Overlapping Vitamin A Interventions with Provitamin A Carotenoids and Preformed Vitamin A Cause Excessive Liver Retinol Stores in Male Mongolian Gerbils.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A (VA) deficiency is a public health problem in some countries. Fortification, supplementation, and increased provitamin A consumption through biofortification are efficacious, but monitoring is needed due to risk of excessive VA intake when interventions overlap. OBJECTIVES: Two studies in 28-36-d-old male Mongolian gerbils simulated exposure to multiple VA interventions to determine the effects of provitamin A carotenoid consumption from biofortified maize and carrots and preformed VA fortificant on status. METHODS: Study 1 was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 85) with high-ß-carotene maize, orange carrots, and VA fortification at 50% estimated gerbil needs, compared with white maize and white carrot controls. Study 2 was a 2 × 3 factorial design (n = 66) evaluating orange carrot and VA consumption through fortification at 100% and 200% estimated needs. Both studies utilized 2-wk VA depletion, baseline evaluation, 9-wk treatments, and liver VA stores by HPLC. Intestinal scavenger receptor class B member 1 (Scarb1), ß-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase (Bco1), ß-carotene 9',10'-oxygenase (Bco2), intestine-specific homeobox (Isx), and cytochrome P450 26A1 isoform α1 (Cyp26a1) expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR in study 2. RESULTS: In study 1, liver VA concentrations were significantly higher in orange carrot (0.69 ± 0.12 µmol/g) and orange maize groups (0.52 ± 0.21 µmol/g) compared with baseline (0.23 ± 0.069 µmol/g) and controls. Liver VA concentrations from VA fortificant alone (0.11 ± 0.053 µmol/g) did not differ from negative control. In study 2, orange carrot significantly enhanced liver VA concentrations (0.85 ± 0.24 µmol/g) relative to baseline (0.43 ± 0.14 µmol/g), but VA fortificant alone (0.42 ± 0.21 µmol/g) did not. Intestinal Scarb1 and Bco1 were negatively correlated with increasing liver VA concentrations (P < 0.01, r2 = 0.25-0.27). Serum retinol concentrations did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Biofortified carrots and maize without fortification prevented VA deficiency in gerbils. During adequate provitamin A dietary intake, preformed VA intake resulted in excessive liver stores in gerbils, despite downregulation of carotenoid absorption and cleavage gene expression.

Properties of Carotenoids in Fish Fitness: A Review.

Carotenoids, one of the most common types of natural pigments, can influence the colors of living organisms. More than 750 kinds of carotenoids have been identified. Generally, carotenoids occur in organisms at low levels. However, the total amount of carotenoids in nature has been estimated to be more than 100 million tons. There are two major types of carotenoids: carotene (solely hydrocarbons that contain no oxygen) and xanthophyll (contains oxygen). Carotenoids are lipid-soluble pigments with conjugated double bonds that exhibit robust antioxidant activity. Many carotenoids, particularly astaxanthin (ASX), are known to improve the antioxidative state and immune system, resulting in providing disease resistance, growth performance, survival, and improved egg quality in farmed fish without exhibiting any cytotoxicity or side effects. ASX cooperatively and synergistically interacts with other antioxidants such as α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and glutathione located in the lipophilic hydrophobic compartments of fish tissue. Moreover, ASX can modulate gene expression accompanying alterations in signal transduction by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Hence, carotenoids could be used as chemotherapeutic supplements for farmed fish. Carotenoids are regarded as ecologically friendly functional feed additives in the aquaculture industry.

Crocin as a novel therapeutic agent against colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with high incidence and prevalence worldwide. To investigate the therapeutic potency of crocin, as a pharmacologically active component of saffron, in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Experimental colitis was induced by 7-day administration of DSS dissolved in water at a concentration of 1.5% (w/v). The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n»6 for each group). (1) Control group received regular drinking water for four weeks, (2) the second group of mice received regular drinking water for three weeks and then received DSS for one week, (3) and (4) the other two groups received 50-ppm or 200-ppm crocin for three weeks, respectively, and then treated with DSS for one week. Our results showed that Crocin attenuates colitis disease activity index including body weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and colon shortening in crocin pre-tread mice. Comparison of histology of colon tissues between groups showed that crocin significantly decreases colon histopathological score, at least partially, by eliciting anti-inflammatory responses in DSS-induced colitis mice. These results clearly showed that crocin is a novel therapeutic agent with low toxicity as well as great clinical significance in treatment of colitis.

Carotenoids: How Effective Are They to Prevent Age-Related Diseases?

Despite an increase in life expectancy that indicates positive human development, a new challenge is arising. Aging is positively associated with biological and cognitive degeneration, for instance cognitive decline, psychological impairment, and physical frailty. The elderly population is prone to oxidative stress due to the inefficiency of their endogenous antioxidant systems. As many studies showed an inverse relationship between carotenoids and age-related diseases (ARD) by reducing oxidative stress through interrupting the propagation of free radicals, carotenoid has been foreseen as a potential intervention for age-associated pathologies. Therefore, the role of carotenoids that counteract oxidative stress and promote healthy aging is worthy of further discussion. In this review, we discussed the underlying mechanisms of carotenoids involved in the prevention of ARD. Collectively, understanding the role of carotenoids in ARD would provide insights into a potential intervention that may affect the aging process, and subsequently promote healthy longevity.

Safety assessment of a natural tomato oleoresin containing high amounts of Z-isomers of lycopene prepared with supercritical carbon dioxide.

BACKGROUND: Z-isomers of lycopene, which are abundantly present in processed tomato products, are more bioavailable than (all-E)-lycopene found predominantly in raw tomatoes. Despite extensive studies on the bioavailability and biological activities of Z-isomers of lycopene, detailed studies on their safety and toxicology are limited. RESULTS: The geno-, acute and subacute toxicities of tomato oleoresin that contained high amounts of lycopene Z-isomers (10.9% lycopene with 66.3% Z-isomer content) and had been prepared with supercritical carbon dioxide were investigated. The oleoresin was non-mutagenic in the Ames test with and without metabolic activation (S9 mix). The medial lethal dose (LD50 ) of the oleoresin in rats, as determined by a single-dose oral test, was more than 5000 mg kg body weight-1 (bw) [361 mg (Z)-lycopene kg bw-1 ]. In the 4-week repeated-dose oral toxicity test, rats were administered oleoresin at 4500 mg kg-1 day-1 [325 mg (Z)-lycopene kg bw-1 day-1 ]. There were no clinically significant changes with respect to vital signs, physical examination outcomes and laboratory test values during the test period. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings and as supported by its long history of consumption, tomato oleoresin that contains high amounts of Z-isomers of lycopene prepared with supercritical carbon dioxide can be considered as safe for human consumption. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Serenoa repens associated with selenium and lycopene extract and bromelain and methylsulfonylmethane extract are able to improve the efficacy of levofloxacin in chronic bacterial prostatitis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To date, the management of patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) is not satisfactory, especially in terms of symptoms relief. Here, we evaluated the efficacy and the safety of a combination of serenoa repens, selenium and lycopene extract + bromelain and methylsulfonylmethane extract associated with levofloxacin in patients with CBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with clinical and instrumental diagnosis of CBP, admitted to a single Urological Institution from March to June 2015 were enrolled in this phase III study. All enrolled patients were randomized into two groups: Group A received levofloxacin 500 mg o.d. for 14 days associated with lycopene and methylsulfonylmethane; Group B received levofloxacin (500 mg o.d. for 14 days) only. Clinical and microbiological analyses were carried out at the time of admission (T0) and during the followups at 1 month (T1) and 6 months (T2) from the end of the treatment. NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI), International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and Quality of Well-Being (QoL) questionnaires were used. The main outcome measures were the rate of microbiological cure and the improvement in questionnaire results from baseline at the end of the follow-ups period. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled in Group A and 39 in Group B. During the follow-up (T1), we recorded a significant changes in terms of NIH-CPSI and IPSS in Group A (mean difference: 17.6 ± 2.65; 12.2 ± 2.33; p < 0.01; p < 0.05, respectively) and versus Group B at the intergroup analysis (mean difference: -9 ± 1.82; -8.33 ± 1.71; p < 0.05; p < 0.05, respectively). No differences were reported in terms of microbiological findings between the two groups. At the second follow-up visit (T2), questionnaire results demonstrated statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.001). One patient in Group A (2.5%) and 7 patients (17.9%) in Group B showed a symptomatic and microbiological recurrence (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of serenoa repens, selenium, lycopene + bromelain and methylsulfonylmethane extracts improved the clinical efficacy of levofloxacin in patients affected by CBP without the development of side effects.

Vitamin A and carotenoids and the risk of Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A and carotenoids are involved in signalling pathways regulating gene expression in many organs, including the brain. The dopaminergic system is a target of retinoic acid action in the central nervous system. The aim of this review is to assess the epidemiological evidence on the association between blood levels or dietary intakes of vitamin A and carotenoids and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: PubMed and ISI Web of Science were searched for relevant papers from 1990 to April 2013. Data reported in epidemiological studies assessing the association between vitamin A and/or carotenoids (α-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin) and PD were extracted for a narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen papers were included out of a total of 362 potentially relevant; of these, eight contributed to the meta-analysis. No statistically significant pooled estimate between micronutrient and PD was detected. Forest plots suggest possible non-significant inverse pooled estimates of α-carotene and ß-carotene and risk of PD. A significant association between lutein intake and PD risk was detected in case-control studies only. CONCLUSIONS: Data published to date are insufficient for drawing definite conclusions about the epidemiological evidence on the association between blood levels or dietary intakes of vitamin A and carotenoids and the risk of PD. Results should be interpreted particularly cautiously given the limitation of the present meta-analysis and the potential publication bias. Authors are urged to follow more closely the recommendations for reporting epidemiological studies in order to enhance the capacity for synthesising the evidence.

Sleep symptoms associated with intake of specific dietary nutrients.

Sleep symptoms are associated with weight gain and cardiometabolic disease. The potential role of diet has been largely unexplored. Data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (n = 4552) to determine which nutrients were associated with sleep symptoms in a nationally representative sample. Survey items assessed difficulty falling asleep, sleep maintenance difficulties, non-restorative sleep and daytime sleepiness. Analyses were adjusted for energy intake, other dietary factors, exercise, body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographics. Population-weighted, logistic regression, with backwards-stepwise selection, examined which nutrients were associated with sleep symptoms. Odds ratios (ORs) reflect the difference in odds of sleep symptoms associated with a doubling in nutrient. Nutrients that were associated independently with difficulty falling asleep included (in order): alpha-carotene (OR = 0.96), selenium (OR = 0.80), dodecanoic acid (OR = 0.91), calcium (OR = 0.83) and hexadecanoic acid (OR = 1.10). Nutrients that were associated independently with sleep maintenance difficulties included: salt (OR = 1.19), butanoic acid (0.81), carbohydrate (OR = 0.71), dodecanoic acid (OR = 0.90), vitamin D (OR = 0.84), lycopene (OR = 0.98), hexanoic acid (OR = 1.25) and moisture (OR = 1.27). Nutrients that were associated independently with non-restorative sleep included butanoic acid (OR = 1.09), calcium (OR = 0.81), vitamin C (OR = 0.92), water (OR = 0.98), moisture (OR = 1.41) and cholesterol (OR = 1.10). Nutrients that were associated independently with sleepiness included: moisture (OR = 1.20), theobromine (OR = 1.04), potassium (OR = 0.70) and water (OR = 0.97). These results suggest novel associations between sleep symptoms and diet/metabolism, potentially explaining associations between sleep and cardiometabolic diseases.

Effects of lutein and lycopene on carotid intima-media thickness in Chinese subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of lutein and lycopene supplementation on carotid artery intima-media thickness (CAIMT) in subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 144 subjects aged 45-68 years were recruited from local communities. All the subjects were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg lutein/d (n 48), 20 mg lutein/d+20 mg lycopene/d (n 48) or placebo (n 48) for 12 months. CAIMT was measured using Doppler ultrasonography at baseline and after 12 months, and serum lutein and lycopene concentrations were determined using HPLC. Serum lutein concentrations increased significantly from 0·34 to 1·96 µmol/l in the lutein group (P< 0·001) and from 0·35 to 1·66 µmol/l in the combination group (P< 0·001). Similarly, serum lycopene concentrations increased significantly from 0·18 to 0·71 µmol/l in the combination group at month 12 (P< 0·001), whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group. The mean values of CAIMT decreased significantly by 0·035 mm (P= 0·042) and 0·073 mm (P< 0·001) in the lutein and combination groups at month 12, respectively. The change in CAIMT was inversely associated with the increase in serum lutein concentrations (P< 0·05) in both the active treatment groups and with that in serum lycopene concentrations (ß = - 0·342, P= 0·031) in the combination group. Lutein and lycopene supplementation significantly increased the serum concentrations of lutein and lycopene with a decrease in CAIMT being associated with both concentrations. In addition, the combination of lutein and lycopene supplementation was more effective than lutein alone for protection against the development of CAIMT in Chinese subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis, and further studies are needed to confirm whether synergistic effects of lutein and lycopene exist.

Diet-induced carotenodermia: a literature review.

Carotenodermia is a yellow to orange skin discoloration due to epidermal deposition of carotene. This can be due to an abnormality in the conversion of ß-carotene to vitamin A, hyperlipidemia, or high dietary carotene intake. Here, I review approximately 100 previous cases of carotenodermia in humans due to high ß-carotene intake. This literature review revealed that in carotenodermia associated with high ß-carotene intake the discoloration tends to be widespread, mainly in thick areas of the skin (e.g., the palm of the hand), and can last from 14 days to 4.5 years. This review provides a detailed overview of the characteristics of diet-induced carotenodermia.

Healthy and adverse effects of plant-derived functional metabolites: the need of revealing their content and bioactivity in a complex food matrix.

In recent years, both food quality and its effect on human health have become a fundamental issue all over the world. As a consequence of this new and increased awareness, American, European, and Asian policymakers have strongly encouraged the research programs on food quality and safety thematic. Attempts to improve human health and to satisfy people's desire for healthcare without intake of pharmaceuticals, has led the food industry to focus attention on functional or nutraceutical food. For a long time, compounds with nutraceutical activity have been produced chemically, but the new demands for a sustainable life have gradually led the food industry to move towards natural compounds, mainly those derived from plants. Many phytochemicals are known to promote good health, but, sometimes, undesirable effects are also reported. Furthermore, several products present on the market show few benefits and sometimes even the reverse - unhealthy effects; the evidence of efficacy is often unconvincing and epidemiological studies are necessary to prove the truth of their claims. Therefore, there is a need for reliable analytical control systems to measure the bioactivity, content, and quality of these additives in the complex food matrix. This review describes the most widespread nutraceutics and an analytical control of the same using recently developed biosensors which are promising candidates for routine control of functional foods.

Carotenoids and DNA damage.

Carotenoids are among the best known antioxidant phytochemicals, and are widely believed to contribute to the health-promoting properties of fruits and vegetables. Investigations of the effects of carotenoids have been carried out at different levels: in cultured cells, in experimental animals, and in humans. Studying reports from the last 5 years, we find a clear distinction between effects of vitamin A and pro-vitamin A carotenoids (the carotenes and ß-cryptoxanthin), and effects of non-vitamin A carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin). Whereas the latter group are almost invariably reported to protect against DNA damage, whether endogenous or induced by exogenous agents, the provitamin A carotenoids show a more varied spectrum of effects, sometimes protecting and sometimes enhancing DNA damage. The tendency to exacerbate damage is seen mainly at high concentrations, and might be accounted for by pro-oxidant actions of these carotenoids.

Carotenoderma due to lycopenemia: A case report and evaluation of lycopene deposition in the skin.

Carotenoderma is a yellow-orange coloration of the skin caused by high levels of serum carotenoids, mostly due to the excessive intake of carotenoid-rich foods. The yellowish coloration is typically observed on the palms, soles, and nasolabial folds. Although the physical appearance is prominent, the condition itself is benign and harmless. Diagnosing carotenoderma is not difficult because of its unique manifestations, but its pathophysiology remains unclear. We report a relatively rare case of carotenoderma due to lycopenemia caused by the excessive intake of lycopene-rich vegetables and fruits. Lycopene is a carotenoid component that is distinguished by the high absorption of light around 488 nm. Given these characteristics, we examined a hematoxylin-eosin-stained specimen from the patient and tape-stripped samples by fluorescent microscopy with 488 nm wavelength emission and compared them with normal skin samples. Notably, the patient's samples showed a weaker autofluorescence in the stratum corneum and sweat glands. Furthermore, we measured carotenoid concentrations in the patient's skin noninvasively with Vegecheck® and found a higher score than the average of 24 healthy volunteers. These results support the long-held hypothesis that carotenoids are secreted in sweat and are deposited in the stratum corneum. To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports have measured skin carotenoid levels nor detailed the pathological findings of carotenoderma patients. This case further highlights that the excessive intake of lycopene causes carotenoderma and demonstrates that carotenoid deposition is particularly pronounced in the stratum corneum of the skin.

Potential "Therapeutic" Effects of Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction (TRF) and Carotene "Against" Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats via TGF-ß/Smad, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB Signaling Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive, and, ultimately, terminal interstitial disease caused by a variety of factors, ranging from genetics, bacterial, and viral infections, to drugs and other influences. Varying degrees of PF and its rapid progress have been widely reported in post-COVID-19 patients and there is consequently an urgent need to develop an appropriate, cost-effective approach for the prevention and management of PF. AIM: The potential "therapeutic" effect of the tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) and carotene against bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis was investigated in rats via the modulation of TGF-ß/Smad, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and NF-κB signaling pathways. DESIGN/METHODS: Lung fibrosis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by a single intratracheal BLM (5 mg/kg) injection. These rats were subsequently treated with TRF (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body wt/day), carotene (10 mg/kg body wt/day), or a combination of TRF (200 mg/kg body wt/day) and carotene (10 mg/kg body wt/day) for 28 days by gavage administration. A group of normal rats was provided with saline as a substitute for BLM as the control. Lung function and biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations were studied in the lung tissues. RESULTS: Both the TRF and carotene treatments were found to significantly restore the BLM-induced alterations in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions. The treatments appeared to show pneumoprotective effects through the upregulation of antioxidant status, downregulation of MMP-7 and inflammatory cytokine expressions, and reduction in collagen accumulation (hydroxyproline). We demonstrated that TRF and carotene ameliorate BLM-induced lung injuries through the inhibition of apoptosis, the induction of TGF-ß1/Smad, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, the increased expression levels were shown to be significantly and dose-dependently downregulated by TRF (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body wt/day) treatment in high probability. The histopathological findings further confirmed that the TRF and carotene treatments had significantly attenuated the BLM-induced lung injury in rats. CONCLUSION: The results of this study clearly indicate the ability of TRF and carotene to restore the antioxidant system and to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines. These findings, thus, revealed the potential of TRF and carotene as preventive candidates for the treatment of PF in the future.

Effectiveness of crocin of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the complications vexes patients treated with anti-cancer agents. Saffron has been demonstrated to attenuate symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in animal models. Also, there is a published clinical trial that investigated the pain relieving effect of saffron following nationally accepted rules and concluded that saffron was successful in alleviating pain symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to determine the efficacy of crocin as a constituent of saffron in CIPN as the first report. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-seven enrolled eligible patients (between December 2018 and March 2020) for study entry were cases demonstrating mild to severe symptomatic CIPN for at least a month. These cases were randomly assigned to two main groups including 15 mg crocin tablet, bid (30 mg total daily target dose) and placebo tablet for 8 weeks. A crossover study was performed with a 2-week washout period. Patient outcomes were measured once a week for 8 consecutive weeks. RESULTS: Grade of sensory, motor and neuropathic pain decreased considerably and significantly in the crocin group compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Observed toxicities were mild and adverse effects had no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Crocin considerably seems to be effective for relieving symptoms of CIPN in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy agents. However, further studies are needed about crocin with its beneficial neuropharmacological effects and lower adverse effects than the chemical agents such as antidepressants, lamotrigine, and gabapentin.

Age-related macular degeneration and antioxidant vitamins: recent findings.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the present review is to evaluate the most recent evidence for a role of antioxidant nutrients in the prevention or delay in progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of visual impairment and blindness in the aging population. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent human studies (>2008) report a decreased AMD risk with increased intakes of lutein/zeaxanthin, B vitamins, zinc and docosahexaenoic acid but an increased risk with increased intakes of beta-carotene and vitamin E. These latter findings are inconsistent with previous reports (<2008). SUMMARY: Findings on the association of certain antioxidants and docosahexaenoic acid support a role for nutrition in a decreased risk of AMD. The inconsistent findings of an increased risk with increased intake of beta-carotene and vitamin E warrants continued investigation into these relationships.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome category IIIA with Serenoa repens plus selenium and lycopene (Profluss) versus S. repens alone: an Italian randomized multicenter-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Serenoa repens + selenium and lycopene (Profluss) versus S. repens alone for the treatment of category IIIa chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 102 patients with IIIa CP/CPPS were enrolled and randomized into two groups each to receive Profluss or S. repens alone for 8 weeks. Evaluation was based on results of the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), IPSS, maximum peak flow rate (MPFR), and PSA measurements at baseline and at weeks 4, 8 and 8 after the end of treatment. The primary endpoint was a >50% reduction in NIH-CPSI score. Secondary endpoints evaluated were MPFR, IPSS, PSA and white blood cell count. RESULTS: No patients withdrew from the study. The mean NIH-CPSI score decreased significantly (p < 0.001) in both groups; we observed a decrease in the total score from 27.45 to 13.27 in group 1 (-51.64%) and from 27.76 to 20.62 in group 2 (-26.06%). IPSS improved significantly (p < 0.001) in both arms, but more in group 1. PSA and white blood cell count decreased significantly (p < 0.007) only in group 1. The MPFR improved more in group 1 (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Profluss is a triple therapy that is safe and well tolerated. It ameliorates symptoms associated with IIIa CP/CPPS.

Carotenoids and Periodontal Infection.

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial infectious disease that leads to inflammation of the gingiva, resulting in teeth loss by various causes such as inflammation-mediated bone resorption. Recently, many investigators have reported that the periodontitis resulting from persistent low-grade infection of Gram-negative bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is associated with increased atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and other systemic diseases through blood stream. On the other hand, carotenoids belong among phytochemicals that are responsible for different colors of the foods. It is important to examine whether carotenoids are effective to the inhibition of periodontal infection/inflammation cascades. This review summarizes the advanced state of knowledge about suppression of periodontal infection by several carotenoids. A series of findings suggest that carotenoids intake may provide novel strategy for periodontitis treatment, although further study will be needed.

Long-term use of beta-carotene, retinol, lycopene, and lutein supplements and lung cancer risk: results from the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) study.

High-dose beta-carotene supplementation in high-risk persons has been linked to increased lung cancer risk in clinical trials; whether effects are similar in the general population is unclear. The authors examined associations of supplemental beta-carotene, retinol, vitamin A, lutein, and lycopene with lung cancer risk among participants, aged 50-76 years, in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort Study in Washington State. In 2000-2002, eligible persons (n = 77,126) completed a 24-page baseline questionnaire, including detailed questions about supplement use (duration, frequency, dose) during the previous 10 years from multivitamins and individual supplements/mixtures. Incident lung cancers (n = 521) through December 2005 were identified by linkage to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry. Longer duration of use of individual beta-carotene, retinol, and lutein supplements (but not total 10-year average dose) was associated with statistically significantly elevated risk of total lung cancer and histologic cell types; for example, hazard ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.28, 3.17 for individual supplemental lutein with total lung cancer and hazard ratio = 3.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.29, 8.07 for individual beta-carotene with small-cell lung cancer for >4 years versus no use. There was little evidence for effect modification by gender or smoking status. Long-term use of individual beta-carotene, retinol, and lutein supplements should not be recommended for lung cancer prevention, particularly among smokers.