<i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> Evaluation of Modulatory Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin Supplementation on Retinal Antioxidant and Lipofuscin Levels

Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major leading irreversible reasons for severe blindness in the aged population. Oxidative stress is said to be a leading cause of AMD and is very progressive in the major areas of the retina. The antioxidant nature of the macular pigments (MPs) and their position in the retina is believed to be responsible for minimizing the effect of AMD. Objectives The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of Gleamax/Vividawn TM containing lutein and zeaxanthin for its protective role against ultraviolet (UV)-induced stress in retinal cells in vitro and evaluating the benefits of eye health by evaluating the cell proliferation, cytoprotection as well as the measurement of lipofuscin (LPF) levels. Materials and Methods Human ARPE-19 cell lines were cultured and tested for cytotoxicity with Gleamax/Vividawn TM samples. The cytoprotective activity of the Gleamax/Vividawn TM was measured by the absorbance value over 72 h in comparison to the absorbance of irradiated and non-irradiated cell control. LPF was estimated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and N -retinylidene- N -retinylethanolamine (A2E) levels were estimated by the Bradford method. In vivo studies in C57BL/6 mice, 14 animals were nurtured with a rich fat diet for 2 weeks to boost obesity, and other animals of the standard control group (G1) received a normal chow diet for 2 weeks. The first group served as a normal control, the second group functioned as a high-fat diet (HFD) control, and the third group was a treatment group that received Gleamax/Vividawn TM at 6.2 mg/kg physique weight of the animals per orally daily for consecutive 60 days. Statistical Analysis Used The experimental data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett’s test between the treatment and control groups. Results Lutein, with a combination of zeaxanthin supplementation, improves the dysfunction in the central retina, obtaining benefits in terms of visual activity (VA) and glare sensitivity. In this study, standard control (G1) and HFD-fed animals (G2) were observed with below limit of quantification (BLOQ) levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in plasma. However, Gleamax/Vividawn TM treated group (G3) animals were found to have significantly elevated levels of lutein and zeaxanthin levels. Conclusion Conclusion: Gleamax/Vividawn TM is a unique formula comprising lutein and zeaxanthin, known for its defensive act against oxidative stress; it is also the only dietary carotenoid that can accumulate in the retina, especially in the macula region.