Plasma carotenoids and tocopherols in relation to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels among men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer

Abstract

Background Although men presenting with clinically localized prostate cancer (PrCA) often are treated with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy with curative intent, about 25–40% develop biochemically recurrent PrCA within 5 years of treatment, which has no known cure. Studies suggest that carotenoid and tocopherol intake may be associated with PrCA risk and progression. We examined plasma carotenoid and tocopherol levels in relation to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels among men with PSA-defined biochemical recurrence of PrCA. Methods Data analyzed were from a 6-month diet, physical activity and stress-reduction intervention trial conducted in South Carolina among biochemically recurrent PrCA patients (n=39). Plasma carotenoids and tocopherol levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Linear regression was used to estimate least-square means comparing PSA levels of men with high versus low carotenoid/tocopherol levels, adjusting for covariates. Results After adjusting for baseline PSA level, plasma cis-lutein/zeaxanthin level at 3 months was related inversely to PSA level at 3 months (P=0.0008), while α-tocopherol (P=0.01), β-cryptoxanthin (P=0.01), and all-trans-lycopene (P=0.004) levels at 3 months were related inversely to PSA levels at 6-months. Percent increase in α-tocopherol and trans-β-carotene levels from baseline to month 3 were associated with lower PSA levels at 3 and 6 months. Percent increase in β−cryptoxanthin, cislutein/zeaxanthin and all-trans-lycopene were associated with lower PSA levels at 6 months only. Conclusions Certain plasma carotenoids and tocopherols were related inversely to PSA levels at various timepoints, suggesting that greater intake of foods containing these micronutrients might be beneficial to men with PSA-defined PrCA recurrence.

Tocopherols in cancer: An update

“…A meta‐analysis of nine nested case‐control studies on blood α‐T and γ‐T levels and the risk of prostate cancer demonstrated that blood α‐T levels, but not γ‐T levels, were inversely associated with the risk of prostate cancer . A recent study examined plasma carotenoid and tocopherol levels in relation to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels among men with PSA‐defined biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer . Data analyzed from a 6‐month diet, physical activity, and stress‐reduction intervention study showed that plasma levels of α‐T and certain carotenoids are inversely related to PSA levels .…”

“…A recent study examined plasma carotenoid and tocopherol levels in relation to prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels among men with PSA‐defined biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer . Data analyzed from a 6‐month diet, physical activity, and stress‐reduction intervention study showed that plasma levels of α‐T and certain carotenoids are inversely related to PSA levels . These findings suggest that greater intake of food containing these micronutrients might be beneficial to men with PSA‐defined recurrent prostate cancer.…”

Tocopherols, Tocotrienols and Carotenoids in Kernel Oils Recovered from 15 Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Genotypes

“…Health benefits such as improved visual performance after lutein supplementation, have been reported [9], while lycopene and β-carotene are used in the cosmetic industry for prevention of UV-induced erythema formation and harmful exposure to sunlight [10]. Moreover, a higher intake of certain carotenoids and tocopherols from the diet may benefit men with prostate-specific antigen-defined prostate cancer recurrence [11].…”

An Overview on the Role of Macular Xanthophylls in Ocular Diseases

“…Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are also called macular xanthophylls, show their effects by filtering high energy visible light, mostly with a peak of absorption at 446 nm and ultraviolet radiation lesser, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and reducing reactive species such as singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical [46][47][48]. These carotenoids have several benefits on human health, including neuroprotective effects [49][50][51], anti-carcinogenic effects [52][53][54][55], anti-diabetic effects [56][57][58], cardioprotective effects [59][60][61], protective effects on skin damages and ocular diseases [62][63][64][65]. Particularly, several studies showed the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in eye diseases.…”