The effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced secretion of IL-8 by uveal melanocytes (UM) were tested in cultured human UM. MTT assay revealed that LPS (0.01-1 μg/mL) and lutein and zeaxanthin (1-10 μM) did not influence the cell viability of cultured UM. LPS caused a dose-dependent increase of secretion of IL-8 by cultured UM. Lutein and zeaxanthin did not affect t...

Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid with antioxidative, antitumorigenic, antiangiogenic, photoprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Although the anti-inflammatory effects of lutein have previously been described, the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory action has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory acti...

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) promotes skin cancer development by mutagenic, immunosuppressive, and oxidative-stress-inducing mechanisms; however, certain antioxidants may counteract and prevent UVR-induced photodamage. Lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid with potent antioxidant activity. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) are believed to have a role in UVR-induced skin damage, we investigated ...

OBJECTIVE Adrenomedullin (AM) has diverse functions and is expressed in a variety of tissues. This study was conducted to investigate the expression of AM in the human ovary and its effect on progesterone production by human granulosa lutein cells. DESIGN AND METHODS Follicular fluid and blood samples were obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval from patients undergoing in vitro-fertilizatio...

PURPOSE There is evidence from several large-scale clinical trials that reduced intake of lutein, a major component of the macular pigment, is a risk factor for the development of AMD. In the present study (LISA; Lutein Intervention Study Austria) it was hypothesized that lutein supplementation increases macular pigment optical density (MPOD). In addition, an investigation was conducted into wh...

Research data indicate that lutein and zeaxanthin intake can alleviate symptoms of different eye pathologies. Within the retina, lutein and zeaxanthin are concentrated in the macula, with as much as 25% of their total retinal content found in the outer segments of the rod photoreceptor neurons. Lutein and zeaxanthin are recommended at least as an appropriate cautionary measure, especially for p...

Lutein is a hydrophobic carotenoid that has multiple health functions. However, the application of lutein is limited due to its poor solubility in water and instability under certain conditions during storage. Hereby we generated lutein loaded nano-emulsions using whey protein isolate (WPI) or polymerized whey protein isolate (PWP) with assistance of high intensity ultrasound and evaluate their...

The effects of graded levels of Flora GLO (FG), a dietary supplement containing lutein derived from marigold flowers, on tissue concentrations of lutein and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol were determined. Six groups of male weanling Fischer 344 rats (15/group) were fed ad libitum modified AIN-93G diets containing 0%, 0.30%, 0.60%, 1.20%, 2.40%, or 4.80% FG for eight weeks. FG provided 0%, 0.015%, ...

Consumption of lycopene, a carotenoid without provitamin A activity, has been associated with a lower risk of prostate and breast cancer. Lutein is another carotenoid that may be associated with a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in adults 65 years of age and older. Bioactive compounds such as lycopene and lutein, derived from natural plant source...

The carotenoids degradation and the formation of volatiles were examined by simulating Port wine aging. A two year old red Port wine was saturated with oxygen, supplemented with lutein and β-carotene and kept at 60°C during 87h. A similar study was performed in a model wine solution. Results showed that the percentage decrease in lutein levels was, respectively, 79% and 95%, in the wine model s...