Title:Serum Carotenoids and Risks of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in a Chinese Population Sample
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
Author(s): C. She, F. Shang, K. Zhou and N. Liu*
Affiliation:
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing,China
Keywords:
Diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, serum carotenoids, non-smokers, cross-sectional study, Chinese urban
population.
Abstract: Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are
associated with oxidative stress and carotenoids have antioxidant properties. This study
aimed to test the relationship between serum carotenoid concentrations and the risk for
DM and DR.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of the Chinese urban population. A total of 747
subjects, consisting of 272 DR patients, 190 diabetic patients without retinopathy, and
285 non-diabetes mellitus healthy controls, were recruited to this study. Demographic
and lifestyle characteristics were ascertained by questionnaire. General physical and
ophthalmic examinations were completed for all participants. Serum carotenoids were
measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The associations of
serum carotenoids with DM and DR were assessed by logistic regression with
adjustment of known risk factors. The correlation analyses of serum carotenoids with the
candidate influence factors were assessed using the single variable linear regression.
Results: Both pro-vitamin A (PVA) carotenoids and non-PVA carotenoids in the serum
were measured and compared between different groups. Levels of α-carotene were
significantly lower in DR patients and β-carotene were significantly lower in DM patients
as compared to non DM healthy control group. In contrast, levels of β-cryptoxanthin,
lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin were comparable among different groups. After
adjusting for confounding factors, β-carotene concentration was associated with reduced
risk for DM (OR (95%CI): 0.56 (0.34, 0.91), P=0.02) and α-carotene was associated with
reduced risk for DR in non-smokers (OR (95%CI): 0.41 (0.17, 0.99), P=0.048). No
significant association was found between hemoglobin A1c and any carotenoids
(P>0.05). Significantly associations with serum carotenoids were found in age, sex, BMI,
smoking, and exercise (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Serum β-carotene may have a protective effect on DM and α-carotene may
be a protective factor for DR in non-smokers.
