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Relationship between brain lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) and retinal L and Z in humans
Author(s) -
Vishwanathan Rohini,
Wittwer Jonas,
Schalch Wolfgang,
Johnson Elizabeth J
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.39.3
Subject(s) - retina , retinal , zeaxanthin , hippocampus , biomarker , medicine , occipital lobe , cortex (anatomy) , ophthalmology , lutein , neuroscience , psychology , biology , carotenoid , genetics , botany
Background L and Z preferentially accumulate in the neural retina, as macular pigment (MP), and also in the brain tissue. Given the predominance of L in adult and pediatric brain tissues and the significant association of L with cognitive health in older adults, it is imperative to have a tool to assess brain L and Z status. Purpose To evaluate the correlation between brain L and Z and retinal L and Z in humans. Methods Voluntarily donated brain tissue and matched retina were obtained from a brain bank which adheres to strict consent and confidentiality procedures. Decedents were men and women aged >50 y who either had normal cognitive function or Alzheimer's disease. Tissues were analyzed using standard lipid extractions and reverse phase HPLC. SPSS version 19 was used for statistical analyses. Results Total L and Z in the occipital cortex of the brain was positively related (r=0.865, n=3) to total L and Z in the retina in a bivariate analysis. Due to small sample size the ‘p’ value was non‐significant. Tissues (occipital cortex, hippocampus and retina) from seven more decedents are currently being analyzed. Conclusions As MP can be measured non‐invasively in humans, it could be used as a biomarker to assess brain L and Z status. Support: USDA# 1950‐51000‐065‐08S, DSM Nutritionals Grant Funding Source : USDA# 1950‐51000‐065‐08S, DSM Nutritionals