Serum Carotenoid Concentrations Are Associated with Enlarged Choroid Plexus, Lateral Ventricular Volume, and Perivascular Spaces on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Large Cohort Study.

RATIONALE AND

OBJECTIVES

Since carotenoids have various physiological activities, including antioxidant activity, several epidemiological studies have linked the consumption of a carotenoid-rich diet to a decreased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Increased choroid plexus volume (CPV) and enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be indicators of impaired glymphatic system function. The purpose of this large-scale elderly population study was to assess whether serum concentrations of major carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, cis-lycopene, trans-lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein) concentrations are associated with CPV, lateral ventricular volume (LVV), and PVS.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 2050 individuals (median age, 69 years; 61.02% females) who underwent 3 T MRI. The imaging characteristics included total intracranial volume (ICV), CPV, LVV, and basal ganglia-enlarged PVS on T2-weighted images.

RESULTS

Low serum β-carotene concentration was a significant independent predictor of increased CPV/ICV (p=0.046), increased LVV/ICV (p=0.035), and enlarged PVS (p=0.009) after adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, body mass index, HbA1c level, systolic blood pressure, smoking history, drinking history, educational history, and Mini-Mental State Examination score, CRP level). Low serum α-carotene concentration was also a significant independent predictor of an enlarged PVS (p=0.014).

CONCLUSION

In this study, β-carotene concentration was associated to the CPV, LVV, and PVS, suggesting that the antioxidant activity of β-carotene may have an important role in maintaining glymphatic system function. Since β-carotene is a dietary carotenoid, our results emphasize the importance of interventions for effective β-carotene intake among elderly people.