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Research: MAYNE and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 247
Abstract
MAYNE and COLLEAGUES, (1)Yale School of Public Health and Yale Cancer Center, 60 College St., P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. Electronic address: susan.mayne@yale.edu conducted resonance Raman spectroscopic evaluation of skin carotenoids as a biomarker of carotenoid status for human studies.
Background
Resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) is a non-invasive method that has been developed to assess carotenoid status in human tissues including human skin in vivo. Skin carotenoid status has been suggested as a promising biomarker for human studies.
Methodology
This manuscript describes research done relevant to the development of this biomarker, including its reproducibility, validity, feasibility for use in field settings, and factors that affect the biomarker such as diet, smoking, and adiposity. Recent studies have evaluated the response of the biomarker to controlled carotenoid interventions, both supplement-based and dietary [e.g., provision of a high-carotenoid fruit and vegetable (F/V)-enriched diet], demonstrating consistent response to intervention.
Results
The totality of evidence supports the use of skin carotenoid status as an objective biomarker of F/V intake, although in the cross-sectional setting, diet explains only some of the variation in this biomarker. However, this limitation is also a strength in that skin carotenoids may effectively serve as an integrated biomarker of health, with higher status reflecting greater F/V intake, lack of smoking, and lack of adiposity.
Conclusion
Thus, this biomarker holds promise as both a health biomarker and an objective indicator of F/V intake, supporting its further development and utilization for medical and public health purposes.
References
Mayne ST(1), Cartmel B, Scarmo S, Jahns L, Ermakov IV, Gellermann W. Resonance Raman spectroscopic evaluation of skin carotenoids as a biomarker of carotenoid status for human studies. Arch Biochem Biophys: 539(2):163-70. Nov 15 2013. doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2013.06.007. Epub Jun 30 2013.
