November 02, 2016
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment
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This study examined the relationship between lycopene and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 37 participants were included in the study and were divided into either a lower-level group (mean serum concentration of lycopene, 0.23 µmol/L) or a higher-level group (mean concentration, 0.55 µmol/L) by rank method. There was no significant difference in demographics, comorbidities, or prescription medication use between the two groups. The mortality rate was significantly lower in the higher-level group (5.3%) compared with the lower-level group (33.3%). Cardiovascular disease–related mortality was also lower in the higher-level group (22.2% vs 5.3%).
Higher serum levels of lycopene may be associated with decreased mortality in SLE patients.
– Anna Wile, MD
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Persistent inflammation and oxidative stress are the main mechanisms that increase the risks of cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As a natural antioxidant, lycopene can alleviate oxidative stress and suppress inflammation. We hypothesized that lycopene could have the potential to reduce mortality in SLE.
METHOD
Thirty-seven participants with SLE from the NHANES III were divided into two groups (higher level group and lower level group) by rank method according to serum lycopene. These participants were followed-up from the date of interview (1988-1994) to 31 December 2006 for mortality. Mortality rate and survival function were compared between the two SLE groups.
RESULTS
The mortality rate was significantly lower in the higher level group (5.3%) than that in the lower level group (33.3%). There was a significant survival difference between the higher level group and the lower level group (Log rank p = 0.0436). In addition, cardiovascular disease-related mortality was dramatically lower in the higher level group than that in the lower level group.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings from nationally representative samples indicate that higher serum lycopene has the protective effect on mortality in SLE. Further studies with large sample size are needed to confirm these primary results.