Lutein supplementation reduces plasma lipid peroxidation and C-reactive protein in healthy nonsmokers. No Significant Effects of Lutein, Lycopene or β-Carotene Supplementation on Biological Markers of Oxidative Stress and LDL Oxidizability in Healthy Adult Subjects Effects of vitamins C and E on oxidative stress markers and endothelial function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a double blind, placebo controlled pilot study. Antioxidant Vitamins C and E Improve Endothelial Function in Children With Hyperlipidemia: Endothelial Assessment of Risk from Lipids in Youth (EARLY) Trial Effects of an Antioxidant‐enriched Multivitamin in Cystic Fibrosis. A Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial Efficacy and Interaction of Antioxidant Supplements as Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer Treatment Effect of long-term treatment with antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium) on arterial compliance, humoral factors and inflammatory markers in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors Combined antioxidant treatment effects on blood oxidative stress after eccentric exercise. Oxygenated Carotenoid Lutein and Progression of Early Atherosclerosis: The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study The Effect of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplementation on Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors Carotenoids in Age-Related Maculopathy Italian Study (CARMIS): Two-Year Results of a Randomized Study Effects of a vitamin E-bonded membrane and of glutathione on anemia and erythropoietin requirements in hemodialysis patients. Effect of combined supplementation with alpha-tocopherol, ascorbate, and beta carotene on low-density lipoprotein oxidation. [Diabetes mellitus--a free radical-associated disease. Results of adjuvant antioxidant supplementation]. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status and survival in institutionalised elderly: A five-year longitudinal study Positive Effects of Astaxanthin on Lipid Profiles and Oxidative Stress in Overweight Subjects Plasma carotenoids and risk of acute myocardial infarction in the Singapore Chinese Health Study.
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether lutein affected biomarkers related to cardiovascular diseases ( CVD ) in healthy nonsmokers . METHODS A r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial of lutein supplementation was conducted in healthy nonsmokers . 117 eligible subjects were r and omly assigned to receive 10 or 20 mg/d of lutein or placebo for 12 weeks . Levels of plasma carotenoid concentrations , total antioxidant capacity ( TAOC ) , the lipoprotein profile , and antioxidant enzymes activities were determined at baseline and at 6 , and 12 weeks after the initiation of treatment . Biomarkers of oxidative damage to protein and lipids , and C-reactive protein ( CRP ) concentrations were measured at baseline and after supplementation . RESULTS Plasma lutein and TAOC significantly increased in both active treatment groups during 12 weeks . A significant reduction was found in malondialdehyde in the 20 mg lutein group . CRP concentration decreased in a dose-dependent manner for lutein supplementation , and there was a significant between-group difference in CRP between the 20 mg lutein and the placebo group . Serum CRP was directly related to the change in plasma lutein and TAOC for both active treatment groups . CONCLUSION The results support the possibility that lutein supplementation reduce biomarkers of CVD risk via decreased lipid peroxidation and inflammatory response by increasing plasma lutein concentrations and antioxidant capacity Objective : The objective of this study was to determine the effect of individual carotenoid supplementation on biochemical indices of oxidative status in apparently healthy adult males . Methods : The study was a placebo controlled single blind study . Healthy male volunteers ( n=175 ) were assigned to four groups . They received daily supplements of β-carotene ( 15 mg ) , lutein ( 15 mg ) , lycopene ( 15 mg ) and placebo for three months . The effects of the supplementation on antioxidant status were monitored by plasma carotenoid , vitamin C and A levels , glutathione ( GSH and GSSG ) concentrations , protein SH groups , erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities ( Cu-Zn SOD , Se-GSH-Px ) and susceptibility of LDL to copper-induced oxidation . Results : β-carotene , lycopene and lutein supplementation led to significant plasma and LDL increases in each of these carotenoids , without modifications of other carotenoid levels in plasma or in LDL . The supplementation failed to enhance the resistance of LDL to oxidation or to modify the LDL polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio . Vitamin C , GSH , protein SH groups and antioxidant metalloenzyme activities were also unchanged . Conclusion : We did not observe beneficial or adverse effects of lutein , lycopene or β-carotene supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress . In apparently healthy subjects , carotenoid supplementation does not lead to significantly measurable improvement in antioxidant defenses OBJECTIVE Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE ) experience excess morbidity and mortality due to coronary artery disease ( CAD ) that can not be fully explained by the classical CAD risk factors . Among emerging CAD risk factors , oxidative stress is currently being emphasized . We evaluated the effects of longterm antioxidant vitamins on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense and endothelial function in 39 patients with SLE . METHODS Patients were r and omized to receive either placebo or vitamins ( 500 mg vitamin C and 800 IU vitamin E daily ) for 12 weeks . Markers of oxidative stress included malondialdehyde ( MDA ) and allantoin . Antioxidants measured included erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase , plasma total antioxidant power ( as FRAP value ) , and ascorbic acid and vitamin E concentrations . Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilatation ( FMD ) of the brachial artery and plasma concentration of von Willebr and factor ( vWF ) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 ( PAI-1 ) . Primary outcome of the study included the change in lipid peroxidation as revealed by MDA levels . Secondary outcomes included changes in allantoin and antioxidant levels and change in endothelial function . RESULTS After treatment , plasma ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were significantly ( p < 0.05 ) increased only in the vitamin-treated group , associated with a significant decrease ( p < 0.05 ) in plasma MDA . Other oxidative stress markers and antioxidant levels remained unchanged in both groups . FMD and vWF and PAI-1 levels remained unchanged in both groups . CONCLUSION Combined administration of vitamins C and E was associated with decreased lipid peroxidation , but did not affect endothelial function in patients with SLE after 3 months of therapy Background —Hyperlipidemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction , an early event in atherosclerosis and predictor of risk for future coronary artery disease . Epidemiological studies suggest that increased dietary intake of antioxidants reduces the risk of coronary artery disease . The purpose of this study was to determine whether antioxidant vitamin therapy improves endothelial function and affects surrogate biomarkers for oxidative stress and inflammation in hyperlipidemic children . Methods and Results —In a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial , the effects of antioxidant vitamins C ( 500 mg/d ) and E ( 400 IU/d ) for 6 weeks and the National Cholesterol Education Program Step II ( NCEP-II ) diet for 6 months on endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation ( FMD ) of the brachial artery were examined in 15 children with familial hypercholesterolemia ( FH ) or the phenotype of familial combined hyperlipidemia ( FCH ) .  Antioxidant vitamin therapy  improved FMD of the brachial artery compared with baseline ( P < 0.001 ) without an effect on biomarkers for oxidative stress ( autoantibodies to epitopes of oxidized LDL , F2-isoprostanes , 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine ) , inflammation ( C-reactive protein ) , or levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine , an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide . Conclusions —Antioxidant therapy with vitamins C and E restores endothelial function in hyperlipidemic children . Early detection and treatment of endothelial dysfunction in high-risk children may retard the progression of atherosclerosis Rationale : Cystic fibrosis ( CF ) is characterized by dietary antioxidant deficiencies , which may contribute to an oxidant‐antioxidant imbalance and oxidative stress . Objectives : Evaluate the effects of an oral antioxidant‐enriched multivitamin supplement on antioxidant concentrations , markers of inflammation and oxidative stress , and clinical outcomes . Methods : In this investigator‐initiated , multicenter , r and omized , double‐blind , controlled trial , 73 pancreatic‐insufficient subjects with CF 10 years of age and older with an FEV1 between 40 % and 100 % predicted were r and omized to 16 weeks of an antioxidant‐enriched multivitamin or control multivitamin without antioxidant enrichment . Endpoints included systemic antioxidant concentrations , markers of inflammation and oxidative stress , clinical outcomes ( pulmonary exacerbations , anthropometric measures , pulmonary function ) , safety , and tolerability . Measurements and Main Results : Change in sputum myeloperoxidase concentration over 16 weeks , the primary efficacy endpoint , was not significantly different between the treated and control groups . Systemic antioxidant ( & bgr;‐carotene , coenzyme Q10 , & ggr;‐tocopherol , and lutein ) concentrations significantly increased in the antioxidant‐treated group ( P < 0.001 for each ) , whereas circulating calprotectin and myeloperoxidase decreased in the treated group compared with the control group at Week 4 . The treated group had a lower risk of first pulmonary exacerbation requiring antibiotics than the control group ( adjusted hazard ratio , 0.50 ; P = 0.04 ) . Lung function and growth endpoints did not differ between groups . Adverse events and tolerability were similar between groups . Conclusions : Antioxidant supplementation was safe and well tolerated , result ing in increased systemic antioxidant concentrations and modest reductions in systemic inflammation after 4 weeks . Antioxidant treatment was also associated with a lower risk of first pulmonary exacerbation . Clinical trial registered with www . clinical trials.gov ( NCT01859390 ) Oxidative stress is a key component in carcinogenesis . Although radiation produces reactive oxygen species , some anticancer agents such as alkylating agents , platinum and antitumor antibiotics exert cytotoxicity by generating free radicals . Nonenzymatic exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins , minerals , and polyphenols can quench ROS activity . However , whether antioxidants alter antitumor effects during radiotherapy and some types of chemotherapy remains unclear . In the present study , we review ed antioxidants as an adjuvant therapy for cancer patients during chemotherapy or radiotherapy .  Electronic literature search es were performed to select all r and omized controlled clinical trials ( RCTs ) in which antioxidants were administered to cancer patients along with chemotherapy or radiotherapy . Articles or abstract s written in English were included . In total , 399 reports received primary screening . Duplicated articles and those meeting the exclusion criteria ( not RCT , not human , and no oral administration ) were excluded . Finally , 49 reports matching the inclusion criteria were included . It was difficult to determine whether antioxidants affect treatment outcomes or whether  antioxidants ameliorate adverse effects induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy .  It is desirable to use an evidence -based method to select supplements best suited to cancer patients . Although there are many opinions about risks or benefits of antioxidant supplementation , we could mostly conclude that the harm caused by antioxidant supplementation remains unclear for patients during cancer therapy , except for smokers undergoing radiotherapy Background Antioxidant supplementations have the potential to alleviate the atherosclerotic damage caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) . The present study evaluated the effects of prolonged antioxidant treatment on arterial elasticity , inflammatory and metabolic measures in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors . Methods Study participants were r and omly assigned to two groups . Group 1 received oral supplementation with 2 capsules per day of Mid Life Guard , SupHerb , Israel . In each capsule vitamin C ( 500 mg ) vitamin E ( 200 iu ) , co-enzyme Q10 ( 60 mg ) and selenium ( 100 mcg ) , Group 2 received matching placebo(SupHerb ) for 6 months . Patients were evaluated for lipid profile , HbA1C , insulin , C-peptide , hs-CRP , endothelin , aldosterone , plasma renin activity and Homeostasis model assessment -insulin resistance ( HOMA-IR ) . Arterial elasticity was evaluated using pulse wave contour analysis ( HDI CR 2000 , Eagan , Minnesota ) . Results Antioxidant-treated patients exhibited significant increases in large arterial elasticity index ( LAEI ) as well as small arterial elasticity index ( SAEI ) . A significant decline HbA1C and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol were also observed . In the placebo group , significant changes in LAEI , SAEI or metabolic measures were not observed . Conclusions Antioxidant supplementation significantly increased large and small artery elasticity in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors . This beneficial vascular effect was associated with an improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as decrease in blood pressure PURPOSE This study was design ed to ascertain the effects of a combination antioxidant therapy on plasma protein carbonyls ( PC ) , malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , and whole blood total ( TGSH ) , oxidized ( GSSG ) , and reduced ( GSH ) glutathione in non-resistance trained females after eccentric resistance exercise . METHODS Eighteen women ( aged 19 - 31 yr ) were r and omized in a double-blind manner to either an antioxidant supplement ( N = 9 ; 400 IU vitamin E , 1 g vitamin C , and 90 mug selenium per day ) or a lactose placebo ( N = 9 ) for 14 d before and for 2 d after eccentric elbow flexor exercise .  Blood sample s taken before and immediately , 2 , 6 , 24 , and 48 h postexercise were analyzed for PC , MDA , TGSH , and GSSG . RESULTS No treatment by time interaction was noted for any variable , with all blood markers experiencing a change after the exercise in both conditions . Time main effects were observed for PC , MDA , and GSSG , with values elevated above preexercise after the eccentric exercise , whereas GSH concentration decreased after the eccentric exercise . Antioxidant supplementation result ed in a condition main effect for PC and MDA , with lower values compared with placebo . The antioxidant treatment attenuated the rise in both PC ( 75 % ) and MDA ( 100 % ) . CONCLUSION These data suggest that eccentric resistance exercise can increase blood biomarkers of oxidative stress in non-resistance trained females , and this vitamin E , C , and selenium supplementation can attenuate the rise in PC and MDA Background —Carotenoids are hypothesized to explain some of the protective effects of fruit and vegetable intake on risk of cardiovascular disease . The present study assessed the protective effects of the oxygenated carotenoid lutein against early atherosclerosis . Methods and Results —Epidemiology : Progression of intima-media thickness ( IMT ) of the common carotid arteries over 18 months was determined ultrasonographically and was related to plasma lutein among a r and omly sample d cohort of utility employees age 40 to 60 years ( n=480 ) . Coculture : The impact of lutein on monocyte response to artery wall cell modification of LDL was assessed in vitro by quantification of monocyte migration in a coculture model of human intima . Mouse models : The impact of lutein supplementation on atherosclerotic lesion formation was assessed in vivo by assigning apoE-null mice to chow or chow plus lutein ( 0.2 % by weight ) and LDL receptor-null mice to Western diet or Western diet plus lutein .  IMT progression declined with increasing quintile of plasma lutein ( P for trend=0.007 , age-adjusted;P = 0.0007 , multivariate ) . Covariate-adjusted IMT progression ( mean±SEM ) was 0.021±0.005 mm in the lowest quintile of plasma lutein , whereas progression was blocked in the highest quintile ( 0.004±0.005 mm;P = 0.01 ) . In the coculture , pretreatment of cells with lutein inhibited LDL-induced migration in a dose-dependent manner ( P < 0.05 ) . Finally , in the mouse models , lutein supplementation reduced lesion size 44 % in apoE-null mice ( P = 0.009 ) and 43 % in LDL receptor-null mice ( P = 0.02 ) . Conclusions —These epidemiological , in vitro , and mouse model findings support the hypothesis that increased dietary intake of lutein is protective against the development of early atherosclerosis Background Evidence from observational epidemiologic studies has indicated that antioxidants consumed through the diet or as dietary supplements lower the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease . Evidence suggesting that the major mechanism for the protective effect of antioxidants is mediated through decreased oxidation of lipids , particularly low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol is accumulating . Other evidence , however , suggests that antioxidants may influence traditional modifiable cardiovascular risk factors such as the blood pressure and serum lipids favorably . The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease . Design A r and omized , placebo-controlled , clinical trial of antioxidant vitamin supplementation , conducted at a single community-based clinical research center . Methods We assigned 297 retired teachers who were members of the Maryl and Retired Teachers Association r and omly to 2 - 4 months of dietary supplementation with placebo or combined antioxidant vitamin capsules providing 400 IU/day vitamin E , 500 mg/day vitamin C , and 6 mg/day β-carotene . The outcome measures were the blood pressure , fasting serum total cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol , LDL cholesterol , and fasting glucose . Results After 2 - 4 months of supplementation the combined antioxidant supplement had had no significant effect on the systolic and diastolic blood pressures , fasting serum lipids ( total cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol , and LDL cholesterol ) and fasting glucose , with unadjusted and adjusted analyses . Conclusion Data from this trial suggest that the protective effect from antioxidant vitamin supplementation , if there is one , likely results from mechanisms other than modification of traditionally modifiable cardiovascular risk factors Purpose The high concentration of carotenoids in the macula , plus evidence linking oxidative stress to age-related macular degeneration ( AMD ) and carotenoids to antioxidation , generated the hypothesis that higher antioxidant intakes can prevent AMD . The aim of this study was to determine whether nutritional supplementation with a targeted nutritional supplement improves visual acuity and visual function in AMD . Methods In this multicenter , prospect i ve open-label r and omized study , 145 patients were r and omly assigned to 2 different treatment groups . Interventions were lutein ( 10 mg ) , zeaxanthin ( 1 mg ) , astaxanthin ( 4 mg ; AZYR SIFI , Catania , Italy ) , and antioxidants/vitamins supplementation formula or no dietary supplementation for 2 years . Primary outcome was mean changes in visual acuity ( VA ) at 12 and 24 months . Other measures included contrast sensitivity ( CS ) and National Eye Institute visual function question naire ( NEI VFQ-25 ) scores at 12 and 24 months . Results Patients in the treated group showed stabilization of VA with significantly ( p=0.003 ) better VA scores ( 81.4±7.2 ) compared to the nontreated group ( 76.8±8.9 ) at 24-month follow-up . An improvement in CS ( p=0.001 ) and final mean NEI VFQ-25 composite scores at 12 and 24 months higher in treated group compared to nontreated group were also shown ( p<0.001 ) . Conclusions Patients treated with lutein/zeaxanthin and astaxanthin together with other nutrients were more likely to report clinical ly meaningful stabilization/improvements in VA , CS , and visual function through 24 months compared with nontreated subjects . Further studies are needed with more patients and for longer periods of time BACKGROUND The oxidative damage of RBC membranes in hemodialysis ( HD ) patients increases red blood cell ( RBC ) susceptibility to hemolysis and impairs cell survival . Reduction of the oxidative stress might lead to better control of anemia and reduction of the erythropoietin ( rhEPO ) dose . METHODS We studied 38 stable HD patients , given a mean dose of rhEPO of 104+/-65 U/kg BW/week , at baseline and during  antioxidant treatment with either a full or a 50 % dose of EPO . Antioxidant treatment involved the combined use of glutathione , GSH ( 1200 mg i.v . at the end of each dialysis session ) and a vitamin E-bonded HD membrane , CL-E. RBC and reticulocyte counts were done monthly . RBC survival ( 51Cr T/2 ) was assayed in 18 patients before and after the end of the study . Oxidative status was determined in 10 patients by measuring plasma concentrations of malondyhaldeide-4-hydroxynonenal ( MDA-4HNE ) , reactive oxygen molecular species ( ROMs ) , and oxydized-LDL ( oxLDL ) as indices of oxidative stress , alpha-tocopherol and total thiols as single antioxidants , and TAS as a marker of total antioxidant plasma activity . RESULTS Antioxidant treatment significantly reduced the high basal plasma concentrations of MDA4HNE and oxLDL , and significantly increased those of alpha-tocopherol , whereas TAS and thiols were unmodified . These changes lasted after the reduction of EPO .  Anemia significantly improved with treatment , due to a significant increase in RBC survival . A close direct linear relationship was detected between plasma levels of vitamin E and hemoglobin . CONCLUSIONS Adequate control of oxidative stress achieves better control of anemia in HD patients . Since several antioxidant systems are impaired in uremia , the combined use of the CL-E membrane and GSH seems to be the best antioxidant therapy so far , with significant saving of the rhEPO dose BACKGROUND Data continue to accumulate supporting a proatherogenic role for oxidized low-density lipoprotein ( Ox-LDL ) . Antioxidant micronutrients such as ascorbate , alpha-tocopherol , and beta carotene , levels of which can be favorably manipulated by dietary measures without side effects , could be a safe approach in inhibiting LDL oxidation . In fact , in vitro studies have shown that all three antioxidants can inhibit LDL oxidation . The present study was undertaken to ascertain both the safety and antioxidant effect of combined supplementation with alpha-tocopherol , ascorbate , and beta carotene on LDL oxidation . METHODS AND RESULTS The effect of combined supplementation with alpha-tocopherol ( 800 IU/d ) plus ascorbate ( 1.0 g/d ) and beta carotene ( 30 mg/d ) on copper-catalyzed LDL oxidation was tested in a r and omized , placebo-controlled study in two groups of 12 male subjects over a 3-month period . Blood sample s for the lipoprotein profile , antioxidant levels , and LDL isolation were obtained at baseline and at 3 months . Neither placebo nor combined antioxidant therapy result ed in any side effects or exerted an adverse effect on the plasma lipoprotein profile . Compared with placebo , combined antioxidant therapy result ed in a significant increase in plasma ascorbate and lipid st and ardized alpha-tocopherol and beta carotene levels ( 2.6- , 4.1- , and 16.3-fold , respectively ) . At baseline , there were no significant differences in the time course curves and kinetics of LDL oxidation as evidence d by the thiobarbituric acid reacting substances ( TBARS ) assay and the formation of conjugated dienes . However , at 3 months , combined supplementation result ed in a twofold prolongation of the lag phase and a 40 % decrease in the oxidation rate . The combined antioxidant group was also compared with a group that received 800 IU of alpha-tocopherol only . Although the combined antioxidant group had significantly higher ascorbate and beta carotene levels than the group supplemented with alpha-tocopherol alone , there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to LDL oxidation kinetics . CONCLUSIONS Combined supplementation with ascorbate , beta carotene , and alpha-tocopherol is not superior to high-dose alpha-tocopherol alone in inhibiting LDL oxidation . Hence , alpha-tocopherol therapy should be favored in future coronary prevention trials involving antioxidants Our investigations carried out in patients with diabetes mellitus revealed oxidative stress loads . The study presented here was to clarify whether a therapy with antioxidants can contribute to an improvement of prognosis .  80 patients affected with a long term diabetic late syndrome were r and omised and arranged to 4 groups of n = 20 each . In contrast to a control group these patients received 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid or 100 micrograms of selenium ( sodium selenite ) daily or 1200 IE of D-alpha-tocopherol respectively for a time of 3 months . In comparison with the control group all groups treated in an antioxidative way showed significantly diminished serum concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and of urinary albumin excretion rates . The symptoms of distal symmetric neuropathy measured according to the thermo- and vibration sensitivity also improved in a highly significant manner . The results prove that oxidative stress plays a promoting role in developing of long term diabetic late complications and that a therapy with adjuvant antioxidants may lead to a regression of diabetic late complications Oxidative stress has been related to ageing and risk of death . To determine whether oxidative status was associated with all-cause risk of death we carried out a prospect i ve study in 154 non-smoking Spanish elderly without major illness .  Baseline glutathione peroxidase ( GPx ) and superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) were analysed in plasma and erythrocytes . α-tocopherol , β-carotene , lycopene and retinol were determined in serum sample s and malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , as a lipid peroxidation marker , in plasma . Mean survival time was 4.3 years . A total of 31 death cases ( 20.1 % ) occurred during the follow-up . Plasma-MDA predicted mortality independently of all other variables , while erythrocyte-SOD ( e-SOD ) , β-carotene and α-tocopherol were positively associated with survival . α-tocopherol and MDA were revealed as independent predictors in a joint survival model , being the group with low MDA and high α-tocopherol that with the lowest mortality . In conclusion , a higher risk of death was associated with increased lipid peroxidation and lower antioxidant defenses Astaxanthin , a carotenoid , has antioxidant activity as well as many positive effects , such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects . We performed a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults in Korea . In total , 27 subjects with body mass index > 25.0 kg/m2 were enrolled and r and omly assigned into two groups administered astaxanthin or placebo capsules for 12 weeks . Total cholesterol , triglycerides , high density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol , low density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , apolipoprotein A1 ( ApoA1 ) , and apolipoprotein B ( ApoB ) were measured before and after intervention . Malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , isoprostane ( ISP ) , superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , and total antioxidant capacity ( TAC ) , as oxidative stress biomarkers , were measured at baseline and at 4 , 8 , and 12 weeks after intervention . LDL cholesterol and ApoB were significantly lower after treatment with astaxanthin , compared with the start of administration , whereas none of the lipid profiles was changed in the placebo group . At the baseline , all four biomarkers were not significantly different between the two groups . Compared with the placebo group , MDA and ISP were significantly lower , but TAC was significantly higher in the astaxanthin group at 12 weeks . These results suggest that supplementary astaxanthin has positive effects by improving the LDL cholesterol , ApoB , and oxidative stress biomarkers BACKGROUND AND AIM Modification of low-density lipoprotein due to oxidative stress is essential in the development of coronary atherosclerosis . Data of specific carotenoids except β-carotene on cardioprotective effects in humans are limited . METHODS AND RESULTS This study examined the associations between plasma concentrations of specific carotenoids and incidence of acute myocardial infa rct ion . The study included 280 incident cases of acute myocardial infa rct ion and 560 matched controls nested within the Singapore Chinese Health Study , a prospect i ve cohort of 63,257 Chinese men and women aged 45 - 74 years old enrolled in 1993 - 1998 in Singapore . Retinol and carotenoids in prediagnostic plasma were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography . High levels of plasma β-cryptoxanthin and lutein were associated with decreased risk of acute myocardial infa rct ion after adjustment for multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease . For β-cryptoxanthin , the odds ratio ( 95 % confidence interval ) for the highest ( Q5 ) versus the lowest ( Q1 ) quintile was 0.67 ( 0.37 - 1.21 ) ( P for trend=0.03 ) . For lutein , the odds ratios ( 95 % confidence intervals ) for the combined Q2-Q3 and the combined Q4-Q5 versus Q1 were 0.71 ( 0.45 - 1.12 ) and 0.58 ( 0.35 - 0.94 ) respectively ( P for trend=0.03 ) . There was no statistically significant association between other carotenoids or retinol and risk of acute myocardial infa rct ion . CONCLUSIONS High plasma levels of β-cryptoxanthin and lutein were associated with decreased risk of acute myocardial infa rct ion . The findings of this study support a cardioprotective role of these two carotenoids in humans
The literature on risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases showed that lutein might be beneficial for atherosclerosis and inflammatory markers , but there were inconsistent associations with blood pressure , adiposity , insulin resistance , and blood lipids .
CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that higher dietary intake and higher blood concentrations of lutein are generally associated with better cardiometabolic health .
BACKGROUND The antioxidant lutein is suggested as being beneficial to cardiometabolic health because of its protective effect against oxidative stress , but evidence has not systematic ally been evaluated .
OBJECTIVE We aim ed to evaluate systematic ally the effects of lutein ( intake or concentrations ) on cardiometabolic outcomes in different life stages .