| Autor: |
Flieger J; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland., Forma A; Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland., Flieger W; Department of Plastic Surgery, St. John's Cancer Center, ul. Jaczewskiego 7, 20-090 Lublin, Poland., Flieger M; Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland., Gawlik PJ; Department of Plastic Surgery, St. John's Cancer Center, ul. Jaczewskiego 7, 20-090 Lublin, Poland., Dzierżyński E; Department of Plastic Surgery, St. John's Cancer Center, ul. Jaczewskiego 7, 20-090 Lublin, Poland., Maciejewski R; Institute of Health Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1 H, 20-708 Lublin, Poland., Teresiński G; Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland., Baj J; Department of Correct, Clinical and Imaging Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland. |
| Abstrakt: |
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by, among other things, dementia and a decline in cognitive performance. In AD, dementia has neurodegenerative features and starts with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research indicates that apoptosis and neuronal loss occur in AD, in which oxidative stress plays an important role. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress with antioxidants is a natural strategy to prevent and slow down the progression of AD. Carotenoids are natural pigments commonly found in fruits and vegetables. They include lipophilic carotenes, such as lycopene, α- and β-carotenes, and more polar xanthophylls, for example, lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Carotenoids can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and scavenge free radicals, especially singlet oxygen, which helps prevent the peroxidation of lipids abundant in the brain. As a result, carotenoids have neuroprotective potential. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as randomized controlled trials, have mostly confirmed that carotenoids can help prevent neurodegeneration and alleviate cognitive impairment in AD. While carotenoids have not been officially approved as an AD therapy, they are indicated in the diet recommended for AD, including the consumption of products rich in carotenoids. This review summarizes the latest research findings supporting the potential use of carotenoids in preventing and alleviating AD symptoms. A literature review suggests that a diet rich in carotenoids should be promoted to avoid cognitive decline in AD. One of the goals of the food industry should be to encourage the enrichment of food products with functional substances, such as carotenoids, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. |
