Correlation of low levels of serum carotenoids with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Background & Objective: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Evidences from epidemiological and clinical studies suggest a possible correlation between antioxidant levels and the cardiovascular disease risk. Few data are reported concerning oriental population. Objective of this study is to investigate the serum antioxidant levels in cardiovascular disease patients in comparison to healthy controls in Thai population. Methods: Forty CVD patients and forty self-reported healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Serum carotenoids levels, including lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α and β-carotene, and retinol and tocopherols (alpha-and delta-) levels were quantified with HPLC procedure. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity was evaluated through an enzymatic assay. Results: Lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin in CVD patients were significantly lower than in controls (0.84 versus 1.79 ng/ml, 3.08 versus 5.48 ng/ml, and 3.01 versus 5.20 ng/ml, respectively; p <0.05), while SOD and catalase activity was significantly higher in CVD patients than in controls (91.75 versus 63.63 ng/ml and 2.76 versus 2.09 nmol/min/ ml, respectively; p <0.05). Interpretation & Conclusion: These data reveal that CVD patients have lower levels of some non-enzymatic antioxidants but have higher enzymatic antioxidants than those in the healthy controls.