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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Micronutrients and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 July 2022) | Viewed by 70025

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Prof. Dr. Dariusz Nowak

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Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
Interests: antioxidant vitamins; plant polyphenols; exercise physiology; markers of oxidative stress; whole blood and neutrophils chemiluminescence; lung cancer; exhaled breath condensate; noninvasive markers of oxidative stress and pulmonary malignancy; dietary interventions to enhance antioxidant activity of plasma
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Carotene and carotenoids are colored pigments present in various plants, fungi, bacteria and algae. Although more than 600 carotenoids are known, a typical human diet contains only 50 of them and only about 20 carotenoids have been detected in human plasma and tissues. β-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, curcumin and crocin are the main carotenoids found in the human body. A number of cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological studies revealed a negative association between dietary intake of carotenoids and the risk of incidence of various types of cancer, diseases of the cardiovascular system and eye diseases. Moreover, they can improve endurance of the skin and cognitive functions in elderly subjects. Carotenoids have antioxidant properties and some their pro-health effects can be attributed to this activity. However, these lipid soluble pigments have other fascinating properties. For example, they can influence cell cycle progression, nuclear receptors, transcriptional complexes, growth factors signaling pathways, proliferation of lymphocytes B and T, activity of inflammatory cells and biosynthesis of variety of cytokines. Therefore, currently, carotene and carotenoids are the subject of numerous clinical, epidemiological and experimental studies.

Submissions of original papers, reviews, meta- analyses and commentaries on the aforementioned issues and also on other aspects of carotene and carotenoids dietary intake, absorption, metabolism and elimination in the human body are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Dariusz Nowak
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Carotene
Carotenoids
Cancer
Immune system
Supplementation
Anti-oxidant activity
Eye
Skin
Brain function
Food processing
Absorption and elimination of carotenoids
Cardiovascular diseases
Dementia
Cellular functions
Disease prevention

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circulating Human Serum Metabolites Derived from the Intake of a Saffron Extract (Safr’Inside^TM) Protect Neurons from Oxidative Stress: Consideration for Depressive Disorders

by Fabien Wauquier, Line Boutin-Wittrant, Line Pourtau, David Gaudout, Benjamin Moras, Adeline Vignault, Camille Monchaux De Oliveira, Julien Gabaston, Carole Vaysse, Karène Bertrand, Hélène Abrous, Lucile Capuron, Nathalie Castanon, David Vauzour, Véronique Roux, Nicolas Macian, Gisèle Pickering and Yohann Wittrant

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1511; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071511 - 5 Apr 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5630

Abstract

Increases in oxidative stress have been reported to play a central role in the vulnerability to depression, and antidepressant drugs may reduce increased oxidative stress in patients. Among the plants exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, saffron, a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, is also known for its positive effects on depression, potentially through its SSRI-like properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and their health benefits for humans are currently unclear. Using an original ex vivo clinical approach, we demonstrated for the first time that the circulating human metabolites produced following saffron intake (Safr’Inside^TM) protect human neurons from oxidative-stress-induced neurotoxicity by preserving cell viability and increasing BNDF production. In particular, the metabolites significantly stimulated both dopamine and serotonin release. In addition, the saffron’s metabolites were also able to protect serotonergic tone by inhibiting the expression of the serotonin transporter SERT and down-regulating serotonin metabolism. Altogether, these data provide new biochemical insights into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial impact of saffron on neuronal viability and activity in humans, in the context of oxidative stress related to depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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12 pages, 1460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

β-Carotene Status Is Associated with Inflammation and Two Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with and without Osteoarthritis

by Chi-Hua Yen, Po-Sheng Chang, Ching-Ju Chiu, Yu-Yun Huang and Ping-Ting Lin

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072280 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2728

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the β-carotene status in osteoarthritis (OA) patients and examine its relationships with the risk of inflammation and metabolic syndrome. OA patients were stratified by obesity based on body fat percentage (obese OA, n = 44; non-obese OA, n = 56), and sixty-nine subjects without OA or obesity were assigned as a non-obese control group. β-carotene, metabolic parameters, and inflammation status were assessed. Obese OA patients exhibited a significantly higher rate of metabolic syndrome (p = 0.02), abdominal obesity (p < 0.01), and lower β-carotene status (p < 0.01) compared with non-obese OA and non-obese controls. After adjusting for potential confounders, β-carotene status (≥0.8 µM) was significantly inversely correlated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 0.27, p < 0.01), abdominal obesity (odds ratio = 0.33, p < 0.01), high blood pressure (odds ratio = 0.35, p < 0.01), hyperglycemia (odds ratio = 0.45, p < 0.05), and inflammation (odds ratio = 0.30, p = 0.01). Additionally, subjects who had a high β-carotene status with a low proportion of metabolic syndrome when they had a low-grade inflammatory status (p < 0.01). Obese OA patients suffered from a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and lower β-carotene status compared to the non-obese controls. A better β-carotene status (≥0.8 µM) was inversely associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation, so we suggest that β-carotene status could be a predictor of the risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation in patients with and without OA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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Review

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25 pages, 986 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carotenoids in Palliative Care—Is There Any Benefit from Carotenoid Supplementation in the Adjuvant Treatment of Cancer-Related Symptoms?

by Anna Zasowska-Nowak, Piotr Jan Nowak and Aleksandra Cialkowska-Rysz

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3183; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153183 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2449

Abstract

Carotenoids are organic, liposoluble pigments found in nature, which are responsible for the characteristic colors of ripe tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and crustaceans, among others. Palliative care provided to patients with an incurable disease is aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life through appropriate treatment of symptoms accompanying the disease. Palliative care patients with burdensome symptoms related to advanced-stage cancers are especially interested in the use of natural dietary supplements and herbal remedies to reduce symptoms’ intensity and ameliorate the quality of life. Carotenoids seem to be a group of natural compounds with particularly promising properties in relieving symptoms, mainly due to their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Moreover, carotenoids have been used in folk medicine to treat various diseases and alleviate the accompanying symptoms. In this narrative review, the authors decided to determine whether there is any scientific evidence supporting the rationale for carotenoid supplementation in advanced-stage cancer patients, with particular emphasis on the adjuvant treatment of cancer-related symptoms, such as neuropathic pain and cancer-related cachexia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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26 pages, 2608 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Carotenoids on Paraoxonase-1 Activity and Gene Expression

by Aneta Otocka-Kmiecik

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142842 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3234

Abstract

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an antioxidant enzyme attached to HDL with an anti-atherogenic potential. It protects LDL and HDL from lipid peroxidation. The enzyme is sensitive to various modulating factors, such as genetic polymorphisms as well as pharmacological, dietary (including carotenoids), and lifestyle interventions. Carotenoids are nutritional pigments with antioxidant activity. The aim of this review was to gather evidence on their effect on the modulation of PON1 activity and gene expression. Carotenoids administered as naturally occurring nutritional mixtures may present a synergistic beneficial effect on PON1 status. The effect of carotenoids on the enzyme depends on age, ethnicity, gender, diet, and PON1 genetic variation. Carotenoids, especially astaxanthin, β-carotene, and lycopene, increase PON1 activity. This effect may be explained by their ability to quench singlet oxygen and scavenge free radicals. β-carotene and lycopene were additionally shown to upregulate PON1 gene expression. The putative mechanisms of such regulation involve PON1 CpG-rich region methylation, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKKII) pathway induction, and upregulation via steroid regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2). More detailed and extensive research on the mechanisms of PON1 modulation by carotenoids may lead to the development of new targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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14 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessReview

Can Diet Prevent Urological Cancers? An Update on Carotenoids as Chemopreventive Agents

by Tomasz Konecki, Aleksandra Juszczak and Marcin Cichocki

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071367 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3036

Abstract

Urological cancers, namely prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular, and penile cancers, are common conditions that constitute almost one-quarter of all malignant diseases in men. Urological cancers tend to affect older individuals, and their development is influenced by modifiable metabolic, behavioral, and environmental risk factors. Phytochemicals may have cancer-fighting properties and protect against cancer development, slow its spread, and reduce the risk of cancer deaths in humans. This paper aims to review the current literature in regard to the effects of carotenoids in reducing urological cancer risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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17 pages, 11117 KiB

Open AccessReview

Are We Sentenced to Pharmacotherapy? Promising Role of Lycopene and Vitamin A in Benign Urologic Conditions

by Piotr Kutwin, Piotr Falkowski, Roman Łowicki, Magdalena Borowiecka-Kutwin and Tomasz Konecki

Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040859 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4633

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, urolithiasis, recurrent urinary tract infections, and chronic prostatitis are diseases that are commonly diagnosed worldwide. Carotenoids, including lycopene, are widely available in fruits and vegetables, and it is postulated that they can be used in the prevention and treatment of benign urological conditions. The aim of this review is to familiarize doctors and their patients with the current knowledge on carotenoids and their conversion products in selected urological diseases. Most of the experimental and clinical trials show a moderate effect of lycopene and vitamin A on studied parameters. Lycopene was shown to improve the IPSS score in BPH patients, and alleviate symptoms in those with chronic prostatitis. Intake of Vitamin A was associated with decrease of urinary tract reinfection rates. In studied rat models retinol also decreased urolithiasis formation. Although the results of the cited studies are generally promising, it is evident that more detailed and extensive research must be done in this field of medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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14 pages, 1011 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration—Neurodegenerative Disease

by Małgorzata Mrowicka, Jerzy Mrowicki, Ewa Kucharska and Ireneusz Majsterek

Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040827 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 94 | Viewed by 22843

Abstract

Lutein and zeaxanthin belong to the xanthophyll family of carotenoids, which are pigments produced by plants. Structurally, they are very similar, differing only slightly in the arrangement of atoms. Key sources of these carotenoids include kale, savoy cabbage, spinach, broccoli, peas, parsley, corn, and egg yolks. The recommended daily intake of lutein is approximately 10.0 mg and that of zeaxanthin is 2 mg. Lutein intake in adults varies, with average intakes being 1–2 mg/day. Due to the lack of synthesis of consumption of these compounds in humans, these substances are extremely important for the proper functioning of certain organs of the body (eye, skin, heart, intestines). Eating a lot of dark leafy vegetables and some fruits can help to prevent our bodies from developing diseases. The protective effects of carotenoids are mainly related to their defense against oxidative stress and their ability to scavenge free radicals. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only dietary carotenoids that accumulate in the retina, specifically the macula, and are called macular pigments. These carotenoids are concentrated by the action of specific binding proteins such as StARD3, which binds lutein, and GSTP1, which binds zeaxanthin and its dietary metabolite, mesozeaxanthin. It has been shown that supportive therapy with lutein and zeaxanthin can have a beneficial effect in delaying the progression of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. This article presents the current state of knowledge on the role of lutein and zeaxanthin, especially from human studies targeting their metabolism and bioavailability, with recommendations to consume xanthophyll-rich foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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49 pages, 3608 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dietary Carotenoids in Head and Neck Cancer—Molecular and Clinical Implications

by Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030531 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5533

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers in the world according to GLOBCAN. In 2018, it was reported that HNC accounts for approximately 3% of all human cancers (51,540 new cases) and is the cause of nearly 1.5% of all cancer deaths (10,030 deaths). Despite great advances in treatment, HNC is indicated as a leading cause of death worldwide. In addition to having a positive impact on general health, a diet rich in carotenoids can regulate stages in the course of carcinogenesis; indeed, strong epidemiological associations exist between dietary carotenoids and HNS, and it is presumed that diets with carotenoids can even reduce cancer risk. They have also been proposed as potential chemotherapeutic agents and substances used in chemoprevention of HNC. The present review discusses the links between dietary carotenoids and HNC. It examines the prospective anticancer effect of dietary carotenoids against intracellular cell signalling and mechanisms, oxidative stress regulation, as well as their impact on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoprevention; it also provides an overview of the limited preclinical and clinical research published in this arena. Recent epidemiological, key opinion-forming systematic reviews, cross-sectional, longitudinal, prospective, and interventional studies based on in vitro and animal models of HNC also indicate that high carotenoid content obtained from daily supplementation has positive effects on the initiation, promotion, and progression of HNC. This article presents these results according to their increasing clinical credibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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32 pages, 2081 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Updated Comprehensive Review on Vitamin A and Carotenoids in Breast Cancer: Mechanisms, Genetics, Assessment, Current Evidence, and Future Clinical Implications

by Jee Ah Kim, Ja-Hyun Jang and Soo-Youn Lee

Nutrients 2021, 13(9), 3162; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093162 - 10 Sep 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5911

Abstract

Vitamin A and carotenoids are fat-soluble micronutrients that play important role as powerful antioxidants modulating oxidative stress and cancer development. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. As the risk of breast cancer is dependent on various lifestyle factors such as dietary modifications, there is increasing interest surrounding the anti-cancerous properties of vitamin A and carotenoids. Despite the suggested protective roles of vitamin A and carotenoids in breast cancer development, their clinical application for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer is limited. In this narrative review, we discuss the roles of vitamin A and carotenoids along with the evaluation method of vitamin A status. We also exhibit the association of genetic variations involved in metabolism of vitamin A and carotenoids with cancers and other diseases. We demonstrate the epidemiological evidence for the relationship of vitamin A and carotenoids with breast cancer risk, their effects on cancer mechanism, and the recent updates in clinical practice of vitamin A or carotenoids as a potential therapeutic agent against breast cancer. This review provides insight into the preventive and therapeutic roles of vitamin A and carotenoids in breast cancer development and progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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16 pages, 647 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin A Status Improvement in Obesity: Findings and Perspectives Using Encapsulation Techniques

by Camila de Carvalho Gomes, Thais Souza Passos and Ana Heloneida Araújo Morais

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1921; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061921 - 3 Jun 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4591

Abstract

The association between obesity and vitamin A has been studied. Some studies point to the anti-obesity activity related to this vitamin, carotenoids with provitamin A activity, and carotenoid conversion products. This performance has been evaluated in respect of adipogenesis, metabolic activity, oxidation processes, secretory function, and oxidative stress modulation, showing a new property attributed to vitamin A in preventing and treating obesity. However, vitamin A and its precursors are highly sensitive and easily degraded when subjected to heat, the presence of light, and oxygen, in addition to losses related to the processes of digestion and absorption. In this context, encapsulation presents itself as an alternative capable of increasing vitamin A’s stability in the face of unfavorable conditions in the environment, which can reduce its functionality. Considering that vitamin A’s status shows a strong correlation with obesity and is an innovative theme, this article addresses the associations between vitamin A’s consumption and its precursors, encapsulated or not, and its physiological effects on obesity. The present narrative review points out those recent studies that demonstrate that vitamin A and its encapsulated precursors have the most preserved functionality, which guarantees better effects on obesity therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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Other

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11 pages, 2674 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Role of Beta-Carotene in Lung Cancer Primary Chemoprevention: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

by Jacek Kordiak, Filip Bielec, Sławomir Jabłoński and Dorota Pastuszak-Lewandoska

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14071361 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 7426

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the most common neoplasms globally, with about 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths annually. Although the most important factor in reducing lung cancer risk is lifestyle change, most patients favour the use of supplements, for example, rather than quitting smoking or following a healthy diet. To better understand the efficacy of such interventions, a systematic review was performed of data from randomized controlled trials concerning the influence of beta-carotene supplementation on lung cancer risk in subjects with no lung cancer before the intervention. The search corpus comprised a number of databases and eight studies involving 167,141 participants, published by November 2021. The findings indicate that beta-carotene supplementation was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer (RR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.06–1.26). This effect was even more noticeable among smokers and asbestos workers (RR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.08–1.35) and non-medics (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.07–1.29). A meta-regression found no relationship between the beta-carotene supplementation dose and the size of the negative effect associated with lung cancer risk. Our findings indicate that beta-carotene supplementation has no effect on lung cancer risk. Moreover, when used as the primary chemoprevention, beta-carotene may, in fact, increase the risk of lung cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carotene and Carotenoids and Human Health)

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