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World J Pharmacol. Dec 9, 2014; 3(4): 140-152
Published online Dec 9, 2014. doi: 10.5497/wjp.v3.i4.140
Published online Dec 9, 2014. doi: 10.5497/wjp.v3.i4.140
Potential ability of xanthophylls to prevent obesity-associated cancer
Masaru Terasaki, Sonoko Masuda, Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Hokkaido 061-0293, Japan
Michihiro Mutoh, Gen Fujii, Rikako Ishigamori, Division of Cancer Prevention Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Mami Takahashi, Central Animal Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Author contributions: Terasaki M, Mutoh M, Fujii G, Takahashi M, Ishigamori R and Masuda S contributed to this paper.
Supported by National Cancer Center Research and Development Fund No. 25-A-15; and by The Research Grant of the Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund
Correspondence to: Michihiro Mutoh, MD, PHD, Division of Cancer Prevention Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan. mimutoh@ncc.go.jp
Telephone: +81-3-35422511 Fax: +81-3-35439305
Received: June 27, 2014
Revised: October 2, 2014
Accepted: October 31, 2014
Published online: December 9, 2014
Revised: October 2, 2014
Accepted: October 31, 2014
Published online: December 9, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Xanthophylls belong to the class of carotenoids, and are natural fat-soluble pigments found in fruits, vegetables, algae and so on. It has been shown that the versatile functions of xanthophylls have great potential for the prevention of metabolic syndrome and cancers. Xanthophylls have proved safety, and several xanthophylls provide other health benefits, including improvement of inflammation, dyslipidemia, hypertension and liver function. These findings indicate that xanthophylls could be useful to prevent obesity-associated cancer.