The effect of aging on the antioxidative activity of astaxanthin in human aqueous humor

Abstract

We previously evaluated the antioxidative effects of astaxanthin intake in the aqueous humor by measuring reactive oxygen species related parameters, including O 2•scavenging activity, H 2 O 2 level, and total hydroperoxides level. In this study, we analyzed the antioxidative effects of astaxanthin in relation to age in 16 males and 19 females (average age 71.3 and 70.6, respectively) who underwent bilateral cataract surgery on one side before and the other side after astaxanthin intake (6 mg/day for 2 weeks). None of the parameters correlated with age before astaxanthin intake, but only total hydroperoxides level was significantly correlated after the astaxanthin intake (r = 0.4, p<0.05). Total hydroperoxides levels were similar in younger and older patients (<70 vs ≥70 years) before astaxanthin, but decreased significantly more in younger patients (-0.21 ± 0.18 vs -0.05 ± 0.31, p<0.05) after the intake, resulting in significantly different levels (p<0.05). The previously observed decrease in mean total hydroperoxides levels following astaxanthin intake was therefore considered likely to be attributable to a greater response in younger subjects. Given that total hydroperoxides levels reflect general antioxidative status, astaxanthin intake may exert a greater antioxidative effect in younger patients. Further comparative studies involving younger subjects and different astaxanthin doses are needed.

Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study

“…Tension of the ciliary muscles may lead to reduced accommodation ability, resulting in asthenopia and reduced visual acuity. (39,40) Astaxanthin has been reported to have antioxidant effects (14,15,27) and has been shown to cross the bloodbrain barrier, (27) suggesting its involvement in the mechanism. In a clinical study, 16 male patients (mean age, 71.3 years) and 19 female patients (mean age, 70.6 years) who underwent bilateral cataract surgery received oral Haematococcus-derived astaxanthin (6 mg/day) for 2 weeks; astaxanthin affected O 2 •− scavenging activity in the aqueous humor of the female patients, suggesting that it may be involved in changes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the anterior eye.…”

“…(14) Hashimoto et al reported that the total hydroperoxide level was similar in younger patients (<70 years old) and older patients (≥70 years old) before taking astaxanthin but decreased significantly in younger patients after intake. (15) In one experiment performed on rats, astaxanthin was detected in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex after a single dose. (27) This suggests that the antioxidant capacity of astaxanthin reduces brain ROS from stress induced by VDT work, leading to reduced blood ROS, resulting in reduced tension of the ciliary muscle.…”

“…It has been reported that astaxanthin has various positive effects such as an improvement in visual regulatory function, (11) the prevention of arteriosclerosis, (12) and antioxidant effects. (13)(14)(15) Astaxanthin has also been reported to prevent brain aging and improve memory by its antioxidant effects as it can cross the blood-brain barrier. (16,17) In terms of ophthalmology, astaxanthin has been shown to influence levels of oxidation-related parameters in the aqueous humor.…”

“…(14) This is particularly important when considering the role of oxidative reactions in various eye disorders. (15) Astaxanthin available in the market can be classified into the following two types based on the structure: fatty-acid esterified astaxanthin and free astaxanthin. Astaxanthin extracted from Haematococcus and krill is esterified.…”

Recent Advancements of Astaxanthin from an Animal Feed to a Therapeutic Agent in Humans—A Meta-Analysis Overview

“…Aqueous humor samples were collected immediately after the surgery for analysis. The analytical results showed astaxanthin intake significantly reduced total hyperoxides in younger patients because of its antioxidative scavenging effect [51].…”