Doses of beta-carotene for cancer-prevention trials have been chosen based on epidemiologic data. Mechanisms of the putative antineoplastic effects by beta-carotene are unknown but may involve modulation of the immune system. We measured plasma carotenoid concentrations and selected immunologic indices at baseline and at 2 and 4 wk in 50 healthy humans (5 groups of 10 each) ingesting 0, 15, 45, 180, or 300 mg beta-carotene/d for 1 mo in this randomized placebo-controlled, open-label, parallel study. Plasma beta-carotene concentrations were markedly increased by 2 wk and were correlated with dose. Beta-carotene concentrations plateaued between 2 and 4 wk except for the 300-mg group. Thus, we developed a dose-concentration curve to optimize beta-carotene-dose selection to achieve target plasma concentrations. We were unable to identify any effects of beta-carotene ingestion on the immunologic indices studied, but modest increases in high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol were observed in all beta-carotene-treated groups.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/53.3.688DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

immunologic indices
12
effects beta-carotene
8
beta-carotene concentrations
8
beta-carotene
5
beta-carotene's effects
4
effects serum
4
serum lipoproteins
4
lipoproteins immunologic
4
indices humans
4
humans doses
4

Similar Publications

Background: The proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Guangxi who are men who have sex with men (MSM) increased rapidly to nearly 10% in 2023; notably, over 95% of this particular population is currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to describe the survival of MSM PLHIV, depict the characteristics and trends of changes in CD4 T cell counts, CD4/CD8 T cell ratio, and viral load, and explore immunological indicators that may be related to mortality during different stages of treatment.

Methods: Immunological indicators of MSM PLHIV receiving ART were extracted and categorized into baseline, mid-treatment, and last values.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study investigated the effect of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf aqueous extract (DLE) on the immunological response of mice following infection with Schistosoma mansoni. Mice (in groups of 7) were first experimentally infected with S. mansoni and, 6 weeks later, were treated with praziquantel (PZQ) and/or DLE.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Understanding the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 has yielded valuable insights into predicting adverse outcomes-particularly mortality. However, significant gaps persist in our comprehension of the complex interplay among the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms. Here, we aim to investigate the immunological factors associated with mortality in critically ill, unvaccinated COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Pesticides, including fipronil, are used mainly in agriculture; however, in veterinary and animal husbandry, their potential use is to control the pests responsible for vector-borne diseases. Their residues in agriculture products and direct use on farms are responsible for potentially harming livestock and poultry. So, this study was designed to evaluate the toxico-pathological effects of fipronil on the immune system of poultry birds.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Aim: To improve the results of treatment of patients with chronic wounds of the lower extremities by using complex treatment, including surgical interventions, VAC- therapy, as well as studying the effect of negative pressure on bacterial films of wounds, based on microbiological examination and immune-histochemical data.

Patients And Methods: Materials and Methods: During the period from 2019 to 2023 at the department's clinic, 68 patients with chronic wounds of the lower extremities were examined and treated. These are mainly women (n=63) aged from 35 to 80 years.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!