PURPOSE To investigate carotenoid content in the retina of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), for comparison with carotenoids in human retina, and to assess the effects of different saponification procedures on the recovery of quail retinal carotenoids. METHODS Extracted retinal carotenoids were saponified with methods adapted from recent studies, then identified and quantified with reverse-...

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that a high dietary intake of carotenoids may offer protection against age-related macular degeneration, cancer and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Humans cannot synthesize carotenoids and depend on their dietary intake. Major carotenoids that have been found in human plasma can be divided into two groups, carotenes (nonpolar molecules, such as...

Carotenoids are isoprenoid molecules of 40 carbons which are synthesized in a wide variety of photosynthetic (plants, algae) and non photosynthetic (some fungi and bacteria) organisms. So far, over 750 carotenoid structures are known, and these are divided into nonoxygenated molecules designated as carotenes and into oxygenated carotenoids referred to as xanthophylls. In photosynthetic organism...

1. Among the commonest sexual signals of birds are the red-yellow traits pigmented by carotenoids, but how they reliably advertise individual quality remain poorly understood. Here we tested the hypothesis that carotenoid-based signalling is enhanced by testosterone but reduced by parasites, and that the dual action of testosterone on ornament expression and parasite resistance ensures reliable...

PURPOSE Carotenoids are present in many biological systems, often decreasing the formation of products of oxidative damage to biological molecules. In the macula their concentration is so high that it has been believed that the yellow color filters out damaging blue light. Recent reports that dietary lutein reduces the risk of cataract in the eye lens suggested that the antioxidant action of ca...

Carotenoids continue to be important dietary sources of vitamin A, and also continue to be used in the treatment of certain human photosensitive skin diseases. Animal and epidemiologic studies are strongly suggestive that carotenoids may have an anti-cancer role, but the clinical prevention trials designed to determine if this is true have not yet been completed. Another interesting possible ro...

When oxygenic photosynthesis evolved, one of the key functions of carotenoids was to protect aerobic photosynthetic organisms against destruction by photodynamic sensitization. Aerobic photosynthesis would not exist without the coevolution of carotenoids alongside the chlorophylls. As carotenoids are abundant in nature, in many fruits and vegetables, they are able to react with excited states o...

Oxidative stress is a key contributor to the development of cardiovascular diseases. In this respect, phytochemicals, such as bioactive dietary elements and in particular carotenoids displayed an antioxidant effect with a substantial reduction in oxidative stress markers. Recent scientific evidence supported the beneficial role of carotenoids in preventing several chronic disorders, such as car...

Despite the notable health benefits of carotenoids for human health, the majority of human diets worldwide are repeatedly shown to be inadequate in intake of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, according to current health recommendations. To address this deficit, strategies designed to increase dietary intakes and subsequent plasma levels of carotenoids are warranted. When mixed carotenoids ...