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Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Jul 2023Nowadays, there is an emergent interest in new trend-driven biomolecules to improve health and wellbeing, which has become an interesting and promising field,... (Review)
Review
Nowadays, there is an emergent interest in new trend-driven biomolecules to improve health and wellbeing, which has become an interesting and promising field, considering their high value and biological potential. Astaxanthin is one of these promising biomolecules, with impressive high market growth, especially in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This biomolecule, obtained from natural sources (i.e., microalgae), has been reported in the literature to have several beneficial health effects due to its biological properties. These benefits seem to be mainly associated with Astaxanthin's high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may act on several brain issues, thus attenuating symptoms. In this sense, several studies have demonstrated the impact of astaxanthin on a wide range of diseases, namely on brain disorders (such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson, depression, brain stroke and autism). Therefore, this review highlights its application in mental health and illness. Furthermore, a S.W.O.T. analysis was performed to display an approach from the market/commercial perspective. However, to bring the molecule to the market, there is still a need for more studies to increase deep knowledge regarding the real impact and mechanisms in the human brain.HIGHLIGHTSAstaxanthin has been mainly extracted from the algae Astaxanthin, bioactive molecule with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory propertiesAstaxanthin has an important protective effect on brain disordersAstaxanthin is highly marketable, mainly for food and pharmaceutical industries.
PubMed: 37417323
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2232866 -
Biotechnology Advances May 2024Astaxanthin is a valuable orange-red carotenoid with wide applications in agriculture, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals areas. At present, the... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin is a valuable orange-red carotenoid with wide applications in agriculture, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals areas. At present, the biological synthesis of astaxanthin mainly relies on Haematococcus pluvialis and Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. With the rapid development of synthetic biology, more recombinant microbial hosts have been genetically constructed for astaxanthin production including Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica. As multiple genes (15) were involved in the astaxanthin synthesis, it is particularly important to adopt different strategies to balance the metabolic flow towards the astaxanthin synthesis. Furthermore, astaxanthin is a fat-soluble compound stored intracellularly, hence efficient extraction methods are also essential for the economical production of astaxanthin. Several efficient and green extraction methods of astaxanthin have been reported in recent years, including the superfluid extraction, ionic liquid extraction and microwave-assisted extraction. Accordingly, this review will comprehensively introduce the advances on the astaxanthin production and extraction by using different microbial hosts and strategies to improve the astaxanthin synthesis and extraction efficiency.
PubMed: 38825214
DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108392 -
International Journal For Vitamin and... Jun 2024According to previous studies, astaxanthin exerts various biological effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities; however, its effects on liver... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
According to previous studies, astaxanthin exerts various biological effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities; however, its effects on liver enzymes have not yet been well elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess astaxanthin's effects on liver enzymes. A systematic literature search was conducted using scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar up to February 2023 to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). A random-effects model was used for the estimation of the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD). Overall, we included five trials involving 196 subjects. The duration of the intervention was between 4 and 48 weeks, and the dose was between 6 and 12 mg/day. ALT levels increased in the intervention group compared to the control group following astaxanthin supplementation (WMD: 1.92 U/L, 95% CI: 0.16 to 3.68, P=0.03), whereas supplementation with astaxanthin had a non-significant effect on AST (WMD: 0.72 U/L, 95% CI: -0.85 to 2.29, P=0.36), GGT (WMD: 0.48 U/L, 95% CI: -2.71 to 3.67, P=0.76), and ALP levels (WMD: 2.85 U/L, 95% CI: -7.94 to 13.63, P=0.60) compared to the placebo group. Our data showed that astaxanthin supplementation increases ALT concentrations in adults without affecting the levels of other liver enzymes. Further long-term and well-designed RCTs are necessary to assess and confirm these findings.
Topics: Xanthophylls; Humans; Dietary Supplements; Liver; Alanine Transaminase; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Alkaline Phosphatase; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38407143
DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000804 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Dec 2023The presence of multiple conjugated double bonds and chiral carbon atoms endows astaxanthin with geometric and optical isomers, and these isomers widely exist in... (Review)
Review
The presence of multiple conjugated double bonds and chiral carbon atoms endows astaxanthin with geometric and optical isomers, and these isomers widely exist in biological sources, food processing, and absorption. However, there remains no systematic summary of astaxanthin isomers regarding isomerization methods and analytic techniques. To address this need, this Review focuses on a comprehensive analysis of -isomerization methods of astaxanthin, including solvent system, catalyst, and heat treatment. Comparatively, high-efficiency and health-friendly methods are more conducive to put into practical use, such as food-grade solvents and food-component catalysts. In addition, we outline the recent advances in analysis techniques of astaxanthin isomers, as well as the structural characteristics reflected by various methods (e.g., HPLC, NMR, FTIR, and RS). Furthermore, we summarized the related research on the safety evaluation of astaxanthin isomers. Finally, future trends and barriers in transformation and analysis of astaxanthin isomers are also discussed.
Topics: Isomerism; Xanthophylls; Chemical Phenomena; Catalysis; Solvents
PubMed: 37924299
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06863 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Jul 2023Carotenoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, being a potential bioactive compound for gut health. The objective of this systematic review was to... (Review)
Review
Carotenoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, being a potential bioactive compound for gut health. The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of carotenoids on gut microbiota, gut barrier, and inflammation in healthy animals. The systematic search from PubMed, Scopus, and Lilacs databases were performed up to March 2023. The final screening included thirty studies, with different animal models (mice, rats, pigs, chicks, drosophila, fish, and shrimp), and different carotenoid sources (β-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and fucoxanthin). The results suggested that carotenoids seem to act on gut microbiota by promoting beneficial effects on intestinal bacteria related to both inflammation and SCFA production; increase tight junction proteins expression, important for reducing intestinal permeability; increase the mucins expression, important in protecting against pathogens and toxins; improve morphological parameters important for digestion and absorption of nutrients; and reduce pro-inflammatory and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, different carotenoids had distinct effects on gut health. In addition, there was heterogeneity between studies regarding animal model, duration of intervention, and doses used. This is the first systematic review to address the effects of carotenoids on gut health. Further studies are needed to better understand the effects of carotenoids on gut health.
PubMed: 37450500
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2234025 -
Nutritional Neuroscience Jun 2024Autism is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder and recent studies showed that omega-3 or astaxanthin might reduce autistic symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory...
Autism is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder and recent studies showed that omega-3 or astaxanthin might reduce autistic symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we investigated the effects of omega-3 and astaxanthin on the VPA-induced autism model of rats. Female Wistar albino pups ( = 40) were grouped as control, autistic, astaxanthin (2 mg/kg), omega-3 (200 mg/kg), and astaxanthin (2 mg/kg)+omega-3 (200 mg/kg). All groups except the control were prenatally exposed to VPA. Astaxanthin and omega-3 were orally administered from the postnatal day 41 to 68 and behavioral tests were performed between day 69 and 73. The rats were decapitated 24 h after the behavioral tests and hippocampal and prefrontal cytokines and 5-HT levels were analyzed by ELISA. VPA rats have increased grooming behavior while decreased sociability (SI), social preference index (SPI), discrimination index (DI), and prepulse inhibition (PPI) compared to control. Additionally, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels increased while IL-10 and 5-HT levels decreased in both brain regions. Astaxanthin treatment raised SI, SPI, DI, PPI, and prefrontal IL-10 levels. It also raised 5-HT levels and decreased IL-6 levels in both brain regions. Omega-3 and astaxanthin + omega-3 increased the SI, SPI, DI, and PPI and decreased grooming behavior. Moreover, they increased IL-10 and 5-HT levels whereas decreased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ levels in both brain regions. Our results showed that VPA administration mimicked the behavioral and molecular changes of autism in rats. Single and combined administration of astaxanthin and omega-3 improved the autistic-like behavioral and molecular changes in the VPA model of rats.
Topics: Animals; Xanthophylls; Female; Pregnancy; Rats, Wistar; Valproic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Autistic Disorder; Disease Models, Animal; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Behavior, Animal; Hippocampus; Cytokines; Rats; Serotonin; Prefrontal Cortex; Social Behavior
PubMed: 37534957
DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2023.2239575 -
Critical Reviews in Biotechnology Aug 2023Natural astaxanthin is synthesized by diverse organisms including: bacteria, fungi, microalgae, and plants involving complex cellular processes, which depend on numerous... (Review)
Review
Natural astaxanthin is synthesized by diverse organisms including: bacteria, fungi, microalgae, and plants involving complex cellular processes, which depend on numerous interrelated parameters. Nonetheless, existing knowledge regarding astaxanthin biosynthesis and the conditions influencing astaxanthin accumulation is fairly limited. Thus, manipulation of the growth conditions to achieve desired biomass and astaxanthin yields can be a complicated process requiring cost-intensive and time-consuming experiment-based research. As a potential solution, modeling and simulation of biological systems have recently emerged, allowing researchers to predict/estimate astaxanthin production dynamics in selected organisms. Moreover, mathematical modeling techniques would enable further optimization of astaxanthin synthesis in a shorter period of time, ultimately contributing to a notable reduction in production costs. Thus, the present review comprehensively discusses existing mathematical modeling techniques which simulate the bioaccumulation of astaxanthin in diverse organisms. Associated challenges, solutions, and future perspectives are critically analyzed and presented.
PubMed: 37587012
DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2237183 -
Biochemical Society Transactions Feb 2024Oxidative stress, an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant status, favouring the pro-oxidant state is a result of increased production of reactive oxygen species... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress, an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant status, favouring the pro-oxidant state is a result of increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or inadequate antioxidant protection. ROS are produced through several mechanisms in cells including during mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Increased mitochondrial-derived ROS are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, an early event in age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's diseases (ADs) and in metabolic disorders including diabetes. AD post-mortem investigations of affected brain regions have shown the accumulation of oxidative damage to macromolecules, and oxidative stress has been considered an important contributor to disease pathology. An increase in oxidative stress, which leads to increased levels of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and other ROS in a potentially vicious cycle is both causative and a consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction may be ameliorated by molecules with antioxidant capacities that accumulate in mitochondria such as carotenoids. However, the role of carotenoids in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction is not fully understood. A better understanding of the role of antioxidants in mitochondrial function is a promising lead towards the development of novel and effective treatment strategies for age-related diseases. This review evaluates and summarises some of the latest developments and insights into the effects of carotenoids on mitochondrial dysfunction with a focus on the antioxidant properties of carotenoids. The mitochondria-protective role of carotenoids may be key in therapeutic strategies and targeting the mitochondria ROS is emerging in drug development for age-related diseases.
Topics: Humans; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Carotenoids; Oxidative Stress; Mitochondrial Diseases
PubMed: 38385583
DOI: 10.1042/BST20230193 -
Bioresource Technology Apr 2024Biofilm-based cultivation systems are emerging as a promising technology for microalgae production. However, efficient and non-invasive monitoring routines are still...
Biofilm-based cultivation systems are emerging as a promising technology for microalgae production. However, efficient and non-invasive monitoring routines are still lacking. Here, a protocol to monitor microalgae biofilms based on reflectance indices (RIs) is proposed. This framework was developed using a rotating biofilm system for astaxanthin production by cultivating Haematococcus pluvialis on cotton carriers. Biofilm traits such as biomass, astaxanthin, and chlorophyll were characterized under different light and nutrient regimes. Reflectance spectra were collected to identify the spectral bands and the RIs that correlated the most with those biofilm traits. Robust linear models built on more than 170 spectra were selected and validated on an independent dataset. Astaxanthin content could be precisely predicted over a dynamic range from 0 to 4% of dry weight, regardless of the cultivation conditions. This study demonstrates the strength of reflectance spectroscopy as a non-invasive tool to improve the operational efficiency of microalgae biofilm-based technology.
Topics: Microalgae; Chlorophyceae; Xanthophylls; Biomass; Biofilms
PubMed: 38432541
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130520 -
Food & Function Jul 2023: Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are life-threatening disorders with a high risk of mortality. Astaxanthin (AST) is a...
: Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are life-threatening disorders with a high risk of mortality. Astaxanthin (AST) is a supernatural antioxidant that has been extensively studied due to its role in immunomodulation, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. However, the association between ferroptosis and AST is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to explore the regulatory role of AST on ferroptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. : We established an MLE-12 cell injury model and a mouse ALI model by treating with LPS. The levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the mouse serum were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses were conducted to examine the effects of AST and ferrostatin-1. : We discovered that AST pretreatment greatly alleviated LPS-induced lung injury and inhibited ferroptosis, which was demonstrated by a decrease in the accumulation of malondialdehyde and Fe and an increase in the levels of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase 4 in the lung tissues of ALI mice and MLE-12 cells. Additionally, we found that AST also evidently suppressed ferritinophagy by upregulation of ferritin and downregulation of nuclear receptor co-activator 4 (NCOA4) in MLE-12 cells. : AST pretreatment could lead to a relief of LPS-induced ALI, perhaps suppressing ferroptosis, and could also reduce unstable iron accumulation by inhibiting NCOA4-mediated ferritin phagocytosis from mitigating lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in lung epithelial cells.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Ferroptosis; Lipopolysaccharides; Acute Lung Injury; Lung; Ferritins
PubMed: 37326488
DOI: 10.1039/d3fo01727c