-
Bioresource Technology Feb 2022The aim of this work was to uncover the astaxanthin biosynthesis mechanism in Microcystis aeruginosa under optimum light quality, and promote astaxanthin production...
The aim of this work was to uncover the astaxanthin biosynthesis mechanism in Microcystis aeruginosa under optimum light quality, and promote astaxanthin production using this alga. Among purple, blue and red light, only purple light promoted M. aeruginosa cell growth compared with white light, due to up-regulating expression of the genes related with DNA replication. An increase was detected in the photosynthetic rate under purple light, which should be caused by the raised carotenoid content and up-regulation of the genes associated with light reaction and carbon fixation. Compared with white light, purple light increased the levels of β-carotene, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin by up-regulating expression of the genes related with methylerythritol-4-phosphate pathway (MEP) and astaxanthin biosynthesis. For red and blue light, they did not impact or declined the content of astaxanthin and its precursors. Therefore, purple light promoted M. aeruginosa cell growth and astaxanthin production by up-regulating related gene expression.
Topics: Light; Microcystis; Xanthophylls; beta Carotene
PubMed: 34974094
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126629 -
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology Jun 2019Microorganisms (microalgae and fungi) are currently the main sources of astaxanthin; however, this carotenoid also accumulates in crustaceans, salmonids, and birds.... (Review)
Review
Microorganisms (microalgae and fungi) are currently the main sources of astaxanthin; however, this carotenoid also accumulates in crustaceans, salmonids, and birds. Seafood (derived from marine animals) processing wastes are significant sources of astaxanthin and can be employed as feed and for nutraceutical applications, where shrimp wastes are the most exploited seafood industry waste employed for astaxanthin extraction. This review discusses different sources, efficient environment-friendly extraction methods employed for astaxanthin extraction, biorefinery approaches for efficient extraction and future aspects of the application of these waste sources for commercial preparation of astaxanthin complexes. It also includes a brief overview of the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges for obtaining astaxanthin from various sources and various case scenarios integrating different biorefinery approaches.
Topics: Animals; Aquatic Organisms; Carotenoids; Crustacea; Microalgae; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 30939937
DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2019.1573798 -
Nutrients Apr 2022Astaxanthin (ASX) is a natural product and one of the most powerful antioxidants known. It has significant effects on the metabolism of many animals, increasing... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (ASX) is a natural product and one of the most powerful antioxidants known. It has significant effects on the metabolism of many animals, increasing fecundity, egg yolk volume, growth rates, immune responses, and disease resistance. A large part of the bioactivity of ASX is due to its targeting of mitochondria, where it inserts itself into cell membranes. Here, ASX stabilizes membranes and acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting mitochondria from damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are ubiquitous by-products of energy metabolism that must be tightly regulated by cells, lest they bind to and inactivate proteins, DNA and RNA, lipids, and signaling molecules. Most animals cannot synthesize ASX, so they need to acquire it in their diet. ASX is easily thermally denatured during extraction, and its high hydrophobicity limits its bioavailability. Our focus in this review is to contrast the bioactivity of different ASX stereoisomers and how extraction methods can denature ASX, compromising its bioavailability and bioactivity. We discuss the commercial sources of astaxanthin, structure of stereoisomers, relative bioavailability and bioactivity of ASX stereoisomers, mechanisms of ASX bioactivity, evolution of carotenoids, and why mitochondrial targeting makes ASX such an effective antioxidant.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Stereoisomerism; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 35406135
DOI: 10.3390/nu14071522 -
Bioresource Technology Feb 2023This paper aims to explore the role of proline (Pro) in the production of biomass and astaxanthin (AST) in stress-induced Haematococcus pluvialis. The astaxanthin...
This paper aims to explore the role of proline (Pro) in the production of biomass and astaxanthin (AST) in stress-induced Haematococcus pluvialis. The astaxanthin content and productivity were 24.02 mg g and 2.22 mg/L d under abiotic stresses, respectively. After 100 μM Pro supplementation, the biomass, AST and lipid contents reached 1.43 g/L, 29.91 mg g and 56.79 %, which were enhanced by 19.16 %, 33.52 % and 11.08 %, respectively, compared to the control. Pro-treated regulated chlorophyll, carbohydrate and protein accumulation and upregulated carotenogenic, lipogenic and antioxidant enzymes-associated gene levels; as well as increased endogenous Pro content, but reduced ROS (Reactive oxygen species) and MDA (Malondialdehyde) levels and alleviated oxidative stress, which might be involved in AST biosynthesis. Further data showed Pro has a positive role in biomass and AST coaccumulation in different H. pluvialis species, suggesting application of Pro was an effective strategy to improve AST productivity of H. pluvialis.
Topics: Chlorophyta; Chlorophyceae; Xanthophylls; Chlorophyll
PubMed: 36528181
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128488 -
The Effects of Astaxanthin on Cognitive Function and Neurodegeneration in Humans: A Critical Review.Nutrients Mar 2024Oxidative stress is a key contributing factor in neurodegeneration, cognitive ageing, cognitive decline, and diminished cognitive longevity. Issues stemming from... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress is a key contributing factor in neurodegeneration, cognitive ageing, cognitive decline, and diminished cognitive longevity. Issues stemming from oxidative stress both in relation to cognition and other areas, such as inflammation, skin health, eye health, and general recovery, have been shown to benefit greatly from antioxidant use. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, which has been outlined to be beneficial for cognitive function both in vitro and in vivo. Given the aforementioned promising effects, research into astaxanthin with a focus on cognitive function has recently been extended to human tissue and human populations. The present critical review explores the effects of astaxanthin on cognitive function and neurodegeneration within human populations and samples with the aim of deciphering the merit and credibility of the research findings and subsequently their potential as a basis for therapeutic use. Implications, limitations, and areas for future research development are also discussed. Key findings include the positive impacts of astaxanthin in relation to improving cognitive function, facilitating neuroprotection, and slowing neurodegeneration within given contexts.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Xanthophylls; Oxidative Stress; Cognition
PubMed: 38542737
DOI: 10.3390/nu16060826 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... May 2021Astaxanthin (ATX) is a red pigment carotenoid present in shrimp, salmon, crab, and asteroidean. Several studies have corroborated the anti-oxidant efficacy of ATX. In... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (ATX) is a red pigment carotenoid present in shrimp, salmon, crab, and asteroidean. Several studies have corroborated the anti-oxidant efficacy of ATX. In addition, ATX has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-proliferative properties. In the present review, we discuss the role of Nrf2 in mediating the anti-cancer, anti-aging, neuroprotective, lung-protective, skin-protective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic and muscloprotective effects of ATX.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antioxidants; Humans; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 33761600
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111374 -
Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering May 2022Astaxanthin is a kind of ketone carotenoid belonging to tetraterpenoids with an excellent antioxidant activity and it is widely used in nutrition and health-care...
Astaxanthin is a kind of ketone carotenoid belonging to tetraterpenoids with an excellent antioxidant activity and it is widely used in nutrition and health-care industries. This study aimed to explore the effect of different abiotic stresses on carotenoid production in Schizochytrium sp. Firstly, the characteristics of carotenoid accumulation were studied in Schizochytrium sp. by monitoring the change of carotenoid yields and gene expressions. Then, different abiotic stresses were systematically studied to regulate the carotenoid accumulation. Results showed that low temperature could advance the astaxanthin accumulation, while ferric ion could stimulate the conversion from carotene to astaxanthin. The glucose and monosodium glutamate ratio of 100:5 was helpful for the accumulation of β-carotene. In addition, micro-oxygen supply conditions could increase the yield of β-carotene and astaxanthin by 25.47% and 14.92%, respectively. This study provided the potential regulation strategies for carotenoid production which might be used in different carotenoid-producing strains.
Topics: Carotenoids; Stramenopiles; Stress, Physiological; Xanthophylls; beta Carotene
PubMed: 35212833
DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02709-9 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Science :... Sep 2022We aimed to compare biochemical and histopathological findings of astaxanthin's potential effects on oxidative stress in ischemia/reperfusion damage (I/R).
BACKGROUND
We aimed to compare biochemical and histopathological findings of astaxanthin's potential effects on oxidative stress in ischemia/reperfusion damage (I/R).
METHODS
Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group; I/R group; I/R + treatment group; drug group. Astaxanthin was orally administered to groups C and D for 14 days. In groups B and C, the femoral artery was clamped for 2 h to form ischemia. The clamp was opened, and reperfusion was performed for 1 h. In all groups, 4 ml of blood sample through intracardiac puncture and gastrocnemius muscle tissue samples were collected. Serum and tissue samples were analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidative level (TOL). Necrosis, inflammation, and caspase-3 in muscle tissue collected for histopathological examination were evaluated.
RESULTS
Tissue MDA, SOD and TOL values significantly differed between groups. Serum MDA, SOD, TOL and TAC values significantly differed between groups. On necrosis examination, there was a significant difference between groups B and C. Although signs of inflammation significantly differed between groups, there was no significant difference between groups A and C and groups A and D. Although there was a significant difference in caspase-3 results between groups, there was no significant difference between groups A and C.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of astaxanthin before and after surgery showed preventive or therapeutic effects against I/R damage.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Caspase 3; Inflammation; Necrosis; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Reperfusion Injury; Superoxide Dismutase; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34384658
DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2021.05.014 -
Acta Histochemica Jan 2022Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll pigment found in algae and marine animals, having strong anti-oxidative, anti-tumoral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally,...
BACKGROUND
Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll pigment found in algae and marine animals, having strong anti-oxidative, anti-tumoral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, melatonin has shown inhibitory effects on the growth of human breast cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin and the combined effects of astaxanthin and melatonin on breast cancer cells and the non-tumoral breast cell line.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The human breast cancer cell lines, T47D and MDA-MB-231, and non-tumorigenic cell line MCF 10A were treated and compared to astaxanthin, melatonin, and co-administration of these two compounds. Cell viability, apoptosis induction, Bcl-2 protein expression, and DNA damage were measured by MTT assay, acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, immunocytochemistry, and comet assay.
RESULTS
Astaxanthin at lower doses than melatonin reduced cell viability and Bcl2 expression, induced apoptosis and DNA damage in MDA-MB-231 and T47D. Meanwhile, the effects of astaxanthin on cell cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and DNA damage in MCF10A cells are insignificant compared to MDA-MB-231 and T47D. Moreover, the results indicated that astaxanthin in T47D cells caused more cell death compared to MDA-MB-231 cells. Astaxanthin induced cell death on breast cancer cells and without cell cytotoxicity for non-cancerous cells.
CONCLUSION
Furthermore, the presence of astaxanthin increased the function of melatonin-induced cell death in breast cancer cells.
Topics: Animals; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; DNA Damage; Female; Humans; Melatonin; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34952259
DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151832 -
Yeast (Chichester, England) Jul 2023Astaxanthin is a valuable carotenoid and is used as antioxidant and health care. Phaffia rhodozyma is a potential strain for the biosynthesis of astaxanthin. The unclear...
Astaxanthin is a valuable carotenoid and is used as antioxidant and health care. Phaffia rhodozyma is a potential strain for the biosynthesis of astaxanthin. The unclear metabolic characteristics of P. rhodozyma at different metabolic stages hinder astaxanthin's promotion. This study is conducted to investigate metabolite changes based on quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry metabolomics method. The results showed that the downregulation of purine, pyrimidine, amino acid synthesis, and glycolytic pathways contributed to astaxanthin biosynthesis. Meanwhile, the upregulation of lipid metabolites contributed to astaxanthin accumulation. Therefore, the regulation strategies were proposed based on this. The addition of sodium orthovanadate inhibited the amino acid pathway to increase astaxanthin concentration by 19.2%. And the addition of melatonin promoted lipid metabolism to increase the astaxanthin concentration by 30.3%. It further confirmed that inhibition of amino acid metabolism and promotion of lipid metabolism were beneficial for astaxanthin biosynthesis of P. rhodozyma. It is helpful in understanding metabolic pathways affecting astaxanthin of P. rhodozyma and provides regulatory strategies for metabolism.
Topics: Carotenoids; Xanthophylls; Basidiomycota; Metabolomics
PubMed: 37132227
DOI: 10.1002/yea.3854