AIMTo report on a unique case of hypogonadism associated with excessive carotene intake in a young male athlete.

CASE REPORTA 20-year-old patient presented with a gradual decline in muscular and physical activity, sexual interest and erectile ability associated with a high in carotene and low in animal fat diet of his own design a year prior to the clinical manifestations. Clinically, he presented with very overt signs of carotene excess: his palms and soles were yellow. Moreover, 2 weeks after normalization of his diet, carotene B levels were at the upper end of the normal range.

METHODSRepeated stimulation tests of hypothalamic, pituitary and testicular function were performed before and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the introduction of a balanced diet.

RESULTSVery low basal and stimulated values for gonadotropins and gonadal steroids were found at the initial evaluation with a progressive recovery shown after months of a balanced diet and carotene B restoration. Complete androgen secretion and sexual response recovery were observed only after 9-12 months from diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONThis is the first report associating excessive carotene intake with a hypothalamic form of hypogonadism in a young man.

Adult ; Carotenoids ; administration & dosage ; Diet ; Hormones ; blood ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; chemically induced ; Male ; Sports

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of lycopene on red blood cell and the level of blood lipid.

METHODSAccording to the level of serum total cholesterol and weight, forty-eight adult male SD rats were divided randomly into six groups: normal control (group A), fed by normal feed; hyperlipidemia group (group B): fed by high fat diet; positive control group (group C): fed by high fat diet plus 10 mg * kg(-1) * d(-1) fluvastatin sodium; lycopene groups: fed by high fat diet plus 11 (group D), 22 (group E), 44 mg * kg(-1) * d(-1) (group F) lycopene through gavage, respectively. For all six groups, the level of serum total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) were measured at the end of 0, 1, 3 weeks of the study by taking samples from tail vein. At the end of the experiment, RBC and HGB were measured.

RESULTSAfter the rats were fed with high-fat feed for a week, models of hyperlipidemia rats were established. At the end of 3 weeks, TC of group A, B, C, D, E and F were (1.31 +/- 0.05), (19.40 +/- 0.54), (4.66 +/- 0.07), (7.18 +/- 0.06), (5.30 +/- 0.28), (4.49 +/- 0.23) mmol/L (F = 4395.72, P = 0.00), respectively;and TG were (0.42 +/- 0.01), (2.29 +/- 0.42), (0.69 +/- 0.03), (1.10 +/- 0.05), (0.63 +/- 0.02), (0.62 +/- 0.04) mmol/L (F = 127.26, P = 0.00), respectively; HGB were (143.13 +/- 6.33), (112.63 +/- 2.56), (124.75 +/- 3.62), (124.63 +/- 7.78), (132.38 +/- 6.41), (142.13 +/- 5.54) g/L (F = 34.14, P = 0.00), respectively; RBC were (6.75 +/- 0.60) x 10(12)/L, (5.08 +/- 0.75) x 10(12)/L, (7.14 +/- 0.82) x 10(12)/L, (5.94 +/- 1.09) x 10(12)/L, (6.18 +/- 0.36) x 10(12)/L and (7.31 +/- 0.58) x 10(12)/L (F = 10.35, P = 0.00), respectively.

CONCLUSIONLycopene have some protective effects on red blood cells of the hyperlipidemic rats by regulating the blood lipid and antioxidant.

Animals ; Carotenoids ; pharmacology ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Erythrocytes ; drug effects ; Hypercholesterolemia ; blood ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVEEffects of red palm oil on major plasma carotenoids, tocopherol, retinol and serum lipids were evaluated when used in Chinese diet.

METHODSRed palm oil group (RPO) composed of 20 male subjects(aged 18-32) and soybean oil group (SBO) composed of 22 male subjects (aged 18-32). Dietary fat provided about 28% of total calories, and the test oil accounted for about 60% of total dietary fat. In the 3 weeks of pretest period, diets were prepared with soybean oil, and then in the next 6 weeks subjects in each group consumed the diet prepared by test oil.

RESULTSPlasma alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lycopene concentration of RPO group significantly increased at the time of interim (21 days) and of the end (42 days) (P < 0.05), and alpha-tocopherol concentration significantly increased at the time of the end (42 days) in this study. Though Chinese plasma retinol level was relatively low when compared with that of Westerners, red palm oil diet showed no significant effect on adult Chinese plasma retinol level. Serum concentration of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein B of all subjects showed no significant changes in RPO group during the study.

CONCLUSIONSThe data in our study suggest that red palm oil is a good source of carotenoids and vitamin E when used in Chinese diet preparation, and it can significantly increase plasma concentration of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene and alpha-tocopherol.

Administration, Oral ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Carotenoids ; blood ; China ; Diet ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Palm Oil ; Plant Oils ; pharmacology ; Tocopherols ; blood ; Vitamin A ; blood

BACKGROUNDEpidemiological studies have shown that lycopene has anti-prostate cancer effect. In vitro tests also confirmed that it can promote apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. We investigated the effect of whole-tomato supplement lycopene on the prostate-specific antigen velocity in selected prostate cancer patients.

METHODSTwenty selected prostate cancer patients were given whole-tomato supplement lycopene 10 mg per day for about 6 months. Blood samples of patients were collected weekly to measure serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values. PSA velocity slope, which reflects the change of PSA, and the degree of change were also calculated. By comparing the values of average PSA velocity slope (rise or fall of PSA) before and after the administration of lycopene, the effect of lycopene can be evaluated. Blood chemistry analysis was regular followed as safety control.

RESULTSThree patients in the research group withdrew within 3 weeks because of inability to conform. The rest 17 patients continued for an average period of 6 months. Two patients withdrew because of cancer progression (PSA rise) who later received active treatment. The average fall in PSA was equivalent to 2.56% over (i.e. an average slope/d of -0.000 28) the first 3 months. In the last 3 months, average fall in PSA was equivalent to 31.58% (i.e. an average slope/d of -0.003 51). The Wilcoxon rank-sum test showed a statistically significant decrease of PSA velocity slope overall (P = 0.000 9). Analysis of the PSA doubling time (pre- vs. post-treatment) showed a median increase over 3 months but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.21). No toxic side effect was observed during the whole process. The results indicate that the average PSA change is "decline" in patients, and the degree of the decline is accelerated.

CONCLUSIONAdministration of lycopene was able to reduce PSA velocity in this study group.

Aged ; Carotenoids ; therapeutic use ; Dietary Supplements ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the associations of non alcoholic fatty liver with metabolic syndrome and the serum carotenoids. METHODS: This study was conducted in a general hospital in South Korea from November, 2004 to August, 2005. The study subjects were 350 sampled persons who were aged from 40 years and older (males: 180, females: 170). They were grouped into the normal, mild and severe groups according to fat accumulation in their livers, as determined by ultrasonography. We analyzed the association between non alcoholic fatty liver and metabolic syndrome by multiple logistic regression analysis and we analyzed the association between non alcoholic fatty liver and the serum carotenoids by a general linear model(ANCOVA). RESULTS: After adjustment for the effect of potential covariates, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was associated with fat accumulation in the liver (p trend <0.001). If the odds ratio of normal group is 1.00, then that of the mild group is 2.80 (95% C.I=1.17-6.71) and that of the severe group is 7.29 (95% C.I=2.76-19.30). The prevalence of metabolic alterations fitting the criteria of metabolic syndrome, according to the class of fat accumulation in the liver, was significantly increased, except for criteria of high blood pressure, a large waist circumference and low HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol level (p trend <0.001). The level of serum beta-carotene was decreased according to the class of fat accumulation in the liver (p trend=0.036), but the levels of serum alpha-carotene, lycopene, bata-cryptoxanthin and lutein were not decreased. CONCLSIONS: This study shows that non alcoholic fatty liver was associated with metabolic syndrome and with the serum beta-carotene level.
Adult ; Carotenoids/*blood ; Fatty Liver/*complications ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome X/*complications ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Regression Analysis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between intake of antioxidant vitamins and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 614 subjects aged 30~60 years were recruited from those who received a medical checkup at a general hospital in South Korea between 2009 and 2012. Presence of MetS was determined based on criteria issued by the NCEP ATP III. Intakes of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, retinol, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E) were estimated by combining 3-day diet records with an antioxidant vitamin database for common Korean foods. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to assess the association between dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins and MetS. RESULTS: Men in the highest tertile for retinol (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.23~0.71, P for trend = 0.0009), carotenoids (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.32~1.00, P for trend = 0.0470), and vitamin E (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30~0.92, P for trend = 0.0190) intakes had a lower likelihood of having Mets than those in the lowest tertile. The OR of high fasting blood glucose among men in the highest tertile for vitamin A (µg RE: OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.32~0.97, P for trend = 0.0417, µg RAE: OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.29~0.92, P for trend = 0.0211), carotenoids (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23~0.73, P for trend = 0.0036), and vitamin E (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26~0.82, P for trend = 0.0080) intakes was lower than those in the lowest tertile. In women, subjects in the highest tertile of retinol intakes had a lower prevalence of MetS than those in the lowest tertile group (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.30~0.98). The OR for abdominal obesity was lower among women with the highest vitamin A (µg RE) intakes compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28~0.93, P for trend = 0.0293). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that dietary intakes of antioxidant vitamins might be associated with reduced risk of having MetS among Korean adults.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; Adult* ; Ascorbic Acid ; Blood Glucose ; Carotenoids ; Diet Records ; Fasting ; Female ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Prevalence ; Vitamin A ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins*

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the association of total dietary antioxidant capacity (TAC) with oxidative stress and metabolic markers among patients with metabolic syndrome according to gender. METHODS: A total of 346 subjects aged 30~59 years with two or more risk factors of metabolic syndrome were recruited from a general hospital near Seoul in South Korea between 2010 and 2012 based on data from the medical checkup. Biochemical indices for oxidative stress and metabolic markers were measured. Food consumption data from 3-day food records were linked with the antioxidant capacity database for commonly consumed Korean foods to estimate individual's TAC. RESULTS: Average dietary TAC of the study subjects was 132.0 mg VCE/d/1,000 kcal in men and 196.4 mg VCE/d/1,000 kcal in women. Levels of γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and blood triglycerides were reduced significantly according to increasing TAC in men, but there was no significant trend in women. Intakes of total flavonoids and carotenoids were significantly negatively correlated with GGT (p < 0.05) and d-ROMs (p < 0.01) in men, whereas those of α-tocopherol (p < 0.05) and γ-tocopherol (p < 0.05) were positively correlated with biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in women. The odds ratio of high oxidative stress indices and abnormal metabolic markers according to TAC level were not significant in either men or women. CONCLUSION: The results show that dietary TAC was partially associated with oxidative stress and metabolic markers among patients with metabolic syndrome. Further research is required for elucidating the association between dietary TAC and incidence of metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases within a large population in prospective studies.
Blood Pressure ; Carotenoids ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Flavonoids ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Male ; Odds Ratio ; Oxidative Stress* ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Seoul ; Triglycerides

AIMTo develop a sensitive and specific HPLC method for the determination of crocin-1 in rabbit plasma, and study the pharmacokinetics in rabbit.

METHODSAfter i.v. administration of crocin-1 in rabbit, the sample could be well purified after precipitation of protein with methanol. Waters spherisorb C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm ID, 5 microm) was used and the mobile phase consisted of methanol-acetonitrile-1% aqueous acetic acid (15:10:50) at the flow rate of 1 mL x min(-1), and the UV detection wave length was 440 nm. The column temperature is 25 degrees C.

RESULTSThe calibration curve was linear (r = 0.9997) in the range from 0.86 to 27.54 mg x L(-1) for crocin-1. The lowest detectable concentration of crocin-1 was 0.42 mg x L(-1). After given i.v. crocin-1 in rabbit, the concentration-time curves of crocin-1 was shown to fit two-compartment open model.

CONCLUSIONThis method is proved to be rapid, precise and reliable enough to be applied to the pharmacokinetics studies of crocin-1 in rabbit.

Animals ; Carotenoids ; blood ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Crocus ; chemistry ; Drug Stability ; Flowers ; chemistry ; Injections, Intravenous ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rabbits

The serum levels of antioxidant materials (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, retinol) of the healthy Korean middle-aged adults (n = 373) were measured and their relationships with the serum lipids and anthropometric indices were analyzed. The serum levels of beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein were higher than those of lycopene and alpha-carotene. The levels of all measured carotenoids except lutein were significantly higher in females than in males, but retinol level was vice versa. There was a tendency of increase in serum levels of antioxidant vitamins with increasing age. The serum carotenoid levels had a positive correlation with serum cholesterol and a negative correlation with serum triglyceride. The serum levels of tocopherols or retinol showed a significantly positive relationship with blood cholesterol or triglyceride. In overall, anthropometric indices showed negative relations with serum carotenoids levels, but vice versa with serum tocopherol or retinol levels. Particularly, beta-carotene and lutein levels showed a significantly negative relation with blood pressure in male subjects. The serum levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin had significantly negative relations with body fat-related indices in female subjects. The results demonstrated that blood antioxidants levels differed by sex and age, and had significant relations with blood lipid levels and anthropometric indices. Therefore, the rationale and significance of the relationships need to be elucidated in the future study related to dietary intakes and life style.
Adult ; alpha-Tocopherol ; Antioxidants ; beta Carotene ; Blood Pressure ; Carotenoids ; Cholesterol ; Female ; gamma-Tocopherol ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Style ; Lutein ; Male ; Tocopherols ; Vitamin A ; Vitamins ; Xanthophylls

AIMTo develop an HPLC method for the determination of crocetin in rat plasma and study the pharmacokinetics in rats.

METHODSHypersil C18 column (5 microns, 4.6 mm x 200 mm) was used at column temperature 30 degrees C. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-water-acetic acid (75:24.5:0.5) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL.min-1. The UV detection wave length was 423 nm.

RESULTSThe calibration curve was linear (gamma = 0.9996) in the range from 0.49 microgram.mL-1 to 7.87 micrograms.mL-1 for crocetin. The mean recovery was 105.2%. The lowest detectable concentration of crocetin was 0.14 microgram.mL-1 (S/N = 3). The RSDs of within-day and between-day were all less than 5%. The plasma crocetin was steady. The HPLC method of determination of crocetin in the plasma was established. After single dose of 50 mg.kg-1 ig in 10 rats, the main pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated as follows: T1/2 alpha (30 +/- 6) min, Tmax(65 +/- 16) min, Cmax(5.0 +/- 1.0) microgram.mL-1, AUC0-T(845 +/- 109) microgram.min.mL-1, Vd(5.0 +/- 0.8) L.kg-1. Crocetin was shown to be absorbed into the blood through the gastrointestinal tract.

CONCLUSIONThis method is quick, precise and reliable. Crocetin was shown to be quickly absorbed in rats.

Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; blood ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Carotenoids ; blood ; isolation & purification ; pharmacokinetics ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Crocus ; chemistry ; Female ; Male ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley