Lycopene and preclinical carotid atherosclerosis
G Riccioni1, L Scotti, E Di Ilio
1Cardiology Unit, San Camillo de Lellis Hospital, Manfredonia, Foggia, Italy. griccioni@hotmail.com
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents
|October 26, 2011
Summary
Higher serum lycopene levels may protect against cardiovascular disease. This study found lower lycopene concentrations in individuals with carotid atherosclerosis, suggesting a potential protective role for this antioxidant.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest a link between serum antioxidant levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- High plasma lycopene concentrations have been associated with a reduced prevalence of CVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma lycopene concentrations in subjects with and without ultrasonic evidence of asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
- Investigate the relationship between lycopene levels and subclinical atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- 120 subjects underwent physical examination, carotid artery intima-media thickness measurement, and serum profile analysis.
- Logistic regression and analysis of variance were used to compare groups.
- Carotid atherosclerosis was identified using ultrasound.
Main Results:
- 58 out of 120 participants showed evidence of carotid atherosclerosis.
- Subjects with carotid atherosclerosis had significantly higher serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- Conversely, participants with carotid atherosclerosis exhibited significantly lower plasma lycopene concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Higher serum lycopene levels may offer a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases.
- This protective role is particularly suggested for carotid atherosclerosis.
- Lycopene's association with reduced carotid atherosclerosis warrants further investigation.
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