Relation between inflammatory biomarkers and carotenoid status in smokers versus non-smokers

• Published in: Aktuelle Ernährungsmedizin
• Main Authors: Sundl, I, Tiran, B, Roob, JM, Maritschnegg, M, Meinitzer, A, Winklhofer-Roob, BM
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2007
• ISSN: 0341-0501; 1438-9916
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-983430

Background: Cigarette smoking enhances a pro-inflammatory state through an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance which may be suppressed by antioxidants (1). The aim of this study was to compare biomarkers of inflammation and antioxidant status in smokers and non-smokers, and to study relations between these variables. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, fasting blood samples were obtained from 38 smokers and 44 non-smokers aged 31.4±7.56 years. Plasma ascorbate, α- and γ- tocopherol, α- and β-carotene, lycopene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin were determined by HPLC. Plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high-sensitive (hs)CRP (biomarkers of inflammation) were measured using routine clinical chemistry methods. Results: Circulating IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers (P<0.001). Smokers also showed significantly lower plasma concentrations of α- and β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin (P<0.001, all), and lutein/zeaxanthin (P=0.03), while there were no differences in lycopene, ascorbate, α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations. IL-6 concentrations decreased with increasing β-carotene (r=–0.26, P=0.02) and lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations (r=–0.20, P<0.05). IL-6 concentrations also decreased with increasing plasma ascorbate concentrations (r=–0.33, P=0.002). There were significant correlations between IL-6 and hsCRP concentrations (r=0.61, P<0.001). Conclusion: Smokers exhibit lower carotenoid status and higher circulating IL-6 concentrations than non-smokers. There are inverse relations between IL-6 concentrations on one hand and carotenoid and ascorbate concentrations on the other. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended to improve antioxidant status and reduce biomarkers of inflammation in healthy male smokers. References: (1) Dietrich M, Block G, Norkus EW, et al., Am J Clin Nutr 2003;77:160–6.