The effect of an acute phase response on tissue carotenoid levels of growing chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Plasma, liver and skin carotenoids decrease following infectious disease challenges. Since these challenges often involve substantial host pathology and chronic immune responses, the mechanism underlying altered carotenoid deposition is unclear. Therefore, changes in tissue carotenoid levels were examined during an acute phase response induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-1 (IL-1). In two experiments, chicks were hatched from carotenoid-deplete eggs (n=28, n=64, respectively) and fed 0, 8 or 38 mg carotenoids (lutein+canthaxanthin)/kg diet. For chicks fed 38 mg carotenoids, but not those fed 0 or 8 mg, LPS generally reduced plasma lutein, canthaxanthin and total carotenoids (P<0.05), and liver lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin and total carotenoids (P<0.05). Additionally, LPS reduced thymic total carotenoids (P=0.05) and increased thymocyte lutein (P=0.07), zeaxanthin (P=0.07) and total carotenoids (P=0.07). Finally, LPS increased bursal canthaxanthin (P<0.01), but had no effect on shank carotenoids (P>0.5). In chicks hatched from carotenoid-replete eggs (n=36) and fed dietary lutein (38 mg/kg diet), LPS reduced plasma and liver zeaxanthin and liver total carotenoids (P<0.05); IL-1 reduced plasma and liver lutein, zeaxanthin and total carotenoids (P<0.05). Therefore, an acute phase response plays a role in reduced tissue carotenoids during infectious disease.     

Carotenoids and Vitamin A in the Crabs Pachygrapsus marmoratus (FABRE) and Eriphia spinifrons (HERBST)

Investigations have been carried regarding carotenoids and vitamin A in the crabs Pachygrapsus marmoratus (FABRE) and Eriphia spinifrons (HERBST) from the Black and Adriatic Sea. The presence of carotenoids and vitamin A was determined by means of column and thinlayer chromatography. The following carotenoids were found: Pachygrapsus marmoratus: β-carotene, cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, astaxanthin and vitamin A; Eriphia spinifrons: β-carotene, echinenone, canthaxanthin, isozeaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein (ester and epoxy), astaxanthin and astacene.     

The solubilisation pattern of lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene differ characteristically in liposomes, liver microsomes and retinal epithelial cells

The incorporation efficiencies of lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene into Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) cells (the human RPE cell line D 407), liver microsomes and EYPC liposomes are investigated. In RPE cells the efficiency ratio of lutein and zeaxanthin compared to canthaxanthin and beta-carotene is higher than in the other membranes. The preferential interactions of lutein and zeaxanthin with RPE cells are discussed considering special protein binding properties. Incorporation yields were obtained from the UV-Vis spectra of the carotenoids. Membrane modulating effects of the carotenoids were obtained from the fluorescence spectra of co-incorporated Laurdan (6-dodecanoyl-2-dimethylaminonaphtalene). The Laurdan fluorescence quenching efficiencies of the membrane bound carotenoids offer an access to direct determinations of membrane carotenoid concentrations. Fetal calf serum as carrier for carotenoid incorporation appears superior to tetrahydrofuran.     

The presence of carotenoids in various species of Lepidoptera

The presence of 41 carotenoids in 114 species of Lepidoptera was determined. The carotenoids characteristic of butterflies were zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein epoxide, astaxanthin, lycopene, torulene and canthaxanthin.     

Carotenoids in fish. XXIII. Syngnathidae family

The author investigated the presence of various carotenoids in three species of the Syngnathidae family by means of columnar and thin-layer chromatography. The investigations revealed the presence of the following carotenoids: canthaxanthin, lutein, lutein epoxide, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin (free and ester form) and 4-hydroxy-4-keto--carotene. Ketocarotenoids (astaxanthin and canthaxanthin) comprised the greatest part     

Carotenoids in fish II. Carotenoids and vitamin A in some fishes from the coastal region of the Black Sea

The presence of various carotenoids and vitamin A in seven species of fish from the coastal region of the Black Sea was investigated by means of columnar and thinlayer chromatography. The investigations revealed the presence of the following carotenoids: Mugil auratus: ß-carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin ester and astacene. Diplodus annularis: ß-carotene, canthaxanthin, tunaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and astacene. Diplodus sargus: ß-carotene, tunaxanthin, lutein, taraxanthin, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin. Crenilabrus tinca: tunaxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, astaxanthin and astacene. Blennius sphinx: ß-carotene, χ-carotene (?), lutein, tunaxanthin, taraxanthin and astaxanthin. Blennius sanguinolentus: ß-carotene, tunaxanthin and astaxanthin (ester and free). Gobius melanostomus: ß-carotene and astacene. Some fractions were not identified. Vitamin A was found in all species investigated.     

The role of ecto-5′-nucleotidase/CD73 in glioma cell line proliferation

The antioxidant activity of β-carotene and oxygenated carotenoids lutein, canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin was investigated during spontaneous and peroxyl-radical-induced cholesterol oxidation. Cholesterol oxidation, measured as generation of 7-keto-cholesterol (7-KC), was evaluated in a heterogeneous solution with cholesterol, AAPH, and carotenoids solubilized in tetrahydrofuran and in water, and in a homogeneous solution of chlorobenzene, with AIBN as a prooxidant. The formation of 7-KC was dependent on temperature and on cholesterol and prooxidant concentrations. All the carotenoids tested, exhibited significant antioxidant activity by inhibiting spontaneous, AAPH- and AIBN-induced formation of 7-KC, although the overall order of efficacy of these compounds was astaxanthin > canthaxanthin > lutein = β-carotene. The finding that carotenoids exert protective effects on spontaneous and free radical-induced cholesterol oxidation may have important beneficial effects on human health, by limiting the formation of atheroma and by inhibiting cholesterol oxidation in food processing or storage.     

Carotenoids in fish. XVIII--carotenoids in the brain of some fishes

Using column and thin-layer chromatography the occurrence of various carotenoids was studied in the brain of some (11) fishes. In result of the analyses the presence of the following carotenoids has been established: beta-zeacarotene, canthaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, alpha-cryptoxanthin, isocryptoxanthin, lutein, lutein-5,6-epoxide, zeaxanthin, isozeaxanthin, tunaxanthin, flavoxanthin, astaxanthin ester, 4-hydroxy-alpha-carotene, 4-keto-alpha-carotene and unknown xanthophylls.     

The individual variation in carotenoid content of the lichen species Dirinaria applanata (Fée) Awasthi

Column and thin‐layer chromatography revealed the presence of the following carotenoids in thalli of Dirinaria applanata from 13 different sites: α‐carotene, β‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin, lutein, 3′‐epilutein, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin, violaxanthin, mutatoxanthin, neoxanthin, capsochrome, fucoxanthinol, paracentrone and apo‐6′‐lycopenal. In the thalli of all 13 specimens of Dirinaria applanata β‐carotene, lutein, astaxanthin and violaxanthin were found as constant carotenoids. The total content of carotenoids ranged from 21.0 (from Mexico) to 54.9 μg g⁻¹ dry weight (from Antilles).     

Secondary Carotenoids of Eremosphaera viridis De Bary (Chlorophyceae) Under Nitrogen Deficiency*

Under nitrogen deficiency the unicellular chlorococcalean green alga, Eremosphaera viridis De Bary, was able to synthesize secondary carotenoids (SC). Nine SC were identified as six astaxanthin esters, echinenone, canthaxanthin and a lutein ester, previously not described in green algae under nitrogen deficiency. These SC, jS-carotene and the main part of lutein were located in lipid bodies outside the chloroplasts in the cytosol. The synthesis of SC could be inhibited by the herbicides norflurazon and nicotine. This result supported the idea that SC in cells ot Eremosphaera viridis were synthesized de novo rather than derived from primary carotenoids.     

Carotenoids in fish IV. Salmonidae and Thymallidae from Polish waters

The author investigated the presence of various carotenoids in the Salmonidae and Thymallidae family by means of columnar and thin-layer chromatography. The investigations revealed the presence of the following carotenoids:

Abstract

- in the muscles of Salmo salar: astaxanthin (pure and ester), canthaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin.

- in the eggs of Salmo trutta m. trutta: β-carotene, iso- and zeaxanthin, lutein, taraxanthin and astaxanthin.

- in the eggs of Salmo trutta m. fario: β-carotene, canthaxanthin, 4-keto-4-hydroxy-β-carotene, astaxanthin (pure and ester), lutein, taraxanthin and astacene.

- in the eggs of Salmo gairdneri: β-carotene, γ-carotene (?), canthacanthin, isozeaxanthin, lutein and astaxanthin, and in the sperm Salmo gairdneri: β-carotene, γ-carotene (?), 4-keto-4-hydroxy-β-carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein and astaxanthin.

- in the eggs of Salvelinus fontinalis: ester astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, isozeaxanthin, lutein and astacene.

- in the eggs of Hucho hucho: β-carotene, tunaxanthin, lutein, taraxanthin and astaxanthin.

- in the eggs of Coregonus albula: β-carotene, 4-keto-4-hydroxy-β-carotene, ester astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, taraxanthin and astacene.

- in Coregonus lavaretus: a) in eggs: β-carotene, ester astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, iso- and zeaxanthin, lutein, taraxanthin and astacene b) in the sperm: canthaxanthin, 4-hydroxy-4-keto-β-carotene, isozeaxanthin and astaxanthin, and other organs: 4-hydroxy-α-carotene, canthaxanthin, tunaxanthin, monoepoxy lutein, lutein, iso- and zeaxanthin and astaxanthin.

- in the eggs of Coregonus peled: β-carotene, 4-keto-4-hydroxy-β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, taraxanthin and astacene.

- in the eggs of Thymallus thymallus: β-carotene, tunaxanthin, lutein and astaxanthin.

     

Determination of carotenoids and all-trans-retinol in fish eggs by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry

A novel method was developed for the combined determination of carotenoids and retinoids in fish eggs, which incorporates prior analyte isolation using liquid-liquid partitioning to minimize analyte degradation, and fraction analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray (positive)-quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-ESI(+)-MS; SIM or MRM modes). Eggs from Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were used as the model fish egg matrix. The methodology was assessed and validated for beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin (molecular ion radicals [M](+)), canthaxanthin and astaxanthin ([M+Na](+) adducts) and all-trans-retinol ([(M+H)-H(2)O](+)). Using replicate egg samples (n=5) spiked with beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene before and after extraction, matrix-sourced ESI(+) enhancement was observed as evidenced by comparable %matrix effect and %process efficiency values for beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene of 114-119%. In aquaculture-raised eggs from adult Chinook salmon astaxanthin, all-trans-retinol, lutein and canthaxanthin were identified and determined at concentrations of 4.12, 1.06, 0.12 and 0.45 microg/g (egg wet weight), respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a method for LC-MS determination of carotenoids and retinoids in a fish egg matrix, and the first carotenoid-specific determination in any fish egg sample.     

Selective absorption of carotenoids in the common green iguana (Iguana iguana)

In the animal kingdom, species-specific differences with regard to the absorption of intact carotenoids are observed. The causes of these differences are not entirely understood. To investigate the absorption of selected carotenoids, 20 juvenile green iguanas (Iguana iguana) were fed a carotenoid deficient basal diet for 56 days. Thereafter, the iguanas were assigned to receive a basal diet supplemented with different carotenoids (80 mg/kg diet) such as beta-carotene, canthaxanthin and apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester for 28 days. Changes in plasma carotinoid concentrations associated with the individual diets were used as indicators of carotenoid absorption. In both the experimental and control groups, only the oxygenated carotenoids (xanthophylls), lutein, zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin, were found in the plasma. Canthaxanthin and apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester were readily absorbed and recovered from the plasma. However, the supplementation of beta-carotene caused no increase in plasma beta-carotene concentration. Additionally, beta-carotene, canthaxanthin or apo-8'-carotenoic acid ethyl ester did not affect the concentrations of retinol and alpha-tocopherol in plasma. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that iguanas appear to be selective accumulators of polar xanthophylls. The iguana might, therefore, be a valuable model to investigate the selectiveness of carotenoid absorption as well as the function of xanthophylls in animals.     

Carotenoid content in Lota lota (L.) individuals in various biological activity periods

The authors investigated the carotenoid content in the particular parts of Lota lota in summer, autumn, and winter, i.e. when burbots exhibit the lowest and highest activity. By means of columnar and thin-layer chromatography, the following carotenoids were found to be present: alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, e-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, neothxanthin, lutein, 3'-epilutein, zeaxanthin, tunaxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein epoxide, echinenone, 3'-hydroxyechinenone, idoxanthin, canthaxanthin, alpha-doradexanthin, beta-doradexanthin, astaxanthin, diatoxanthin, parasiloxanthin, monadoxanthin, 7,8-dihydroparasiloxanthin, mutatoxanthin and rhodoxanthin. In the Lota lota individuals examined, the content of carotenoids was found to differ in winter and summer. The total carotenoid content ranged from 0.067 (gonads of males) of to 6.095 micrograms g-1 wet weight (fins of males from December).     

Carotenoid content in Anguilla anguilla (L.) individuals undertaking spawning migration

The authors investigated the carotenoid content in different parts of Anguilla anguilla (L.) undertaking spawning migration, in spring, summer and autumn. By means of column and thin-layer chromatography, the following carotenoids were found to be present: beta-carotene, epsilon-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, neothxanthin, lutein, tunaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein epoxide, 3'-hydroxyechincnone, canthaxanthin, idoxanthin, phoenicoxanthin, alpha-doradexanthin, beta-doradexanthin and astaxanthin. In the eel examined individuals a different carotenoid content was found in October. In winter when eels do not feed and therefore do not absorb carotenoids, carotenoid content decreases in the liver, the intestines, and particularly in the muscles. In spring when eels undertake active life carotenoid concentration increases rapidly in these organs within a month. In summer during intensive predation, carotenoid concentration in the muscles reaches a maximum.     

Effects of Potassium Chloride‐Induced Stress on the Carotenoids Canthaxanthin,Astaxanthin, and Lipid Accumulations in the Green Chlorococcal Microalga Strain TISTR 9500

Microalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that are widely distributed globally. They are prolific sources of highly valuable compounds with fascinating chemical structures. Due to their balanced nutritional compositions and health benefits, they are increasingly being used as functional food ingredients. Carotenoid‐based pigments and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are examples of high‐value nutrients that can be accumulated abundantly in microalgae. Here, the effects of potassium chloride‐induced stress on the productions of lipids and carotenoids in the green microalga of the Chlorococcaceae family were investigated. Under normal BG11 medium, this green microalga strain TISTR 9500 accumulated high levels of PUFA and primary carotenoid lutein. Stress tests revealed that KCl enhanced and modulated lipid and carotenoid accumulation levels. The liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) analysis revealed that secondary carotenoids astaxanthin and canthaxanthin were robustly produced under KCl stress with the similar content of lutein. Further, this stress led to a significant increase in the total FA amount with the higher proportion of unsaturated FA than saturated FA. Thus, this green microalga could be an attractive and alternative natural biosource for canthaxanthin and astaxanthin, as well as for functional lipids.     

Investigations on the pigments of the Apus cancriformis (Bosc.) (Crustacea : Branchiopoda)

Summary 1.The presence of pigments in Branchiopoda of an intense brown colour - Apus cancriformis (Boss.) was studied. 2.In extracts separated by means of column and thin-layer chromatography, the following carotenoids were identified: \gb-carotene, y-carotene, echinenone, canthaxanthin, lutein and xanthophyll.Synonym Trops cancriformis     

Adaptative role of carotenoids and carotenoproteins in Cyclops kolensis Lilljeborg (Crustacea: Copepoda) specimens to extremely eutrophical conditions

The authors, using column, thin-layer, and ion-exchange chromatography, investigated carotenoid and carotenoprotein complex content in Cyclops kolensis specimens from an extremely eutrophic pond. The following carotenoids were found to be present: beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein epoxide, crustaxanthin, 4'-hydroxyechinenone, canthaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Carotenoprotein complex containing astaxanthin as the prosthetic group name gamma-crustacyanine was purified from Cyclops kolensis individuals examined. The authors justify the adaptative role of these pigments in Cyclops kolensis specimens in extremely eutrophical conditions.     

Primary and Secondary Carotenoids of Spongiochloris typica

A qualitative and quantitative investigation was made of the pigments of Spongiochloris typica over an 8 week period. The pigments were chromatographed on thin layers of sucrose and measured spectrophotometrically. Pigments present after 1 week of growth were identified as chlorophylls a and b, β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, trollein, and neoxanthin. In cultures 2 weeks or more old, secondary carotenoids appeared. These were echinenone, canthaxanthin, astacene, and an unidentified ketocarotenoid. Carotenoids comprised nearly 100 percent of the total pigment composition on the 8th week. About 75 percent of the carotenoid fraction on the 8th week consisted of secondary carotenoids.     

Some carotenoids in Chironomus annularius Meig. larvae (Diptera : Chironomidae)

Summary The author investigated the presence of various carotenoids in the body of the larvae of the Chironomus annularius MEIG. moquito (Diptera: Chironomidae) by means of columnar and thin-layer chromatography.The investigations revealed the presence of the following carotenoids in the larvae: -carotene, -carotene, canthaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, lutein, astacene and a kind of xanthophyl which was not possible to identify more closely.