Despite popular interest in the possibility that the xanthophyll carotenoid lutein, and its structural isomer zeaxanthin, may protect against the onset or progression of age-related macular degeneration, data to support this relationship is insufficient. Data are also accumulating to support a possible protective affect of diet xanthophylls on nuclear cataract. Observational studies that reflect long term relationships of intake of these xanthophyll carotenoids to their accumulation in the retina and the occurrence of these conditions in human populations are needed. We plan to utilize the existing cohort of Women's Health Initiative participants to study the relationships of long term high vs. low dietary intake of xanthophylls to the accumulation of xanthophyll carotenoids in macular pigment and the prevalence of age-related maculopathy and nuclear cataract (the two major determinants of visual impairment in the older adult population). Participants in observational study cohorts of the Women's Health Initiative at these sites (Kaiser Center for Health Sciences in Portland, University of Iowa, Iowa City and University of Wisconsin-Madison) whose xanthophyll intake at study entry were in highest and lowest quintiles will be selected (n=2713). We will compare macular pigment density measured by newly advanced technology using heterochromatic flicker photometry in these groups and evaluate the lifestyle, physical, and diet factors that influence these comparisons. We will also compute odds ratios for age-related maculopathy and nuclear opacities in women with high and low xanthophyl intakes, after adjusting for other known diet, physical and lifestyle factors that may influence these relationships. Results will add to the body of evidence needed to make dietary recommendations regarding the benefit of eating diets rich in fruits and vegetables that are rich in xanthophylls. They will also provide information needed about these relationships to conduct sound clinical trials that evaluate the influence of supplements containing these xanthophylls on shorter term progression of age-related eye diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Cooperative Clinical Research--Cooperative Agreements (U10)
Project #
5U10EY013018-02
Application #
6384883
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZEY1-VSN (05))
Program Officer
Kurinij, Natalie
Project Start
2000-05-01
Project End
2004-04-30
Budget Start
2001-05-01
Budget End
2002-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$1,027,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Mares, Julie (2016) Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers in Eye Health and Disease. Annu Rev Nutr 36:571-602
Millen, Amy E; Meyers, Kristin J; Liu, Zhe et al. (2015) Association between vitamin D status and age-related macular degeneration by genetic risk. JAMA Ophthalmol 133:1171-9
Meyers, Kristin J; Liu, Zhe; Millen, Amy E et al. (2015) Joint Associations of Diet, Lifestyle, and Genes with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology 122:2286-94
Rao, Prethy; Millen, Amy E; Meyers, Kristin J et al. (2015) The Relationship Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Nuclear Cataract in the Carotenoid Age-Related Eye Study (CAREDS), an Ancillary Study of the Women's Health Initiative. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 56:4221-30
Meyers, Kristin J; Mares, Julie A; Igo Jr, Robert P et al. (2014) Genetic evidence for role of carotenoids in age-related macular degeneration in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS). Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 55:587-99
Domalpally, Amitha; Danis, Ronald P; Chew, Emily Y et al. (2013) Evaluation of optimized digital fundus reflex photographs for lens opacities in the age-related eye disease study 2: AREDS2 report 7. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 54:5989-94
McKay, Gareth J; Loane, Edward; Nolan, John M et al. (2013) Investigation of genetic variation in scavenger receptor class B, member 1 (SCARB1) and association with serum carotenoids. Ophthalmology 120:1632-40
Meyers, Kristin J; Johnson, Elizabeth J; Bernstein, Paul S et al. (2013) Genetic determinants of macular pigments in women of the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 54:2333-45
Engelman, Corinne D; Meyers, Kristin J; Iyengar, Sudha K et al. (2013) Vitamin D intake and season modify the effects of the GC and CYP2R1 genes on 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. J Nutr 143:17-26
Millen, Amy E; Voland, Rick; Sondel, Sherie A et al. (2011) Vitamin D status and early age-related macular degeneration in postmenopausal women. Arch Ophthalmol 129:481-9

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