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29 pages, 5422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scavenging of Cation Radicals of the Visual Cycle Retinoids by Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Taurine, and Melanin

by Malgorzata Rozanowska, Ruth Edge, Edward J. Land, Suppiah Navaratnam, Tadeusz Sarna and T. George Truscott

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010506 - 29 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1390

Abstract

In the retina, retinoids involved in vision are under constant threat of oxidation, and their oxidation products exhibit deleterious properties. Using pulse radiolysis, this study determined that the bimolecular rate constants of scavenging cation radicals of retinoids by taurine are smaller than 2 [...] Read more.

In the retina, retinoids involved in vision are under constant threat of oxidation, and their oxidation products exhibit deleterious properties. Using pulse radiolysis, this study determined that the bimolecular rate constants of scavenging cation radicals of retinoids by taurine are smaller than 2 × 10⁷ M⁻¹s⁻¹ whereas lutein scavenges cation radicals of all three retinoids with the bimolecular rate constants approach the diffusion-controlled limits, while zeaxanthin is only 1.4–1.6-fold less effective. Despite that lutein exhibits greater scavenging rate constants of retinoid cation radicals than other antioxidants, the greater concentrations of ascorbate in the retina suggest that ascorbate may be the main protectant of all visual cycle retinoids from oxidative degradation, while α-tocopherol may play a substantial role in the protection of retinaldehyde but is relatively inefficient in the protection of retinol or retinyl palmitate. While the protection of retinoids by lutein and zeaxanthin appears inefficient in the retinal periphery, it can be quite substantial in the macula. Although the determined rate constants of scavenging the cation radicals of retinol and retinaldehyde by dopa-melanin are relatively small, the high concentration of melanin in the RPE melanosomes suggests they can be scavenged if they are in proximity to melanin-containing pigment granules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease)

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18 pages, 3315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Staphylococcus aureus Modulates Carotenoid and Phospholipid Content in Response to Oxygen-Restricted Growth Conditions, Triggering Changes in Membrane Biophysical Properties

by Laura Zamudio-Chávez, Elizabeth Suesca, Gerson-Dirceu López, Chiara Carazzone, Marcela Manrique-Moreno and Chad Leidy

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 14906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914906 - 5 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2151

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus membranes contain carotenoids formed during the biosynthesis of staphyloxanthin. These carotenoids are considered virulence factors due to their activity as scavengers of reactive oxygen species and as inhibitors of antimicrobial peptides. Here, we show that the growth of S. aureus under [...] Read more.

Staphylococcus aureus membranes contain carotenoids formed during the biosynthesis of staphyloxanthin. These carotenoids are considered virulence factors due to their activity as scavengers of reactive oxygen species and as inhibitors of antimicrobial peptides. Here, we show that the growth of S. aureus under oxygen-restricting conditions downregulates carotenoid biosynthesis and modifies phospholipid content in biofilms and planktonic cells analyzed using LC-MS. At oxygen-restrictive levels, the staphyloxanthin precursor 4,4-diapophytofluene accumulates, indicating that the dehydrogenation reaction catalyzed by 4,4′-diapophytoene desaturases (CrtN) is inhibited. An increase in lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol is observed under oxygen-restrictive conditions in planktonic cells, and high levels of cardiolipin are detected in biofilms compared to planktonic cells. Under oxygen-restriction conditions, the biophysical parameters of S. aureus membranes show an increase in lipid headgroup spacing, as measured with Laurdan GP, and decreased bilayer core order, as measured with DPH anisotropy. An increase in the liquid–crystalline to gel phase melting temperature, as measured with FTIR, is also observed. S. aureus membranes are therefore less condensed under oxygen-restriction conditions at 37 °C. However, the lack of carotenoids leads to a highly ordered gel phase at low temperatures, around 15 °C. Carotenoids are therefore likely to be low in S. aureus found in tissues with low oxygen levels, such as abscesses, leading to altered membrane biophysical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease)

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14 pages, 3111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Content of Total Carotenoids, Vitamin C and Antioxidant Properties of 65 Potato Cultivars Characterised under the European Project ECOBREED

by Beata Tatarowska, Dorota Milczarek and Jarosław Plich

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(14), 11716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411716 - 20 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cultivars on the concentration of antioxidant compounds: total carotenoid content (TC) and vitamin C (VC), and their correlation with the total antioxidant activity (TAA) in 65 potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum) [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cultivars on the concentration of antioxidant compounds: total carotenoid content (TC) and vitamin C (VC), and their correlation with the total antioxidant activity (TAA) in 65 potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum) from 10 countries. The TC content revealed a highly significant effect of the year (Y), cultivar (C) and flesh colour (FC). The TC ranged from 101.5 µg 100 g⁻¹ DM (in cv. Kelly) to 715 µg 100 g⁻¹ DM (in cv. Mayan Gold). The TC values were weakly correlated with years and higher in yellow-fleshed potatoes than in white-fleshed potatoes (319.9 vs. 175.6 µg 100 g⁻¹ DM, respectively). The VC content ranged from 1.0 mg 100 g⁻¹ FM (in cv. Bzura) to 14.8 mg 100 g⁻¹ FM (in cv. Twinner). The content of VC were higher in yellow-fleshed (6.5 mg 100 g⁻¹ FM) than in white-fleshed potatoes (5.8 mg 100 g⁻¹ FM). The highest TAA were observed in cvs. Colleen, Basa, Triplo, Gatsby, Ditta, Twinner, Riviera, Michalina, Damaris, Belmonda, Ambo, Savinja, 12-LHI-6. For these cultivars, the FRAP values were 0.53 µmol TE 100 mg⁻¹ DM and DPPH 0.55 µmol TE 100 mg⁻¹ DM. The lowest TAA were observed in cvs.: Owacja, Mayan Gold, Kokra, Magnolia and Kelly. For them, the FRAP and DPPH values were slightly above 0.2 µmol TE 100 mg⁻¹ DM. It was shown that the concentration of TC in potato tubers has an impact on TAA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease)

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20 pages, 6280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulation of Carotenoid Biosynthesis and Degradation in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from Seedlings to Harvest

by Galina Brychkova, Cleiton Lourenço de Oliveira, Luiz Antonio Augusto Gomes, Matheus de Souza Gomes, Antoine Fort, Alberto Abrantes Esteves-Ferreira, Ronan Sulpice, Peter C. McKeown and Charles Spillane

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210310 - 18 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2243

Abstract

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the commercially important leafy vegetables worldwide. However, lettuce cultivars vary widely in their carotenoid concentrations at the time of harvest. While the carotenoid content of lettuce can depend on transcript levels of key biosynthetic enzymes, [...] Read more.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the commercially important leafy vegetables worldwide. However, lettuce cultivars vary widely in their carotenoid concentrations at the time of harvest. While the carotenoid content of lettuce can depend on transcript levels of key biosynthetic enzymes, genes that can act as biomarkers for carotenoid accumulation at early stages of plant growth have not been identified. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis was performed on the inner and outer leaves of the six cultivars at different developmental stages to identify gene-to-metabolite networks affecting the accumulation of two key carotenoids, β-carotene and lutein. Statistical analysis, including principal component analysis, was used to better understand variations in carotenoid concentration between leaf age and cultivars. Our results demonstrate that key enzymes of carotenoid biosynthesis pathway can alter lutein and β-carotene biosynthesis across commercial cultivars. To ensure high carotenoids content in leaves, the metabolites sink from β-carotene and lutein to zeaxanthin, and subsequently, abscisic acid needs to be regulated. Based on 2–3-fold carotenoids increase at 40 days after sowing (DAS) as compared to the seedling stage, and 1.5–2-fold decline at commercial stage (60 DAS) compared to the 40 DAS stage, we conclude that the value of lettuce for human nutrition would be improved by use of less mature plants, as the widely-used commercial stage is already at plant senescence stage where carotenoids and other essential metabolites are undergoing degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease)

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Review

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17 pages, 2322 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dynamic and Energetic Aspects of Carotenoids In-and-Around Model Lipid Membranes Revealed in Molecular Modelling

by Marta Pasenkiewicz-Gierula, Jakub Hryc and Michal Markiewicz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158217 - 27 Jul 2024

Viewed by 992

Abstract

In contrast to plants, humans are unable to synthesise carotenoids and have to obtain them from diet. Carotenoids fulfil several crucial biological functions in the organism; however, due to poor solubility in water, their bioavailability from plant-based food is low. The processes of [...] Read more.

In contrast to plants, humans are unable to synthesise carotenoids and have to obtain them from diet. Carotenoids fulfil several crucial biological functions in the organism; however, due to poor solubility in water, their bioavailability from plant-based food is low. The processes of carotenoid absorption and availability in the human body have been intensively studied. The recent experimental findings concerning these processes are briefly presented in the introductory part of this review, together with a summary of such topics as carotenoid carriers, body transport and tissue delivery, to finally report on molecular-level studies of carotenoid binding by membrane receptors. The main message of the review is contained in the section describing computational investigations of carotenoid intercalation and dynamic behaviour in lipid bilayers. The relevance of these computational studies lies in showing the direct link between the microscopic behaviour of molecules and the characteristics of their macroscopic ensembles. Furthermore, studying the interactions between carotenoids and lipid bilayers, and certainly proteins, on the molecular- and atomic-level using computational methods facilitates the interpretation and explanation of their macroscopic properties and, hopefully, helps to better understand the biological functions of carotenoids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease)

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32 pages, 2969 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactivity and Bioavailability of Carotenoids Applied in Human Health: Technological Advances and Innovation

by Tomas Gabriel Bas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7603; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147603 - 11 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2294

Abstract

This article presents a groundbreaking perspective on carotenoids, focusing on their innovative applications and transformative potential in human health and medicine. Research jointly delves deeper into the bioactivity and bioavailability of carotenoids, revealing therapeutic uses and technological advances that have the potential to [...] Read more.

This article presents a groundbreaking perspective on carotenoids, focusing on their innovative applications and transformative potential in human health and medicine. Research jointly delves deeper into the bioactivity and bioavailability of carotenoids, revealing therapeutic uses and technological advances that have the potential to revolutionize medical treatments. We explore pioneering therapeutic applications in which carotenoids are used to treat chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related macular degeneration, offering novel protective mechanisms and innovative therapeutic benefits. Our study also shows cutting-edge technological innovations in carotenoid extraction and bioavailability, including the development of supramolecular carriers and advanced nanotechnology, which dramatically improve the absorption and efficacy of these compounds. These technological advances not only ensure consistent quality but also tailor carotenoid therapies to each patient’s health needs, paving the way for personalized medicine. By integrating the latest scientific discoveries and innovative techniques, this research provides a prospective perspective on the clinical applications of carotenoids, establishing a new benchmark for future studies in this field. Our findings underscore the importance of optimizing carotenoid extraction, administration, bioactivity, and bioavailability methods to develop more effective, targeted, and personalized treatments, thus offering visionary insight into their potential in modern medical practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease)

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19 pages, 1966 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Endless World of Carotenoids—Structural, Chemical and Biological Aspects of Some Rare Carotenoids

by Nikolay E. Polyakov, A. Ligia Focsan, Yunlong Gao and Lowell D. Kispert

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 9885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24129885 - 8 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2905

Abstract

Carotenoids are a large and diverse group of compounds that have been shown to have a wide range of potential health benefits. While some carotenoids have been extensively studied, many others have not received as much attention. Studying the physicochemical properties of carotenoids [...] Read more.

Carotenoids are a large and diverse group of compounds that have been shown to have a wide range of potential health benefits. While some carotenoids have been extensively studied, many others have not received as much attention. Studying the physicochemical properties of carotenoids using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and density functional theory (DFT) helped us understand their chemical structure and how they interact with other molecules in different environments. Ultimately, this can provide insights into their potential biological activity and how they might be used to promote health. In particular, some rare carotenoids, such as sioxanthin, siphonaxanthin and crocin, that are described here contain more functional groups than the conventional carotenoids, or have similar groups but with some situated outside of the rings, such as sapronaxanthin, myxol, deinoxanthin and sarcinaxanthin. By careful design or self-assembly, these rare carotenoids can form multiple H-bonds and coordination bonds in host molecules. The stability, oxidation potentials and antioxidant activity of the carotenoids can be improved in host molecules, and the photo-oxidation efficiency of the carotenoids can also be controlled. The photostability of the carotenoids can be increased if the carotenoids are embedded in a nonpolar environment when no bonds are formed. In addition, the application of nanosized supramolecular systems for carotenoid delivery can improve the stability and biological activity of rare carotenoids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease)

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15 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessReview

Improving the Treatment Effect of Carotenoids on Alzheimer’s Disease through Various Nano-Delivery Systems

by Wenjing Su, Wenhao Xu, Enshuo Liu, Weike Su and Nikolay E. Polyakov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 7652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087652 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3623

Abstract

Natural bioactive compounds have recently emerged as a current strategy for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Carotenoids, including astaxanthin, lycopene, lutein, fucoxanthin, crocin and others are natural pigments and antioxidants, and can be used to treat a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, carotenoids, [...] Read more.

Natural bioactive compounds have recently emerged as a current strategy for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Carotenoids, including astaxanthin, lycopene, lutein, fucoxanthin, crocin and others are natural pigments and antioxidants, and can be used to treat a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, carotenoids, as oil-soluble substances with additional unsaturated groups, suffer from low solubility, poor stability and poor bioavailability. Therefore, the preparation of various nano-drug delivery systems from carotenoids is a current measure to achieve efficient application of carotenoids. Different carotenoid delivery systems can improve the solubility, stability, permeability and bioavailability of carotenoids to a certain extent to achieve Alzheimer’s disease efficacy. This review summarizes recent data on different carotenoid nano-drug delivery systems for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, including polymer, lipid, inorganic and hybrid nano-drug delivery systems. These drug delivery systems have been shown to have a beneficial therapeutic effect on Alzheimer’s disease to a certain extent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Carotenoids in Health and Disease)

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