The effect of astaxanthin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and peroxidation reactions in the aqueous humor

Abstract

We explored the effect of astaxanthin on vascular endothelial growth factor in the aqueous humor, by measuring vascular endothelial growth factor levels and oxidation-related parameters, including O2•− scavenging activity, H2O2 level, and total hydroperoxide level in the aqueous humor, obtained from 35 patients before and after astaxanthin administration. We evaluated the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor and the oxidation-related parameters as well as the patient’s diabetic status, age, and sex. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels did not change significantly but O2•− scavenging activity and total hydroperoxide level significantly (p<0.05) increased and decreased, respectively. Both pre- and post- astaxanthin intake, vascular endothelial growth factor and total hydroperoxide levels were positively correlated (Pearson: r = 0.42, p<0.05; r = 0.55, p<0.01, respectively). Analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor levels and O2•− scavenging activities gave a negative correlation but only pre-astaxanthin intake (r = −0.37, p<0.05). Differences in levels pre- and post-astaxanthin only showed association between vascular endothelial growth factor and total hydroperoxide (r = 0.49, p<0.01) analyzed by multiple linear regression. Using multivariate analysis, pre-astaxanthin vascular endothelial growth factor level was associated with two factors of total hydroperoxide and O2•− scavenging activity (r = 0.49, p<0.05), and post-astaxanthin vascular endothelial growth factor level with two factors of total hydroperoxide and sex (r = 0.60, p<0.01). Astaxanthin intake may have affected vascular endothelial growth factor level through its antioxidant effects by increasing O2•− scavenging activity and suppressing peroxide production.

Astaxanthin Protects Retinal Photoreceptor Cells against High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress by Induction of Antioxidant Enzymes via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Pathway

“…Systemic AST supplementation could function in the eye and potentially protect the retina from various diseases by reducing oxidative stress. Oral AST supplementation has been used in previous randomized controlled trials and was found to suppress the aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor levels and peroxide production in humans [64,65]. An earlier trial using AST in combination with lutein and other antioxidants also reported improved central visual function in patients with age-related macular degeneration [66].…”

Effects of astaxanthin on VEGF level and antioxidation in human aqueous humor: difference by sex

“…•scavenging activity and H 2 O 2 and TH level) and VEGF level. (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17) The relationships between these parameters and VEGF level were analyzed according to sex before and after AX intake. Correlations between parameters were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, and quantitative changes before and after AX intake were analyzed using Wilcoxon's signed rank sum test.…”

“…•-, H 2 O 2 , and TH). (12) We further performed multivariate analysis on the contributions of factors such as sex, age, and diabetic status of patients to the levels of VEGF in the aqueous humor and to the change in VEGF levels following AX intake. Our findings were: (i) that the primary factor affecting VEGF levels in the aqueous humor before and after the AX intake is TH, and that the levels of VEGF in the aqueous humor and TH correlated with each other; and (ii) that a secondary factor affecting VEGF levels in the aqueous humor before AX intake is superoxide (O 2…”

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

“…•scavenging activity and suppression of peroxide formation, (11) while VEGF levels were related to total hydroperoxides levels in the aqueous humor and AX intake affected O 2…”

“…We previously reported several findings, (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12) including a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect of AX after cataract surgery. (6) AX intake also increased superoxide (O 2…”