-
Plant Biotechnology Journal Sep 2021Production of the high-value carotenoid astaxanthin, which is widely used in food and feed due to its strong antioxidant activity and colour, is less efficient in...
Production of the high-value carotenoid astaxanthin, which is widely used in food and feed due to its strong antioxidant activity and colour, is less efficient in cereals than in model plants. Here, we report a new strategy for expressing β-carotene ketolase and hydroxylase genes from algae, yeasts and flowering plants in the whole seed using a seed-specific bidirectional promoter. Engineered maize events were backcrossed to inbred maize lines with yellow endosperm to generate progenies that accumulate astaxanthin from 47.76 to 111.82 mg/kg DW in seeds, and the maximum level is approximately sixfold higher than those in previous reports (16.2-16.8 mg/kg DW) in cereals. A feeding trial with laying hens indicated that they could take up astaxanthin from the maize and accumulate it in egg yolks (12.10-14.15 mg/kg) without affecting egg production and quality, as observed using astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis. Storage stability evaluation analysis showed that the optimal conditions for long-term storage of astaxanthin-rich maize are at 4 °C in the dark. This study shows that co-expressing of functional genes driven by seed-specific bidirectional promoter could dramatically boost astaxanthin biosynthesis in every parts of kernel including embryo, aleurone layer and starch endosperm other than previous reports in the starch endosperm only. And the staple crop maize could serve as a cost-effective plant factory for reliably producing astaxanthin.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Metabolic Engineering; Plants, Genetically Modified; Xanthophylls; Zea mays
PubMed: 33780119
DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13593 -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2019Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant species, leading to macromolecular damage and disruption of redox signaling and... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant species, leading to macromolecular damage and disruption of redox signaling and cellular control. It is a hallmark of various diseases including metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and age-related diseases. Several mitochondrial defects have been considered to contribute to the development of oxidative stress and known as the major mediators of the aging process and subsequent age-associated diseases. Thus, mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants should prevent or slow down these processes and prolong longevity. This is the reason why antioxidant treatments are extensively studied and newer and newer compounds with such an effect appear. Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is the most abundant carotenoid in marine organisms and is one of the most powerful natural compounds with remarkable antioxidant activity. Here, we summarize its antioxidant targets, effects, and benefits in diseases and with aging.
Topics: Aging; Animals; Antioxidants; Humans; Mice; Oxidative Stress; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 31814873
DOI: 10.1155/2019/3849692 -
Marine Drugs Mar 2023Astaxanthin (3,3-dihydroxy-β, β-carotene-4,4-dione) is a ketocarotenoid synthesized by , , , , , , some bacteria (), yeasts, and lobsters, among others However, it is... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (3,3-dihydroxy-β, β-carotene-4,4-dione) is a ketocarotenoid synthesized by , , , , , , some bacteria (), yeasts, and lobsters, among others However, it is majorly synthesized by alone (about 4%). The richness of natural astaxanthin over synthetic astaxanthin has drawn the attention of industrialists to cultivate and extract it via two stage cultivation process. However, the cultivation in photobioreactors is expensive, and converting it in soluble form so that it can be easily assimilated by our digestive system requires downstream processing techniques which are not cost-effective. This has made the cost of astaxanthin expensive, prompting pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies to switch over to synthetic astaxanthin. This review discusses the chemical character of astaxanthin, more inexpensive cultivating techniques, and its bioavailability. Additionally, the antioxidant character of this microalgal product against many diseases is discussed, which can make this natural compound an excellent drug to minimize inflammation and its consequences.
Topics: Antioxidants; Biological Availability; Xanthophylls; Carotenoids; Chlorophyceae
PubMed: 36976225
DOI: 10.3390/md21030176 -
Marine Drugs Oct 2023The marine carotenoid astaxanthin is one of the strongest natural antioxidants and therefore is used in a broad range of applications such as cosmetics or...
The marine carotenoid astaxanthin is one of the strongest natural antioxidants and therefore is used in a broad range of applications such as cosmetics or nutraceuticals. To meet the growing market demand, the natural carotenoid producer has been engineered to produce astaxanthin by heterologous expression of genes from the marine bacterium . To exploit this promising source of fermentative and natural astaxanthin, an efficient extraction process using ethanol was established in this study. Appropriate parameters for ethanol extraction were identified by screening ethanol concentration (62.5-97.5% /), temperature (30-70 °C) and biomass-to-solvent ratio (3.8-19.0 mg/mL). The results demonstrated that the optimal extraction conditions were: 90% ethanol, 60 °C, and a biomass-to-solvent ratio of 5.6 mg/mL. In total, 94% of the cellular astaxanthin was recovered and the oleoresin obtained contained 9.4 mg/g astaxanthin. With respect to other carotenoids, further purification of the oleoresin by column chromatography resulted in pure astaxanthin (100%, HPLC). In addition, a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay showed similar activities compared to esterified astaxanthin from microalgae and a nine-fold higher antioxidative activity than synthetic astaxanthin.
Topics: Corynebacterium glutamicum; Fermentation; Carotenoids; Antioxidants; Solvents; Ethanol
PubMed: 37888465
DOI: 10.3390/md21100530 -
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 -
Poultry Science Sep 2021Long-term and graded dose of astaxanthin supplementation in laying hen's diet was assessed for egg fortification. Five groups of laying hens with 8 replications each...
Long-term and graded dose of astaxanthin supplementation in laying hen's diet was assessed for egg fortification. Five groups of laying hens with 8 replications each were fed for 24 wk with diet supplemented astaxanthin at 0 mg/kg (control), 7.1 mg/kg, 14.2 mg/kg, 21.3 mg/kg, and 42.6 mg/kg (Basal, A7, A14, A21, and A42, respectively). The performance of laying hens, egg quality, astaxanthin concentration as well as conversion efficiency and geometric isomers proportion in yolks were assessed on wk 8 and 24. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear and quadratic regression analyses were used to evaluate the dose effect. In parallel, the Student's t test compared the values between wk 8 and wk 24 of test within a group. Overall, the results revealed that neither production performance nor egg physical quality was affected by astaxanthin dose level and feeding duration. Following the supplementation dose, the redness of yolks (a*) increased (P < 0.001). But, the a* score in A42 (23.48) was just 3-folds the a* score in A7 (8.89). Concentration of astaxanthin in eggs was dose-level dependent showing a linear relationship (P < 0.001) with a slight declination observed in all groups on wk 24 compared to wk 8. The deposition rate of astaxanthin into egg yolk was higher in A21 and A42. The proportion of geometric isomers in egg yolk were not affected by the feeding duration. As the supplementation dose increased, all-trans isomer proportion gradually decreased in the egg yolk, while 13-cis isomer proportion rose. It was concluded that astaxanthin is an efficient carotenoid for egg fortification, which can be supplemented in diet up to 42.6 mg/kg for 24 wk without compromising the performance of laying hens or physical quality of eggs. This appreciably affects the egg yolk color and confers a better accumulation of total astaxanthin and cis isomers into eggs as the supplementation dose increases.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Egg Yolk; Eggs; Female; Ovum; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34343906
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101304 -
Journal of Nutritional Science and... 2019Astaxanthin (Asx) is known to be a potent quencher of singlet oxygen and an efficient scavenger of superoxide anion. However, the scavenging activity of Asx toward the... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin (Asx) is known to be a potent quencher of singlet oxygen and an efficient scavenger of superoxide anion. However, the scavenging activity of Asx toward the hydroxyl radical was currently unclear because the high lipophilicity of Asx prevents analysis of such activity in water. Liposomes containing Asx (Asx-lipo) were previously shown to be dispersed in water. Analysis of the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of Asx-lipo demonstrated a dose-dependence in water, with the effect of Asx being more potent than the vitamin E α-tocopherol (α-T). Furthermore, liposomes co-encapsulating Asx and vitamin E derivatives, namely tocotrienols (T3), showed a synergistic elimination effect on singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical, although the antioxidative activity of liposomes co-encapsulating Asx and α-T was lower than the calculated additive value of each independent activity. A calculation of the most stable structure of Asx in the presence of α-T or T3, suggested that only T3 was able to hydrogen bond with Asx, and the Asx polyene chain partially interacting with the α-T3 triene chain, which could explain the synergistic effect between Asx and T3, but not Asx and α-T. This review introduces the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of Asx, and its synergistic effect with T3.
Topics: Antioxidants; Drug Synergism; Liposomes; Superoxides; Tocotrienols; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 31619607
DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.65.S109 -
Marine Drugs Jul 2020Oxidative stress (OS) plays a pivotal role in diabetes mellitus (DM) onset, progression, and chronic complications. Hyperglycemia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress (OS) plays a pivotal role in diabetes mellitus (DM) onset, progression, and chronic complications. Hyperglycemia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to reduce insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, to impair insulin sensitivity and signaling in insulin-responsive tissues, and to alter endothelial cells function in both type 1 and type 2 DM. As a powerful antioxidant without side effects, astaxanthin (ASX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, has been suggested to contribute to the prevention and treatment of DM-associated pathologies. ASX reduces inflammation, OS, and apoptosis by regulating different OS pathways though the exact mechanism remains elusive. Based on several studies conducted on type 1 and type 2 DM animal models, orally or parenterally administrated ASX improves insulin resistance and insulin secretion; reduces hyperglycemia; and exerts protective effects against retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. However, more experimental support is needed to define conditions for its use. Moreover, its efficacy in diabetic patients is poorly explored. In the present review, we aimed to identify the up-to-date biological effects and underlying mechanisms of ASX on the ROS-induced DM-associated metabolic disorders and subsequent complications. The development of an in-depth research to better understand the biological mechanisms involved and to identify the most effective ASX dosage and route of administration is deemed necessary.
Topics: Antioxidants; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Oxidative Stress; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 32660119
DOI: 10.3390/md18070357 -
Microbial Cell Factories Jun 2022Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid with high antioxidant power used in different fields as healthcare, food/feed supplementation and as pigmenting agent in aquaculture....
BACKGROUND
Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid with high antioxidant power used in different fields as healthcare, food/feed supplementation and as pigmenting agent in aquaculture. Primary producers of astaxanthin are some species of microalgae, unicellular photosynthetic organisms, as Haematococcus lacustris. Astaxanthin production by cultivation of Haematococcus lacustris is costly due to low biomass productivity, high risk of contamination and the requirement of downstream extraction processes, causing an extremely high price on the market. Some microalgae species are also primary producers of omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients for humans, being related to cardiovascular wellness, and required for visual and cognitive development. One of the main well-known producers of omega-3 fatty eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is the marine microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana (named also Microchloropsis gaditana): this species has been already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption and it is characterized by a fast grow phenotype.
RESULTS
Here we obtained by chemical mutagenesis a Nannochloropsis gaditana mutant strain, called S4, characterized by increased carotenoid to chlorophyll ratio. S4 strain showed improved photosynthetic activity, increased lipid productivity and increased ketocarotenoids accumulation, producing not only canthaxanthin but also astaxanthin, usually found only in traces in the WT strain. Ketocarotenoids produced in S4 strain were extractible in different organic solvents, with the highest efficiency observed upon microwaves pre-treatment followed by methanol extraction. By cultivation of S4 strain at different irradiances it was possible to produce up to 1.3 and 5.2 mgL day of ketocarotenoids and EPA respectively, in a single cultivation phase, even in absence of stressing conditions. Genome sequencing of S4 strain allowed to identify 199 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP): among the mutated genes, mutations in a carotenoid oxygenase gene and in a glutamate synthase gene could explain the different carotenoids content and the lower chlorophylls content, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
By chemical mutagenesis and selection of strain with increased carotenoids to chlorophyll ratio it was possible to isolate a new Nannochloropsis gaditana strain, called S4 strain, characterized by increased lipids and ketocarotenoids accumulation. S4 strain can thus be considered as novel platform for ketocarotenoids and EPA production for different industrial applications.
Topics: Carotenoids; Chlorophyll; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Microalgae; Stramenopiles; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 35710482
DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01847-9 -
Marine Drugs Mar 2011Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid present in microalgae, fungi, complex plants, seafood, flamingos and quail. It is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory... (Review)
Review
Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid present in microalgae, fungi, complex plants, seafood, flamingos and quail. It is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and as such has potential as a therapeutic agent in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Synthetic forms of astaxanthin have been manufactured. The safety, bioavailability and effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress and inflammation that have relevance to the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, have been assessed in a small number of clinical studies. No adverse events have been reported and there is evidence of a reduction in biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation with astaxanthin administration. Experimental studies in several species using an ischaemia-reperfusion myocardial model demonstrated that astaxanthin protects the myocardium when administered both orally or intravenously prior to the induction of the ischaemic event. At this stage we do not know whether astaxanthin is of benefit when administered after a cardiovascular event and no clinical cardiovascular studies in humans have been completed and/or reported. Cardiovascular clinical trials are warranted based on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties, the safety profile and preliminary experimental cardiovascular studies of astaxanthin.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular Diseases; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Inflammation; Oxidative Stress; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 21556169
DOI: 10.3390/md9030447