Effects of Lutein Supplement on Serum Inflammatory Cytokines, ApoE and Lipid Profiles in Early Atherosclerosis Population

Abstract

Aim:The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lutein supplement on serum cytokines, apoE and lipoprotein profiles in early atherosclerosis population. Methods: Early atherosclerosis patients (n = 65) were randomized to receive placebo (A＋P, n = 31) or 20 mg/d lutein (A＋L, n = 34) for 3 months. Results: Serum lutein increased significantly compared to baseline after lutein supplements in A+L group (p＜0.001). Lutein supplements resulted in a significant decrease in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP- 1 IntroductionAtherosclerosis is a pathologic status that underlies several important adverse vascular events, such as coronary disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial problems 1) . It has become the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in western societies, accounting for a fifth of deaths worldwide 2) . While the use of established medical therapies has reduced mortality from its complications, the adoption of a western lifestyle has led to a large increase in the prevalence of atherosclerosis throughout the world 3); therefore, the prevention of atherosclerosis remains a major public health challenge for both China and for western countries. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease 4) . Inflammation is a key regulatory process that links multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis and its complications 5) . Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induces endothelial dysfunction and recruits monocytes and lymphocytes, initiating the development of atherosclerosis lesions. Thereafter, cytokines and chemokines secreted by activated macrophages perpetuate and amplify inflammatory responses 6) . In atherosclerosis patients, the extent of inflammatory infiltrates and their strategic location within protective fibers is associated with plaque rupture and/or thrombosis 7) . Furthermore, circulating inflammatory biomarkers, especially C-reactive protein, have been found to be associated with outcomes of cardiovascular events, even in the absence of dyslipidaemia 8) . These findings support the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis; therefore, there is a hypothesis that antioxidants such as carotenoids could be used as an inexpensive means of the prevention and possibly treatment of atherosclerosis and its complications.Lutein, one of the most abundant carotenoids in 171Lutein Supplement and Early Atherosclerosis mission of Peking University Health Science Department and all participants gave written informed consent. Lutein Sources and Study DesignsStudy substances were suspended in wild camellia oil and given in acid-soluble gelatin capsules. A placebo containing wild camellia oil (100%) was supplied in identical-looking capsules. All the subjects were instructed to consume one capsule per day immediately after lunch and to store the study substance at room temperature. All participants were encouraged to maintain their usual lifestyle and dietary habits. Compliance was assessed at the end of the study using pill counting, food reco...

Radical Scavenging Activity-Based and AP-1-Targeted Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lutein in Macrophage-Like and Skin Keratinocytic Cells

“…Lutein is one of spontaneously generating carotenoids with anti-oxidative, anti-tumorigenic, anti-angiogenic, photoprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties [16–19]. Although the anti-inflammatory property of lutein has been suggested, the mechanism of lutein-mediated anti-inflammatory action in various skin inflammatory responses remains largely unclear.…”

“…Lutein (Figure 1) is one of naturally occurring carotenoids with antioxidative, antitumorigenic, antiangiogenic, photoprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties [16–19]. Previous reports have suggested that this compound is able to ameliorate in vitro and in vivo inflammatory responses by suppressing NF- κ B activation [20, 21].…”

Lutein Prevents High Fat Diet‐Induced Atherosclerosis in ApoE‐Deficient Mice by Inhibiting NADPH Oxidase and Increasing PPAR Expression

“…Furthermore, evidence from animal studies suggests that lutein prevents cholesterol accumulation in aortic tissue in atherosclerotic guinea pigs [27]. Epidemiological data support the finding that an increase in serum lutein after supplementation reduces the serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) [28]. Furthermore, progression of the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries over 18 months was related to plasma lutein levels among a randomly sampled cohort of utility employees aged 40-60 years [29].…”

Effects of lutein supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic risk factors in adults with central obesity: study protocol for a randomized controlled study

“…Given the beneficial antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties [16], it is hypothesized that lutein may have beneficial effects on inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic risk factors. Xu et al [17] provided early atherosclerosis patients with lutein supplementation and found that the intervention group had a significant decrease in serum IL-6 and MCP-1. Another intervention study conducted in healthy nonsmokers revealed that lutein supplementation increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced CRP [18].…”