sequences, we isolated two cyclase genes encoding lycopene β-cyclase (LCYb) and lycopene ε-cyclase (LCYe), which were involved in the synthesis of β-carotene and α-carotene. These enzymes were phylogenetically positioned between corresponding proteins of a green alga (Chlorophyta) and higher plants. Functional analysis of the two genes was performed using a heterologous Escherichia coli expression system, in which the Pantoea ananatis lycopene biosynthesis genes were co-expressed. The results indicated liverwort LCYb activity for the synthesis of β-carotene from lycopene, which was the same as that of higher plants. On the other hand, liverwort LCYe was able to form two ε-rings from lycopene to ε-carotene via δ-carotene, which was different from the Arabidopsis LCYe enzyme which generates only one ε-ring from lycopene.

While there have been many studies on health outcomes that have included measurements of plasma carotenoids, this data has not been reviewed and assembled into a useful form. In this review sixty-two studies of plasma carotenoids and health outcomes, mostly prospective cohort studies or population-based case-control studies, are analyzed together to establish a carotenoid health index. Five cutoff points are established across the percentiles of carotenoid concentrations in populations, from the tenth to ninetieth percentile. The cutoff points (mean ± standard error of the mean) are 1.11 ± 0.08, 1.47 ± 0.08, 1.89 ± 0.08, 2.52 ± 0.13, and 3.07 ± 0.20 µM. For all cause mortality there seems to be a low threshold effect with protection above every cutoff point but the lowest. But for metabolic syndrome and cancer outcomes there tends to be significant positive health outcomes only above the higher cutoff points, perhaps as a triage effect. Based on this data a carotenoid health index is proposed with risk categories as follows: very high risk: <1 µM, high risk: 1-1.5 µM, moderate risk: 1.5-2.5 µM, low risk: 2.5-4 µM, and very low risk: >4 µM. Over 95 percent of the USA population falls into the moderate or high risk category of the carotenoid health index.

Abstract 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 (ORQ4 vs. Q1= 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36–0.84, p for trend = 0.01) and total lycopene intake (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 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 (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 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.

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Urological cancers, namely prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular, and penile cancers, are common conditions that constitute almost one-quarter of all malignant diseases in men. Urological cancers tend to affect older individuals, and their development is influenced by modifiable metabolic, behavioral, and environmental risk factors. Phytochemicals may have cancer-fighting properties and protect against cancer development, slow its spread, and reduce the risk of cancer deaths in humans. This paper aims to review the current literature in regard to the effects of carotenoids in reducing urological cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids are important natural pigments that give bright colors to plants. The difference in the accumulation of carotenoids is one of the key factors in the formation of various colors in carrot taproots. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs), including CCD and 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, are the main enzymes involved in the cleavage of carotenoids in plants. Seven CCD genes have been annotated from the carrot genome. In this study, through expression analysis, we found that the expression level of DcCCD4 was significantly higher in the taproot of white carrot (low carotenoid content) than orange carrot (high carotenoid content). The overexpression of DcCCD4 in orange carrots caused the taproot color to be pale yellow, and the contents of α- and β-carotene decreased sharply. Mutant carrot with loss of DcCCD4 function exhibited yellow color (the taproot of the control carrot was white). The accumulation of β-carotene was also detected in taproot. Functional analysis of the DcCCD4 enzyme in?vitro showed that it was able to cleave α- and β-carotene at the 9, 10 (9', 10') double bonds. In addition, the number of colored chromoplasts in the taproot cells of transgenic carrots overexpressing DcCCD4 was significantly reduced compared with that in normal orange carrots. Results showed that DcCCD4 affects the accumulation of carotenoids through cleavage of α- and β-carotene in carrot taproot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 50 DAS was determined as a turning point for the epidermis color change. • Five new carotenoids that had been detected in carrot. • The main carotene of orange-red carrot was α-carotene rather than β-carotene. • High expression level of LCYE was main reason for the higher α-carotene content. In this experiment, orange‒red carrot at different development stages was used as material to observe the dynamic morphological structure of roots, and the displaying color stage of carrot was identified as 50 days after sowing (DAS). Metabolome and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) were jointly performed on carrot epidermis at the pale stage (30 DAS), starting accumulating carotenoids stage (50 DAS) and highest accumulation of carotenoids stage (115 DAS). A total of 37 kinds of carotene were detected, including 6 kinds of carotene, 10 kinds of lutein and 21 kinds of carotene ester. The main carotene of orange carrot was α-carotene, whose content reached 545.09 μg/g at 115 DAS. The content of α-carotene was 2.95, 2.45 and 2.27 times that of β-carotene at the three developmental stages, respectively. In addition, previously unreported echinenone, canthaxathin and apocarotenal and a large amount of carotenoid esters were detected in carrot epidermis. A total of 14466 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-Seq, and 62 DEGs related to carotenoid biosynthesis were screened. The transcription levels of GGPS4, PSY2, PDS, ZDS, Z-ISO, CRTISO2, LCYE, LCYB1 and BCH1 were positively correlated with carotenoid content in carrot epidermis, and the high expression of PSY2, LCYE and LCYB1 was the main reason for the synthesis of α-carotene and β-carotene, which resulted in the root color change in carrot. The expression of NCED 1/2/3 was upregulated at first and then downregulated to almost no expression, which played an important role in carotenoid accumulation during root development. In addition, the expression level of LCYE was higher than that of LCYB1 , which was speculated to be the main reason for the higher content of α-carotene than β-carotene in orange‒red carrot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is emerging evidence linking fruit and vegetable consumption and cognitive function. However, studies focusing on the nutrients underlying this relationship are lacking. We aim to examine the association between plasma nutrients and cognition in a population at risk for cognitive decline with a suboptimal diet. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) trial is a randomized controlled intervention that examines the effects of the MIND diet to prevent cognitive decline. The primary outcome is global cognition. A multivariate linear model was used to investigate the association between blood nutrients and global and/or domain-specific cognition. The model was adjusted for age, sex, education, study site, smoking status, cognitive activities and physical activities. High plasma α-carotene was associated with better global cognition. Participants in the highest tertile of plasma α-carotene had a higher global cognition z score of 0⋅17 when compared with individuals in the lowest tertile (P 0⋅002). Circulating α-carotene levels were also associated with higher semantic memory scores (P for trend 0⋅007). Lutein and zeaxanthin (combined) was positively associated with higher semantic memory scores (P for trend 0⋅009). Our study demonstrated that higher α-carotene levels in blood were associated with higher global cognition scores in a US population at risk for cognitive decline. The higher α-carotene levels in blood reflected greater intakes of fruits, other types of vegetables and lesser intakes of butter and margarine and meat. The higher circulating levels of lutein plus zeaxanthin reflected a dietary pattern with high intakes of fruits, green leafy, other vegetables and cheese, and low consumption of fried foods. Objective nutrient markers in the blood can better characterize dietary intake, which may facilitate the implementation of a tailored dietary intervention for the prevention of cognitive decline.

Urological cancers, namely prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular, and penile cancers, are common conditions that constitute almost one-quarter of all malignant diseases in men. Urological cancers tend to affect older individuals, and their development is influenced by modifiable metabolic, behavioral, and environmental risk factors. Phytochemicals may have cancer-fighting properties and protect against cancer development, slow its spread, and reduce the risk of cancer deaths in humans. This paper aims to review the current literature in regard to the effects of carotenoids in reducing urological cancer risk.

Carotenoids, a diverse group of pigments, participate in various biological processes in plants and contribute to an important quality trait for many plants. Celery is an important leafy vegetable crop, and the leaf is the main edible organ. However, the molecular mechanism of carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in celery has yet to be characterized. Here, two celery varieties with obviously different appearances, ‘Liuhe yellow heart celery’ and ‘Ventura’, were selected to study the carotenoid accumulation and distinct transcript profiling of structural genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis. The contents of lutein, β-carotene, and α-carotene of leaf blades and petioles of celery were determined by UPLC at 30, 45, and 60 days after germination (DAG). In the two celery varieties, the highest lutein content was 14.56 mg/g DW (dry weight) in leaf blades of ‘Ventura’ at 45 DAG. The lowest lutein content was 1.56 mg/g DW in petioles of ‘Liuhe yellow heart celery’ at 60 DAG. The highest β-carotene content was 0.42 mg/g DW in leaf blades of ‘Ventura’ at 45 DAG. The lowest β-carotene content was 0.07 mg/g DW in petioles of ‘Liuhe yellow heart celery’ at 45 DAG. Lutein and β-carotene contents in leaf blades were higher than that in petioles. The contents of lutein and β-carotene in ‘Ventura’ were higher than that in ‘Liuhe yellow heart celery’. The relative expression levels of structural genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis were also detected. The contents of lutein and β-carotene were correlated with the transcription level of genes involved in carotenoid biosynthesis. The relative expression of AgPSY1 and AgLCYE in ‘Ventura’ was significantly higher than that in ‘Liuhe yellow heart celery’ at three growth stages. The content of α-carotene could not detected in leaves of the two celery cultivars. These results provide potential insights into carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in celery during growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ceres is the property of Revista Ceres and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lipid-core nanocapsules loaded with β-carotene and α-carotene, and lutein (NCs) were produced with monomodal particle size distribution. Their mean diameter was 151.33 ± 5.03 nm (D4,3) and 180.30 ± 0.70 nm (z-average), zeta potential was -22.63 ± 0.52 mV, and pH was 3.21 ± 0.04. The stability of NCs was studied under different simulated industrial treatments, such as thermal and ultraviolet (UV)-visible light treatment. Regardless of the temperature and incubation time of the samples, higher carotenoids retention (%) was observed in NCs than ethanol extract (EE) (under UV-vis light treatment) and higher carotenoids retention (%) was observed in NCs compared to EE and data already published on the stability of non-encapsulated carotenoids (under thermal treatment). In addition, NCs when exposed to UV-vis light treatment had higher activation energy and lower constant rate (k) than EE. In conclusion, nanoencapsulation offers greater stability to the β-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein upon exposure to conditions similar to those used in the food processing (heat) and storage (UV-vis light). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoid content in durian ( Durio zibethinus ) fruit is an important aspect of fruit quality. We analyzed fruit size, color, carotenoid composition and expression of genes involved in carotenogenesis of two durian cultivars ‘Chanee’ and ‘Monthong’ with differences in pigmentation during growth and ripening. The ripe fruit of ‘Monthong’ has a greater diameter and fruit weight than that of ‘Chanee’, while total carotenoid concentration was approximately 6-fold higher in ‘Chanee’ than in ‘Monthong’. The major carotenoids in the fruit pulp were β-carotene and α-carotene, with minor carotenoids being lutein and zeaxanthin. Significant differences in α-carotene and β-carotene levels were seen between the two cultivars. We cloned fragments of PSY , PDS , ZDS , CRTISO , LCYB , LCYE , CYCB , BCH , ECH and Or genes from durian. Expression analysis of the carotenoid biosynthetic genes using qPCR showed that ZDS expression positively correlated with increases in total carotenoids, β-carotene, α-carotene, and lutein content and LCYE expression correlated with total carotenoids and β-carotene content. In contrast, LCYB showed a negative correlation with total carotenoids, β-carotene, α-carotene and lutein. It can be concluded that carotenoid accumulation during durian fruit growth is regulated by the balanced expression of the ZDS , LCYE and LCYB genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood concentration of vitamin A (VA), which is present as different molecules, i.e., mainly retinol and provitamin A carotenoids, plus retinyl esters in the postprandial period after a VA-containing meal, is affected by numerous factors: dietary VA intake, VA absorption efficiency, efficiency of provitamin A carotenoid conversion to VA, VA tissue uptake, etc. Most of these factors are in turn modulated by genetic variations in genes encoding proteins involved in VA metabolism. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with blood concentrations of retinol and β-carotene, as well as with β-carotene bioavailability. These genetic variations likely explain, at least in part, interindividual variability in VA status and in VA bioavailability. However, much work remains to be done to identify all of the SNPs involved in VA status and bioavailability and to assess the possible involvement of other kinds of genetic variations, e.g., copy number variants and insertions/deletions, in these phenotypes. Yet, the potential usefulness of this area of research is exciting regarding the proposition of more personalized dietary recommendations in VA, particularly in populations at risk of VA deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical prediction models that weight food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) food items by their relation to nutrient biomarker concentrations may estimate nutrient exposure better than nutrient intakes derived from food composition databases. Carotenoids may especially benefit because contributing foods vary in bioavailability and assessment validity. Our objective was to develop empirical prediction models for the major plasma carotenoids and total carotenoids and evaluate their validity compared with dietary intakes calculated from standard food composition tables. 4180 nonsmoking women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) blood subcohort with previously measured plasma carotenoids were randomly divided into training (n = 2787) and testing (n = 1393) subsets. Empirical prediction models were developed in the training subset by stepwise selection from foods contributing ≥0.5% to intake of the relevant carotenoid. Spearman correlations between predicted and measured plasma concentrations were compared to Spearman correlations between dietary intake and measured plasma concentrations for each carotenoid. Three to 12 foods were selected for the α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids prediction models. In the testing subset, Spearman correlations with measured plasma concentrations for the calculated dietary intakes and predicted plasma concentrations, respectively, were 0.31 and 0.37 for α-carotene, 0.29 and 0.31 for β-carotene, 0.36 and 0.41 for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.28 and 0.31 for lutein/zeaxanthin, 0.22 and 0.23 for lycopene, and 0.22 and 0.27 for total carotenoids. Empirical prediction models may modestly improve assessment of some carotenoids, particularly α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin.

The health benefits of fruits and vegetables are well-documented. Those rich in provitamin A carotenoids are good sources of vitamin A. This cross-sectional study indirectly assessed fruit and vegetable intakes using serum carotenoids in 193 schoolchildren aged 7 to 12 years in the Western part of Burkina Faso. The mean total serum carotenoid concentration was 0.23 ± 0.29 µmol/L, which included α- and β-carotene, lutein, and β-cryptoxanthin, and determined with serum retinol concentrations in a single analysis with high performance liquid chromatography. Serum retinol concentration was 0.80 ± 0.35 µmol/L with 46% of children (n = 88) having low values

In the present study, carotenoid concentrations and profiles of carotenoids were determined at harvest and during storage in fruit of several cultigens of winter squash, including several New Hampshire (NH) breeding lines, the cultivars Waltham Butternut and Puritan Butternut in Cucurbita moschata (Duch.), and the hybrid cultivars Sunshine, Eclipse, Space Station, and Thunder in Cucurbita maxima (Duch.). Cultigens were grown at research farms in either Madbury or Durham, NH, in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and fruit were harvested at either 40 or 60 days after pollination (DAP), and stored for 0, 30, or 60 days at 14 °C before sampling. Total carotenoid concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically and carotenoid profiles were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Carotenoid concentrations in fruit samples of C. maxima cultigens harvested at 60 DAP ranged from 146 to 320 μg·g-1 fresh weight (FW), compared with concentrations of 274 to 623 μg·g-1 FW after storage for 60 days. Carotenoid concentrations were lower among C. moschata cultigens, ranging from 42 to 145 μg·g-1 FW at 60 DAP, and from 84 to 239 μg·g-1 FW after 60-day storage. The nutritionally important carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene, comprised 41% to 63% of the total carotenoid profile in the C. maxima kabocha hybrids; whereas, the carotenoids neoxanthin and flavoxanthin comprised 37% to 59%. β-Carotene and lutein were the major nutritionally beneficial carotenoids identified in 'Waltham Butternut' and three inbred lines of C. moschata, along with much smaller concentrations of α-carotene. Neoxanthin and violaxanthin comprised between 14% and 29% of the total carotenoid profiles among the four cultigens analyzed. In the popular cultivar Waltham Butternut, the β-carotene concentration was 17.3 μg·g-1 FW at 60 DAP, but increased to a maximum of 57.8 μg·g-1 FW after storage for 30 days; whereas, lutein concentrations increased from 27.3 μg·g-1 FW at 60 DAP to 44.6 μg·g-1 FW after 60-day storage. In Sunshine, a popular kabocha cultivar, β-carotene increased from 26.0 μg·g-1 FW at 60 DAP to 104 μg·g-1 FW after 60-day storage. Lutein + zeaxanthin concentrations in 'Sunshine' were 58.8 μg·g-1 FW at 60 DAP, but increased only to 71.8 μg·g-1 FW after 60-day storage. Total carotenoid concentrations and carotenoid profiles in 'Sunshine' over three growing seasons, and in 'Waltham Butternut', 'NH.Mo421', and 'NH.Mo851' over two growing seasons, were similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood concentration of vitamin A (VA), which is present as different molecules, i.e., mainly retinol and provitamin A carotenoids, plus retinyl esters in the postprandial period after a VA-containing meal, is affected by numerous factors: dietary VA intake, VA absorption efficiency, efficiency of provitamin A carotenoid conversion to VA, VA tissue uptake, etc. Most of these factors are in turn modulated by genetic variations in genes encoding proteins involved in VA metabolism. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with blood concentrations of retinol and β-carotene, as well as with β-carotene bioavailability. These genetic variations likely explain, at least in part, interindividual variability in VA status and in VA bioavailability. However, much work remains to be done to identify all of the SNPs involved in VA status and bioavailability and to assess the possible involvement of other kinds of genetic variations, e.g., copy number variants and insertions/deletions, in these phenotypes. Yet, the potential usefulness of this area of research is exciting regarding the proposition of more personalized dietary recommendations in VA, particularly in populations at risk of VA deficiency.

The flowers of twenty-three cultivars of Dendranthema grandiflorum Ramat. were investigated to determine anthocyanin and carotenoid levels and to confirm the effects of the pigments on the flower colors using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The cultivars contained the anthocyanins cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3g) and cyanidin 3-(3"-malonoyl) glucoside (C3mg) and the following carotenoids: lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, 13-cis-β-carotene, α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, and 9-cis-β-carotene. The cultivar "Magic" showed the greatest accumulation of total and individual anthocyanins, including C3g and C3gm. On the other hand, the highest level of lutein and zeaxanthin was noted in the cultivar "Il Weol". The cultivar "Anastasia" contained the highest amount of carotenoids such as trans-β-carotene, 9-cis-β-carotene, and 13-cis-β-carotene. The highest accumulation of β-cryptoxanthin and a-carotene was noted in the cultivar "Anastasia" and "Il Weol". Our results suggested that 'Magic", "Angel" and "Relance' had high amounts of anthocyanins and showed a wide range of red and purple colors in their petals, whereas "Il Weol', "Popcorn Ball' and "Anastasia" produced higher carotenoid contents and displayed yellow or green petal colors. Interestingly, "Green Pang Pang", which contained a high level of anthocyanins and a medium level of carotenoids, showed the deep green colored petals. "Kastelli", had high level of carotenoids as well as a medium level of anthocyanins and showed orange and red colored petals. It was concluded that each pigment is responsible for the petal's colors and the compositions of the pigments affect their flower colors and that the cultivars could be a good source for pharmaceutical, floriculture, and pigment industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of carotenoid-rich vegetables such as tomatoes and tomato sauces is associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases. The predominant carotenoids in tomato products are in the (all-E) configuration, but (Z) isomers can be formed during thermal processing. The effect of cooking time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min) and the addition of extra virgin olive oil (5% and 10%) on the carotenoid extractability of tomato sauces was monitored using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and LC-ultraviolet detection (LC-UV). The thermal treatment and the addition of extra virgin olive oil increased the levels of antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, Z-lycopene isomers, α-carotene and β-carotene. These results are of particular nutritional benefit since higher lycopene intake has been associated with a reduced risk of lethal prostate and a reduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Moreover, β-carotene has been reported to suppress the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 gene expression in a dose dependent manner and to suppress UVA-induced HO-1 gene expression in cultured FEK4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: ▶ Breadfruit cultivars from the Marshall Islands contain provitamin A. ▶ Carotenoid-rich foods can protect against vitamin A deficiency. ▶ Traditional knowledge of breadfruit cultivars was examined using ethnography. ▶ α- and β-carotene, total carotenoids of 6 breadfruit cultivars of 2 species studied. ▶ Orange-fleshed Mejwaan variety had up to 3540μg/100g β-carotene, fresh weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Carotenoids, responsible for the red, orange and yellow color in foods, consist a part of the pigment family that naturally present in vegetables and fruits. Six main carotenoids found in human blood serum and taken with the diet are β- and α-carotenes, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Many studies suggest that carotenoids have a positive effect on several diseases such as certain type of cancers, cardiovascular and ocular diseases, especially age related macular degeneration and cataract. The antioxidant properties of carotenoids may be responsible for their beneficial influence on human health. Human organisms are unable to synthesize carotenoids, therefore these compounds have to be supplied with the diet. Main carotenoid sources include carrots, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, egg yolk and corn. In this study, carotenoids in foods and their effects on human health are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since vitamin A deficiency is prevalent in many developing countries, we sought to focus research on local, affordable and well-accepted sources of provitamin A carotenoids. As dessert bananas are consumed fresh round the year and processed as products, this study investigated whether post-climacteric biochemical changes are linked to carotenoid degradation in four Indian varieties, one commercial (Cavendish, AAA), one Red banana (genome AAA) and two locally-important ones (genome AAB). Despite large differences in their ripening characteristics, textural loss was lesser in AABs than AAAs. High levels of carotenoids (21.0 μg/g FW), β-carotene (9.14 μg/g FW) and α-carotene (9.32 μg/g FW) were found in Red banana accounting for retinol activity equivalent of 114 μg/100 g FW. The carotenoid levels were lower in two local varieties and lowest in Cavendish, with no post-climacteric loss. Dry grits, prepared using Red banana pulp, milk powder and sugar, retained about 70% carotenoids and appeared useful in confectionaries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Carotenoid biosynthesis in bryophytes has yet to be clarified. The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L. is known to be an early land plant and is an emerging bryophyte model. In order to gain insight into the evolution of carotenoid biosynthesis in plants, we studied carotenoid biosynthesis in this liverwort. As is the case in higher plants, liverwort thalli contain lutein and β-carotene, as major carotenoids, as well as zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin, violaxanthin and 9′-cis-neoxanthin. Based on liverwort expressed sequence tag (EST)/cDNA and genome sequences, we isolated two cyclase genes encoding lycopene β-cyclase (LCYb) and lycopene ɛ-cyclase (LCYe), which were involved in the synthesis of β-carotene and α-carotene. These enzymes were phylogenetically positioned between corresponding proteins of a green alga (Chlorophyta) and higher plants. Functional analysis of the two genes was performed using a heterologous Escherichia coli expression system, in which the Pantoea ananatis lycopene biosynthesis genes were co-expressed. The results indicated liverwort LCYb activity for the synthesis of β-carotene from lycopene, which was the same as that of higher plants. On the other hand, liverwort LCYe was able to form two ɛ-rings from lycopene to ɛ-carotene via δ-carotene, which was different from the Arabidopsis LCYe enzyme which generates only one ɛ-ring from lycopene. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

[Display omitted] • The C C stretching band position is a measure of the number of conjugated C C bonds. • The conjugation length, end and side groups determine the C C band position. • The conjugation length, end/side groups influence the C C and C C band intensities. Using the density functional theory (DFT), we calculated the structures and Raman spectra of trans -isomers of α-carotene, β-carotene, γ-carotene and lycopene as well as trans -isomers of modified β-carotene and lycopene molecules with substituted end or/and side groups. The DFT calculations showed that the position of the C C stretching band depends mainly on the number of conjugated C C bonds and decreases with an increase in the conjugation length. The weak dependence of the position of the C C stretching band on the structure of the carotenoid side and end groups suggests that this band can be used to evaluate the conjugation length for trans -isomers of various molecules containing polyene chains. The C C stretching band shifts towards lower wavenumbers with growth of the conjugation length or masses of the end groups and to higher wavenumbers in the presence of the side CH 3 groups. The intensities of the C C and C C stretching bands are enhanced with growth of the conjugation length or masses of the end groups. The presence of the side CH 3 groups results in bending of the carotenoid backbone, splitting and dumping of intensities of the C C and C C stretching bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]