A. Murakami et al., Modifying effects of carotenoids on superoxide and nitric oxide generationfrom stimulated leukocytes, CANCER LETT, 149(1-2), 2000, pp. 115-123
Excessive and prolonged generation of superoxide (O-2(-)) and nitric oxide
(NO) from inflammatory leukocytes is associated with several Lifestyle-rela
ted diseases, including cancer. In the present study, we screened 19 natura
l carotenoids for their modifying effects on O-2(-) and NO generation from
differentiated human promyelocytic HL-60 cells and mouse macrophage RAW 264
.7 cells, respectively. Of the carotenoids tested, halocynthiaxanthin, isol
ated from oysters, showed the highest suppressive effect on the generation
of both free radicals. The inhibitory potencies of certain carotenoids on r
adical generation markedly exceeded that of beta-carotene. In addition, som
e important structural moieties regulating radical generation suppression a
re discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.