Astaxanthin attenuates total body irradiation-induced hematopoietic system injury in mice via inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis

Abstract

BackgroundThe hematopoietic system is especially sensitive to total body irradiation (TBI), and myelosuppression is one of the major effects of TBI. Astaxanthin (ATX) is a powerful natural anti-oxidant with low toxicity. In this study, the effect of ATX on hematopoietic system injury after TBI was investigated.MethodsFlow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression of cytochrome C, cell apoptosis, and NRF2-related proteins. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect Nrf2 translocation. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the expression of apoptotic-related proteins. Enzymatic activities assay kits were used to analyze SOD2, CAT, and GPX1 activities.ResultsCompared with the TBI group, ATX can improve radiation-induced skewed differentiation of peripheral blood cells and accelerate hematopoietic self-renewal and regeneration. The radio-protective effect of ATX is probably attributable to the scavenging of ROS and the reduction of cell apoptosis. These changes were associated with increased activation of Nrf2 and downstream anti-oxidative proteins, and regulation of apoptotic-related proteins.ConclusionsThis study suggests that ATX could be used as a potent therapeutic agent to protect the hematopoietic system against TBI-induced bone marrow suppression.

Oxidative Stress Regulation on Endothelial Cells by Hydrophilic Astaxanthin Complex: Chemical, Biological, and Molecular Antioxidant Activity Evaluation

“…Moreover, we previously showed the CAA protective capacity exerted by algae natural astaxanthin in human endothelial cells subjected to oxidative stress in vitro [ 51 ]. Recently, Xue et al [ 70 ] demonstrated that astaxanthin treatment markedly attenuated mitochondrial ROS produced after total body irradiation. Moreover, a potent mitochondrial ROS reduction had been noticed when using targeted than nontargeted mitochondrial antioxidants in different in vitro and in vivo models [ 64 , 70 – 74 ].…”

“…Recently, Xue et al [ 70 ] demonstrated that astaxanthin treatment markedly attenuated mitochondrial ROS produced after total body irradiation. Moreover, a potent mitochondrial ROS reduction had been noticed when using targeted than nontargeted mitochondrial antioxidants in different in vitro and in vivo models [ 64 , 70 – 74 ]. In contrast to synthetic astaxanthin, natural astaxanthin without purification also contains other carotenoids, and there is no much evidence confirming the fact that these carotenoids act in synergy, in an additive manner or possibly cancel each other [ 17 ].…”

Synthesis, stability and bioavailability of astaxanthin succinate diester

“…10 Furthermore, AST improves liver function 11 and destroys peroxide chain reactions to protect cells from oxidative damage. 12,13 AST also affects ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation as well as desquamation of the epidermis and the extracellular matrix of the dermis. 14 In addition, it improves heart function 15 by increasing the production of antibodies and T-cells, inflammation and age-related macular degeneration.…”

Thioredoxin mitigates radiation-induced hematopoietic stem cell injury in mice

“…Currently, there are very few agents that can effectively rescue HSCs from radiation injury when given after radiation exposure [ 10 ]. Antioxidant and HSC growth factors have limitations, and the major drawback of these agents is that they should be administrated before radiation or immediately after radiation [ 33 – 35 ]. There is an unmet medical need for identifying and developing effective agents that can be used to rescue lethal-dose radiation injury and enhance all-lineage hematopoietic cell recovery when given after irradiation.…”