Supplementation of highly concentrated β-cryptoxanthin in a satsuma mandarin beverage improves adipocytokine profiles in obese Japanese women

BACKGROUND: Serum β-cryptoxanthin levels are lower in overweight subjects than in normal subjects. Abnormalities of adipocytokine profiles in obesity subjects have been reported. There are several reports that serum β-cryptoxanthin levels in them were relatively lower than normal subjects. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that supplementation of highly concentrated β-cryptoxanthin improves serum adipocytokine profiles in obese subjects. This study tested the association between β-cryptoxanthin intake and serum adipocytokine levels. METHODS: An intervention study consisted of a 3-week long before-and-after controlled trial, where β-cryptoxanthin (4.7 mg/day) was given to 17 moderately obese postmenopausal women. RESULTS: The results indicated no significant changes in body weight or body mass index (BMI). Serum β-cryptoxanthin levels increased significantly by 4-fold. Serum high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin levels increased significantly, while serum plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 levels decreased. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that increasing the intake of β-cryptoxanthin to approximately 4 mg per day for 3 weeks may have beneficial effects on the serum adipocytokine status and consequently alleviate progression of metabolic syndrome.