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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #145855
Title: NUTRITIONAL MANIPULATION OF PRIMATE RETINAS. III: EFFECTS OF LUTEIN OR ZEAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON ADIPOSE TISSUE AND RETINA OF XANTHOPHYLLS-FREE MONKEYS

Author
item JOHNSON, ELIZABETH - HNRCA
item NEURINGER, MARTHA - OREGON HEALTH & SCI U
item RUSSELL, ROBERT - HNRCA
item SCHALCH, WOLFGANG - ROCH VITAMINS LTD
item SNODDERLY, D - SCHEPENS EYE RES INST

Submitted to: Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/18/2004
Publication Date: 2/1/2005
Citation: Johnson, E.J., Neuringer, M., Russell, R.M., Schalch, W., Snodderly, D.M. 2005. Nutritional manipulation of primate retinas. III: Effects of lutein or zeaxanthin supplementation on adipose tissue and retina of xanthophylls-free monkeys. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 46(2):692-702.

Interpretive Summary: The retina of the eye contains pigment that is also found in certain fruits and vegetables. These pigments are lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) and are from a class of compounds called carotenoids. L and Z may help to prevent age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of L or Z supplementation of their levels in blood, fat and retina, in monkeys wit no previous intake of L or Z. From birth to 7-16 yrs of age, 18 monkeys were fed diets containing all essential nutrients but no L or Z. Six were supplemented with L and 6 were supplemented with Z for 24-101 weeks. At study completion, L and Z in blood and retina were determined. Monkeys fed diets without L or Z had no L or Z in blood or retina. L and Z were detectable in fat with in 2 weeks of supplementation but levels were varied throughout the study. There were no differences in the total carotenoid content of blood and fat between the groups fed L or Z, but total carotenoid content of the retina was greater in the L-fed group. Only L and another carotenoid (meso-Z, which is not present in the diet) were detected in L-fed monkey retina. Only dietary Z was detected in Z-fed monkey retina. Meso-Z is formed from L. Carotenoid-free monkeys provide a valuable model for examining uptake into the retina and conversion of the pigments in the retina.

Technical Abstract: Macular pigment (MP) is composed of lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) and may help to prevent age-related macular degeneration or retard its progression. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of L or Z supplementation on carotenoid levels in serum, adipose tissue and retina in rhesus monkeys with no previous intake of xanthophylls. From birth to 7 - 16 yrs of age, 18 rhesus monkeys were fed semipurified diets containing all essential nutrients but no xanthophylls. Six were supplemented with L and 6 with Z at 2.2 mg/kg/day for 24 - 101 wks. At baseline and at 4 - 12 wk intervals, carotenoids in adipose tissue were measured by HPLC. At study completion, carotenoids in serum and retina were determined. Monkeys fed xanthophyll-free diets had no L or Z in serum or tissues. Carotenoids were detectable in adipose tissue within 2 wks of supplementation but concentrations were variable throughout the study. There were no differences in the total carotenoid content of serum and adipose tissue between the groups fed L or Z, but total xanthophyll content of the retina was greater in the L-fed group. Only L and 3R,3'S-Z (meso-zeaxanthin, RSZ, not present in the diet) were detected in L-fed monkey retina, with RSZ present in the macula but not the periphery. Only dietary 3R3¿RZ was detected in Z-fed monkey retina. L is the precursor of RSZ (meso-Z). Xanthophyll-free monkeys provide a valuable model for examining uptake and conversion of the macular xanthophylls.