The Effect of Lutein Supplementation on Anthropometric Parameters, Metabolic and Inflammatory Status, Sirtuin1 and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in the Obese Individuals on a Low-Calorie Diet

Abstract

Results: the mean age, body weight and body mass index of participants were 53.82 ± 4.98 years, 88.49 ± 11.98 kg and 34.11 ± 3.51 kg /m2, respectively. After 10 weeks, body weight and waist circumference significantly decreased in both groups, although between-group differences were not significant. There was a more decrease in the body fat percentage in lutein group vs. placebo group (P = 0.035). Moreover, the placebo group experienced a significant reduction in fat free mass (FFM), whereas lutein group preserved FFM during calorie restriction, although between-group difference did not reach statistical significance. Also, the percentage of body water in the lutein group showed a significant increase compared to the placebo group (P = 0.012). Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased in the lutein group compared with the controls, while after adjustment for baseline values and confounders, the between-group difference remained significant only for TC (P=0.026). No significant changes were observed in visceral fat and serum levels of triglyceride, high density lipoproteins, glucose homeostasis parameters, FFAs, hs-CRP, IL-6, NO and ET-1. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups, while between-group differences were not significant. In spite of a significant increase in serum level of PAI-1 in placebo group, it remained unchanged in lutein group, however, the difference between two groups was not significant. Serum level of SIRT1 significantly increased in lutein group compared to the placebo group, but after adjusting for baseline values and confounders, the between-group difference was not significant. Conclusion: lutein supplementation in combination with an LCD could improve body composition and lipid profile in the obese middle-aged individuals, although there were no significant changes in other metabolic and inflammatory parameters. It appears that lutein can be considered in a weight-loss program for the obese older adults. Further well-designed studies with longer duration are warranted to investigate the effects of lutein on metabolic and inflammatory parameters, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels. Key words: obesity, inflammation, carotenoids, lutein, FFAs.