Astaxanthin: A Potential Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in Diseases and with Aging

Abstract

Oxidative stress is characterized by an imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant species, leading to macromolecular damage and disruption of redox signaling and cellular control. It is a hallmark of various diseases including metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and age-related diseases. Several mitochondrial defects have been considered to contribute to the development of oxidative stress and known as the major mediators of the aging process and subsequent age-associated diseases. Thus, mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants should prevent or slow down these processes and prolong longevity. This is the reason why antioxidant treatments are extensively studied and newer and newer compounds with such an effect appear. Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is the most abundant carotenoid in marine organisms and is one of the most powerful natural compounds with remarkable antioxidant activity. Here, we summarize its antioxidant targets, effects, and benefits in diseases and with aging.

<p>Mitochondrial Dynamic Dysfunction as a Main Triggering Factor for Inflammation Associated Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases</p>

“…97,98 Reducing cellular and mitochondrial membrane and DNA damage and loss of membrane integrity is important in preventing loss of cellular energy and regulating cellular life span. 99 Since oxidative stress is the consequence of imbalance between pro-and antioxidants species, supplements containing dietary antioxidants and some accessory molecules, such as zinc and certain vitamins, are important in maintaining freeradical scavenging systems, biosynthetic capacity, membranes, enzymes and DNA. 100 Utility of oral mitochondrial replacement supplements, such as replacement glycerol phospholipids, l-carnitine, alpha-Lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, NADH, pyrroloquinoline quinone and other 96 mitochondrial supplements also improves mitochondrial function.…”

Improved Tetanic Force and Mitochondrial Calcium Homeostasis by Astaxanthin Treatment in Mouse Skeletal Muscle

“…AX is extensively produced by krill, arctic shrimp, and algal species such as Haematococcus pluvialis and also by the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma [27]. A recent review summarizes the beneficial effect of this special fat soluble carotenoid with strong antioxidant capacity, including its impact on muscle physiology [28]. There are cumulating data suggesting that AX can reduce oxidative stress and prevent against mitochondrial damage by permeating through mitochondrial membranes, which is a unique feature among antioxidants [29,30].…”

Haematococcus pluvialis-Derived Astaxanthin Is a Potential Neuroprotective Agent against Optic Nerve Ischemia

“…It is abundant in particular natural resources, such as salmon, trout, shrimp, and algae. Astaxanthin can decrease ROS-mediated cellular toxicity [9], and has been proven in the literature to possess anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects [10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. In the eye, astaxanthin has demonstrated a protective effect on UV-induced photokeratitis via anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activity [17].…”