Effects of 3-Month Astaxanthin Supplementation on Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction-A Pilot Study

Abstract

Astaxanthin has strong antioxidant properties. We conducted a prospective pilot study on heart failure (HF) patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction to investigate improvements in cardiac function and exercise tolerance in relation to suppression of oxidative stress by 3-month astaxanthin supplementation. Oxidative stress markers—serum Diacron reactive oxygen metabolite (dROM), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), and urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentrations, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) were assessed before and after 3-month astaxanthin supplementation. Finally, the data of 16 HF patients were analyzed. Following 3-month astaxanthin supplementation, dROM level decreased from 385.6 ± 82.6 U.CARR to 346.5 ± 56.9 U.CARR (p = 0.041) despite no changes in BAP and urinary 8-OHdG levels. LVEF increased from 34.1 ± 8.6% to 38.0 ± 10.0% (p = 0.031) and 6MWD increased from 393.4 ± 95.9 m to 432.8 ± 93.3 m (p = 0.023). Significant relationships were observed between percent changes in dROM level and those in LVEF. In this study, following 3-month astaxanthin supplementation, suppressed oxidative stress and improved cardiac contractility and exercise tolerance were observed in HF patients with LV systolic dysfunction. Correlation between suppression of oxidative stress and improvement of cardiac contractility suggests that suppression of oxidative stress by astaxanthin supplementation had therapeutic potential to improve cardiac functioning.

Astaxanthin: The possible effects of this carotenoid on disease, inflammation and aging control. A meta-analysis

“…This process reduces the generation of mitochondrial superoxide, reduces telomere shortening [30] . This shows that the mitochondrial production of ROS acts as one of the causes of replicative senescence [45] . Passos et al also reported that by classifying early senescent cells from cultures of young proliferating fibroblasts, they showed that these cells have higher ROS levels, dysfunctional mitochondria, and shorter telomeres.…”

“…By observing the effects of AXT in the control of many inflammatory processes, its therapeutic potential involving MS were observed in this review. The study by Kato et al (2020) showed that the administration of 12mg of ATX decreased the oxidative stress in the serum marker Diacron reactive oxygen metabolite (dROM) in heart failure patients, although the urinary marker 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) did not present significant changes [48] . On the other hand, the randomized study by demonstrated that the administration of 8mg of ATX for 8 weeks in human health female dramatically reduced DNA damage biomarker 8-OHdG as well as the blood inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) [49] .…”

Astaxanthin: An algae-based natural compound with a potential role in human health-promoting effect: An updated comprehensive review

“…In addition, regular consumption of ASX led to a significant decrease in the levels of LDLcholesterol and apolipoprotein B [12]. A pilot clinical study conducted by Kato et al [24] on 16 patients with a risk of heart failure who were taking 12 mg of ASX supplementation daily for 3 months [24]. Researchers have assessed 6-min walk distance, blood pressure, BMI, left ventricular ejection fraction, heart rate, and numerous oxidative stress markers, including urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, biological antioxidant potential, and the diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROM).…”

Astaxanthin Ameliorates high-fat diet-induced cardiac damage and fibrosis by upregulating and activating SIRT1

“…microalgae, crayfish, salmon, and shrimp) and is known for its powerful antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties ( Landon et al, 2020 ). The cardioprotective effects of ASX have been reported in humans and animals ( Fassett and Coombes, 2011 , Fassett and Coombes, 2012 , Kato et al, 2020 ). In this review, 3-months supplementation of ASX to patients with HF improved the LV ejection fraction (LVEF), extended their 6-min walking distance, and decreased markers of oxidative stress ( Kato et al, 2020 ).…”

“…The cardioprotective effects of ASX have been reported in humans and animals ( Fassett and Coombes, 2011 , Fassett and Coombes, 2012 , Kato et al, 2020 ). In this review, 3-months supplementation of ASX to patients with HF improved the LV ejection fraction (LVEF), extended their 6-min walking distance, and decreased markers of oxidative stress ( Kato et al, 2020 ). Also, ASX prevented cardiac muscle damage and preserved left ventricular LV function after heavy exercise, ischemia/reperfusion, and myocardial infarction (MI)-induced cardiac injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation ( Adluri et al, 2013 , Aoi et al, 2003 , Gross and Lockwood, 2004 , Gross and Lockwood, 2005 ).…”