OBJECTIVE: Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are phytonutrients that accumulate in human brain tissue and positively impact cognition. Given their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their role in stabilizing cell membranes, L&Z may relate to measures of white matter integrity (WMI). METHOD: The current study tested the relation of retinal (macular pigment optical density/MPOD) and blood serum concentrations of L&Z to WMI in community-dwelling older adults (n = 54) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Younger adults (n = 38) were recruited as a control group to confirm age-related changes in WMI. A priori analyses focused on four regions of interest (ROIs-genu of the corpus callosum, cingulum, fornix, and uncinate fasciculus). Exploratory whole-brain analyses were also conducted. RESULTS: Consistent with previous literature, age group (young vs. old) negatively predicted WMI globally, in the genu, cingulum, and fornix (p < .001). ROI analysis in the older adult sample showed relations of MPOD and serum L&Z to better WMI in the uncinate fasciculus and cingulum (p < .05, FWE-corrected). Whole-brain analysis suggested associations between L&Z and WMI in both anterior white matter tracts vulnerable to age-related decline and posterior tracts (p < .01, uncorrected). CONCLUSIONS: The current study is among the first to use neuroimaging to measure the relation of L&Z to brain structure in vivo. Results confirm previous findings that L&Z influence white matter integrity, particularly in regions vulnerable to age-related decline. The current study contributes to a growing literature investigating the relationship between diet and neural integrity by identifying white matter tracts that may be associated with modifiable dietary factors in older adults.
OBJECTIVE: Lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) are phytonutrients that accumulate in human brain tissue and positively impact cognition. Given their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their role in stabilizing cell membranes, L&Z may relate to measures of white matter integrity (WMI). METHOD: The current study tested the relation of retinal (macular pigment optical density/MPOD) and blood serum concentrations of L&Z to WMI in community-dwelling older adults (n = 54) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Younger adults (n = 38) were recruited as a control group to confirm age-related changes in WMI. A priori analyses focused on four regions of interest (ROIs-genu of the corpus callosum, cingulum, fornix, and uncinate fasciculus). Exploratory whole-brain analyses were also conducted. RESULTS: Consistent with previous literature, age group (young vs. old) negatively predicted WMI globally, in the genu, cingulum, and fornix (p < .001). ROI analysis in the older adult sample showed relations of MPOD and serum L&Z to better WMI in the uncinate fasciculus and cingulum (p < .05, FWE-corrected). Whole-brain analysis suggested associations between L&Z and WMI in both anterior white matter tracts vulnerable to age-related decline and posterior tracts (p < .01, uncorrected). CONCLUSIONS: The current study is among the first to use neuroimaging to measure the relation of L&Z to brain structure in vivo. Results confirm previous findings that L&Z influence white matter integrity, particularly in regions vulnerable to age-related decline. The current study contributes to a growing literature investigating the relationship between diet and neural integrity by identifying white matter tracts that may be associated with modifiable dietary factors in older adults.
Authors: Anna V Zarubina; Carrie E Huisingh; Mark E Clark; Kenneth R Sloan; Gerald McGwin; Jason N Crosson; Christine A Curcio; Cynthia Owsley Journal: Curr Eye Res Date: 2018-05-01 Impact factor: 2.424
Authors: Naiman A Khan; Anne M Walk; Caitlyn G Edwards; Alicia R Jones; Corinne N Cannavale; Sharon V Thompson; Ginger E Reeser; Hannah D Holscher Journal: Nutrients Date: 2018-03-23 Impact factor: 5.717
Authors: Catherine M Mewborn; Cutter A Lindbergh; Talia L Robinson; Marissa A Gogniat; Douglas P Terry; Kharine R Jean; Billy Randy Hammond; Lisa M Renzi-Hammond; Lloyd Stephen Miller Journal: Nutrients Date: 2018-04-07 Impact factor: 5.717