Effects of Lutein Supplement on Serum Inflammatory Cytokines, ApoE and Lipid Profiles in Early Atherosclerosis Population

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of lutein supplement on serum cytokines, apoE and lipoprotein profiles in early atherosclerosis population. METHODS: Early atherosclerosis patients (n= 65) were randomized to receive placebo (A+P, n= 31) or 20 mg/d lutein (A+L, n= 34) for 3 months. RESULTS: Serum lutein increased significantly compared to baseline after lutein supplements in A+L group (p<0.001). Lutein supplements resulted in a significant decrease in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) at 3 month in A+L group (p<0.05). Intragroup comparison revealed a significant difference in the changes of serum MCP-1 between A+L and A+P groups (p= 0.021). The serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) significantly decreased in A+L group (p<0.05). The changes in serum lutein were negatively associated with those in serum LDL in A+L group (r=-0.384, p=0.043), while no such relationship was observed in A+P group (r= 0.087, p= 0.685). CONCLUSION: An increase in serum lutein after supplementation can reduce inflammatory cytokines and regulate serum lipids, which may pay important roles in early atherosclerosis.