Lutein Studied in Vision and Ocular Oxidative Stress

Lutein affects light-induced visual changes and oxidative stress in the eye, a recent study reports. Lutein is a carotenoid with significant antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. In the body, lutein concentrates in the macula, the area at the back of the eye on the retina responsible for central vision.

Mice in this study were fed either a standard diet or a diet supplemented with lutein, and subsequently the retinas of the mice were exposed to light. The mice were assessed for visual function using an electroretinogram. The eyes were also evaluated for cellular and molecular changes, including reactive oxygen free radicals.

The results of the study showed that after exposure to light, the mice had changes in the electroretinogram, indicating suboptimal vision and thinning of the photoreceptor layer of cells on the retina (rods/cones) due to programmed cell death. These changes were mitigated by supplementation with lutein. The study also showed that lutein supplementation moderated the negative effects of light exposure on DNA. Lutein supplementation also increased expression of the eye absent protein, which is involved in DNA repair and cell survival.

The study authors stated, “Lutein reduced light-induced oxidative stress in the retina,” which might contribute to promote DNA health.

The researchers also concluded that the lutein-supplemented diet protected the DNA of the photoreceptor cells.

Reference:

Sasaki M, Yuki K, Kurihara T, Miyake S, Noda K, Kobayashi S, Ishida S, Tsubota K, Ozawa Y. Biological role of lutein in the light-induced retinal degeneration. J Nutr Biochem. 2011 Jun 8. Published Online Ahead of Print.