Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Paraoxonase 1 Activities and Oxidative Stress Status in Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of astaxanthin (Asx) on paraoxonase (PON1) activities and oxidative stress status in soccer players. Forty soccer players were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to Asx and placebo (P) group. Blood samples were obtained before, 45 and 90 days after supplementation. PON1 activity was assessed by using two substrates: paraoxon and diazoxon. The oxidative stress biomarkers were also examined: total sulphydryl group content (-SH groups), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products and redox balance. The significant interaction effect of supplementation and training (p < 0.05) on PON1 activity toward paraoxon was observed. The PON1 activity toward diazoxon increased in Asx group after 90 days (p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in P group. SH groups content rose from pre- to post-supplementation period only in Asx group (supplementation and training, p < 0.05; training, p < 0.01). TBARS levels decreased after 45 days and increased after 90 days of regular soccer training in both groups (training, p < 0.001). Redox balance decreased significantly in response to the regular training, regardless of treatment group (training, p < 0.001). Asx supplementation might increase total SH groups content and improve PON1 activity through protection of free thiol groups against oxidative modification.

Free Radical Scavenging and Cellular Antioxidant Properties of Astaxanthin

“…PON1 is a hepatic enzyme which prevents and/or delays the oxidation of LDL [ 33 ]. Thus, the prevention of plasma lipid peroxidation in humans due to astaxanthin, as reported by Barlic and co-workers [ 34 ], may be partly mediated by an induction of paraoxonase-1. Recently, it has been shown that PON1 also counteracts oxidative stress induced by mercury chloride, thereby offering a beneficial strategy against HgCl 2 toxicity [ 35 ] which may be of particular interest for fish nutrition.…”

Role of NRF2 in protection of the gastrointestinal tract against oxidative stress

“…( 95 ) Although some clinical studies have shown that intake of astaxanthin improves biomarkers of systemic oxidative stress, the effects on GI diseases have not been extensively studied. ( 96 , 97 ) However, a recent clinical trial has demonstrated that higher dose of astaxanthin, 40 mg/day, reduced reflux symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but had no curative effects on functional dyspepsia. ( 98 ) Further studies are required regarding the clinical efficacy of astaxanthin to treat oxidative stress-induced GI disorders.…”

Potential Anti-Atherosclerotic Properties of Astaxanthin

“…It was reported that regular physical activity might increase PON1 activity [ 26 ]. Astaxanthin supplementation (4 mg/day) for 90 days showed a beneficial effect in improving PON1 activity as well as the total sulphydryl group content in young soccer players [ 27 ]. The same researchers also reported that post-exercise creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly lower in their astaxanthin group compared to a placebo group [ 28 ].…”