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Research: PAPPALARDO and colleagues
Listed in Issue 30
Abstract
PAPPALARDO and colleagues, Institute of II Clinica Chirurgica University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy 1) compared tissue and plasma carotenoids status in healthy subjects and patients with pre-cancer and cancer lesions and 2) evaluated the effect of beta-carotene supplementation upon concentrations of other carotenoids (luteine and zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene) and upon vitamins A and E levels.
Background
Methodology
18 people were divided into three groups based upon colonoscopy and histological findings: 1) 4 healthy people - Control Group A 2) 7 people with adenomatous polyps - pre-cancer lesions - Group B 3) 7 people with colon cancer - Group C. Blood and colon biopsy samples were taken prior to and following beta-carotene supplementation in all participants. Groups A and B were provided a daily dose of beta carotene - 30 mg/die - for 43 days. Group Cs supplementation was terminated at the time [when surgery] was performed usually within 15 days. Tissue and blood concentration of carotenoids, vitamins A and E were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results
In groups A and B tissue there were similar concentrations of each carotenoid in all intestinal sites examined, although there was a high degree of intra-individual variability within each group. Only beta-carotene concentration increased following supplementation. Cancer patients showed lower tissue concentrations for each carotenoid than those of both groups A and B . Vitamin A and alpha-carotene significantly increased following supplementation, while vitamin E levels did not change.
Conclusion
Colon cancer patients undergo a significant reduction in antioxidant reserves compared to healthy subjects or those with polyps. Oral supplementation with beta-carotene induced an increase in alpha-carotene in all groups.
References
Pappalardo G et al. Plasma (carotenoids, retinol, alpha-tocopherol) and tissue (carotenoids) levels after supplementation with beta-carotene in subjects with precancerous and cancerous lesions of sigmoid colon. Eur J Clin Nutr 51 (10): 661-6. Oct 1997.
