Laboratory evaluation during high-dose vitamin A administration: a randomized study on lung cancer patients after surgical resection

Abstract

The laboratory findings in patients receiving high-dose vitamin A as adjuvant treatment for stage I lung cancer are here reported. A group of 283 patients were randomized to either treatment with retinyl palmitate (300,000 IU daily for 12 months) or standard follow-up, and are now evaluable after a median observation period of 28 months. At regular intervals, all the patients underwent a physical examination, chest roentgenogram, blood chemistries, haematological assays, hepatic and renal function tests and determinations of serum triglycerides and cholesterol. Serum transaminase abnormalities were of similar magnitude in cases and controls, while gamma-glutamyltransferase levels were abnormally elevated in 69% of the treated patients compared to 39% of controls (mean values 149 vs 57 IU/l at 24 months, P less than 0.05). Serum triglyceride concentrations over 150 mg/dl were seen in 74% of treated patients compared to 43% of controls at 12 months, the average concentration was 283 mg/dl compared to 179 mg/dl (P less than 0.05). Cholesterol levels showed a modest, non-significant rise with time in both groups, and there was no other laboratory evidence of toxicity attributable to vitamin A. Serum retinol and retinol-binding protein, assessed on a limited sample of patients, were higher in the treatment arm (P less than 0.05) at 12 months. In our experience 300,000 IU/day of retinyl palmitate can be administered as a possible chemopreventive agent with reasonable safety for up to 2 years.

Chemistry, encapsulation, and health benefits of β-carotene - A review

“…Le-Marchand et al (1993) found that the dietary intake of β-carotene was associated with reduced lung cancer and high dietary intake of β-carotene has been associated with reduced risk of cancers at several specific organs especially lung cancer (van Poppel & Goldbohom, 1995;Ziegler, 1989). Infante et al (1991) reported their laboratory findings in patients receiving high dose of vitamin A as an adjunct for the treatment of stage 1 lung cancer. However, no effects or even protective effects have been demonstrated in smokers and intervention studies have unexpectedly reported increased lung tumor rates after high, long-term http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2015.1018696 β-carotene supplementation; however, in non-smokers, there is no evidence for adverse events and even suggestion for protective effects (Goralczyk, 2009).…”

Factors associated with serum retinol, α-tocopherol, carotenoids, and selenium in Hispanics with problems of HIV, chronic hepatitis C, and drug use

“…In HIV infection, abnormal serum lipid profiles are seen, and have been related to HIV replication, low CD4 cell counts18, and ART19, while low cholesterol is found in chronic HCV infection 20. The metabolism of lipids and micronutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E and carotenoids, are intimately linked 21–23. Alterations in lipid levels resulting from either HIV or chronic HCV infection can impact serum micronutrient levels.…”

Changes in cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the Vanguard population of the Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET)

“…Data for high dose vitamin A (300 000 IU per day) show a similar effect on both triglycerides and cholesterol (Murray et al, 1983;Infante et al, 1991;Pastorino et al, 1991). However, data for moderate dose vitamin A are scant.…”