Acute phase response and plasma carotenoid concentrations in older women: Findings from the nun study

Maria G. Boosalis, David A. Snowdon, Christine L. Tully, Myron D. Gross

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This cross sectional study investigated whether the acute phase response was associated with suppressed circulating levels of antioxidants in a population of 85 Catholic sisters (nuns) ages 77-99 y. Fasting blood was drawn to determine the presence of an acute phase response, as defined by an elevation in the serum concentration of C-reactive protein. Serum concentrations of albumin, thyroxine binding prealbumin, zinc, copper, and fibrinogen were determined as were plasma concentrations of carotenoids and alpha tocopherol. Results showed that the presence of an acute phase response was associated with (1) an expected significant decrease in the serum concentrations of albumin (P < 0.001) and thyroxine-binding prealbumin (P < 0.001); (2) an expected significant increase in copper (P < 0.001) and fibrinogen (P = 0.003); and (3) a significant decrease in the plasma concentrations of lycopene (P = 0.03), alpha carotene (P = 0.02), beta carotene (P = 0.02), and total carotenoids (P = 0.01). The acute phase response was associated with decreased plasma levels of the antioxidants lycopene, alpha carotene, and beta carotene. This decrease in circulating antioxidants may further compromise antioxidant status and increase oxidative stress and damage in elders.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Number of pages1
JournalNutrition
Volume13
Issue number9 SUPPL.
StatePublished - Jan 1 1997

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Acute phase response and plasma carotenoid concentrations in older women: Findings from the nun study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this