A method of controlling (e.g., influencing or affecting) C-reactive
protein levels in a subject may include administering to the subject an
effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation. The
pharmaceutically acceptable formulation may include a synthetic analog or
derivative of a carotenoid. The subject may be administered a carotenoid
analog or derivative, either alone or in combination with another
carotenoid analog or derivative, or co-antioxidant formulation. The
carotenoid analog may include a conjugated polyene with between 7 to 14
double bonds. The conjugated polyene may include a cyclic ring including
at least one substituent. In some embodiments, a cyclic ring of a
carotenoid analog or derivative may include at least one substituent. The
substituent may be coupled to the cyclic ring with an ester
functionality.
