The Role of Lutein in Eye-Related Disease

Abstract

The lens and retina of the human eye are exposed constantly to light and oxygen. In situ phototransduction and oxidative phosphorylation within photoreceptors produces a high level of phototoxic and oxidative related stress. Within the eye, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are present in high concentrations in contrast to other human tissues. We discuss the role of lutein and zeaxanthin in ameliorating light and oxygen damage, and preventing age-related cellular and tissue deterioration in the eye. Epidemiologic research shows an inverse association between levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in eye tissues and age related degenerative diseases such as macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. We examine the role of these carotenoids as blockers of blue-light damage and quenchers of oxygen free radicals. This article provides a review of possible mechanisms of lutein action at a cellular and molecular level. Our review offers insight into current clinical trials and experimental animal studies involving lutein, and possible role of nutritional intervention in common ocular diseases that cause blindness.

Phytochemical profile, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials ofGynura bicolorDC.

“…23,24 These carotenoids exerted these effects by blocking blue light damage and quenching oxygen free radicals such as singlet oxygen. 25 Our present study found that both aqueous and ethanol extracts from G. bicolor contained lutein and zeaxanthin. Clearly, G. bicolor is a good source of these two carotenoids.…”

“…It has been reported that lutein and zeaxanthin could protect eyes against vision loss and prevent the occurrence of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataract . These carotenoids exerted these effects by blocking blue light damage and quenching oxygen free radicals such as singlet oxygen . Our present study found that both aqueous and ethanol extracts from G. bicolor contained lutein and zeaxanthin.…”

Thioredoxin Interacting Protein (TXNIP) and Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy

“…Mitochondrial ATP synthesis via inner membrane electron transfer chain (ETC) leaks electrons and generate radical oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as biproduct [10–12]. Furthermore, photo-oxidation can contribute to ROS generation in the retina [13]. Therefore, the retina operates in a highly oxidative environment and requires an efficient anti-oxidant system to prevent MT and cellular stresses.…”

Retinal Degenerative Diseases

“…It was observed that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a thiol antioxidant, was able to protect bovine retinal RPE cells from hypoxia induced degeneration (Castillo et al 2002) and has thus been suggested to slow the development of AMD. Lutein, an antioxidant located in the lens and macula that can scavenge free radicals and filter toxic blue light, showed neuroprotection of retinal cells against retinal oxidative injury (Koushan et al 2013).…”