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Updated: Sep 5, 2025

Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
Untapping the protective role of carotenoids against respiratory diseases
Janani Manochkumar1, Anuma Singh1, Thomas Efferth2
1School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014 Tamil Nadu, India.
Background:
Recent studies revealed a substantial role of carotenoids to treat respiratory diseases. This review aimed to give an updated overview of the investigational evidence on the preventive properties of carotenoids against respiratory diseases both in vitro and in vivo along with their pathophysiology and mechanisms of action.
Hypothesis:
Carotenoids as a potential therapeutic class of bioactive compounds to treat respiratory diseases.
Results:
Carotenoids such as β-carotene, lycopene, crocin, bixin, lutein, and astaxanthin show beneficial effects against chronic lung diseases (e.g., asthma, emphysema, fibrosis, COPD, acute lung injury, and lung cancer). Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies also supported the preventive role of carotenoids. These carotenoids showed a beneficial role by activation of the NRF2/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of the NF-кB, MAPK, JAK/STAT-3, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Additionally, epidemiological studies also showed that dietary intake of carotenoids lowers the risk of lung diseases.
Conclusion:
Carotenoids may be used as drugs or can be given in combination with other drugs to prevent and treat respiratory diseases. Although in vitro and in vivo results are encouraging, further well-conducted randomized clinical trials are required to approve carotenoids as drug candidates.
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