Common SNP rs6564851 in the BCO1 Gene Affects the Circulating Levels of ß-Carotene and the Daily Intake of Carotenoids in Healthy Japanese Women.

The circulating levels of ß-carotene are modulated not only by sex, but also by autosomal gene variations and fruit intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between ß-carotene metabolism-related gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; genetic factors) and nutrient intake (environmental factors) relating to their effects on circulating ß-carotene. The serum concentrations of ß-carotene and the habitual food intake of 92 healthy Japanese adults were examined. All subjects were genotyped for three common SNPs: rs6564851 in the ß-carotene 15,15'-oxygenase 1 (BCO1) gene, rs2278986 in the scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SCARB1) gene and rs362090 in the intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) gene. Univariate analysis revealed that the circulating ß-carotene levels were significantly higher in rs6564851 GG homozygotes (p = 0.003). Additionally, the daily intake of ß-cryptoxanthin was positively associated with the circulating ß-carotene levels in female GG homozygotes of rs6564851 (p = 0.023), and the daily intake of α- and ß-carotenes, and ß-cryptoxanthin was significantly lower in female rs6564851 T allele carries than in female GG homozygotes (p = 0.009, 0.008, 0.009, respectively). The present study apparently indicates that higher circulating ß-carotene levels in female rs6564851 GG homozygotes depend on carotenoid intake.

A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of a Chinese herbal formula (Er-Xian decoction) for menopausal symptoms in Hong Kong perimenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a Chinese herbal formula, Er-Xian decoction (EXD), in the treatment of menopausal symptoms among Hong Kong perimenopausal women. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted for 12 weeks among 108 Hong Kong perimenopausal women who reported Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) total scores of 28 or higher. Posttreatment follow-up was performed 3 months after the intervention. The primary outcome measure was the frequency and severity of hot flushes. The secondary outcome measures included the MRS, the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire, and serum hormone levels. RESULTS: Among 108 participants, 101 participants finished the study. EXD significantly reduced the mean (SD) frequency of hot flushes from 5.8 (5.0) to 2.2 (3.0) in the treatment group and from 5.0 (3.8) to 2.4 (2.5) in the placebo group (P = 0.04). The mean (SD) hot flush score was also reduced from 19.6 (6.6) to 4.9 (7.8) in the treatment group and from 16.6 (5.4) to 7.0 (6.4) in the placebo group (P = 0.02). The superiority of EXD to placebo was also observed with greater improvement in the total scores for the MRS (P = 0.03) and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (P < 0.01). There were no differences in serum hormone levels between the EXD group and the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events, and the safety indices of whole blood counts, renal function, and liver function were within the normal range before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese herbal formula EXD is superior to placebo in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes and in improving menopausal symptoms in Hong Kong perimenopausal women. It is well tolerated, with no serious adverse events noted during the study period.