Astaxanthin supplementation counters exercise-induced decreases in immune-related plasma proteins

Abstract

ObjectivesAstaxanthin is a dark red keto-carotenoid found in aquatic animals such as salmon and shrimp, and algae (Haematococcus pluvialis). Astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure that may facilitate anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects during physiological stress. The primary objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of 4-week ingestion of astaxanthin in moderating exercise-induced inflammation and immune dysfunction using a multi-omics approach.MethodsThis study employed a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design with two 4-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Study participants were randomized to astaxanthin and placebo trials, with supplements ingested daily for 4 weeks prior to running 2.25 h at close to 70%VO2max (including 30 min of 10% downhill running). After the washout period, participants repeated all procedures using the counterbalanced supplement. The astaxanthin capsule contained 8 mg of algae astaxanthin. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), immediately post-exercise, and at 1.5, 3, and 24 h-post-exercise. Plasma aliquots were assayed using untargeted proteomics, and targeted oxylipin and cytokine panels.ResultsThe 2.25 h running bout induced significant muscle soreness, muscle damage, and inflammation. Astaxanthin supplementation had no effect on exercise-induced muscle soreness, muscle damage, and increases in six plasma cytokines and 42 oxylipins. Notably, astaxanthin supplementation countered exercise-induced decreases in 82 plasma proteins (during 24 h recovery). Biological process analysis revealed that most of these proteins were involved in immune-related functions such as defense responses, complement activation, and humoral immune system responses. Twenty plasma immunoglobulins were identified that differed significantly between the astaxanthin and placebo trials. Plasma levels of IgM decreased significantly post-exercise but recovered after the 24 h post-exercise recovery period in the astaxanthin but not the placebo trial.DiscussionThese data support that 4-week astaxanthin versus placebo supplementation did not counter exercise-induced increases in plasma cytokines and oxylipins but was linked to normalization of post-exercise plasma levels of numerous immune-related proteins including immunoglobulins within 24 h. Short-term astaxanthin supplementation (8 mg/day during a 4-week period) provided immune support for runners engaging in a vigorous 2.25 h running bout and uniquely countered decreases in plasma immunoglobulin levels.

Blueberry Intake Elevates Post-Exercise Anti- inflammatory Oxylipins: A Randomized Trial

“…EPA and DHA supplementation was linked to increases in SPM intermediates but without changes in plasma SPMs including resolvins, maresins, or protectins. The oxylipin measurement system used in the current study included standards for most of the important SPMs and was sensitive enough to measure their concentrations in plasma if present, but only two were detected (protectin D1 and 7(R) maresin-1) [5,[22][23][24]. SPMs have a well-defined role in inflammation resolution but these oxylipins may not accumulate in the plasma or muscle tissue during and following stressful exercise workloads [5,16].…”

“…Relatively few acute and chronic exercise-based studies have been conducted using oxylipins as a primary outcome measure [5,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. In general, the acute post-exercise increase in plasma levels of oxylipins is more diverse and greater with prolonged and intensive cardiorespiratory exercise (e.g., 2-3 h of cycling and running) than with resistance-based exercise bouts [5,[16][17][18][22][23][24]. After 2-3 h of intensive cycling or running, plasma oxylipins peak between 0-and 1.5 h post-exercise and then fall to near-pre-exercise levels by 5 h post-exercise [22].…”

“…Nutrition supplements including arachidonic fatty acids, sports beverages, bananas, blueberries, almonds, aronia citrus juice, and astaxanthin been investigated for their potential influence on the oxylipin response to varying exercise modes and workloads [5,15,18,[22][23][24]. Carbohydrate intake from sports beverages or bananas consumed during exercise (0.8 g/kg each hour of exercise) exerted strong effects in reducing plasma concentrations of ARA-CYP proinflammatory oxylipins after exhausting endurance exercise [5,22].…”

“…Emerging evidence indicates that lipid mediators are involved in initiating, mediating, and resolving exercise-2 induced muscle tissue injury, inflammation, and metabolic stress [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. Previous studies indicate that increases in inflammatory cytokines and oxylipins following prolonged and intensive running or cycling can be countered through carbohydrate ingestion, with the largest effects seen for ARA-CYP-derived oxylipins [5,22].…”

Blueberry intake elevates post-exercise anti-inflammatory oxylipins: a randomized trial

“…Emerging evidence indicates that lipid mediators are involved in initiating, mediating, and resolving exercise-induced muscle tissue injury, inflammation, and metabolic stress 15 – 24 . Previous studies indicate that increases in inflammatory cytokines and oxylipins following prolonged and intensive running or cycling can be countered through carbohydrate ingestion, with the largest effects seen for ARA-CYP-derived oxylipins 5 , 22 .…”