Metabolism of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Rhesus Monkeys: Identification of (3R,6′R)- and (3R,6′S)-3′-Dehydro-lutein as Common Metabolites and Comparison to Humans

摘要: Lutein and zeaxanthin are xanthophylls that can be found highly concentrated in the macula of retina. They thought to protect through their role as blue-light filters because antioxidant singlet oxygen quenching properties. Examination metabolites unique lutein such 3'-dehydro-lutein, stereochemistry may provide insight mechanism by which they formed exert protection. To evaluate formation metabolites, eleven monkeys were raised on a xanthophyll-free diet, supplemented with pure or (2.2 mg/kg body weight/d). The period supplementation ranged between 12 92 weeks. At study start throughout study, serum samples taken analyzed for using different HPLC systems. Xanthophyll identified UV/VIS HR-MS detection. detectable amounts 3'-dehydro-lutein being common metabolite both. Using chiral-phase HPLC, two diastereomers, (3R,6'R)-3'-dehydro-lutein (3R,6'S)-3'-dehydro-lutein, shown present nearly equimolar amounts. A pathway from either is proposed. These findings comparable results obtained human plasma.