Carotenoids and Cardiovascular Risk

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables (typically associated with the Mediterranean diet) are very rich in carotenoids, i.e. fat-soluble pigments really important in human life. Structurally, carotenoids consists of eleven (beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene) or ten (alpha-carotene, lutein) conjugated double bonds, responsible for their antioxidant capability in agreement with their substituents. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) particles oxidation process is the one of the most important first steps of atherosclerotic disease and, consequentially, the first pathogenetical step of cerebro- and cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction and stroke, which are the first cause of death in industrialized countries. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) also seem to be the target of Carotenoids main action, by scavenging singlet oxygen (1O2) and free radicals. Literature data showed that ROS increase atherosclerotic individual burden. The carotenoids scavenging action could reduce atherosclerosis progression partly due to such a decrease in ROS concentrations. Many studied demonstrated such a reduction by analyzing the relationship between carotenoids and Intima-Media Thickness of common carotid artery wall (CCA-IMT), [a well established marker of atherosclerosis evolution] reduction. Aim of this review is to evaluate actual knowledge about the importance of carotenoids molecules in slowing down the starting and the progression of atherosclerotic plaque, and to consider their implementation in everyone's diet as a tool to obtain a sharp decrease of LDL oxidation and their possible effect on endothelial function.

β‐Cryptoxanthin Inhibits Angiogenesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Through Retinoic Acid Receptor

“…Besides, human studies have concluded that carotenoids may prevent cardiovascular pathologies, which is supported by different observations, control‐case, prospective, and cross‐sectional population‐based studies. Thus, they have revealed an association between carotenoid serum levels and reduction of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and progression of atherosclerotic plaque (hardened lipids reducing artery and vein lumen; and therefore reducing, and even blocking, normal blood flow), which is probably due to a reduced oxidation of LDL, and is in agreement with several health benefits associated to carotenoids, as decreased lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, maintained immune function and inhibited malignant transformation or proliferation in vitro. This way, carotenoids have pleiotropic beneficial effects for health, preventing development of some diseases partially associated to aging.…”

Nutraceuticals and dyslipidaemia: Beyond the common therapeutics

“…Nutraceuticals are effectively able to reduce the burden of the atherosclerosis process and coronary heart disease development as already demonstrated in the literature (Ciccone et al, 2013;Garcia-Rios et al, 2013;Giordano et al, 2012;Kukongviriyapan et al, 2012;Kumar et al, 2012;Mitjavila & Moreno 2012;Raatz et al, 2013;Sheikholeslami Vatani & Ahmadi KaniGolzar, 2012;Voloshyna, Hussaini, & Reiss, 2012;Zhang et al, 2013). The main mechanisms that explain such a positive action on the cardiovascular system are not well understood.…”

“…The main mechanisms that explain such a positive action on the cardiovascular system are not well understood. Carotenoids, the fat-soluble pigments produced by plants and microorganisms and highly present in fruits, vegetables, seaweeds and some seafoods and a fundamental component of Mediterranean foods, are already known to decrease the incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular events, perhaps by means of their antioxidant action on free radicals or by acting as anti-inflammatory molecules (i.e., by modulating the lipoxygenase enzyme activity) (Giordano et al, 2012). Izzo et al (2010) found amelioration in calculated Framingham Risk Score in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome and undergoing nutraceutical administration.…”

“…For this purpose, nutraceuticals appear to guarantee the success of such research. As previously noted (Garcia-Rios et al, 2013;Giordano et al, 2012;Kukongviriyapan et al, 2012;Li et al, 2003;Mitjavila & Moreno, 2012;Sheikholeslami Vatani & Ahmadi Kani Golzar, 2012;Voloshyna et al 2012;Zhang et al 2013;Zhao et al 2012), nutraceuticals are able to interact with several biochemical pathways in lipid metabolism, and thus, they have the potential to overcome the genetic variability of individuals. Many features should still be defined such as the exact mechanisms of action of nutraceuticals, the perfect dosages to be used in clinical practice, the dose-response relationships, the duration of effects, and other such related features (Brownawell et al, 2012).…”

The production of pigments & hydrogen through a Spirogyra sp. biorefinery

“…However, in some culture/stress conditions the microalga appears yellow or orange due to the presence of secondary pigments (carotenoids). These carotenoids are of high value, for example the astaxanthin is recognized as a potential anti-oxidant, and could prevent cancer and cardio-vascular problems [11,12]. The high productivity of the microalga Spirogyra sp.…”