Targeting retinal degeneration: zeaxanthin dipalmitate from
Abstract
The accumulation of the toxic byproduct A2E in retinal pigment epithelial cells, coupled with blue-light-induced photooxidation, is a key driver of oxidative damage in early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD), the esterified carotenoid abundant in goji berries, has higher lipophilicity and stability. In this study, ZD was isolated from the berries using its fat-soluble nature and purified using medium-pressure liquid chromatography. Isolated ZD and synthesised A2E were structurally characterised using HPLC, NMR, and positive mode LC-ESI-TQ-MS. An acellular photo-oxidation assay revealed that ZD significantly suppressed A2E degradation under blue light with higher efficacy than vitamin E, a standard antioxidant control. This indicates ZD's potent ability to filter blue light and scavenge reactive oxygen species, mitigating A2E photooxidation and phototoxicity. These findings highlight ZD's unique structural advantages for sustained retinal protection. The findings also support further
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Research summary
Zeaxanthin dipalmitate (ZD) significantly suppresses A2E degradation under blue light, indicating its potential for retinal protection against oxidative damage associated with age-related macular degeneration. The paper addresses a mechanism related to oxidative stress in retinal cells, which is a contributing factor to aging and age-related diseases.
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