Effect of Astaxanthin on Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Effects of Astaxanthin Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis-induced Mice

Abstract

Background: This study sought to determine whether the antioxidant effects of astaxanthin (AST) could have an anti-inflammatory effect to reduce inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis (AD).Methods: Using a mouse model of AD induced by phtalic acid (PA), the levels of inflammation, inflammatory agents, and evidence of antioxidant activity were examined in PA treated mice (n = 3), PA-AST treated mice (n = 3), and a control group of mice (n = 3). This included measurements of ear thickness, levels of mast cells, IgE, inflammatory cytokine, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide, HO-1, and GPx-1.Results: AST treatment significantly prevented inflammation as measured by ear thickness (<i>p</i> < 0.05), mast cell count (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and IgE concentration in the blood (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Levels of TNF-α (<i>p</i> < 0.001), IL-1β (<i>p</i> < 0.001), IL-6 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and MDA (<i>p</i> < 0.05) were also significantly lower. In addition, GSH levels increased significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and the level of hydrogen peroxide significantly reduced (<i>p</i> < 0.01). The expression of HO-1, GPx-1 increased.Conclusion: In this small experimental study, AST acted on inflammatory mechanisms that induced AD, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, and is a candidate of interest in the clinical treatment of AD.

Effects of Dietary Components on Mast Cells: Possible Use as Nutraceuticals for Allergies?

“…Topical application of free astaxanthin in a phthalic anhydride (PA)-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model reduced the MC infiltration into the dermis. MC numbers (≈70%), serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β cytokines, and IgE concentrations were also reduced [80,81]. In addition, astaxanthin suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX-2 expression [81], and malondialdehyde production [46], indicating reduced oxidative stress in atopic dermatitis mice.…”

“…In addition, astaxanthin suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX-2 expression [81], and malondialdehyde production [46], indicating reduced oxidative stress in atopic dermatitis mice. Conversely, astaxanthin treatment increased the levels of antioxidant biomarkers such as glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) [80,81]. In contrast, oral administration of astaxanthin reduced the total number of MC (≈50%) less effectively than topical administration (≈70%) [80] and did not alter the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β [83].…”

“…Conversely, astaxanthin treatment increased the levels of antioxidant biomarkers such as glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) [80,81]. In contrast, oral administration of astaxanthin reduced the total number of MC (≈50%) less effectively than topical administration (≈70%) [80] and did not alter the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β [83]. A study by Lee et al (2020) demonstrated that topical liposomal astaxanthin treatment showed greater efficacy in preventing inflammatory cytokine release and oxidative stress in a PA-induced atopic dermatitis model by about 20-30% compared to free astaxanthin [82].…”