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BACKGROUND: β-cryptoxanthin (BCX), one of the major carotenoids detected in human circulation, can protect against the development of fatty liver disease. BCX can be metabolized through β-carotene-15,15'-oxygenase (BCO1) and β-carotene-9',10'-oxygenase (BCO2) cleavage pathways to produce both vitamin A and apo-carotenoids, respectively, which are considered important signaling molecules in a variety of biological processes. Recently, we have demonstrated that BCX treatment reduced hepatic steatosis severity and hepatic total cholesterol levels in both wide type and BCO1(–/–)/BCO2(–/–) double knock out (KO) mice. Whether the protective effect of BCX is seen in single BCO2(–/–) KO mice is unclear. METHODS: In the present study, male BCO2(–/–) KO mice at 1 and 5 months of age were assigned to two groups by age and weight-matching as follows: (I) –BCX control diet alone (AIN-93 purified diets); (II) +BCX 10 mg (supplemented with 10 mg of BCX/kg of diet) for 3 months. At 4 and 8 months of age, hepatic steatosis and inflammatory foci were evaluated by histopathology. Retinoids and BCX concentrations in liver tissue were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hepatic protein expressions of SIRT1, acetylated and total FoxO1, PGC1α, and PPARα were determined by the Western blot analysis. Real-time PCR for gene expressions (MCAD, SCD1, FAS, TNFα, and IL-1β gene expression relative to β-actin) was conducted in the liver. RESULTS: Steatosis was detected at 8 months but not at 4 months of age. Moreover, BCX supplementation significantly reduced the severity of steatosis in the livers of BCO2 KO mice, which was associated with changes in hepatic SIRT1 acetylation of FOXO1, PGC1α protein expression and PPARα protein expression in BCO2(–/–) KO mice. HPLC analysis showed that hepatic BCX was detected in BCX supplemented groups, but there were no differences in the hepatic levels of retinol and retinyl palmitate (RP) among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provided experimental evidence that BCX intervention can reduce liver steatosis independent of BCO2.

سيانيد الفينيل منتج أليفاتي يستخدم على نطاق واسع في مختلف الصناعات الكيميائية الاصطناعية، ومن المعروف أن سيانيد الفينيل له تأثيرات سامة على البشر، وكذلك حيوانات التجارب. وقد صممت هذه الدراسة لفحص قدرة بيتاكريبتوزانثين، وهو أحد مضادات الأكسدة الطبيعية، على تخفيف التغيرات الهرمونية للخصية التي يسببها سيانيد الفينيل في الجرذان البيضاء البالغة. وقد أجريت هذه الدراسة على أربعين من ذكور الجرذان البيضاء البالغة، تزن 240± 10جراما، تم تقسيمها إلى أربع مجموعات (10 جرذان لكل مجموعة). تمثل المجموعة الأولى (التي أعطيت زيت ذرة، وماء مقطر) المجموعة الضابطة. وأعطيت المجموعة الثانية عن طريق الفم جرعات من مركب سيانيد الفينيل تعادل 30 مجـم/ كجم من وزن الجسم، وذلك على مدار الأيام الخمسة الأخيرة من نهاية التجربة. وأعطيت المجموعة الثالثة يوميا عن طريق الفم جرعات من البيتاكربتوزانثين تعادل 40 مجم/كجم من وزن الجسم لمدة 30 يوما، أما المجموعة الرابعة فقد أعطيت البيتاكربتوزانثين وسيانيد الفينيل مثل المجموعتين الثانية، والثالثة، وبالجرعات نفسها. وتم جمع عينات الدم من مجموعات الجرذان بعد أربعة وعشرين ساعة من إعطاء الجرعات الأخيرة.وقد أظهرت النتائج أن إعطاء سيانيد الفينيل فى المجموعة الثانية قد تسبب في نقص ملحوظ، وذي دلالة إحصائية في مستويات كل من هرمون التستوستيرون، والأندروستيرون، والهرمون المنشط للحويصلات، وهرمون الجسم الأصفر في مصل الدم، مما يدل على أن لسيانيد الفينيل تأثيرا ضارا على هرمونات التكاثر في ذكور الجرذان البيضاء، أما المجموعة الرابعة التي أعطيت البيتاكربتوزانثين قبل وفي وقت متزامن مع سيانيد الفينيل فقد حدث تحسن ذي دلالة إحصائية في مستوي هذه المعاييرر. وبذلك تكون النتائج قد أوضحت أن للبيتاكربتوزانثين دور وقائي في تقليل التغيرات الهرمونية لخصى ذكور الجرذان البيضاء الناتجة عن المعاملة بسيانيد الفينيل.

We investigated the effect of oral administration of β-cryptoxanthin (β-CRX) on its serum concentration and peripheral neutrophil functions by the chemiluminescence (CL) response in Holstein cattle. A single oral administration of β-CRX was performed for serum β-CRX concentration (0, 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 mg/kg body weight [BW]) and for peak CL response of peripheral neutrophils (0.2 mg/kg BW). The serum β-CRX concentration was peaked on 2 days after, similar to peak CL response on 3 days after β-CRX administration. Therefore, a single oral administration of β-CRX (0.2 mg/kg BW) induces higher serum concentration and concurrently enhances bactericidal ability of peripheral neutrophils in Holstein cattle.

Background: Carotenoids have been hypothesized to promote the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer (PC). Aims: Conducting a meta-analysis to assess whether the association differs by the type of carotenoids and to compare the relationships of each type of carotenoid with PC risk. Methods and Material: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. Pertinent studies were included in the meta-analysis of higher versus lower categories of dietary intakes or serum concentrations of carotenoids in relation to PC. A random-effects model was used to obtain the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their confidence intervals (95%) of the case-control and cohort studies, for generic inverse variance data. Results: 13 identified studies involved 44,861 participants. The meta-analysis determined, for total carotenoids and lycopene, a statistically significant relationship with PC risk; OR: 0.88; 95% CI 0.81-0.96 and 0.87; 95% CI 0.77-0.99 respectively. However, no other carotenoid was noticed to have a statistically significant association with PC risk. Comparison of the effect of each type of carotenoid on PC risk showed that lycopene, lutein-zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin had a moderate inverse but not statistically significant relationship with PC risk. Compared to β-carotene, and α-carotene results, their effect estimates were higher than the previous carotenoids. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that PC was inversely associated with total carotenoids and lycopene dietary intake and serum concentrations. These data provide support for the utilization of carotenoids for the treatment and prevention of PC. Keywords: Sodium chloride, bread, salt reduction, Moroccan population.

β-Cryptoxanthin is one of the most common carotenoids. With high concentrations in human serum and tissue, it is inversely associated with many life-threatening diseases. This paper presents a brief overview of the chemical properties and occurrence of β-cryptoxanthin and summarizes the recent trend in β-cryptoxanthin research. β-Cryptoxanthin is an oxygenated carotenoid common as both free and esterified forms in fruits and vegetables. The distribution of free β-cryptoxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin esters is dependent upon plant types and environmental conditions, such as season, processing techniques, and storage temperatures. The use of β-cryptoxanthin as a nutritional supplement, food additive, and food colorant have stimulated a variety of approaches to identify and quantify free β-cryptoxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin esters. Advances in analytic approaches, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with UV and mass spectrometry (MS), have been developed to analyze β-cryptoxanthin, especially the ester forms. In recent years, β-cryptoxanthin has been thought to play an import role in promoting human health, particularly among the population receiving β-cryptoxanthin as a supplement. Some research indicates that the bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin in typical diets is greater than that of other major carotenoids, suggesting that β-cryptoxanthin-rich foods are probably good sources of carotenoids. β-Cryptoxanthin provides various potential benefits for human health. The chemical structure, occurrence, and absorption of β-cryptoxanthin are discussed in this review. This review provides the latest major approaches used to identify and quantify β-cryptoxanthin. Additionally, various benefits, including provitamin A, anti-obesity effects, antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity, are summarized in this review.

Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.), a unique Japanese citrus species, is one of the foods which have most abundant β-cryptoxanthin all over the world. In this study, β-cryptoxanthin has a variety of health-promoting functions such as the body fat reducing, cosmetic (whitening), and osteoporosis prevention. β-Cryptoxanthin has also been shown in human studies to have anti-exercise fatigue and diabetes prevention actions. These multiple functions further support that β-cryptoxanthin may play a role in vitamin A function.

The objective of the present study was to determine the content and bioaccessibility of carotenoids in 104 maize hybrids available at the market. Lutein, zeaxanthin, α- and β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene were determined in whole grains and micelles produced during standardized INFOGEST digestibility analysis, and their bioaccessibility was calculated as the ratio of micellar and grain carotenoids. Tested hybrids varied in total carotenoid content, with 34% having total carotenoid content in the range of 15–20 µg/g dry matter (DM) and 41% in the range of 20–25 µg/g DM. The amount of bioaccessible carotenoids increased linearly (p &lt, 0.05) with increasing content in the grain, and decreased among determined carotenoidsd in the order: lutein (52%) &gt, zeaxanthin (43%) &gt, β-carotene (43%) &gt, α-cryptoxanthin (27%) &gt, β-cryptoxanthin (26%). Bioaccessibility of lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene decreased with increasing content in the grain (p &lt, 0.05). On average, only 43% of the total carotenoids were bioaccessible in commercial maize hybrids tested, which should be considered when formulating an animal diet.

OBJECTIVES: The carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin is a natural pigment that is both an antioxidant and a precursor to retinol. Research supports that β-cryptoxanthin has greater bioavailability than β-carotene in humans. Red bell peppers have more than double the amount of β-cryptoxanthin than any of the top seven consumed vegetables, as ranked by the USDA. To determine if the amounts of β-cryptoxanthin in bell peppers are dependent upon the organic status, color, cooking, season or location that the fruit was grown within North America, β-cryptoxanthin was measured and compared in green, red and yellow bell peppers. METHODS: An assortment of bell peppers were purchased in the greater Denver, CO region. Green, red and yellow peppers; organic and non-organic; and peppers grown in Canada, the US and Mexico during two different seasons were selected for analysis. The effects of lightly sautéing compared to fresh peppers and season of growth were compared. Samples (100 mg/1 mL) were freeze-dried, then prepared by liquid-liquid extraction for untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics analysis. An accurate mass and retention time (AMRT) database was used to identify and quantify β-cryptoxanthin. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between β-cryptoxanthin and pepper qualities. RESULTS: β-cryptoxanthin concentration was significantly higher in red bell peppers compared to green (11.8-fold) and yellow peppers (7.1-fold) (P = 1.624e-11). β-cryptoxanthin concentration does not appear to be influenced by organic status, season or geographic location. Likewise, the cooked peppers were similar in β-cryptoxanthin content compared to their fresh counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the consumption of bell peppers as a source of β-cryptoxanthin is consistent across organic status, fresh, cooked, season and the location in which they were grown. While β-cryptoxanthin concentration in significantly higher in red bell peppers, more research is necessary in order to determine whether these differences result in any altered health outcomes. FUNDING SOURCES: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

The modified relative dose response (MRDR) test distinguishes between vitamin A (VA) deficiency and sufficiency using the molar ratio of 3,4-didehydroretinol to retinol (DR:R) in serum 4–6 h after administering 3,4-didehydroretinyl acetate (DRA). Research in sows demonstrated that serum and milk DR:R are correlated. Two studies determined VA status in lactating women and investigated breast milk as a surrogate for serum in the MRDR test in VA-adequate women. A secondary outcome compared serum with milk carotenoids in US women. Lactating US (24–40 years old, n = 25) and Indonesian (22–40 years old, n = 18) women were given 8.8 µmol DRA. Subjects were allocated to three collections (3–48 h post-dose) for blood and milk ( n = 4–10/time point). DR, retinol, and carotenoids were determined by HPLC. Serum DR:R time-courses were evaluated in all women and DR kinetics analyzed by noncompartmental modeling in the US and VA-deficient Indonesian women. Indonesian women had a higher proportion of VA deficiency by MRDR (61%) than US women (0%). Milk DR concentration was higher than serum. In US women, serum and milk DR:R were correlated at 5 h ( r = 0.86, P < 0.01) but not at 6 or 7 h. Serum DR kinetics ( tmax = 8, t1/2 = 15.3 h) were similar to those in VA-adequate lactating sows ( tmax = 7.5 ± 1.9, t1/2 = 17.4 ± 4.5 h) but varied in milk (human: tmax = 12, t1/2 = 22.4 h; sow: tmax = 14.4 ± 9.8, t1/2 = 71.8 ± 51.2 h). Carotenoids in milk differed from serum ( P < 0.001), with β-cryptoxanthin enrichment. Serum but not milk VA kinetics were similar between women and sows. Milk DR:R may represent a simpler VA biomarker in lactating women vulnerable to VA deficiency, but requires further validation. Impact statement Vitamin A (VA) deficiency is a major health issue globally, and lactating women are particularly vulnerable due to increased needs for milk production. Accurate detection of VA deficiency is important; however, most population surveys measure VA status using serum retinol, which is affected by inflammation and lacks sensitivity. The modified relative dose response (MRDR) test qualitatively distinguishes between VA deficiency and sufficiency and could improve population surveys if completed in a randomly selected subsample of individuals in surveys. The original relative dose response test required two blood samples, while MRDR requires only one, a significant improvement in accessibility of the technique by decreasing burden on subjects and investigators. This work demonstrates significant deficiency in Indonesian women compared with US women. In combination with previous research using lactating sows, these human data support milk as a surrogate for blood in the MRDR, which may be less invasive, but requires further validation.

In this study, to investigate the xanthophyll accumulation in citrus fruits, the major fatty acid esters of β-cryptoxanthin and β-citraurin were identified, and changes in their contents were investigated in two Satsuma mandarin varieties, 'Miyagawa-wase' and 'Yamashitabeni-wase', during the ripening process. The results showed that β-cryptoxanthin and β-citraurin were mainly esterified with lauric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid in citrus fruits. During the ripening process, β-cryptoxanthin laurate, myristate, and palmitate were accumulated gradually in the flavedos and juice sacs of the two varieties. In the flavedo of 'Yamashitabeni-wase', β-citraurin laurate, myristate, and palmitate were specifically accumulated, and their contents increased rapidly with a peak in November. In addition, functional analyses showed that CitCCD1 and CitCCD4 efficiently cleaved the free β-cryptoxanthin, but not the β-cryptoxanthin esters in vitro. The substrate specificity of CitCCDs towards free β-cryptoxanthin indicated that β-cryptoxanthin esters might be more stable than free β-cryptoxanthin in citrus fruits.

Biofortification of crops to enhance provitamin A carotenoids is a strategy to increase the intake where vitamin A deficiency presents a widespread problem. Heat, light, and oxygen cause isomerization and oxidation of carotenoids, reducing provitamin A activity. Understanding provitamin A retention is important for assessing efficacy of biofortified foods. Retention of carotenoids in high-xanthophyll and high-β-carotene maize was assessed after a long-term storage at three temperatures. Carotenoid retention in high-β-cryptoxanthin maize was determined in muffins, non-nixtamalized tortillas, porridge, and fried puffs made from whole-grain and sifted flour. Retention in eggs from hens fed high-β-cryptoxanthin maize was assessed after frying, scrambling, boiling, and microwaving. Loss during storage in maize was accelerated with increasing temperature and affected by genotype. Boiling whole-grain maize into porridge resulted in the highest retention of all cooking and sifting methods (112%). Deep-fried maize and scrambled eggs had the lowest carotenoid retention rates of 67-78 and 84-86%, respectively.

Background and Aims Cohort studies in Japan indicate that citrus fruit and β-cryptoxanthin–rich Satsuma mandarin are candidate foods for lowering cardiovascular risk; however, there have been few intervention studies of β-cryptoxanthin and Satsuma mandarin supplementation. Methods and Results A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel trial was performed. Apparently healthy men and women were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving concentrated β-cryptoxanthin–rich Satsuma mandarin juice (β-cryptoxanthin 4 mg per 125 mL/day: active group) and one receiving β-cryptoxanthin–deprived Satsuma mandarin juice (β-cryptoxanthin 0 mg per 125 mL/day: control group) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), which assesses arterial stiffness. An oxidative stress biomarker and clinical outcomes were also evaluated. Effect of the intervention on the outcome variables was analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. After the trial, a prespecified 8-month follow-up examination was conducted. One hundred eighteen subjects were randomly assigned, and 117 completed the intervention. Serum β-cryptoxanthin concentration was increased among the active group after β-cryptoxanthin–rich Satsuma mandarin juice supplementation. Both supplementations lowered baPWV and oxidative stress biomarker levels; however, there was no additional effect in the active group compared with the control group. At the 8-month examination, the increase in baPWV among the active group was smaller than that among the control group. Conclusion Satsuma mandarin juice supplementation is potentially beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk; however, additional β-cryptoxanthin supplementation did not enhance this effect. Further study is needed to evaluate the long-term effect of β-cryptoxanthin supplementation. Registration UMIN-CTR, UMIN000013579.

β-cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, exerts preventive effects on various lifestyle-related diseases. Here, we found that daily oral administration of β-cryptoxanthin significantly ameliorated the development of tactile allodynia following spinal nerve injury but was ineffective in mechanical allodynia in an inflammatory pain model in mice. Our results suggest that β-cryptoxanthin supplementation would be beneficial for the prophylaxis of neuropathic pain.

Background: The dietary factors and nutrients contributing to the prevention of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic nephropathy is unclear, so we investigated dietary factors affecting urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: 42 patients with type 2 diabetes were participated, the subjects were divided to a normal albuminuria group (urinary albumin / creatinine ratio of less than 30 mg / g Cr) and a microalbuminuria group of 30 mg / g to 299 mg / g Cr. We performed casual blood sampling and conducted a food frequency questionnaire survey. Results: There were no significant differences in age, BMI and other physiological and biochemical data, the average daily intake of energy and many of nutrients, while β-cryptoxanthin was significantly lower in the microalbuminuria group than in the normal group (506.4 ± 793.9 μg/day vs. 715.3 ± 500.3 μg/day, p

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.

Carotenoids are a widely distributed group of naturally occurring pigments, usually yellow, red, or orange in color. Of the six major carotenoids found in human serum, little is known on the physiological functions of β-cryptoxanthin compared with those of β-carotene or lycopene. In Japan, Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.), which contains high concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin, is locally grown and is the most widely consumed domestic citrus fruit. First, characteristics of β-cryptoxanthin, such as absorption, storage, and distribution are outlined. Next, possible association between β-cryptoxanthin and lifestyle-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, liver dysfunction, arteriosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome were reviewed from the results of experimental and epidemiological observational studies. Finally, β-cryptoxanthin-enriched Satsuma mandarin juice was introduced, and evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effects of β-cryptoxanthin-enriched Satsuma mandarin juice supplementation on liver function and cardiovascular risk were summarized.

Previous observational studies have suggested that β-cryptoxanthin, a micronutrient present in yellow and orange fruit and vegetables, may help delay the onset of menopause. Given the widespread social trend of delaying pregnancy, the possibility that β-cryptoxanthin supplementation may delay age-related loss of fertility and onset of menopause is of significant interest. In a parallel study, either saline or β-cryptoxanthin (5 µg/kg rat/day) was delivered to Wistar albino rats via an osmotic pump from 4 to 7 months of age. All control and β-cryptoxanthin-treated dams were fertile at 7 months of age, with no differences in litter size, sex ratio, or pup viability at the time of mating at 7, 9, 11, and 15 months of age (p ≥.05 for all). As expected, over time there was a pronounced decrease in litter size and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), but with no significant differences between the two groups at any time point. Overall, there was a positive correlation between litter size and AMH (r = 0.324, p =.012), confirming a link between this serum marker of ovarian reserve status and fertility potential. At 16 months, bilateral oophorectomies were performed at necropsy, before conducting follicle density assessments of ovarian reserve. The total number and stage of follicle development were similar between the β-cryptoxanthin and control groups (13.8 ± 3.2 cf 10.2 ± 4.8, respectively, p >.05). β-cryptoxanthin supplementation for 3 months early in reproductive life was not effective in delaying ovarian senescence or enhancing fertility in rats later in life, contrary to the association suggested by observational studies in humans Refereed/Peer-reviewed

To better understand the potential function of carotenoids in the chemoprevention of cancers, mechanistic understanding of carotenoid action on genetic and epigenetic signaling pathways is critically needed for human studies. The use of appropriate animal models is the most justifiable approach to resolve mechanistic issues regarding protective effects of carotenoids at specific organs and tissue sites. While the initial impetus for studying the benefits of carotenoids in cancer prevention was their antioxidant capacity and pro-vitamin A activity, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the action of carotenoids with regards to other mechanisms. This review will focus on two common carotenoids, provitamin A carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin and non-provitamin A carotenoid lycopene, as promising chemopreventive agents or chemotherapeutic compounds against cancer development and progression. We reviewed animal studies demonstrating that β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene effectively prevent the development or progression of various cancers and the potential mechanisms involved. We highlight recent research that the biological functions of β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene are mediated, partially via their oxidative metabolites, through their effects on key molecular targeting events, such as NF-κB signaling pathway, RAR/PPARs signaling, SIRT1 signaling pathway, and p53 tumor suppressor pathways. The molecular targets by β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene, offer new opportunities to further our understanding of common and distinct mechanisms that involve carotenoids in cancer prevention. 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.

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of Pandanus conoideus Lamk (red fruit oil [RFO]) and establish the signal pathway of the leading compounds. RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells were used with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cell viability and the pro-inflammatory factors were investigated using MTT assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The quantification of leading compounds in RFO was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RFO did not reduce RAW 264.7 cell viability. RFO significantly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E2, and both the protein level and mRNA level of inducible NO synthase in LPS-induced macrophages. RFO also regulated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-induced macrophages. RFO attenuated the translocation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit, phosphorylation of I-κB, p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in a dose-dependent manner. HPLC analysis determined that 1 g of RFO had 14.05 ± 0.8 mg of β-cryptoxanthin and 7.4 ± 0.7 mg of β-carotene. In conclusion, RFO provides an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating ROS and NF-κB through mitogen-activated protein kinase due to antioxidant activity.

β-cryptoxanthin is a critical effective compound of Dan Qi pill,which is frequently prescribed for cardiovascular disease in clinic.However, its underlying mechanism has not been elucidated yet.This study is to investigate whether β-cryptoxanthin exerts its cardioprotective effect on the H2O2

From an extract of red mamey (Pouteria sapota) β-cryptoxanthin-5,6-epoxide, β-cryptoxanthin-5',6'-epoxide, 3'-deoxycapsanthin, and cryptocapsin were isolated and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (MS). Epoxidation of β-cryptoxanthin delivered the β-(5'R,6'S)- and (5'S,6'R)-cryptoxanthin-5',6'-epoxides, which were identified by HPLC-ECD analysis. These carotenoids among others are quite common in the fruits of Central America, and as they are natural provitamins A, they should play an important role in the diet of the mostly vitamin A deficient population of this region.

The bioavailability of two intact carotenoids in several tissues of β-cryptoxanthin- and β-carotene-fed rats (20 mg/kg of diet) was investigated. Although metabolites of provitamin A are not included in our study, β-cryptoxanthin was found at higher concentrations in majority of the tissues. The results show that the bioavailability of intact β-cryptoxanthin seemed to be higher than that of β-carotene.

A complete determination of the carotenoid composition of the edible aril and mesocarp of Cionosicyos macranthus fruit is reported for the first time. The carotenoids present in the fruit were identified and quantified using high-purity carotenoid standards. The fruit contained several rare carotenoids like zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and cryptocapsin epoxides. Various keto-κ end-ring carotenoids, derivatives of their corresponding epoxides, ie cryptocapsin, capsanthin, capsanthin 5,6-epoxide, and capsoneoxanthin, were also identified. The total carotenoid contents for the aril and mesocarp were 226.0 μg/g and 83.4 µg/g, respectively. β-Cryptoxanthin was the most abundant carotenoid in both edible parts (58.3 μg/g in the aril and 29.5 μg/g in the mesocarp). Cryptocapsin was the primary keto-κ end-ring carotenoid both in the aril (41.6 μg/g) and in the mesocarp (13.2 μg/g). The fruit provitamin A activity was also determined. Considering the high β-cryptoxanthin and cryptocapsin contents, C. macranthus can be considered a good source of provitamin A carotenoids.

The objectives of this study were to isolate and analyze β-cryptoxanthin from yellow pigmented marine bacterium Erythrobacter sp. KJ5. The pigments from Erythrobacter sp. KJ5 were extracted from cells with methanol:acetone (7:3, v/v). β-cryptoxanthin standard was isolated from citrus fruit peel using 100% acetone and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a C30 column. The existence of β-cryptoxanthin in Erythrobacter sp. KJ5 was determined based on spectral properties and co-chromatography analyses after adding the standard β-cryptoxanthin. The co-chromatography results showed that peak 5 at retention time 33.32 min sharply spiked without changing maximum wavelengths (λmax)at 453 and 480 nm after adding the standard β-cryptoxanthin. These results likely conclude that peak 5 was β-cryptoxanthin.

In this study, a catalog of β-cryptoxanthin (βCX) and its fatty acid esters (βCXFAs) in citrus fruits were constructed. The peel and pulp of citrus fruits from nine Japanese cultivars and one foreign cultivar were surveyed by supercritical fluid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (SFC/QqQMS). In each citrus sample, the major components were βCX and its laurate ester, myristate ester, palmitate ester, and oleate ester. However, the composition ratio of βCXFA varied with the citrus breed and between the pulp and the peel of the fruit in most cultivars. The SFC/QqQMS system could be used to obtain new information about βCXs and carry out further discussion on the feature and tendency of each citrus variety.

Beta-cryptoxanthin (β-Crp), a mono-hydroxylated β-carotene, is a major dietary provitamin A xanthophyll. The immunostimulatory effect of β-Crp was examined using human hybridoma HB4C5 cells and mouse primary lymphocytes in vitro and using mice in vivo. IgM production by the HB4C5 cells and both IgA and IgG productions by mouse primary lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph node and spleen were accelerated in vitro by the treatment of β-Crp in dose-dependent manners. Afterwards 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were administered with a low or high dose of β-Crp for 14 days, mesenteric lymph node and spleen were excised and the immunoglobulin production levels were evaluated using lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph node and spleen in vivo. Results exhibited that all of IgA, IgG, and IgM productions by lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph node were increased. Especially, the IgG production increased with statistically significant differences in both of the low and high dose groups against the control group. The immunostimulatory effect on splenocytes was also observed although not as clear as on lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph node. Overall results suggest that β-Crp may stimulate the humoral immunity in mammals. Hence, β-Crp might have a potentially significant impact on human health and on prevention of diseases.

Bioactive compounds are used in the design and development of new food products with potential health benefits, although little is known regarding their bioavailability and interactions. This study assessed the stability, in vitro bioaccessibility, and human bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin from β-cryptoxanthin-rich drinks with and without added phytosterols developed for this purpose. The developed drinks showed no difference in the content of β-cryptoxanthin, and they were stable over 6 months. In vitro, hydrolysis of β-cryptoxanthin esters and the amount of free β-cryptoxanthin at duodenal and micellar phases were similar regardless of the presence of phytosterols. In the human study, the daily intake provoked significant increments of β-cryptoxanthin in serum regardless of the type of the drink. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo human studies have shown that the bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin is not significantly affected by the presence of phytosterols when they are simultaneously supplied in a drink.

(3 R)-3-Hydroxy-β-ionone and(3 S)-3-hydroxy-β-ionone weresynthesized in high enantiomeric purity from commercially available(±)-α-ionone. These ionones were then transformedinto (3 R)-β-cryptoxanthin and(3 S)-β-cryptoxanthin by a C 15 +C 10 +C 15 Wittigcoupling strategy according to known methods. This methodology canconsiderably simplify the total synthesis of optically active carotenoidswith 3-hydroxy-β-end groups that possess significant biologicalactivities.

A corn-oil based diet comprising ss-cryptoxanthin from papaya puree and α-cryptoxanthin from green carrot leaves (17.3 and 9.2 nmol per day, respectively) was fed to five female Wistar rats for eight consecutive days. The identity of the xanthophylls in the supplement was ascertained by LC-(APCI)MS analyses, xanthophylls present in liver and plasma samples were determined by HPLC/DAD. The β-cryptoxanthin concentrations of rat livers of the treatment group were statistically distinguishable (P

The dairy industry produces enormous amount of cheese whey containing the major milk nutrients, but this remains unutilized all over the globe. The present study investigates the production of β-cryptoxanthin (β-CRX) by Kocuria marina DAGII using cheese whey as substrate. Response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) approach were implemented to obtain the maximum β-CRX yield. Significant factors, i.e. yeast extract, peptone, cheese whey and initial pH, were the input variables in both the optimizing studies, and β-CRX yield and biomass were taken as output variables. The ANN topology of 4-9-2 was found to be optimum when trained with a feed-forward back-propagation algorithm. Experimental values of β-CRX yield (17.14 mg l −1 ) and biomass (5.35 g l −1 ) were compared and ANN predicted values (16.99 mg l −1 and 5.33 g l −1 , respectively) were found to be more accurate compared with RSM predicted values (16.95 mg l −1 and 5.23 g l −1 , respectively). Detailed kinetic analysis of cellular growth, substrate consumption and product formation revealed that growth inhibition took place at substrate concentrations higher than 12% (v/v) of cheese whey. The Han and Levenspiel model was the best fitted substrate inhibition model that described the cell growth in cheese whey with an R 2 and MSE of 0.9982% and 0.00477%, respectively. The potential importance of this study lies in the development, optimization and modelling of a suitable cheese whey supplemented medium for increased β-CRX production.

Degreening, a transformation process of green color on citrus peel to be orange color on tropical low-land citrus fruits often fails. Orange color of the citrus peel comes from the mixture carotenoid pigments, such as zeaxanthine and mainly β-cryptoxanthin and β-citraurin. The accumulation of β-citraurin occurs when the fruits are exposed to low temperature, and otherwise, it will fail to occur. Precooling treatment on lowland tropical citrus fruits is expected to stimulate the accumulation of β-citraurin. The results showed the most favorable color obtained from precooling and 24-hour ethylene exposure duration. This treatment could decrease total chlorophyll and β-carotene content as well as proven to increase 3 times the accumulation of β-cryptoxanthin in accelerating the appearance of bright orange color on citrus peel. Degreening gave no significant effect to internal quality of Citrus reticulata.

Asynchronous hatching creates a size hierarchy among siblings and a survival disadvantage for last-hatched nestlings. Female birds can influence this disadvantage by differentially investing maternal resources, such as carotenoids, across the laying sequence. We studied intraclutch variation in carotenoid concentrations in Yellow-headed Blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) and predicted that yolk concentrations would decrease across the laying sequence, because nestling mortality is inversely related to hatching order in this species. We quantified intraclutch variation in the concentrations of total and individual identifiable carotenoids (β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin) in Yellow-headed Blackbird eggs collected from five breeding colonies, and correlated these concentrations with egg mass, yolk mass, and yolk water content. Carotenoid concentrations were not related significantly to any of the egg metrics measured. The concentration of total identifiable carotenoids i...

β-Cryptoxanthin content was determined in Shiranuhi mandarin fruits harvested at monthly intervals from October to February in Jeju Island. Crude carotenoids were extracted from both peel and flesh of Shiranuhi mandarin fruits and analyzed using TLC and HPLC; β-cryptoxanthin was indicated the Rf value of 3.2 and retention time of 23 min, respectively. β-Cryptoxanthin contents in both peel and flesh were increased gradually as the citrus fruits ripened fully until harvesting season (February). According to the harvesting time, β-cryptoxanthin contents in the peel were 0.15 mg% (October), 0.28 mg% (November), 0.38 mg% (December), 1.23 mg% (January), and 1.71 mg% (February). In the flesh, β-cryptoxanthin contents were lower than those of peels, having 0.06 mg% (October), 0.08 mg% (November), 0.19 mg% (December), 0.26 mg% (January), and 0.65 mg% (February). These results demonstrate that β-cryptoxanthin in Shiranuhi mandarin fruits accumulated during ripening of the citrus fruits. In particular, the peels had much higher concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin and have potential for use as a functional ingredient.

The relationship between the serum β-cryptoxanthin concentration and circulating biochemical markers of bone metabolism in healthy individuals with the intake of juice prepared from Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu MARC.) containing β-cryptoxanthin was investigated. Twenty volunteers (10 men and ten women) were divided into two groups of 10 volunteers (5 men and 5 women) each, and each group was sequentially given juice (192 ml) containing two different amounts of β-cryptoxanthin once a day for 56 days as follows: either regular juice with naturally occurring β-cryptoxanthin 802 μg/100 ml or reinforced juice containing β-cryptoxanthin 1500 μg/100 ml. γ-Carboxylated osteocalcin, which is a marker of bone formation, and bone tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), which is a marker of bone resorption, were assayed. The serum β-cryptoxanthin concentration was significantly increased with the intake of regular juice for 56 days. This increase was significantly enhanced by the intake of β-cryptoxanthin-reinforced juice. The intake of regular juice or of β-cryptoxanthin-reinforced juice for 56 days caused a significant increase in serum γ-carboxylated osteocalcin and a significant decrease in serum bone TRAP activity. A positive relationship between serum β-cryptoxanthin and circulating γ-carboxylated osteocalcin concentrations was found using the value obtained from all groups for before intake and with the intake of regular juice and β-cryptoxanthin-reinforced juice. A negative relationship between serum β-cryptoxanthin concentration and circulating TRAP activity was observed. This study shows that a relationship between serum β-cryptoxanthin and circulating bone metabolic markers is found in healthy individuals with the intake of juice containing β-cryptoxanthin.

Antioxidant compounds have been reported to play a beneficial role in the etiology of several chronic diseases. To examine the effects of tobacco smoking and demographic factors on the plasma levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and jointly, lutein-zeaxanthin, we have conducted a cross-sectional study in the context of the Greek segment of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC). A random sample of 45 men and 68 women, aged 30–82 years, from the Greek EPIC cohort of 27953 volunteers, provided fasting blood samples and completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on lifestyle factors. Data were analyzed using linear regression models with the studied vitamin plasma levels as dependent variables, and tobacco smoking and demographic factors as independent variables. Older persons had significantly lower alpha-carotene levels and significantly higher lutein-zeaxanthin levels, whereas females in comparison to males had significantly higher levels of alpha-carotene and perhaps beta-carotene. Tobacco smoking tended to reduce levels of all carotenoids studied and the reduction was statistically significant with respect to beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene, whereas it was of borderline significance with respect to beta-carotene.

Phytosterol (PS) intake may be used for hypercholesterolaemia in some groups although the presence of non-responders is well known. Carotenoids and PS/cholesterol may compete for the same transporters during absorption. As part of a randomized, double-blind, crossover, multiple-dose supplementation study with β-cryptoxanthin (β-Cx) and PS, single and combined, polymorphisms of ABCG8 (A632V) and NCPL1 (L272L) were determined in 19 post-menopausal women. Subjects carrying CC polymorphism for NCP1L1 (L272L) showed a net increase in total cholesterol and LDL after PS intake but, interestingly, displayed a decrease in both lipid fractions after consuming PS plus β-Cx. For the ABCG8 (A632V) gene, CT/TT carriers consuming PS also displayed an increase in total cholesterol and LDL, but this increment was much lower after the intake of PS plus β-Cx. Additionally, in CC carriers for ABCG8 (A632V), a greater decrease in total cholesterol and LDL was found after the intake of PS plus β-Cx compared to that observed after PS alone. Overall, our results suggest that β-Cx improves the response to PS in individuals carrying specific genetic polymorphisms (i.e. non-responders), opening the possibility to modulate the response to PS by food technology. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01074723).

Provitamin A biofortified maize hybrids were developed to target vitamin A deficient populations in Africa. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degradation of carotenoids after milling, cooking, and storage among biofortified varieties released in Zambia. The biofortified maize hybrids contained 7.5 to 10.3 μg/g dry weight (DW) of provitamin A as measured by β-carotene equivalents (BCE). There was virtually no degradation due to milling. The BCE retention was also high (100%) for most genotypes when the maize was cooked into thick (nshima) and thin porridge, but showed a lower BCE retention (53-98%) when cooked into samp (dehulled kernels). Most of the degradation occurred in the first 15 days of storage of the maize as kernels and ears (BCE retention 52-56%) which then stabilized, remaining between 30% and 33% of BCE after six months of storage. In conclusion, most of the provitamin A degradation in biofortified maize hybrids occurred during storage compared with cooking and the magnitude of this effect varied among genotypes.

The oxidation and isomerization of all- trans- β-cryptoxanthin as affected by iodine-catalysed illumination and non-iodine-catalysed illumination were studied. Seven cis -isomers and two oxidation products were separated by HPLC method using a C 30 column. The identification and structural elucidation of the compounds were determined by HPLC–DAD–APCI–MS. Five compounds were identified in details for the first time, namely, β-β-carotene-3-one, 5,6-epoxy-β-β-carotene-3-one, 13,15-di- cis -, 9,13-di- cis - and 9,9′-di- cis -β-cryptoxanthin. Sum of 13- and 13′- cis -β-cryptoxanthin was the major cis- isomer of β-cryptoxanthin formed, accounting for 59.0% and 30.6%, respectively. The formation of di- cis isomers may prefer in the present of iodine. 13,15-di- cis -β-cryptoxanthin was the major di- cis -isomer of the iodine-catalysed photo-isomerization.