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Wydanie 4/2004

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

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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