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1.
Therapeutic effects of Crocin in autoimmune diseases: A review.
Korani, S, Korani, M, Sathyapalan, T, Sahebkar, A
BioFactors (Oxford, England). 2019;(6):835-843
Abstract
The immune system when acts against selfmolecules results in an imbalance in immunologic tolerance leading to the development of several autoimmune diseases (ADs) such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Improved recognition of the mechanisms of ADs has led to the advancement of the management of these diseases. The principal mediators of ADs are inflammatory molecules. The herbal medicines due to their antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties have an important role in the management of ADs. Crocin is the principal chemical component extracted from saffron, which is a medicinal plant. This review focuses on the therapeutic effects of Crocin in various ADs.
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2.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Insulin Resistance: New Insights and Potential New Treatments.
Kitade, H, Chen, G, Ni, Y, Ota, T
Nutrients. 2017;(4)
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver disorders worldwide. It is associated with clinical states such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, and covers a wide range of liver changes, ranging from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Metabolic disorders, such as lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, but the underlying mechanisms, including those that drive disease progression, are not fully understood. Both innate and recruited immune cells mediate the development of insulin resistance and NASH. Therefore, modifying the polarization of resident and recruited macrophage/Kupffer cells is expected to lead to new therapeutic strategies in NAFLD. Oxidative stress is also pivotal for the progression of NASH, which has generated interest in carotenoids as potent micronutrient antioxidants in the treatment of NAFLD. In addition to their antioxidative function, carotenoids regulate macrophage/Kupffer cell polarization and thereby prevent NASH progression. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, including macrophage/Kupffer cell polarization, and disturbed hepatic function in NAFLD. We also discuss dietary antioxidants, such as β-cryptoxanthin and astaxanthin, that may be effective in the prevention or treatment of NAFLD.
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3.
Skin colour changes during experimentally-induced sickness.
Henderson, AJ, Lasselin, J, Lekander, M, Olsson, MJ, Powis, SJ, Axelsson, J, Perrett, DI
Brain, behavior, and immunity. 2017;:312-318
Abstract
Skin colour may be an important cue to detect sickness in humans but how skin colour changes with acute sickness is currently unknown. To determine possible colour changes, 22 healthy Caucasian participants were injected twice, once with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, at a dose of 2ng/kg body weight) and once with placebo (saline), in a randomised cross-over design study. Skin colour across 3 arm and 3 face locations was recorded spectrophotometrically over a period of 8h in terms of lightness (L∗), redness (a∗) and yellowness (b∗) in a manner that is consistent with human colour perception. In addition, carotenoid status was assessed as we predicted that a decrease it skin yellowness would reflect a drop in skin carotenoids. We found an early change in skin colouration 1-3h post LPS injection with facial skin becoming lighter and less red whilst arm skin become darker but also less red and less yellow. The LPS injection also caused a drop in plasma carotenoids from 3h onwards. However, the timing of the carotenoid changes was not consistent with the skin colour changes suggesting that other mechanisms, such as a reduction of blood perfusion, oxygenation or composition. This is the first experimental study characterising skin colour associated with acute illness, and shows that changes occur early in the development of the sickness response. Colour changes may serve as a cue to health, prompting actions from others in terms of care-giving or disease avoidance. Specific mechanisms underlying these colour changes require further investigation.
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4.
Effects of simvastatin on carotenoid status in plasma.
Rydén, M, Leanderson, P, Kastbom, KO, Jonasson, L
Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. 2012;(1):66-71
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Carotenoids are potent antioxidants mainly transported in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction. They may also influence the immune response and inverse associations with inflammatory markers have been reported. We investigated whether simvastatin, by exerting both lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects, altered the carotenoid status in plasma. METHODS AND RESULTS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was applied. Eighty volunteers with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia received either simvastatin 40 mg or placebo for 6 weeks. Lipids, oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, oxygenated carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin) and hydrocarbon carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene) were measured in plasma. Simvastatin use was associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, ox-LDL and CRP. Simvastatin therapy also resulted in reduced plasma levels of both oxygenated and hydrocarbon carotenoids. However, when adjusted for lipids, all carotenoids except β-cryptoxanthin showed significant increases after simvastatin therapy. Both crude and lipid-adjusted carotenoids were inversely correlated with CRP and IL-6 in plasma but the change in carotenoid status during simvastatin therapy was not specifically related to any changes in inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS To summarize, the change in carotenoid status during simvastatin therapy was mainly attributed to the lowering of cholesterol and not to the suppression of inflammatory activity. After adjustment for lipids, the levels of lutein, lycopene, α-carotene and β-carotene were significantly increased by simvastatin suggesting an increased ratio of carotenoids per particle.
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Clinical evidence of benefits of a dietary supplement containing probiotic and carotenoids on ultraviolet-induced skin damage.
Bouilly-Gauthier, D, Jeannes, C, Maubert, Y, Duteil, L, Queille-Roussel, C, Piccardi, N, Montastier, C, Manissier, P, Piérard, G, Ortonne, JP
The British journal of dermatology. 2010;(3):536-43
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lactobacillus johnsonii (La1) has been reported to protect skin immune system homeostasis following ultraviolet (UV) exposure. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of a dietary supplement (DS) combining La1 and nutritional doses of carotenoids on early UV-induced skin damage. METHODS Three clinical trials (CT1, CT2, CT3) were performed using different UV sources: nonextreme UV with a high UVA irradiance (UV-DL, CT1), extreme simulated solar radiation (UV-SSR, CT2) and natural sunlight (CT3). All three clinical trials were carried out in healthy women over 18 years of age with skin type II-IV. In CT1, early markers of UV-induced skin damage were assessed using histology and immunohistochemistry. In CT2, the minimal erythemal dose (MED) was determined by clinical evaluation and by chromametry. Chromametry was also used to evaluate skin colour. Dermatologists' and subjects' assessments were compiled in CT3. RESULTS A 10-week DS intake prevented the UV-DL-induced decrease in Langerhans cell density and the increase in factor XIIIa+ type I dermal dendrocytes while it reduced dermal inflammatory cells. Clinical and instrumental MED rose by 20% and 19%, respectively, and skin colour was intensified, as shown by the increase in the ΔE* parameter. The efficacy of DS was confirmed by dermatologists and subjects under real conditions of use. CONCLUSIONS Nutritional supplementation combining a specific probiotic (La1) and nutritional doses of carotenoids reduced early UV-induced skin damage caused by simulated or natural sun exposure in a large panel of subjects (n=139). This latter result might suggest that DS intake could have a beneficial influence on the long-term effects of UV exposure and more specifically on skin photoageing.
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6.
In vitro screening of relative bioaccessibility of carotenoids from foods.
Failla, ML, Huo, T, Thakkar, SK
Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition. 2008;:200-3
Abstract
Carotenoids are lipophilic pigments in plant foods that are of particular interest as precursors of vitamin A, a nutrient required for vision, cell differentiation, and the immune system. In order to mediate such activities, carotenoids and their metabolites must be absorbed for delivery to tissues. Unlike many other dietary lipids, the efficiency of carotenoid absorption is typically inefficient, being affected by food matrix, style of processing, other dietary components, and nutritional and physiological status. Thus, reliable prediction of carotenoid bioavailability is problematic. We have developed a relatively simple and cost effective procedure to study the potential bioavailability, i.e., the bioaccessibility, of carotenoids. The method involves simulated oral, gastric and small intestinal digestion of test samples to access the efficiency of incorporation into micelles, an obligatory step for absorption of lipophilic compounds. The model can be further expanded by adding micelles generated during small intestinal phase of digestion to monolayers of Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells to investigate apical uptake, cellular metabolism and transepithelial transport of carotenoids. Recent work by Borel and associates has demonstrated that the relative bioaccessibility of carotenoids observed in vitro is highly correlated with in vivo observations and results from bioavailability trials with human subjects. Results from recent studies using the in vitro model to screen relative bioaccessibility of beta-carotene in various cultivars of cassava, impact of amount and types of fatty acyl groups in triglycerides on micellarization of carotenoids, and the mechanism of digestion and intestinal cell uptake of xanthophyll esters are presented.
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Physiological dose of lycopene suppressed oxidative stress and enhanced serum levels of immunoglobulin M in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a possible role in the prevention of long-term complications.
Neyestani, TR, Shariatzadeh, N, Gharavi, A, Kalayi, A, Khalaji, N
Journal of endocrinological investigation. 2007;(10):833-8
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant effects of lycopene in physiological doses and its possible effects on the immune response in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 35 patients with T2DM of both sexes aged 54+/-9 yr were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted for 2 months. After a 2-week lycopene-free diet washout period, patients were allocated to either lycopene supplementation group (10 mg/day) (no.=16) or placebo group (no.=19), which were age- and sex matched. Patients were instructed to keep their diet and physical activity as unchanged as possible. RESULTS While dietary intake of energy and body weight did not change, the ratio of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) to malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly in the lycopene group compared to the placebo group (p=0.007). Though a statistically significant increase in serum concentrations of lycopene (p<0.001) was not accompanied by enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity response, a significant negative correlation was found between serum levels of lycopene and immunoglobulin (Ig)G (r=-0.338, p=0.008). Interestingly, variations of serum levels of lycopene directly correlated with those of IgM (r=0.466, p=0.005). There was an insignificant decrement in serum anti-oxidized LDL IgG levels in the lycopene group. CONCLUSIONS Lycopene, probably by increasing TAC and inhibiting MDA-LDL formation, may attenuate T cell-dependent adaptive (pro-atherogenic) immune response. Meanwhile, with enhancement of innate immunity and hence prevention of ox-LDL uptake by macrophage and foam cell formation, lycopene may be effective in prevention of long-term diabetic complications, notably cardiovascular disease.
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8.
Plasma carotenoid concentrations in relation to acute respiratory infections in elderly people.
van der Horst-Graat, JM, Kok, FJ, Schouten, EG
The British journal of nutrition. 2004;(1):113-8
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Abstract
A high plasma carotenoid concentration could improve the immune response and result in decreased risk of infectious diseases. However, data on the relationship of plasma carotenoid concentration with acute respiratory infections, which occur frequently in elderly people, are scarce. We investigated, therefore, the relationship of plasma concentrations of six major carotenoids (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin) with the incidence and severity of acute respiratory infections. Baseline data from an intervention trial were used. Participants were 652 non-institutionalized elderly people (> or =60 years old) enrolled via two community-based sampling strategies in the Wageningen area of The Netherlands in 1998-99. Plasma carotenoid concentrations were divided into quartiles, the lowest being the reference. Frequency and severity of episodes during the previous 1 year, i.e. staying in bed, medical consultation and episode-related medication, were self-reported by means of a questionnaire. On average 1.6 episodes per person were recorded. The incidence rate ratio of acute respiratory infections at high beta-carotene status was 0.71 (95 % CI 0.54-0.92) as compared with the low beta-carotene concentration group. No association was observed between beta-carotene and illness severity. alpha-Carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin were not related to incidence or severity of the infections. We conclude that elderly people with a high plasma beta-carotene concentration may have a lower occurrence of acute respiratory infections.
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9.
Decreased carotenoid concentrations due to dietary sucrose polyesters do not affect possible markers of disease risk in humans.
Broekmans, WM, Klöpping-Ketelaars, IA, Weststrate, JA, Tijburg, LB, van Poppel, G, Vink, AA, Berendschot, TT, Bots, ML, Castenmiller, WA, Kardinaal, AF
The Journal of nutrition. 2003;(3):720-6
Abstract
Excessive consumption of energy and fat increases the risk for obesity. Snacks containing sucrose polyesters (SPE) as a dietary fat replacer are on the market in the United States. SPE products have been shown to lower concentrations of serum carotenoids in short-term studies. Experimental studies on the longer-term effects on health of decreased carotenoid concentrations are lacking. A 1-y randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial was performed. Subjects (n = 380) with a habitual low or high fruit and vegetable intake were assigned to the treatments (0, 7, 10 or 17 g/d SPE). SPE was given in the form of spreads, chips or both. The groups were compared for serum carotenoids, vitamins and markers of oxidative damage, eye health, cardiovascular health and immune status. After 1 y, serum lipid-adjusted carotenoids showed the largest decrease in the SPE chips and spread group (17 g/d) compared with the control group [alpha-carotene 33%; beta-carotene 31%, lycopene 24%, beta-cryptoxanthin 18%, lutein 18% (all P < 0.001) and zeaxanthin 13% (P < 0.05)]. Consumption of SPE spread (10 g/d SPE) decreased carotenoid concentrations by 11-29% (all P < 0.05). SPE chips (7 g/d SPE) decreased zeaxanthin (11%), beta-carotene (12%) and alpha-carotene (21%; all P < 0.05). Serum lipid adjusted alpha-tocopherol decreased significantly by 6-8% (all P < 0.001) in all SPE groups. No negative effects were observed on markers of oxidation, eye health, cardiovascular health or immune status. This study shows that decreases in serum carotenoid concentrations do not affect possible markers of disease risk.
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10.
[Gene and gene engineering of carotenoid biosynthesis].
Tao, J, Zhang, SL, Xu, CJ, An, XM, Zhang, LC
Sheng wu gong cheng xue bao = Chinese journal of biotechnology. 2002;(3):276-81
Abstract
Carotenoids have a range of diverse biological functions and actions, especially playing an important role in human health with provitamin A activity, anti-cancer activity, enhancing immune ability and so on. Human body can't synthesis carotenoids by itself and must absorb them from outside. However, carotenoid contents in many plant are very low, and many kinds of carotenoid are difficult to produce by chemical ways. With the elucidation of carotenoid biosynthetic pathway and cloning genes of relative enzymes from microorganisms and higher plants, it is possible to regulate carotenoid biosynthesis via genetic engineering. This article reviews gene cloning of carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes in microorganisms and higher plants, and advances in the studies of carotenoid production in heterologous microorganisms and crop plants using gene-manipulated carotenoid biosynthesis.