Prenatal Carotenoid Supplementation With Lutein or Zeaxanthin Ameliorates Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy (OIR) in Bco2^−/− Macular Pigment Mice

Abstract

Purpose Premature infants at risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) miss placental transfer of the carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) during the third trimester. We previously demonstrated that prenatal L and Z supplementation raised carotenoid levels in infants at birth in the Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Pregnancy (L-ZIP) study (NCT03750968). Based on their antioxidant effects and bioavailability, we hypothesized that prenatal maternal supplementation with macular carotenoids would reduce the risk of ROP. To test this hypothesis, we utilized “macular pigment mice” genetically engineered to take up L and Z into the retina in a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Methods Pregnant Bco2 − / − mice were divided into nine experimental subgroups based on the type of supplementation (L, Z, or placebo) and on the maternal supplementation start date corresponding to the three trimesters of human fetal development (E0, E11, and P1). Pups and nursing mothers were exposed to 75% O 2 for 5 days (P7–P12) and returned to room air for 5 days (P12–P17). Pups were killed at P12 and P17, and their retinas were analyzed for vaso-obliteration and intravitreal neovascularization. Results Pups of pregnant mice supplemented with L or Z had significant reductions in areas of vaso-obliteration and intravitreal neovascularization compared to placebo. Prenatal carotenoid supplementation starting at E0 or E11 was significantly more protective against OIR than postnatal supplementation starting at P1. Conclusions Prenatal supplementation with L and Z was beneficial in a mouse OIR model. We recommend testing prenatal L and Z supplementation in future human clinical trials to prevent ROP.

Scavenging of Cation Radicals of the Visual Cycle Retinoids by Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Taurine, and Melanin

“…Binding of carotenoid to protein may greatly influence their diffusion and antioxidant properties. While substantial progress has been made in understanding the selective uptake and accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin in the retina [ 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 ], it is still unclear if free lutein and/or zeaxanthin are present in the POS or RPE or if they are bound to proteins.…”

Utilization of Biopolymer-Based Lutein Emulsion as an Effective Delivery System to Improve Lutein Bioavailability in Neonatal Rats

“…Consequently, rodents experience much lower lutein accumulation in their eyes [84]. To better mimic human lutein metabolism, a BCO2 knockout (BCO2 -/-) mouse model has emerged in recent years [85,86].…”

Editorial: Identification of novel biomarkers for retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants by use of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence

“…Advances in our understanding of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) have improved its management and outcomes (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12). However, additional research is needed, including our ability to predict those infants at greatest risk of blindness.…”