The Role of Astaxanthin on Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Natural astaxanthin exists widely in algae, fungi, shrimp and crab, and, as a strong antioxidant, has potential effects on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, liver diseases and other physical health diseases. The treatment of many diseases involves the body’s signal transduction to regulate the body’s antioxidant defense system and inflammation. Astaxanthin is usually used as a dietary supplement, which plays an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role in the organism. This article reviews the structure, source of astaxanthin and how it plays an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant role in organisms, especially in treating diabetes.

Astaxanthin Inhibits Diabetes-Triggered Periodontal Destruction, Ameliorates Oxidative Complications in STZ-Injected Mice, and Recovers Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidant System

“…Hyperglycemia triggers various degenerative and inflammatory healthy complications. Numerous studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of ASTX on diabetes-associated chronic diseases [16]. Several studies indicate that in addition to anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, ASTX attenuates hyperglycemic conditions in diabetic animal models [26].…”

“…While hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress and inflammatory activation, inflammatory response itself also stimulates cellular ROS generation and accumulation [2,16]. To further explore the possible mechanisms by which ASTX protects diabetes-triggered periodontal destruction, we determined the expression levels of several markers corresponding to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation in periodontal tissue samples by IHC.…”

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated biological, medicinal, and pharmacological activities of naturally occurring antioxidants such as carotenoids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Especially, astaxanthin (3,3 -dihydroxy-β,β -carotene-4,4 -dione; ASTX) exhibits stronger antioxidant activity than other types of carotenoids [16]. Studies have shown that ASTX treatment ameliorates DM complications via ROS scavenging [16], anti-inflammatory action [17,18], activation of antioxidant defense systems [19,20], and upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) [21].…”

“…Especially, astaxanthin (3,3 -dihydroxy-β,β -carotene-4,4 -dione; ASTX) exhibits stronger antioxidant activity than other types of carotenoids [16]. Studies have shown that ASTX treatment ameliorates DM complications via ROS scavenging [16], anti-inflammatory action [17,18], activation of antioxidant defense systems [19,20], and upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) [21]. ASTX also exhibited protective roles on cancer, aging, and the development of degenerative pathologies in various organs [16].…”

“…Studies have shown that ASTX treatment ameliorates DM complications via ROS scavenging [16], anti-inflammatory action [17,18], activation of antioxidant defense systems [19,20], and upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) [21]. ASTX also exhibited protective roles on cancer, aging, and the development of degenerative pathologies in various organs [16]. These reports suggest that ASTX exerts preventive and/or attenuating potentials on the development of DM and DM-associated inflammatory complications.…”