Astaxanthin Is Able to Prevent Alcohol-Induced Dysfunction of Liver Mitochondria

Abstract

The search for new targets for the pathological action of ethanol remains an urgent task of biomedicine. Since degenerative changes in the liver are associated with the development of oxidative stress, antioxidants are promising agents for the treatment of alcohol-related diseases. In this work, we studied the ability of the carotenoid antioxidant, astaxanthin (AX), to prevent ethanol-induced changes in the liver of rats. It was shown that AX is able to protect the structure of mitochondria from degenerative changes caused by ethanol to improve mitochondrial functions. AX positively influences the activity and expression of proteins of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and ATPase. In addition, a protective effect of AX on the rate and activity of mitochondrial respiration was demonstrated in the work. Thus, studies have shown that AX is involved in protective mechanisms in response to ethanol-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Effect of erastin and G3139 on rat liver mitochondria in chronic alcoholic intoxication

“…Currently, certain evidence exists that mPTP does not have permanent structural components, and in different situations, different protein components and channels may be involved in its formation [24][25][26]. Based on results of recent studies conducted in our laboratory, we have hypothesized the existence of a compensatory system formed by mPTP regulatory proteins (CNP, VDAC, TSPO) in the liver mitochondria under conditions of chronic alcoholism [14,27,28].…”

Alcohol and the mechanisms of liver disease

“…Antioxidants such as vitamin E, N-acetylcysteine, and S-adenosylmethionine have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve liver function in patients with ALD. 78,79 Several mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, such as MitoQ, have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and liver injury in preclinical studies. 80 Also, focusing on upstream of ROS generating pathways has been thought as options for drug development.…”

“…Since increased oxidative stress by ROS and mitochondrial malfunctions are two prominent and direct damage caused by alcohol metabolism, antioxidants and mitochondrial‐targeted therapy on ALD should be two most promising fields. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, N‐acetylcysteine, and S‐adenosylmethionine have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve liver function in patients with ALD 78,79 . Several mitochondrial‐targeted antioxidants, such as MitoQ, have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and liver injury in preclinical studies 80 .…”