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Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Mar 2023Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play key roles in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Astaxanthin (AXT) is a keto-carotenoid with...
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play key roles in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Astaxanthin (AXT) is a keto-carotenoid with a variety of biological functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects This study aimed to explore the protective role and underlying mechanism of AXT in the pathogenesis of COPD. In this study, we found AXT alleviated pulmonary emphysema in a CS-exposed mouse model and regulated the expression of MMP-9/TIMP-1. And, AXT attenuates CSE-induced small airway fibrosis. Meanwhile, AXT inhibited Nrf2-modulated oxidative stress and the p65 NF-κB-regulated inflammatory pathway in both the mouse model and CSE-treated HBE cells. Mechanistically, AXT could directly bind to SIRT1 (the binding energy of the complex was -8.8 kcal/mol) and regulate the deacetylation activity of SIRT1. Finally, by activating SIRT1 deacetylation, AXT deacetylated Nrf2 and contributed to its action of reducing oxidative stress by generating antioxidant enzymes, and inhibiting p65 NF-κB transcriptional activity to suppress the inflammatory response. Our results show that treatment with AXT significantly reverses the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cigarette smoke both in vivo and in vitro in a sirtuin 1-dependent manner.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Antioxidants; Sirtuin 1; Cigarette Smoking; NF-kappa B; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Oxidative Stress; Inflammation; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Nicotiana; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 36696799
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114230 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2024Fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread chronic pain and is often accompanied by comorbidities such as sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. Because it is often...
Fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread chronic pain and is often accompanied by comorbidities such as sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. Because it is often accompanied by many adverse symptoms and lack of effective treatment, it is important to search for the pathogenesis and treatment of fibromyalgia. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has demonstrated effective analgesic effects in neuropathic pain. However, its impact on fibromyalgia remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we constructed a mouse model of fibromyalgia and investigated the effect of astaxanthin on chronic pain and associated symptoms through multiple intragastrical injections. We conducted behavioural assessments to detect pain and depression-like states in mice, recorded electroencephalograms to monitor sleep stages, examined c-Fos activation in the anterior cingulate cortex, measured activation of spinal glial cells, and assessed levels of inflammatory factors in the brain and spinal cord, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor- α(TNF-α).Additionally, we analysed the expression levels of IL-6, IL-10, NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD, and Caspase-1 proteins. The findings revealed that astaxanthin significantly ameliorated mechanical and thermal pain in mice with fibromyalgia and mitigated sleep disorders and depressive-like symptoms induced by pain. A potential mechanism underlying these effects is the anti-inflammatory action of astaxanthin, likely mediated through the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which could be one of the pathways through which astaxanthin alleviates fibromyalgia. In conclusion, our study suggests that astaxanthin holds promise as a potential analgesic medication for managing fibromyalgia and its associated symptoms.
Topics: Animals; Xanthophylls; Fibromyalgia; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Inflammasomes; Depression; Mice; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal; Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Chronic Pain; Cytokines; Spinal Cord; Behavior, Animal
PubMed: 38852510
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116856 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2016Astaxanthin is a coloring agent which is used as a feed additive in aquaculture nutrition. Recently, potential health benefits of astaxanthin have been discussed which...
Astaxanthin is a coloring agent which is used as a feed additive in aquaculture nutrition. Recently, potential health benefits of astaxanthin have been discussed which may be partly related to its free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Our electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin trapping data suggest that synthetic astaxanthin is a potent free radical scavenger in terms of diphenylpicryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and galvinoxyl free radicals. Furthermore, astaxanthin dose-dependently quenched singlet oxygen as determined by photon counting. In addition to free radical scavenging and singlet oxygen quenching properties, astaxanthin induced the antioxidant enzyme paroxoanase-1, enhanced glutathione concentrations and prevented lipid peroxidation in cultured hepatocytes. Present results suggest that, beyond its coloring properties, synthetic astaxanthin exhibits free radical scavenging, singlet oxygen quenching, and antioxidant activities which could probably positively affect animal and human health.
Topics: Cell Line; Free Radical Scavengers; Hep G2 Cells; Hepatocytes; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 26784174
DOI: 10.3390/ijms17010103 -
Open Biology Jun 2021Oxidative stress, the imbalance of the antioxidant system, results in an accumulation of neurotoxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The antioxidant system is... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress, the imbalance of the antioxidant system, results in an accumulation of neurotoxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The antioxidant system is composed of exogenous and endogenous antioxidants to maintain homeostasis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an endogenous enzymatic antioxidant that converts superoxide ions to hydrogen peroxide in cells. SOD supplementation in mice prevented cognitive decline in stress-induced cells by reducing lipid peroxidation and maintaining neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Furthermore, SOD decreased expression of BACE1 while reducing plaque burden in the brain. Additionally, Astaxanthin (AST), a potent exogenous carotenoid, scavenges superoxide anion radicals. Mice treated with AST showed slower memory decline and decreased depositions of amyloid-beta (A) and tau protein. Currently, the neuroprotective potential of these supplements has only been examined separately in studies. However, a single antioxidant cannot sufficiently resist oxidative damage to the brain, therefore, a combinatory approach is proposed as a relevant therapy for ameliorating pathological changes in AD.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Clinical Studies as Topic; Dietary Supplements; Disease Management; Disease Susceptibility; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Humans; Neurons; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxide Dismutase; Treatment Outcome; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34186009
DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210013 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2022Astaxanthin is a lipid-soluble carotenoid influencing lipid metabolism, body weight, and insulin sensitivity. We provide a systematic analysis of acute and chronic...
Astaxanthin is a lipid-soluble carotenoid influencing lipid metabolism, body weight, and insulin sensitivity. We provide a systematic analysis of acute and chronic effects of astaxanthin on different organs. Changes by chronic astaxanthin feeding were analyzed on general metabolism, expression of regulatory proteins in the skeletal muscle, as well as changes of excitation and synaptic activity in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of mice. Acute responses were also tested on canine cardiac muscle and different neuronal populations of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in mice. Dietary astaxanthin significantly increased food intake. It also increased protein levels affecting glucose metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis in skeletal muscle. Inhibitory inputs innervating neurons of the arcuate nucleus regulating metabolism and food intake were strengthened by both acute and chronic astaxanthin treatment. Astaxanthin moderately shortened cardiac action potentials, depressed their plateau potential, and reduced the maximal rate of depolarization. Based on its complex actions on metabolism and food intake, our data support the previous findings that astaxanthin is suitable for supplementing the diet of patients with disturbances in energy homeostasis.
Topics: Action Potentials; Anabolic Agents; Animals; Dogs; Eating; Energy Metabolism; Hypothalamus; Lipid Metabolism; Mice; Muscle, Skeletal; Myocytes, Cardiac; Organ Specificity; Signal Transduction; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 35055102
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020917 -
Marine Drugs Aug 2020Astaxanthin is a carotenoid produced by different organisms and microorganisms such as microalgae, bacteria, yeasts, protists, and plants, and it is also accumulated in... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid produced by different organisms and microorganisms such as microalgae, bacteria, yeasts, protists, and plants, and it is also accumulated in aquatic animals such as fish and crustaceans. Astaxanthin and astaxanthin-containing lipid extracts obtained from these sources present an intense red color and a remarkable antioxidant activity, providing great potential to be employed as food ingredients with both technological and bioactive functions. However, their use is hindered by: their instability in the presence of high temperatures, acidic pH, oxygen or light; their low water solubility, bioaccessibility and bioavailability; their intense odor/flavor. The present paper reviews recent advances in the micro/nanoencapsulation of astaxanthin and astaxanthin-containing lipid extracts, developed to improve their stability, bioactivity and technological functionality for use as food ingredients. The use of diverse micro/nanoencapsulation techniques using wall materials of a different nature to improve water solubility and dispersibility in foods, masking undesirable odor and flavor, is firstly discussed, followed by a discussion of the importance of the encapsulation to retard astaxanthin release, protecting it from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. The nanoencapsulation of astaxanthin to improve its bioaccessibility, bioavailability and bioactivity is further reviewed. Finally, the main limitations and future trends on the topic are discussed.
Topics: Animals; Diffusion of Innovation; Drug Compounding; Drug Stability; Food Additives; Food Handling; Humans; Molecular Structure; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Solubility; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 32752203
DOI: 10.3390/md18080406 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Jul 2023The attractive biological properties and health benefits of natural astaxanthin (AXT), including its antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, have garnered... (Review)
Review
The attractive biological properties and health benefits of natural astaxanthin (AXT), including its antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, have garnered significant attention from academia and industry seeking natural alternatives to synthetic products. AXT, a red ketocarotenoid, is mainly produced by yeast, microalgae, wild or genetically engineered bacteria. Unfortunately, the large fraction of AXT available in the global market is still obtained using non-environmentally friendly petrochemical-based products. Due to the consumers concerns about synthetic AXT, the market of microbial-AXT is expected to grow exponentially in succeeding years. This review provides a detailed discussion of AXT's bioprocessing technologies and applications as a natural alternative to synthetic counterparts. Additionally, we present, for the first time, a very comprehensive segmentation of the global AXT market and suggest research directions to improve microbial production using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. KEY POINTS: • Unlock the power of microorganisms for high value AXT production. • Discover the secrets to cost-effective microbial AXT processing. • Uncover the future opportunities in the AXT market.
Topics: Genetic Engineering; Antioxidants; Xanthophylls; Yeasts
PubMed: 37233757
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12586-1 -
Marine Drugs Sep 2021Astaxanthin (AST) is a biomolecule known for its powerful antioxidant effect, which is considered of great importance in biochemical research and has great potential for... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (AST) is a biomolecule known for its powerful antioxidant effect, which is considered of great importance in biochemical research and has great potential for application in cosmetics, as well as food products that are beneficial to human health and medicines. Unfortunately, its poor solubility in water, chemical instability, and low oral bioavailability make its applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical field a major challenge for the development of new products. To favor the search for alternatives to enhance and make possible the use of AST in formulations, this article aimed to review the scientific data on its application in delivery systems. The search was made in databases without time restriction, using keywords such as astaxanthin, delivery systems, skin, cosmetic, topical, and dermal. All delivery systems found, such as liposomes, particulate systems, inclusion complexes, emulsions, and films, presented peculiar advantages able to enhance AST properties, among which are stability, antioxidant potential, biological activities, and drug release. This survey showed that further studies are needed for the industrial development of new AST-containing cosmetics and topical formulations.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Antioxidants; Aquatic Organisms; Cosmetics; Drug Compounding; Humans; Salmon; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34564173
DOI: 10.3390/md19090511 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2023Donepezil (DPL), a specific acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is used as a first-line treatment to improve cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it might have...
INTRODUCTION
Donepezil (DPL), a specific acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is used as a first-line treatment to improve cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it might have a disease modifying effect. Astaxanthin (AST) is a natural potent antioxidant with neuroprotective, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to prepare nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) co-loaded with donepezil and astaxanthin (DPL/AST-NLCs) and evaluate their in vivo efficacy in an AD-like rat model 30 days after daily intranasal administration.
METHODS
DPL/AST-NLCs were prepared using a hot high-shear homogenization technique, in vitro examined for their physicochemical parameters and in vivo evaluated. AD induction in rats was performed by aluminum chloride. The cortex and hippocampus were isolated from the brain of rats for biochemical testing and histopathological examination.
RESULTS
DPL/AST-NLCs showed z-average diameter 149.9 ± 3.21 nm, polydispersity index 0.224 ± 0.017, zeta potential -33.7 ± 4.71 mV, entrapment efficiency 81.25 ±1.98% (donepezil) and 93.85 ±1.75% (astaxanthin), in vitro sustained release of both donepezil and astaxanthin for 24 h, spherical morphology by transmission electron microscopy, and they were stable at 4-8 ± 2°C for six months. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that donepezil and astaxanthin were molecularly dispersed in the NLC matrix in an amorphous state. The DPL/AST-NLC-treated rats showed significantly lower levels of nuclear factor-kappa B, malondialdehyde, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme-1, caspase-3, amyloid beta (Aβ), and acetylcholinesterase, and significantly higher levels of glutathione and acetylcholine in the cortex and hippocampus than the AD-like untreated rats and that treated with donepezil-NLCs. DPL/AST-NLCs showed significantly higher anti-amyloidogenic, antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, resulting in significant improvement in the cortical and hippocampal histopathology.
CONCLUSION
Nose-to-brain delivery of DPL/AST-NLCs is a promising strategy for the management of AD.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Drug Carriers; Donepezil; Alzheimer Disease; Antioxidants; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Brain; Nanostructures; Lipids; Particle Size
PubMed: 37534058
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S417928 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant found in marine organisms such as microalgae and krill, may offer ergogenic benefits to endurance athletes. Originally used in fish... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant found in marine organisms such as microalgae and krill, may offer ergogenic benefits to endurance athletes. Originally used in fish feed, astaxanthin has shown a greater ability to mitigate various reactive oxygen species and maintain the structural integrity of mitochondria compared to other exogenous antioxidants. More recent work has shown that astaxanthin may improve: (1) cycling time trial performance, (2) cardiorespiratory measures such as submaximal heart rate during running or cycling, (3) recovery from delayed-onset muscle soreness, and (4) endogenous antioxidant capacity such as whole blood glutathione within trained populations. In this review, the history of astaxanthin and its chemical structure are first outlined before briefly describing the various adaptations (e.g., mitochondrial biogenesis, enhanced endogenous antioxidant capacity, etc.) which take place specifically at the mitochondrial level as a result of chronic endurance training. The review then concludes with the potential additive effects that astaxanthin may offer in conjunction with endurance training for the endurance athlete and offers some suggested practical recommendations for athletes and coaches interested in supplementing with astaxanthin.
Topics: Xanthophylls; Humans; Dietary Supplements; Physical Endurance; Adaptation, Physiological; Athletes; Antioxidants; Mitochondria; Endurance Training; Athletic Performance; Animals
PubMed: 38892683
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111750