Carotenoids from Starfish Patiria pectinifera: Therapeutic Activity in Models of Inflammatory Diseases

Abstract

The carotenoids mixture (MC) isolated from the starfish Patiria. pectinifera contains more than 50% astaxanthin, 4–6% each zeaxanthine and lutein, and less pharmacologically active components such as free fatty acids and their glycerides. Astaxanthin, the major component of MC, belongs to the xanthophyll class of carotenoids, and is well known for its antioxidant properties. In this work, in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological activity of MC were carried out. The complex was shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and cancer-preventive activity, without any toxicity at a dose of 500 mg/kg. MC effectively improves the clinical picture of the disease progressing, as well as normalizing the cytokine profile and the antioxidant defense system in the in vivo animal models of inflammatory diseases, namely: skin carcinogenesis, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and systemic inflammation (SI). In the skin carcinogenesis induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, the incidence of papillomas was decreased 1.5 times; 1% MC ointment form in allergic contact dermatitis showed an 80% reduced severity of pathomorphological skin manifestations. Obtained results show that MC from starfish P. pectinifera is an effective remedy for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory processes.

Recent Advances in the Therapeutic Potential of Carotenoids in Preventing and Managing Metabolic Disorders

“…Some of these drugs or supplements currently available in international markets include Pregvit ® , Soriatane ® , and Epuris ® , which are indicated for reducing photosensitivity in patients, treating psoriasis, and managing severe recalcitrant nodular acne, respectively [ 19 ]. Due to their clinical safety and tolerability, carotenoids have been suggested as important adjuvant drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 [ 20 ], melanoma [ 21 ], breast cancer [ 22 ], diabetic retinopathy [ 23 ], and MetS [ 24 ].…”