Serum Lycopene Concentrations and Associations with Clinical Outcomes in a Cohort of Maternal-Infant Dyads

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, and many carotenoids, including lycopene, potentially have antioxidant properties. The objective of this analysis was to explore the associations between serum lycopene concentrations, including lycopene isomers, and maternal-newborn outcomes. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected in 180 mother-infant pairs. Serum of total lycopene as well as the cis- and trans-isomers concentrations were measured using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Descriptive statistics were calculated; Spearman coefficients were used to assess correlations between maternal and cord concentrations. The relationship between lycopene concentration and outcomes were evaluated with linear and logistic regression models, with adjustment for relevant confounders. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Maternal and cord serum lycopene concentrations were positively correlated for total lycopene (r = 0.30, p < 0.0001), cis-lycopene (r = 0.29, p = 0.0002); and trans-lycopene (r = 0.32, p < 0.0001). Maternal concentrations of cis-lycopene were significantly lower in mothers whose infants developed respiratory distress syndrome compared to those who did not (0.336 ± 0.171 vs. 0.445 ± 0.238 µmol/L, p = 0.04) and also in mothers whose babies were admitted to the newborn intensive care unit compared to those who were not (0.380 ± 0.202 vs. 0.458 ± 0.244 µmol/L, p = 0.04). Conversely, cord concentrations of trans-lycopene were significantly higher in infants who developed RDS (Respiratory Distress Syndrome) (0.023 ± 0.012 vs. 0.016 ± 0.012, p = 0.007 for RDS vs. no RDS), and a similar pattern was seen NICU admission (0.023 ± 0.016 vs. 0.015 ± 0.009 µmol/L for NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) admission vs. no NICU admission, p = 0.007). Maternal concentrations of total and cis-lycopene were positively associated with infant birth weight, length and head circumference after adjustment for relevant confounders. As serum carotenoids, including lycopene, are modifiable by diet, future research determining the clinical impact of these compounds is warranted.

Status of Retinoids and Carotenoids and Associations with Clinical Outcomes in Maternal-Infant Pairs in Nigeria

“…Interestingly, an increased carotenoid concentration was associated with a significantly reduced risk of both mild and severe SGA in this same study [ 38 ]. Other studies have shown positive associations between maternal carotenoid status and infant growth, specifically lycopene [ 39 ]. As far as we know, our study is the first to report that maternal levels of α- and β-carotenoids are higher in mothers of growth-restricted infants.…”

Carotenoid Content in Breastmilk in the 3rd and 6th Month of Lactation and Its Associations with Maternal Dietary Intake and Anthropometric Characteristics

“…A growing body of studies highlight the importance of lutein during the neonatal and infancy period due to its role during neuro and visual development, as well as reducing oxidative stress and the risk of disorders associated with prematurity [6,7,24,26]. However, lycopene may also decrease the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes (birth parameters, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn Intensive Care Unit admission), as shown in a recently published study which assessed the maternal serum lycopene during pregnancy in 180 maternal-infant pairs from the USA [53].…”

Protective Effects of Miswak (Salvadora persica) against Experimentally Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

“…The current study highlights the antiulcerative effect of SP aqueous extract against EtOH-induced gastric ulceration in rats. This antiulcerative potential might be due to the antioxidant ingredients found in SP aqueous extract such as lycopene [ 31 ], α -linolenic acid [ 32 ], oleic acid [ 33 ], lycoxanthin [ 34 ], and retinoic acid [ 35 ].…”