Effect of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin on plasma carotenoids and their transport in lipoproteins in age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Background: Low dietary intakes and low plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with an increased risk of agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). No studies have challenged AMD patients with a diet high in lutein and zeaxanthin. Objective: The objective was to examine the effect of diets low or high in lutein and zeaxanthin on plasma carotenoids and their transport in AMD patients. Design: Seven AMD patients and 5 control subjects were fed a low-lutein, low-zeaxanthin diet (Ȃ1.1 mg/d) for 2 wk, which was followed by a high-lutein, high-zeaxanthin diet (Ȃ11 mg/d) for 4 wk. Ten subjects continued the diet for 8 wk. Plasma and lipoprotein carotenoids were measured by HPLC. Results: The high-lutein, high-zeaxanthin diet resulted in 2-to 3-fold increases in plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin and other carotenoids, except lycopene, in the AMD patients and the control subjects. With this diet, 52% of the lutein and 44% of the zeaxanthin were transported by HDL; Ȃ22% of lutein and zeaxanthin was transported by LDL. Only 20 -25% of ␣-carotene, ␤-carotene, and lycopene was transported by HDL; 50 -57% was transported by LDL. Conclusions:The AMD patients and control subjects responded similarly to a diet high in lutein and zeaxanthin; plasma carotenoid concentrations increased greatly in both groups, and the transport of carotenoids by lipoproteins was not significantly different between the groups. This finding suggests that abnormalities in the metabolism of lutein and zeaxanthin in AMD may reside in the uptake of lutein and zeaxanthin from the plasma and transport into the retina.Am J Clin Nutr 2007;85:762-9.

Genome-wide association study of advanced age-related macular degeneration identifies a role of the hepatic lipase gene ( LIPC )

“…Reduced dietary intake of these two carotenoids has been associated with an increased risk of AMD (45). Variation in the uptake and transport into the retina of carotenoids by HDL has been implicated in AMD pathogenesis (46). Changes in HDL-related efficiency of carotenoid delivery are other possible mechanisms by which LIPC variation could impact the risk of AMD.…”

Lipoproteins and Apolipoproteins of the Ageing Eye

“…[55;57;64-66] Of note, it has been shown that there is no significant difference in the transport of L and Z by lipoproteins between subjects with and without AMD. [65] The findings of Goulinet et al in relation to HDL were similar to that of LDL, in that there was a progressive and marked decrease in HDL particle concentration of L and Z, with maximal carotenoid concentration evident in the lightest, largest HDL subspecies (HDL2-1), and minimal concentration in the densest HDL. Certainly, the findings of Goulinet et al with respect to HDL, in concert with our findings, are consistent with the view that HDL plays an important role in the transport of L and Z in human serum, and are provocative given that AMD and cardiovascular disease share certain antecedants.…”

A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study of Antioxidant Supplementation with Lutein for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

“…Dietary carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are released from ingested foods, after ester saponification if necessary, and then incorporated into lipid micelles, which are primarily carried by high-density lipoproteins through the blood [26,27] . Carotenoids arriving at the choriocapillaris are taken up by lipid transport systems via scavenger receptor class B type 1 expressed on the RPE [28] .…”