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NR. 4/2004
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Luteina i
zeaksantyna – dwa karotenoidy pełniące ochronną funkcję w
zwyrodnieniu plamki związanym z wiekiem (AMD)
Lutein and zeaxanthin – two carotenoids serving as the
protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Anna Wiktorowska-Owczarek, Jerzy
Z. Nowak
Zakład Farmakologii Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi
Kierownik: prof. dr hab. med. Jerzy Z. Nowak |
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| Summary: |
The xanthophyll
carotenoids, lutein and its stereoisomer zeaxanthin, may
play an important role for maintenance of visual
physiology. Increased risk of age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) may result from low levels of lutein
and zeaxanthin - macular pigments in the retina, serum
and diet, as well as excessive exposure of eyes to blue
light (including near ultraviolet radiation). Lutein and
zeaxanthin belong to the large class of plant pigments
referred to as carotenoids. They are also dominant in
the retina, with zeaxanthin being concentrated in the
macular region, and lutein being dispersed more
uniformly throughout the entire retina. Lutein and
zeaxanthin are belived to exert their protective effects
in two ways. First, they act effectively as a blue-light
filter; secondly, lutein and zeaxanthin limit oxidative
stress in tissue resulting from “toxic” metabolism and
light exposure. The ability of carotenoids to quench
free radicals depends on the conjugate bonds within
their molecular structure. Supplementation with foods or
preparations containing lutein and zeaxanthin has been
reported to increase macular pigment density.
Consequently, antioxidant properties of these macular
pigments confer protection against AMD (and some other
ophthalmologicl diseases, e.g. cataract). |
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| Key words: |
lutein, zeaxanthin,
macular pigment, age-related macular degeneration, AMD. |
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