Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review)

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases; thus, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that modulate redox balance have become research targets so as to evaluate their molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic properties. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid of the xanthophyll group, has potent antioxidant properties due to its molecular structure and its arrangement in the plasma membrane, factors that favor the neutralization of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This carotenoid also has prominent anti-inflammatory activity, possibly interrelated with its antioxidant effect, and is also involved in the modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Considering the potential beneficial effects of astaxanthin on cardiovascular health evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies, the aim of the present review was to describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this carotenoid in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. The beneficial properties and safety profile of astaxanthin indicate that this compound may be used for preventing progression or as an adjuvant in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Microorganisms: A Potential Source of Bioactive Molecules for Antioxidant Applications

“…In the presence of oxidative stress, Nrf2 dissociates from Keap1, translocates into the nucleus, binds to the ARE, and induces the expression of Phase II enzymes, as shown in Figure 6 . Astaxanthin prevents lipid peroxidation by activating antioxidant enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, namely thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and paraoxonase-1 [ 147 , 148 , 149 ]. Pongkan et al [ 150 ] depicted higher levels of mtROS production, mitochondrial depolarization, and swelling in mitochondria isolated from the ischemic myocardium of mice astaxanthin treatment decreases mtROS production, mitochondria depolarization, and swelling.…”

Molecules and Mechanisms to Overcome Oxidative Stress Inducing Cardiovascular Disease in Cancer Patients

“…Astaxanthin, a carotenoid of the xanthophyll group, has important applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetics, food and feed industries [ 103 , 155 , 156 ]. Chemical structure of astaxanthin includes two oxygenated groups, hydroxyl and carbonyl, in each a ionone ring displays some unique properties such as more effective antioxidative activity and polar configuration as compared to other carotenoids [ 103 , 104 , 155 , 156 , 157 , 158 ]. Moreover, astaxanthin exerts some anti-inflammatory effects and modulates the lipid and glucose metabolisms [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ].…”

“…Chemical structure of astaxanthin includes two oxygenated groups, hydroxyl and carbonyl, in each a ionone ring displays some unique properties such as more effective antioxidative activity and polar configuration as compared to other carotenoids [ 103 , 104 , 155 , 156 , 157 , 158 ]. Moreover, astaxanthin exerts some anti-inflammatory effects and modulates the lipid and glucose metabolisms [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ]. In reason of these multiple pleiotropic effects, several studies have demonstrated that astaxanthin can delay the onset and progression of various CVD such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and dyslipidemia [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 159 , 160 , 161 , 162 ].…”

“…Moreover, astaxanthin exerts some anti-inflammatory effects and modulates the lipid and glucose metabolisms [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ]. In reason of these multiple pleiotropic effects, several studies have demonstrated that astaxanthin can delay the onset and progression of various CVD such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and dyslipidemia [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 159 , 160 , 161 , 162 ]. Considering the extensive evidence reported in the literature about its benefit–risk profile, astaxanthin has been approved as a nutraceutical by the United States Food and Drug Administration [ 163 ].…”

Novel Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems Containing Astaxanthin for Topical Skin Delivery

“…ASX has attracted interest due to its reported therapeutic effects in a range of health conditions [5]. This includes the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases [2,[6][7][8], neurological diseases [9][10][11], ocular disorders [12,13], cancer [14] and improving dermal health [15,16]. ASX derived from the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the main source for human applications including dietary supplements, cosmetics, and food.…”