Search

Mandarine juice is one of the richest sources of β-cryptoxanthin and flavonoids, which have been positively associated with bone mineral density. Carotenoids are lipophilic isoprenoid compounds with a complex absorption process that can be affected by different factors. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of the food matrix on the

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of carotenoids on selected inflammatory parameters. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of science were searched from inception until April 2021. The random-effect model was used to analyze data and the overall effect size was computed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and corresponding 95% of confidence interval (CI). A total of 26 trials with 35 effect sizes were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated significant effects of carotenoids on C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: ‒0.54 mg/L, 95% CI: ‒0.71, ‒0.37, P < 0.001), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (WMD: ‒0.54 pg/mL, 95% CI: ‒1.01, ‒0.06, P = 0.025), however the effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was not significant (WMD: ‒0.97 pg/ml, 95% CI: ‒1.98, 0.03, P = 0.0.059). For the individual carotenoids, astaxanthin, (WMD: ‒0.30 mg/L, 95% CI: ‒0.51, ‒0.09, P = 0.005), lutein/zeaxanthin (WMD: ‒0.30 mg/L, 95% CI: ‒0.45, ‒0.15, P < 0.001), and β-cryptoxanthin (WMD: ‒0.35 mg/L, 95% CI: ‒0.54, ‒0.15, P < 0.001) significantly decreased CRP level. Also, only lycopene (WMD: ‒1.08 pg/ml, 95%CI: ‒2.03, ‒0.12, P = 0.027) led to a significant decrease in IL-6. The overall results supported possible protective effects of carotenoids on inflammatory biomarkers.

Background and AimsFew studies examined influence of carotenoids and vitamin E on blood pressure or hypertension during and after pregnancy. We related perinatal plasma concentrations of individual carotenoids and forms of vitamin E, and their combination, to blood pressure and hypertension at late-pregnancy and 4 years post-pregnancy.Methods and ResultsIn 684 women of the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes cohort, we quantified plasma carotenoids and vitamin E concentrations at delivery. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) around 37-39 weeks’ gestation were extracted from obstetric records, and measured at 4 years post-pregnancy. Principal component analysis derived patterns of carotenoids (CP) and vitamin E. Associations were examined using linear or logistic regressions adjusting for confounders. Two carotenoid (CP1: α-, β-carotene, lutein; CP2: zeaxanthin, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin) and one vitamin E (γ-, δ-, α-tocopherols) patterns were derived. CP1 (1SD score increment) was associated with lower SBP and DBP [β (95% CI): -2.36 (-3.47, -1.26) and -1.37 (-2.21, -0.53) mmHg] at late-pregnancy, and 4 years post-pregnancy [-1.45 (-2.72, -0.18) and -0.99 (-1.98, -0.01) mmHg]. Higher β-cryptoxanthin concentrations were associated with lower SBP and DBP [-1.50 (-2.49, -0.51) and -1.20 (-1.95, -0.46) mmHg] at late-pregnancy. Individual vitamin E and their pattern were not associated with blood pressure or hypertension.ConclusionHigher perinatal α-, β-carotene and lutein concentrations are associated with lower blood pressure in women at late-pregnancy and post-pregnancy. Foods rich in these carotenoids such as red-, orange- and dark-green-colored vegetables might be beneficial for blood pressure during and after pregnancy.

Provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) are important contributors to vitamin A status and in reducing vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable populations. However, there are uncertainties about the effectiveness of dietary pVACs to provide sufficient amounts of vitamin A due to large variations in provitamin A bioefficacy, and if provitamin A carotenoids other than β-carotene could be utilized in biofortification programs. Although animal studies have compared the bioefficacy of β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene in biofortified maize by measuring liver retinol concentrations after dietary exposure, it is unclear whether the higher bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin can be offset by the lower conversion of β-cryptoxanthin to retinol, and how post-intestinal conversion of β-cryptoxanthin may contribute to the total bioefficacy of β-cryptoxanthin. Here, we present a method that, for the first time, uses stable isotope labeled β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene to quantify bioconversion and bioefficacy of both pVACs simultaneously in human volunteers. The paper describes how positioning of the [

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between dietary carotenoid intake and asthma using data from a nationally representative sample of US adults.DesignCross-section study.SettingThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012.ParticipantsA total of 13 039 participants aged 20–80 years (current asthma n=1784, non-current asthma n=11 255) were included in this study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAsthma was defined by self-report questionnaires. Weighted logistic regression analyses and the smooth curve fittings were performed to explore the association between total carotenoid intake, dietary carotenoid subgenera, including (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein with zeaxanthin and lycopene) and the risk of asthma.ResultsThe ORs with 95% CIs of dietary α-carotene, dietary β-carotene, dietary β-cryptoxanthin, total lutein with zeaxanthin, total lycopene, dietary carotenoid and total carotenoid intake for individuals with current asthma after adjusting the confounders in model 3 were 0.80 (0.67 to 0.95), 0.67 (0.57 to 0.79), 0.68 (0.55 to 0.85), 0.77 (0.61 to 0.98), 0.71 (0.57 to 0.87), 0.75 (0.59 to 0.96) and 0.61 (0.48 to 0.76) in the highest versus lowest quartile, respectively. The smooth curve fittings suggested a non-linear relationship between total carotenoid intake and the risk of current asthma.ConclusionsHigher intake of a-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein with zeaxanthin and total carotenoid were associated with lower odds of having current asthma in the US adults. This is a cross-sectional study and no causal relationship can be drawn, so caution is needed to interpret the results.

Carotenoids are increasingly being implicated to have an important role in brain and eye development. This study aimed to quantify the content and profile of carotenoids in human breast milk, maternal plasma and neonatal umbilical cord plasma in Chengdu, an urban area in Southwest China. In this study, fifty-four healthy mothers were enrolled. Maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk were collected. Concentrations of carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene and lycopene) were analysed by HPLC. We found that carotenoid concentrations decreased from colostrum to mature milk. Hydrocarbon carotenoids with weaker polarity decreased more than the polar carotenoids. Lycopene concentrations dropped by 99 %, β-carotene by 92 %, β-cryptoxanthin by 83 %, lutein by 32 % and zeaxanthin by 22 %. Lycopene and β-carotene accounted for 70 % of the total carotenoids in colostrum, and lutein predominated amongst carotenoids in transitional milk and mature milk (51–55 %). Carotenoid concentrations in maternal plasma were much higher than that in cord plasma. Lutein predominated in cord plasma. The concentrations of all carotenoids in maternal plasma were correlated with those of cord plasma and human milk. These results are consistent with selective transport mechanisms in the mammary gland related to the polarity of carotenoids, and each carotenoid has its own implications, which may have different priorities in the early life development of infants. These findings may help guide dietary recommendations for carotenoid inclusion in infant formulas.

Background and ObjectivesSerum antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids may protect against neurodegeneration with age. We examined associations of these nutritional biomarkers with incident all-cause and Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia among US middle-aged and older adults.MethodsUsing data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988–1994), linked with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid follow-up data, we tested associations and interactions of serum vitamins A, C, and E and total and individual serum carotenoids and interactions with incident AD and all-cause dementia. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted.ResultsAfter ≤26 years follow-up (mean 16–17 years, 7,283 participants aged 45–90 years at baseline), serum lutein+zeaxanthin was associated with reduced risk of all-cause dementia (65+ age group), even in the lifestyle-adjusted model (per SD: hazard ratio [HR] 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.99;p= 0.037), but attenuated in comparison with a socioeconomic status (SES)–adjusted model (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.93;p= 0.013). An inverse relationship was detected between serum β-cryptoxanthin (per SD increase) and all-cause dementia (45+ and 65+) for age- and sex-adjusted models (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.93;p< 0.001 for 45+; HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.93;p= 0.001 for 65+), a relationship remaining strong in SES-adjusted models (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.96;p= 0.006 for 45+; HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.96;p= 0.007 for 65+), but attenuated in subsequent models. Antagonistic interactions indicate putative protective effects of 1 carotenoid may be observed at lower levels other carotenoids or antioxidant vitamin.DiscussionIncident all-cause dementia was inversely associated with serum lutein+zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin levels. Further studies with time-dependent exposures and randomized trials are needed to test neuroprotective effects of supplementing the diet with select carotenoids.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class II evidence that incident all-cause dementia was inversely associated with serum lutein+zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin levels.

Background The effect of carotenoids on the risk of preeclampsia (PE) is uncertain. We aimed to examine the associations between the intake of dietary carotenoids and related compounds by pregnant women in China, and the risk of their developing PE. Methods Four hundred and forty PE cases and 440 age- (± 3 years), gestational age- (± 1 weeks) and gestational diabetes mellitus status- (yes/no) matched healthy controls were recruited from March 2016 to June 2019. Dietary intake of carotenoids was assessed using a 79-item validated food-frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that the intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein and zeaxanthin (lut-zea) were negatively associated with the odds of developing PE. Compared with the lowest quartile intake, the multivariate-adjusted OR (95% CI) of the highest quartile intake was 0.29 (0.16–0.54, Ptrend Ptrend Ptrend = 0.007) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.55 (0.30–0.99, Ptrend = 0.04) for lycopene and 0.32 (0.17–0.61, Ptrend = 0.001) for lut-zea. However, no significant associations were observed between the risk of developing PE and α-carotene intake (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.41–1.36, Ptrend = 0.28). Moreover, similar negative associations were found for every one-standard-deviation increase in the intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lut-zea. Conclusion These results indicate that a high intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lut-zea may be associated with a low risk of developing PE.

Citrus fruit is a carotenoid and vitamin-rich food. Here, we investigated the effects of red, blue, and white light-transmittance bagging (LTB) on carotenoid (Car) metabolism during 'Moro' blood orange ripening. A total of 50 carotenoids were identified, and phytoene and violaxanthins were predominant in the pulp, accounting for over 82.12 % of total Cars. Red LTB increased the esterification of xanthophylls easily absorbed by the human body and promoted Car accumulation. The esterification of violaxanthin, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin by caprate (C10), laurate (C12), myristate (C14), palmitic (C16), and oleate (C18) was the main contributor to the observed patterns. CsAt1g54570, a potential xanthophyll esterase, might mediate the esterification of β-cryptoxanthin. Our results shed light on the role of red LTB in enhancing Car esterification and accumulation in citrus pulp and provide a promising method for promoting Car accumulation during citrus production.

This study examined the effect of the intake of orange juice provided freshly squeezed (FS) or processed using low-temperature pasteurisation (LP), high-pressure processing (HPP), or pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on the serum carotenoid concentrations of 12 healthy individuals, aged 20–32 years, enrolled in a crossover study. Participants were instructed to consume 500 ml of orange juice/day for 14 days. Carotenoid concentrations in the orange juice as well as serum samples retrieved on days 7 and 14 were analysed via HPLC. A significant increase in serum xanthophyll concentrations, but not serum carotenes, was observed, with the highest increase in α- and β-cryptoxanthin. The processing technologies applied appeared to affect serum carotenoid concentrations, with concentrations being similar in the HPP and FS orange juice types. As high variability in serum carotenoid concentrations was observed, the effect of different technologies on serum carotenoid concentration warrants further studies with larger sample sizes., Begoña Olmedilla-Alonso participates in the Spanish Carotenoid Network (CaRed) funded by the Spanish MINECO (Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness) grant BIO2015-71703- REDT. Begoña Olmedilla-Alonso and M Pilar Cano participate in the European Carotenoid Network (EuroCaroten) funded by the European Commission COST Action CA15136. This work was supported by the Consejería de Educación, Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain (grants: CAM 07G/0040/2000 and 07G/0041/2000) and by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain (grant RCMN C03/08).

The carotenoid and carotenoid ester profile in astringent persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb., var. Rojo Brillante) was composed by 13 free xanthophylls, 8 hydrocarbon carotenes and 17 carotenoid esters. The stability and biaoccessibility of these carotenoids was determined by an adaptation of the INFOGEST protocol. Results showed that the stability of persimmon carotenoids ranged from 61 to 74%, depending on the digestion phase, being (all-E)-β-cryptoxanthin and (all-E)-antheraxanthin 3-O-palmitate the most stable carotenoids. At the final step of the digestion (oral + gastric + duodenal phase), only traces of (all-E)-antheraxanthin, (all-E)-lutein and (all-E)-β-cryptoxanthin were found in control samples due to the low efficiency of carotenoid micellization, which was affected by the high pectin content naturally present in persimmon tissues. Processing increased the overall carotenoid bioaccessibility to 54% in pressurized samples and to 25% in thermal treated ones. This effect depended on the processing technology as well as on the chemical structure of the carotenoid, being (all-E)-β-cryptoxanthin and (all-E)-β-cryptoxanthin laurate the most bioaccessible carotenoids in pressurized samples and (all-E)-β-cryptoxanthin laurate and (all-E)-antheraxanthin the most bioaccessible ones in pasteurized ones., The authors would like to express gratitude for the funding received from Spanish MINECO (project INIA RTA2015-00044-C02-02) of Spanish Government and by the international project FUNFOODEMERTEC funded by Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM, Mexico). Author Andrea Gómez-Maqueo thanks CONACyT, Mexico, for her doctoral scholarship, no. 692751.

Phenotypic characteristics, as well as the relation between carotenoid accumulation and gene expression during ripening were determined in fruits of five new hybrids between tangor cv. ‘Murcott’ and sweet orange cv. ‘Pera’. The genotypes were classified into the orange-like group, showing mainly epoxycarotenoids, oval fruit shape and yellowish color, or in the mandarin-like group, showing mainly β-cryptoxanthin, flattened shape and deep-orange coloration; although some hybrids presented intermediate characteristics. The diversity in carotenoid composition of hybrids and genitors were mostly explained by patterns of gene expression. High carotenoid (250–426 μg/g dry weight [dw]) and β-cryptoxanthin (81–125 μg/g dw) contents, observed in the mandarin-like group, were generally associated with high expression of upstream genes (GGPPS1, PSY, PDS). On the other hand, low expression/repression of these genes and high expression of downstream genes (BCHX and ZEP) were associated with low carotenoid (~158 μg/g dw) and β-cryptoxanthin (5–22 μg/g dw) contents and epoxycarotenoid accumulation, as occurred in the orange-like group. Breeding experiments resulted in hybrids with outstanding higher carotenoid contents than both genitors (up to 426 μg/g dw versus 158–250 μg/g dw in genitors), which was attributed to transgressive segregation. Differences among genotypes have great impact on commercial fruit quality and potential health benefits, such as the provitamin A content.

To examine the association between dietary intake of Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin and stomach cancer in Vietnamese men.A case-control study including 80 male incident stomach cancer cases and 146 male controls was performed in a general hospital in Viet Nam. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency (SQFFQ) and demographic lifestyle questionnaire were designed, and venous blood samples were collected to determine H. pylori status by IgG ELISA. Nutrient intake was converted using the data of SQFFQ and the Nutritive Composition Table of Vietnamese Foods, updated in 2019. The respective associations between Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin intake and stomach cancer were examined using unconditional logistic regression analysis with adjustments for possible cofactors.Both Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin intake and stomach cancer showed a significantly inverse association, tertile-3 versus tertile-1, (OR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.06-0.35, p trend = 0.00) and (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.14-0.79, p trend = 0.02, respectively). For Trans-Lycopene intake stratifying by H. pylori status remained the benefit effect against stomach cancer among H. pylori-negative participants (OR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.03-0.69, p trend = 0.02) and H. pylori-positive participants (OR = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.04-0.42, p trend = 0.00).Both Trans-Lycopene and β-Cryptoxanthin intake showed a strong protective effect against stomach cancer. The findings suggest that these two types of fat-soluble micronutrients would be considered as an anti-cancer therapy for both primary and secondary prevention.

Most of the maize (Zea mays L.) varieties in developing countries have low content of micronutrients including vitamin A. As a result, people who are largely dependent on cereal-based diets suffer from health challenges due to micronutrient deficiencies. Marker assisted recurrent selection (MARS), which increases the frequency of favorable alleles with advances in selection cycle, could be used to enhance the provitamin A (PVA) content of maize. This study was carried out to determine changes in levels of PVA carotenoids and genetic diversity in two maize synthetics that were subjected to two cycles of MARS. The two populations, known as HGA and HGB, and their advanced selection cycles (C1 and C2) were evaluated at Ibadan in Nigeria. Selection increased the concentrations of β-carotene, PVA and total carotenoids across cycles in HGA, while in HGB only α-carotene increased with advances in selection cycle. β-cryptoxanthine increased at C1 but decreased at C2 in HGB. The levels of β-carotene, PVA, and total carotenoids increased by 40%, 30% and 36% respectively, in HGA after two cycles of selection. α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthine content improved by 20% and 5%, respectively after two cycles of selection in HGB. MARS caused changes in genetic diversity over selection cycles. Number of effective alleles and observed heterozygosity decreased with selection cycles, while expected heterozygosity increased at C1 and decreased at C2 in HGA. In HGB, number of effective alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity increased at C1 and decreased at C2. In both populations, fixation index increased after two cycle of selections. The greatest part of the genetic variability resides within the population accounting for 86% of the total genetic variance. In general, MARS effectively improved PVA carotenoid content. However, genetic diversity in the two synthetics declined after two cycles of selection.

Carotenoids are abundant pigments mainly contained in vegetables and fruits, and show antioxidant properties by quenching free radicals in human body. Few studies have investigated associations between serum carotenoid levels and premature mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between serum carotenoid level and premature mortality in a Japanese population. This study included 446 Japanese adults (174 men, aged of 40-64) recruited as participants in the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) Study. Serum carotenoid level was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Premature mortality was defined as death before 65 years old during the follow-up period. Premature mortality was ascertained in 60 men (34.5%) and 65 women (23.9%). In men, compared to the 1

Maize is among the crops containing carotenoids that are easily converted to vitamin A and have an enormous influence on consumers' health. Principally maize has high calories and proteins but has less number of other micronutrients such as vitamin A. Societies that use maize as their main and sole staple food are likely to be affected by vitamin A deficiency. Thus, development and production of maize varieties rich in micronutrients and vitamin A are important for improved health. This study characterized 5 carotenoid components in maize genotypes grown in Tanzania as a strategy for improving vitamin A content in maize. The study involved maize landraces, commercial or elite varieties, and inbred lines in determining their potential for provitamin A breeding programs for nutrition improvement. The study found that mean concentration of important carotenoid components, i.e., alpha carotene (AC), beta-carotene (BC), beta-cryptoxanthin (BCX), lutein (LU), zeaxanthin (ZX), provitamin A (ProVA), non-provitamin A (Non-ProVA), and total carotenoids (TC) varied significantly (P 0.001) among maize genotypes. The 3 maize groups studied (landraces, commercial varieties, and breeding materials (BMs) varied significantly. For maize landraces, the concentration (µg/g) of studied carotenoids were AC (0.13-2.67), BC (0.60-3.72), BCX (0.36-1.01), ProVA (0.89-5.29), Retinol (0.25-0.87), LU (2.37-16.97). ZX (0.16-4.41), Non-ProVA (2.4-19.01), and TC (3.68-25.27); in commercial or elite maize varieties were (in µg/g): AC (0.31-3.84), BC (0.56-6.5), BCX (0.46-2.58), ProVA (0.92-11.80), Retinol (0.15-1.82), LU (3.28-22.39). ZX (0.05-11.31), Non-ProVA (2.56-28.81), and TC (4.23-37.84); and for maize BMs AC (0.53-6.64), BC (1.92-13.87), BCX (0.65-6.51), ProVA (2.69-18.62), Retinol (0.5-3.1), LU (4.86-34.99), ZX (0.06-18.58), Non-ProVA (4.8-53.57), and TC (9.86-76.94). Furthermore, the study found that the concentration of studied carotenoids was higher in pigmented (yellow or red) maize genotypes than in white maize genotypes. The current study found an appreciable amount of ProVA in studied materials, including maize landraces, commercial yellow varieties, and CIMMYT lines. The concentration of ProVA and retinol determined in studied maize genotypes were below 15 µg/g a daily vitamin A requirement, thus based on the current ProVA and retinol status it is difficult to meet Vitamin A requirement. Therefore, these maize genotypes with promising levels of carotenoid components are potential breeding materials that can be used in maize provitamin A biofortification program for improved food nutrition and livelihoods in Tanzania.

High concentrations of carotenoids are protective against cardiometabolic risk traits (CMTs) in adults and children. We recently showed in non-diabetic Mexican American (MA) children that serum α-carotene and β-carotene are inversely correlated with obesity measures and triglycerides and positively with HDL cholesterol and that they were under strong genetic influences. Additionally, we previously described a Pediatric Metabolic Index (PMI) that helps in the identification of children who are at risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we quantified serum lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations in approximately 580 children from MA families using an ultraperformance liquid chromatography-photodiode array and determined their heritabilities and correlations with CMTs. Using response surface methodology (RSM), we determined two-way interactions of carotenoids and PMI on Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI). The concentrations of lycopene and β-cryptoxanthin were highly heritable [h2 = 0.98, P = 7 × 10–18 and h2 = 0.58, P = 1 × 10–7]. We found significant (P ≤ 0.05) negative phenotypic correlations between β-cryptoxanthin and five CMTs: body mass index (− 0.22), waist circumference (− 0.25), triglycerides (− 0.18), fat mass (− 0.23), fasting glucose (− 0.09), and positive correlations with HDL cholesterol (0.29). In contrast, lycopene only showed a significant negative correlation with fasting glucose (− 0.08) and a positive correlation with HDL cholesterol (0.18). Importantly, we found that common genetic influences significantly contributed to the observed phenotypic correlations. RSM showed that increased serum concentrations of α- and β-carotenoids rather than that of β-cryptoxanthin or lycopene had maximal effects on ISI. In summary, our findings suggest that the serum carotenoids are under strong additive genetic influences and may have differential effects on susceptibility to CMTs in children.

Resume Afin que les micronutriments et phytomicronutriments lipidiques (vitamines A, D, E, K, carotenoides, phytosterols, certains polyphenols…) que nous ingerons exercent leurs effets biologiques/sante, ils doivent en general rejoindre la circulation generale. Le processus d’absorption de ces molecules est compose de plusieurs etapes (extraction de la matrice alimentaire, incorporation dans les micelles mixtes, captage par les enterocytes…) dont les efficacites sont fortement influencees par les caracteristiques de la matrice de l’aliment source ou des aliments co-ingeres. Ainsi, la liberation des carotenoides de leur matrice est plus faible lorsqu’ils sont incorpores dans les chloroplastes (feuilles des legumes verts) que dans les chromoplastes (legumes et fruits jaunes, orange, rouges) ou dans des produits animaux. Les autres constituants du repas peuvent augmenter (triglycerides) ou diminuer (fibres, phytosterols, autres micronutriments) leur biodisponibilite tandis que certaines modifications technologiques/culinaires peuvent permettent une augmentation de l’efficacite d’absorption. Ces facteurs peuvent egalement affecter la cinetique d’apparition de ces molecules dans la circulation generale, sans que l’on en connaisse les consequences biologiques. Une meilleure connaissance de l’effet des matrices alimentaires sur la biodisponibilite de ces composes permettrait de proposer des leviers d’action industriels ou individuels afin de limiter les deficiences et d’augmenter leurs benefices sante. Sa prise en compte permettrait egalement une meilleure evaluation de leurs effets dans les etudes d’epidemiologie nutritionnelle.

Objective. This research is aimed at determining the vascular health characteristics of carotenoids by evaluating their effect on excessive inflammatory response in endothelial and monocyte cells, the main factors of atherosclerosis. Methods. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or U937 monocytes were treated with escalating concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1 μM) of five most common carotenoids in human plasma, i.e., α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene prior to stimulation with 2 mM fructose. We examined the monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs) and relevant endothelial adhesion molecules. Chemokine and proinflammatory cytokine production as well as intracellular oxidative stress were also assessed in fructose-stimulated ECs and monocytes. Results. Carotenoids repressed monocyte adhesion to fructose-stimulated ECs dose dependently via decreasing primarily the expression of endothelial VCAM-1. In ECs and monocytes, three carotenoids, i.e., β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene, suppressed the fructose-induced expression of chemokines MCP-1, M-CSF, and CXCL-10 and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, with CXCL-10 being the most repressed inflammatory mediator. β-Cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene dramatically downregulated the fructose-induced CXCL-10 expression in vascular cells. The reduction in the inflammatory response was associated with a slight but significant decrease of intracellular oxidative stress. Conclusions. Our results show that carotenoids have a variety of anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerosis activities, which can help prevent or reduce fructose-induced inflammatory vascular diseases.

The present investigation was intended to characterize pigments for the first time from Rhodotorula taiwanensis (LC011412) yeast isolated from the ethic fermentation starter culture source meant to evaluate its carotenoid contents for beneficial applications. The pigments were extracted by an optimized solvent system, purified by flash chromatography and were identified by TLC and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The absorbance spectra confirmed the presence of β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, torulene and torularhodin that showed maximum absorbance (λmax ) within the ranges. The fractions were further characterized by LC/MS and analyzed through FT-IR and NMR for structure elucidation. Spectral analyses also confirmed the presence of the compounds mentioned above. These compounds promise great commercial value and could be useful for large scale production anticipated for potential applications in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. It is pertinent that the characterized carotenoid pigments from the isolate have incredible prospects in industrial applications which require profound attention.

At present, cancer is one of the major diseases in the world affecting numerous lives. There have been various approaches to combat the disease, particularly involving chemical interventions (chemotherapy). However, owing to serious side effects of chemotherapy, employment of natural supplements in cancer therapy has been long desired. Nutraceuticals are currently being studied as a medicament, to act as both preventive and curative measure. Nutraceuticals provide both nutrition and therapeutic benefits; besides, they are natural and biocompatible, and therefore pose no side effects. This facilitates their ready acceptance as dietary supplements with no requirements of special dosage and concerns over long-term usage. Nutraceuticals can be derived from the natural resources such as spices, fruits, vegetables, and plants. However, nutraceuticals are vulnerable to environmental stresses that necessitate encapsulation for long-term storage and required bioavailability. The review collates the findings on encapsulated nutraceuticals in liposomes for cancer therapy. The article provides a coherent overview of the research conducted on liposomal administration of nutraceuticals to target various forms of cancer, explaining the advances made.

In the present study, carotenoid metabolism was investigated in the fruits of a novel citrus cultivar, 'Seinannohikari' (Citrus spp.). During the maturation, β,β-xanthophylls were accumulated rapidly with β-cryptoxanthin being the dominant carotenoid compound in the flavedo and juice sacs of 'Seinannohikari'. In the juice sacs of mature fruits, 'Seinannohikari' accumulated high amount of carotenoids, especially β-cryptoxanthin. The content of β-cryptoxanthin in the juice sacs of 'Seinannohikari' was approximately 2.5 times of that in 'Miyagawa-wase' (Citrus unshiu), which is one of its parental cultivars, at the mature stage. Gene expression results showed that the massive accumulation of β-cryptoxanthin might be attributed to the higher expression of carotenoid biosynthetic genes (CitPSY, CitPDS, CitZDS, CitLCYb2, CitHYb, and CitZEP), and lower expression of carotenoid catabolic genes (CitNCED2 and CitNCED3) in the juice sacs of 'Seinannohikari'.

Background To examine the association between serum concentrations of antioxidant and telomere length (TL) in U.S adults. Methods Participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with data available on TL measures from 2001 to 2002 were included. Serum lipophilic antioxidants level was measured using high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. We used analysis of co-variance and multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, accounting for the survey design and sample weights. Results Of the 5992 eligible participants, 47.5% (n = 2844) were men. The mean age was 46.9 years overall, 47.2 years in men and 46.6 in women (p = 0.071). In age, sex, race, education, marital status, adiposity, smoking, C-reactive protein adjusted linear regressions, antioxidant, serum α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, cis- β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and combined Lutein/zeaxanthin were positively and significantly associated with TL (all p

Background: Previous evidence supports that vitamin A decreases the risk of several types of cancer. However, the association between vitamin A and liver cancer is inconclusive. Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the existing literature, discussing the association between vitamin A intake, serum vitamin A, and liver cancer in adult populations. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed by searching the EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and International Pharmaceutical Abstract databases using terms related to vitamin A (e.g. retinol, α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin) and hepatic cancer without applying any time restriction. A meta-analysis was performed using random effect models. Results: The meta-analysis of five studies showed no association between serum retinol and liver cancer (pooled risk ratio = 1.90 (0.40–9.02); n = 5 studies, I2 = 92%). In addition, the systematic review of studies from 1955 to July 2017 found studies that indicated no association between the intake and serum level of α-carotene ( n = 2) and β-cryptoxanthin ( n = 1) and the risk of liver cancer. Further, the associations between retinol intake ( n = 3), β-carotene intake ( n = 3), or serum β-carotene ( n = 3) and liver cancer were inconclusive. Conclusions: Current information on the association between vitamin A intake and liver cancer or serum vitamin A and liver cancer are limited. Most studies demonstrated no association between dietary vitamin A and the risk of liver cancer. However, the finding was based on a small number of studies with potential publication bias. Therefore, large observational studies should be conducted to confirm these associations.

Among the agronomic practices carried out in corn cultivation, the early sowing time is increasingly used by farmers of temperate regions to improve yield and reduce mycotoxin contamination of corn grains. The present study determined the influence of sowing time on the phytochemical content of grains of 10 colored genotypes of corn. There was a significant improvement of both grain yield (+26%), thousand kernel weight (+3%), and test weight (+2%) in plots sown early. The early sowing also significantly influenced the chemical composition of corn grains, with an increase in the concentration of cell-wall-bound phenolic acids (+5%) and β-cryptoxanthin (+23%) and a decrease in the concentration of lutein (-18%) and total anthocyanins (-21%). Environmental conditions that occurred during grain development significantly influenced the phytochemical content of corn grain, and early spring sowing could impart advantages in terms of both productivity and content of some antioxidants of whole-meal corn flour.

Paprika oleoresin is obtained by solvent extraction from Capsicum annuum L. fruits and contains multiple carotenoids, such as capsanthin, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin, which are considered protective against various diseases. Herein, we investigated the effect of paprika oleoresin supplementation on plasma carotenoid accumulation and evaluated the safety of the oleoresin. We used a double-blinded, placebo-controlled comparative clinical study design and tested the effects of varying doses in healthy adult subjects. In total, 33 subjects were randomly divided into three groups to take capsules containing 0, 20, or 100 mg of paprika oleoresin daily for 12 consecutive weeks. Plasma carotenoid concentrations were measured at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and the safety of paprika oleoresin capsules was investigated using analyses of blood biochemistry, hematology, and urine contents. In these experiments, β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin dose-dependently accumulated in plasma within the dose range of the study over 12 consecutive weeks of paprika oleoresin supplementation. Moreover, β-cryptoxanthin accumulated to higher levels than the other paprika oleoresin carotenoids. In contrast, capsanthin was not detected in plasma before or during the 12-week treatment period. Finally, no adverse events were associated with intake of paprika oleoresin (20 and 100 mg/day) in safety evaluations. Paprika oleoresin is a suitable source of carotenoids, especially β-cryptoxanthin.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent worldwide. Oxidative stress is thought to be a major mechanism, and previous epidemiological studies found higher serum levels of antioxidant carotenoids were associated with reduced risk for development and progression of NAFLD. The objective of this analysis is to examine cross-sectional associations between dietary and serum levels of carotenoids in relation to NAFLD among a nationally representative sample of US adults. We used data from the 2003&ndash, 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary carotenoid intake was estimated from a 24-hour recall, while serum carotenoids were measured from 2003 to 2006. The NAFLD status was determined based upon US Fatty Liver Index (FLI) value &ge, 30. Regression models were used to estimate associations between carotenoids and NAFLD by controlling for covariates and adjusting for survey design variables. Overall, 33% of participants were classified as having NAFLD. Intake of all carotenoids, with the exception of lycopene, was lower among those with NAFLD. This association was significant for the highest quartiles of intake of &alpha, carotene, &beta, cryptoxanthin, and lutein/zeaxanthin. For serum measures, the highest level of all carotenoids was associated with significantly reduced odds of NAFLD. In conclusion, higher intake and serum levels of most carotenoids were associated with lower odds of having NAFLD. Identification of such modifiable lifestyle factors provide an opportunity to limit or prevent the disease and its progression.

Epidemiological and clinical studies have suggested that β-cryptoxanthin (β-CX) has health benefits in humans. To understand the health benefits of β-CX, it is important to examine its in vivo kinetics and identify a convenient noninvasive biomarker for serum β-CX level. However, to date, there have been few studies of β-CX kinetics in humans. We hypothesized that simultaneous consumption of fat-containing food would stimulate absorption of β-CX. We conducted 2 in vivo kinetics studies, one after a single intake and the other after daily intake of β-CX in healthy adults, to examine whether simultaneous consumption of fat-containing food stimulates absorption of β-CX and whether palmar b* value (yellowness) is a suitable biomarker. After a single intake of 1.1 or 2.2 mg of β-CX, the serum level increased dose-dependently and returned to the baseline level after 14 to 17 days. The simultaneous consumption of fat-containing food enhanced the absorption of β-CX by 1.8-fold. During daily intake of 2.0 mg/day β-CX with fat-containing food for 12 weeks, both serum β-CX level and palmar b* value measured with a colorimeter increased continuously. After intake was halted, both serum β-CX level and palmar b* value decreased. There was a positive correlation between serum β-CX level and palmar b* value during the trial (R = 0.55, P .001). These results suggest that intake of β-CX with fat-containing food stimulates the absorption of β-CX and increases palmar yellowness.

Background: Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for pregnant women, and other vitamin A-related compounds, including lutein and lycopene, have been associated with maternal-infant outcomes. The objective of this study was to quantify the status of vitamin A and related compounds in maternal-infant pairs at the time of delivery, and to determine its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: Maternal and cord blood samples were collected in 189 mother-infant pairs. Concentrations of lutein + zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, carotenes, and retinol were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Descriptive statistics was calculated and Spearman coefficients were used to assess correlations between maternal and cord measurements. Kruskal-Wallis and independent samples t test were used to compare measures between retinol groups. Linear and logistic regression models were used to adjust for relevant confounders. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Ten percent of mothers had serum retinol concentrations ≤0.70 µmol/L; 80% of infants had serum retinol concentrations ≤0.70 µmol/L. Low maternal retinol concentrations were associated with maternal anemia (p = 0.04) and a trend toward low birth weight (p = 0.06). Maternal and infant concentrations of vitamin A compounds were highly correlated. After adjustment for confounders, maternal lutein was associated with a C-section (p = 0.03) and a diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome in the infant (p = 0.02). Maternal lycopene was associated with growth parameters in the infant. Conclusions: As vitamin A-related compounds are modifiable by diet, future research determining the clinical impact of these compounds is warranted.

Biofortified maize, designed as an intervention strategy to prevent vitamin A deficiency, can provide upwards of 15 μg β-carotene per g dry weight. Some varieties also have elevated concentrations of other carotenoids. We conducted a cluster randomized, controlled feeding trial in rural Zambia to test the impact of daily consumption of biofortified maize over a 6-month period on vitamin A status. Serum concentrations of retinol and carotenoids were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data on circulating carotenoids by intervention group in 679 children are reported here. As previously shown, consumption of this β-carotene-rich maize significantly improved serum β-carotene concentrations (0.273 vs. 0.147 μmol/L, p

Carotenoids form an important part of the human diet, consumption of which has been associated with many health benefits. With the growing global burden of liver disease, increasing attention has been paid on the possible beneficial role that carotenoids may play in the liver. This review focuses on carotenoid actions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Indeed, many human studies have suggested an association between decreased circulating levels of carotenoids and increased incidence of NAFLD and ALD. The literature describing supplementation of individual carotenoids in rodent models of NAFLD and ALD is reviewed, with particular attention paid to β-carotene and lycopene, but also including β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. The effect of beta-carotene oxygenase 1 and 2 knock-out mice on hepatic lipid metabolism is also discussed. In general, there is evidence to suggest that carotenoids have beneficial effects in animal models of both NAFLD and ALD. Mechanistically, these benefits may occur via three possible modes of action: 1) improved hepatic antioxidative status broadly attributed to carotenoids in general, 2) the generation of vitamin A from β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin, leading to improved hepatic retinoid signaling, and 3) the generation of apocarotenoid metabolites from β-carotene and lycopene, that may regulate hepatic signaling pathways. Gaps in our knowledge regarding carotenoid mechanisms of action in the liver are highlighted throughout, and the review ends by emphasizing the importance of dose effects, mode of delivery, and mechanism of action as important areas for further study. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.

&beta, carotene, &alpha, carotene and &beta, 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 &beta, cryptoxanthin and of &alpha, 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 (&ge, 1.1 &micro, mol/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 &alpha, cryptoxanthin were compared to those for &beta, carotene. Eating comparable amounts of &alpha, carotene, &beta, cryptoxanthin and &beta, carotene foods resulted in 55% greater &alpha, carotene (95% CI 35, 90) and 686% higher &beta, cryptoxanthin (95% CI 556, 1016) concentrations than &beta, carotene in blood. This suggests differences in the apparent bioavailability of &alpha, cryptoxanthin and even larger differences with &beta, cryptoxanthin, greater than that of &beta, carotene. Four fruits (tomato, orange, tangerine, red pepper) and two vegetables (carrot, spinach) are the main contributors to their dietary intake (&gt, 50%) in Europeans.