There were no significant differences in the serum lutein concentrations and MPOD levels at baseline between the groups. The increased serum lutein concentration and MPOD levels at 3months were respectively, 89% and 38% in the free lutein group and 97% and 17% in the lutein esters group. The serum lutein concentrations in both groups and MPOD levels in the free lutein group increased significantly (p<0.05) from baseline. No significant differences in serum lutein concentrations and MPOD levels were seen between the groups. Three months after supplementation ended, the serum lutein concentration decreased; the MPOD remained elevated in both groups.
We investigated the antihypertensive effect of lutein on N-G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. MAP in the lutein groups was dose-dependently lower than that in the L-NAME group. Lutein (2 mg/kg) significantly prevented the reduced heart rate induced by L-NAME. These findings suggest that lutein affords significant antihypertensive and antioxidant effects against LNAME-induced hypertension in rats.
Lutein intake of 0.72 (medium-lutein beverage group) and 1.44 mg/mL (high-lutein beverage group) relieved visual fatigue, ameliorated turbidity symptoms of impaired crystalline lenses, reduced hepatic MDA concentration, increased hepatic GSH concentration, and significantly increased the activities of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GR in rats. These data suggest that a lutein-rich beverage is an effective and harmless way to increase the total anti-oxidation capacity of lenses and alleviate visual fatigue.
Blue-light photooxidative damage has been implicated in the etiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The macular pigment xanthophylls lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) and n-3 fatty acids may reduce this damage and lower the risk of AMD. Foveal protection was absent in xanthophyll-free animals but was evident after supplementation. After long-term xanthophyll deficiency, lutein or zeaxanthin supplementation protected the fovea from blue light-induced damage.