A smart cauliflower-like carrier for astaxanthin delivery to relieve colon inflammation

Chemical Features and Biological Effects of Astaxanthin Extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow: Focus on Gastrointestinal System

“…The treatment of human macrophages with krill oil-rich in PUFAs and astaxanthin-resulted in a reduction in LPS-induced IL-1β and TNF-α expression in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Astaxanthin also decreased the amount of Rickettsiales and several Lactobacillus species and, at the same time, appeared to increase the presence of Firmicutes and Lactobacillaceae in the bowel [31][32][33]. In two recent studies, astaxanthin has been shown to provide important protection toward intestinal mucosa by decreasing oxidative stress, stimulating calyciform cells and increasing IgA secretion.…”

“…In two recent studies, astaxanthin has been shown to provide important protection toward intestinal mucosa by decreasing oxidative stress, stimulating calyciform cells and increasing IgA secretion. In addition, it decreased the loss of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria and affected Clostridium coccoides and Enterobacteriaceae: as a result, key metabolites of the gut microbiota, including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and other short-chain fatty acids, were indirectly increased, thereby improving gut function and immunity [33,34]. Further studies confirm that astaxanthin positively modulates the composition of the gut microbiota by optimizing the ratio Bacteroides/Firmicutes while improving the abundance of Akkermansia and Verrucomicrobia species, which protect the gut from pathogens [35][36][37].…”

Mucoadhesive Hydrogel with Anti-gastric Acid and Sustained-Release Functions for Amelioration of DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis

“…The histological scores of colons were in accordance with the method reported by Zhang et al, according to the severity of mucosal inflammation, the degree of crypt damage, and the degree of epithelial damage. 48 Immunostaining. Colon tissue sections with a thickness of 4 μm were used for immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical evaluation.…”

Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Astaxanthin on Gastrointestinal Diseases

“…It is noteworthy that AST-Alg displayed a better protective effect on the colitis treatment compared to an oil-in-water emulsion form of AST, suggesting that a tissue-targeted delivery system could augment the potency of AST. In another study conducted by Zhang et al, AST-loaded nanocarriers utilizing cauliflower-like carriers were prepared, and the particles were examined in in vitro and DSS-treated mice [ 146 ]. In vitro studies showed that AST-loaded nanocarriers more effectively targeted mitochondria than a free form of AST, which significantly improved the internalization of AST and reduced ROS production in the mitochondria.…”

“…In vitro studies showed that AST-loaded nanocarriers more effectively targeted mitochondria than a free form of AST, which significantly improved the internalization of AST and reduced ROS production in the mitochondria. In vivo studies using DSS-treated BALB/c mice further showed that AST-loaded nanocarriers (250 mg/kg; 13 days) protected the colon tissue integrity by inhibiting expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, MPO, and iNOS and by activating the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), which is an intestinal tight junction protein [ 146 ].…”