Study finds anti-inflammatory effect for lutein – ProHealth

Reprinted with the kind permission of Life Extension.

July 7 2017.The July 2017 issue ofAtherosclerosispublished an article by Swedish researchers which describes an anti-inflammatory effect for the carotenoid lutein in patients withcoronary artery disease.

"A considerable number of patients who have experienced myocardial infarction still have low-level chronic inflammation in the body, even after receiving effective treatment with revascularization, drugs and lifestyle changes, remarked lead researcher Lena Jonasson, who is a professor in the Department of Medical and Health Sciences at Linkoping University. We know that chronic inflammation is associated with a poorer prognosis."

The study included 59 patients with acute coronary syndrome and 134 patients with stable angina. Blood samples were analyzed for interleukin-6, a marker of inflammation, and the carotenoids lutein plus zeaxanthin, alpha and beta carotene, lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin. In 42 patients, plasma levels of these factors were reanalyzed three months after coronary intervention to open narrowed blood vessels. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (types of white blood cells) from stable angina patients were treated with lutein for 24 hours followed by incubation with an inflammation-inducing compound and measurement of markers of inflammation.

In the heart disease patients, having a lower level of lutein plus zeaxanthin was associated with a higher level of interleukin-6 before and after coronary intervention. "The patients were receiving the best possible treatment for their disease according to clinical guidelines, but even so, many of them had persistent inflammation," Dr Jonasson observed.

In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lutein pretreatment was associated with a reduction in interleukin-6, interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

"Our study confirms that one particular carotenoid, lutein, can suppress long-term inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease, concluded first author Rosanna Chung. We have also shown that lutein is absorbed and stored by the cells of the immune system in the blood."

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Study finds anti-inflammatory effect for lutein - ProHealth