Marine Carotenoids and Oxidative Stress

Dear Colleagues,

Oxidative stress (OS) induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in the aetiology of many diseases. Dietary phytochemical products such bioactive food components (alpha- and beta-carotene) and marine carotenoids (asthaxantin, lutein, β-carotene, fucoxanthin) have shown an antioxidant effect in reducing both oxidative markers stress. Scientifical evidences support the beneficial roles of phytochemicals in the prevention of some chronic diseases. Many carotenoids with great antioxidant properties have shown both in epidemiological studies and supplementation human trials a reduction of disease risk. However, controlled clinical trials and dietary intervention studies using well-defined subjects population haven't been provided a clear evidence of these substances in the prevention of diseases. In this special issue, the most important aspects will regard the synthesis, biological activities, and clinical applications of these carotenoids.

Dr. Graziano Riccioni
Guest Edito