Association between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease score and skin carotenoid levels estimated via refraction spectroscopy in the Japanese population: a cross-sectional study

Akira Obana ^1,2, Mieko Nakamura ³, Ayako Miura ⁴

⁰Department of Ophthalmology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, 2-12-12 Sumiyoshi, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka, 430-8558, Japan. obana@sis.seirei.or.jp.

Scientific Reports +

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May 28, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Higher skin carotenoid (SC) levels are linked to lower atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in Japanese adults. Non-invasive SC measurement can guide carotenoid recommendations for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Area Of Science

Nutritional Science
Cardiovascular Health
Biomarkers

Background

Carotenoids possess antioxidant properties beneficial for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs).
Skin carotenoid (SC) levels serve as a non-invasive biomarker for dietary carotenoid intake.
Assessing ASCVD risk is crucial for preventive cardiovascular health strategies.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the association between ASCVD risk and SC levels in Japanese adults.
To determine if SC levels can predict ASCVD risk.
To explore the utility of non-invasive SC measurements for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Main Methods

Utilized the Hisayama ASCVD risk prediction model to assess participants' ASCVD risk.
Measured skin carotenoid (SC) levels using a reflection spectroscope (Veggie Meter).
Employed logistic regression analysis and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model to analyze associations between SC levels and ASCVD risk in 1130 participants.

Main Results

A significant inverse association was observed between higher SC levels and moderate-to-high ASCVD risk.
Participants in the highest SC quintile (Q5) had significantly lower odds of moderate- or high-risk ASCVD (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.12-0.51) compared to the lowest quintile (Q1).
The association between SC levels and ASCVD risk was non-linear, indicating a continuous protective effect.

Conclusions

Elevated skin carotenoid levels are associated with a reduced risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Japanese adults.
Non-invasive measurement of skin carotenoids is a promising indicator for dietary intake and can inform recommendations for carotenoid supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease.
This study highlights the potential of nutritional interventions, specifically increasing carotenoid intake, in managing cardiovascular health.

Keywords:

Cardiovascular disease risk Health examination participants Japanese Logistic regression analysis Skin carotenoids Veggie meter