![Stereoisomers of astaxanthin [41].](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Fassett/publication/221847190/figure/fig1/AS:305586769022989@1449868971760/Stereoisomers-of-astaxanthin-41_Q320.jpg)
![Three stereoisomers of the derivative DDA [40].](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Robert-Fassett/publication/221847190/figure/fig2/AS:305586769022990@1449868971781/Three-stereoisomers-of-the-derivative-DDA-40_Q320.jpg)
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Astaxanthin in Cardiovascular Health and Disease
Abstract and Figures
Oxidative stress and inflammation are established processes contributing to cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis. However, antioxidant therapies tested in cardiovascular disease such as vitamin E, C and β-carotene have proved unsuccessful at reducing cardiovascular events and mortality. Although these outcomes may reflect limitations in trial design, new, more potent antioxidant therapies are being pursued. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in microalgae, fungi, complex plants, seafood, flamingos and quail is one such agent. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Limited, short duration and small sample size studies have assessed the effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers and have investigated bioavailability and safety. So far no significant adverse events have been observed and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation are attenuated with astaxanthin supplementation. Experimental investigations in a range of species using a cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion model demonstrated cardiac muscle preservation when astaxanthin is administered either orally or intravenously prior to the induction of ischaemia. Human clinical cardiovascular studies using astaxanthin therapy have not yet been reported. On the basis of the promising results of experimental cardiovascular studies and the physicochemical and antioxidant properties and safety profile of astaxanthin, clinical trials should be undertaken.
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... 6 Use of AsX as a nutraceutical encompasses several health benefits such as prevention of cardiovascular disease, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects, protection for the skin, eye health promotion, antidiabetic and potential anticancer properties. 5,7,8 DHA is an omega-3, long chain Polyunsaturated Fatty cid mostly present in deep water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardine and tuna. 9 The potential beneficial effects encompass neuroprotection, cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-asthmatic and immune-boosting properties. ...
Nutrition is the critical nongenetic factor that has a major influence on the health status of an organism. The nutritional status of the mother during gestation and lactation plays a vital role in defining the offspring’s health. Undernutrition during these critical periods may induce chronic metabolic disorders like obesity and cardiovascular diseases in mothers as well as in offspring. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of undernutrition during gestational and lactational periods on the plasma metabolic profile of dams. Additionally, we investigated the potential synergistic mitigating effects of astaxanthin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on dysregulated plasma metabolic profiles. Evaluation of plasma lipid profile revealed that undernourishment resulted in elevated levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density and very low-density lipoproteins in dams. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) based untargeted metabolomics illustrated that pathways related to lipid metabolism, such as cholesterol metabolism, steroid biosynthesis and metabolism of amine-derived hormones, were dysregulated by undernourishment. Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis predicted that there is a high incidence of development of desmosterolosis, hypercholesterolaemia, lysosomal acid lipase deficiency and Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome in the offspring, reflecting predisposition in mothers. However, synergistic supplementation of astaxanthin and DHA ameliorated these adverse effects by regulating a separate set of metabolic pathways associated with lipid metabolism. They included branched chain amino acid degradation such as valine, leucine and isoleucine, metabolism of alpha-linolenic acid, lipoic acid, lysine degradation, biosynthesis, elongation and degradation of fatty acids.
... Oxidative stress and inflammation are recognized as established risk factors for cardiovascular health, supplementing traditional factors such as family history, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking [31]. Consequently, antioxidant therapies such as vitamin E, C, and β-carotene have been evaluated in clinical trials with patients at risk of cardiovascular events [29]. ...
INTRODUCTION: Astaxanthin, a carotenoid compound belonging to the xanthophyll group, occurs naturally in algae, yeast, and marine organisms such as shrimp, trout, lobster, and krill. Renowned for its antioxidant prowess, astaxanthin shields mitochondria from harm caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Its exceptional antioxidant potency is noteworthy, surpassing that of α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) by 100-fold and eclipsing over 600 other recognized natural carotenoids. REVIEW METHODS: The article was complied by analyzing data from PubMed and Google Scholar data regarding the benefits of astaxanthin supplementation. THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Astaxanthin, offers a range of health benefits. It modulates immune responses, inhibits cancer cell growth, reduces bacterial presence and gastric inflammation. With potent antioxidant properties, it also serves as a neuroprotective agent by combating neuroinflammation. Additionally, astaxanthin shows promise in preventing and treating liver diseases, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and signaling pathway regulation properties. Overall, antioxidants like astaxanthin, whether from diet or supplements, help combat lipid and protein oxidation, thereby slowing down the progression of atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: Astaxanthin emerges as a promising candidate for treating various pathological conditions linked to oxidative damage and impaired mitochondria function. These conditions span across cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders and liver diseases. It could also help healthy people like athletes in enhancement of overall quality of life.
... coupled receptors (e.g., FFAR4/GPR120) (2) and nuclear receptors, e.g. on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) (3). Palmitoleic acid has been described as a lipokine able to regulate different metabolic processes, however its role and mechanisms of action is not fully understood (4), while astaxanthin is a potent quencher of free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (5) and has been shown to regulate several signaling pathways, e.g. inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling (6,7). ...
Introduction
Krill oil is a dietary supplement derived from Antarctic krill; a small crustacean found in the ocean. Krill oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, as well as the antioxidant astaxanthin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of krill oil supplementation, compared to placebo oil (high oleic sunflower oil added astaxanthin), in vivo on energy metabolism and substrate turnover in human skeletal muscle cells.
Methods
Skeletal muscle cells (myotubes) were obtained before and after a 7-week krill oil or placebo oil intervention, and glucose and oleic acid metabolism and leucine accumulation, as well as effects of different stimuli in vitro, were studied in the myotubes. The functional data were combined with proteomic and transcriptomic analyses.
Results
In vivo intervention with krill oil increased oleic acid oxidation and leucine accumulation in skeletal muscle cells, however no effects were observed on glucose metabolism. The krill oil-intervention-induced increase in oleic acid oxidation correlated negatively with changes in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration. In addition, myotubes were also exposed to krill oil in vitro. The in vitro study revealed that 24 h of krill oil treatment increased both glucose and oleic acid metabolism in myotubes, enhancing energy substrate utilization. Transcriptomic analysis comparing myotubes obtained before and after krill oil supplementation identified differentially expressed genes associated with e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, metabolic pathways and calcium signaling pathway, while proteomic analysis demonstrated upregulation of e.g., LDL-receptor in myotubes obtained after the krill oil intervention.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that krill oil intervention promotes increased fuel metabolism and protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle cells, with potential implications for metabolic health.
... Hypertension is one of the major complications in cardiovascular diseases. In a study with spontaneous hypertensive rats, it is found that Astaxanthin is helpful to reduce the blood pressure in those hypertensive rats [34]. Astaxanthin helps to reduce the low-density lipoprotein and increases the level of high-density lipoprotein that is beneficial to reduce the formation of plaques in the arteries. ...
Astaxanthin, a microalgal carotenoid is basically beneficial because of its multi-beneficiary effect on health. Nowadays, due to environmental pollution, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food habits etc are influencing the production of ROS in the body, which are reaching at their peak and harm different organs, resulting in different dreaded and degenerative diseases. Astaxanthin being a powerful antioxidant than other carotenoids act as a safe-guard to different organs that are affected by oxidative stress. In this review, detailed insight of the preventive role of Astaxanthin in various diseases is to be discussed.
... • experimental investigations in a range of species using a cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model demonstrated cardiac muscle preservation when astaxanthin is administered either orally or intravenously prior to the induction of ischemia (Fassett and Coombes 2012 correlated with the serum concentration of TNF-α and IL-4 in the study. It also enriched the genus Faecalibacterium, contributing to the production of butyrate along with a shift from lactate metabolism to the increased production of SCFAs as well as carbohydrate metabolism (Yang et al. 2021). ...
Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the response to immune checkpoint therapy, therefore modulation of the microbiome with bioactive molecules like carotenoids might be a very effective strategy to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This review highlights the bio-functional effect of carotenoids on Gut Microbiota modulation based on a bibliographic search of the different databases. The methodology given in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) has been employed for developing this review using papers published over two decades considering keywords related to carotenoids and gut microbiota. Moreover, studies related to the health-promoting properties of carotenoids and their utilization in the modulation of gut microbiota have been presented. Results showed that there can be quantitative changes in intestinal bacteria as a function of the type of carotenoid. Due to the dependency on several factors, gut microbiota continues to be a broad and complex study subject. Carotenoids are promising in the modulation of Gut Microbiota, which favored the appearance of beneficial bacteria, resulting in the protection of villi and intestinal permeability. In conclusion, it can be stated that carotenoids may help to protect the integrity of the intestinal epithelium from pathogens and activate immune cells.
Background
The majority of foods, vegetation, plankton, and photosynthetic bacteria all include carotenoids, which are pigments that naturally exist. Since humans are unable to produce carotenoids, they must be consumed through food or supplements. There are many roles for carotenoids in ensuring human health. They generally act as antioxidants, but different carotenoids may also have other functions. For instance, β-carotene functions as pro-vitamin A, while lutein and zeaxanthin make up the macular pigmentation in the eyes.
Objective
The primary goal of this review article is to emphasise the numerous health advantages of the various carotenoids and their derivatives, including neuro, cardio, bone, immune, and cancer protection.
Methods
The information for this review article was acquired by using Google Scholar and PubMed as search engines, as well as a number of publishers, including Springer Nature, Bentham Science, Taylor & Francis, and Elsevier.
Results
Carotenoids are biologically active antioxidants, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help to lessen cardiovascular events such as adiposity, insulin sensitivity, hyperlipidemia, and inflammatory markers. Evidence shows they enhance eyesight, cognitive ability, and cardiovascular health. They could also reduce the risk of a number of malignancies. Carotenoids' diverse properties and therapeutic capacity to prevent neurodegeneration in conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and others are reviewed.
Conclusion
Despite the data supporting the health advantages of carotenoids, extensive population-based supplement research on several carotenoids has yielded conflicting results. Further study, especially clinical studies, is required to demonstrate and validate the medical benefits of the various carotenoids.
Haematococcus pluvialis is the richest source of natural astaxanthin, but the production of H. pluvialis-derived astaxanthin is usually limited by its slow cell proliferation and astaxanthin accumulation. Efforts to enhance biomass productivity, astaxanthin accumulation, and extraction are ongoing. This review highlights different approaches that have previously been studied in microalgal species for enhanced biomass productivity, as well as optimized methods for astaxanthin accumulation and extraction, and how these methods could be combined to bypass the challenges limiting natural astaxanthin production, particularly in H. pluvialis, at all stages (biomass production, and astaxanthin accumulation and extraction). Biotechnological approaches, such as overexpressing low CO2 inducible genes, utilizing complementary carbon sources, CRISPR-Cas9 bioengineering, and the use of active compounds, for biomass productivity are outlined. Direct astaxanthin extraction from H. pluvialis zoospores and Morocco's potential for microalgal-based astaxanthin production are equally discussed. This review emphasizes the need to engineer an optimized H. pluvialis-derived astaxanthin production system combining two or more of these strategies for increased growth, and astaxanthin productivity, to compete in the larger, lower-priced market in aquaculture and nutraceutical sectors.
Astaxanthin is traditionally utilized in crustacean aquaculture to enhance the characteristic pink‐red color of these species. It has been reported that the bioavailability and body accumulation efficiency of astaxanthin differ based on its E/Z ‐isomer species, and these trends vary widely among animal species. This study investigated the influences of feeding astaxanthin having different E/Z‐isomer proportions on astaxanthin accumulation in Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Z‐Isomer‐rich astaxanthin was prepared from the synthetic (all‐E)‐astaxanthin standard by thermal treatment, and the prepared all‐E ‐isomer‐rich astaxanthin pellets (E‐AST‐P; total Z‐isomer proportion = 4.7%) and Z ‐isomer‐rich astaxanthin pellets (Z‐AST‐P; total Z-isomer proportion of astaxanthin = 81.8%) were fed to L. vannamei for 8 weeks. The feeding of Z‐AST‐P significantly improved the body astaxanthin concentration compared to those fed the control pellets without adding astaxanthin isomers and E‐AST‐P; the astaxanthin concentrations after the 8‐week treatments of the control pellets, E‐AST‐P, and Z‐AST‐P were 7.3 ± 0.5, 6.2 ± 1.8, and 12.3 ± 1.3 µg g –1 , respectively. This result suggested that astaxanthin Z ‐isomers have higher bioavailability and/or body accumulation efficiency than (all‐E)‐astaxanthin in L. vannamei .
Practical applications: The bioavailability of astaxanthin is generally very low, which is a critical issue for its use in crustacean aquaculture. In this study, we found that feeding a pellet rich in astaxanthin Z‐isomers showed a greater accumulation efficiency of astaxanthin in the whole body of L. vannamei than that fed a pellet rich in the all‐E‐isomer. Thus, the use of Z‐isomer‐rich astaxanthin feeds would contribute to improving the quality of crustacean and reducing the feed costs (i.e., reduction of the use amount of astaxanthin).
Astaxanthin (AX), a lipid-soluble pigment belonging to the xanthophyll carotenoids family, has recently garnered significant attention due to its unique physical properties, biochemical attributes, and physiological effects. Originally recognized primarily for its role in imparting the characteristic red-pink color to various organisms, AX is currently experiencing a surge in interest and research. The growing body of literature in this field predominantly focuses on AXs distinctive bioactivities and properties. However, the potential of algae-derived AX as a solution to various global environmental and societal challenges that threaten life on our planet has not received extensive attention. Furthermore, the historical context and the role of AX in nature, as well as its significance in diverse cultures and traditional health practices, have not been comprehensively explored in previous works. This review article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the history leading up to the present, offering insights into the discovery of AX, its chemical and physical attributes, distribution in organisms, and biosynthesis. Additionally, it delves into the intricate realm of health benefits, biofunctional characteristics, and the current market status of AX. By encompassing these multifaceted aspects, this review aims to provide readers with a more profound understanding and a robust foundation for future scientific endeavors directed at addressing societal needs for sustainable nutritional and medicinal solutions. An updated summary of AXs health benefits, its present market status, and potential future applications are also included for a well-rounded perspective
It has been suggested that increased intake of various antioxidant vitamins reduces the incidence rates of vascular disease, cancer, and other adverse outcomes. METHODS: 20,536 UK adults (aged 40-80) with coronary disease, other occlusive arterial disease, or diabetes were randomly allocated to receive antioxidant vitamin supplementation (600 mg vitamin E, 250 mg vitamin C, and 20 mg beta-carotene daily) or matching placebo. Intention-to-treat comparisons of outcome were conducted between all vitamin-allocated and all placebo-allocated participants. An average of 83% of participants in each treatment group remained compliant during the scheduled 5-year treatment period. Allocation to this vitamin regimen approximately doubled the plasma concentration of alpha-tocopherol, increased that of vitamin C by one-third, and quadrupled that of beta-carotene. Primary outcomes were major coronary events (for overall analyses) and fatal or non-fatal vascular events (for subcategory analyses), with subsidiary assessments of cancer and of other major morbidity. FINDINGS: There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality (1446 [14.1%] vitamin-allocated vs 1389 [13.5%] placebo-allocated), or in deaths due to vascular (878 [8.6%] vs 840 [8.2%]) or non-vascular (568 [5.5%] vs 549 [5.3%]) causes. Nor were there any significant differences in the numbers of participants having non-fatal myocardial infarction or coronary death (1063 [10.4%] vs 1047 [10.2%]), non-fatal or fatal stroke (511 [5.0%] vs 518 [5.0%]), or coronary or non-coronary revascularisation (1058 [10.3%] vs 1086 [10.6%]). For the first occurrence of any of these "major vascular events", there were no material differences either overall (2306 [22.5%] vs 2312 [22.5%]; event rate ratio 1.00 [95% CI 0.94-1.06]) or in any of the various subcategories considered. There were no significant effects on cancer incidence or on hospitalisation for any other non-vascular cause. INTERPRETATION: Among the high-risk individuals that were studied, these antioxidant vitamins appeared to be safe. But, although this regimen increased blood vitamin concentrations substantially, it did not produce any significant reductions in the 5-year mortality from, or incidence of, any type of vascular disease, cancer, or other major outcome.
To understand the roles of carotenoids as singlet oxygen quenchers in marine organisms, quenching activities of eight major carotenoids, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, tunaxanthin, fucoxanthin and halocynthiaxanthin were examined according to the method using a thermodissociable endoperoxide of 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene as a singlet oxygen generator. The second-order rate constant for the singlet oxygen quenching activity by each carotenoid was determined, suggesting that an increasing number of conjugated double bonds in carotenoid was proportional to greater quenching activity. The quenching activity of each carotenoid was found to be approximately 40 to 600 times greater than that of α-tocopherol. The potency of these carotenoids suggests that they may play a role in protecting marine organisms from active oxygen species.
Background. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that diets high in carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as high serum levels of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and beta carotene, are associated with a reduced risk of lung cancer. Methods. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled primary-prevention trial to determine whether daily supplementation with alpha-tocopherol, beta carotene, or both would reduce the incidence of lung cancer and other cancers. A total of 29,133 male smokers 50 to 69 years of age from southwestern Finland were randomly assigned to one of four regimens: alpha-tocopherol (50 mg per day) alone, beta carotene (20 mg per day) alone, both alpha-tocopherol and beta carotene, or placebo. Follow-up continued for five to eight years. Results. Among the 876 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed during the trial, no reduction in incidence was observed among the men who received alpha-tocopherol (change in incidence as compared with those who did not, -2 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, -14 to 12 percent). Unexpectedly, we observed a higher incidence of lung cancer among the men who received beta carotene than among those who did not (change in incidence, 18 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 3 to 36 percent). We found no evidence of an interaction between alpha-tocopherol and beta carotene with respect to the incidence of lung cancer. Fewer cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed among those who received alpha-tocopherol than among those who did not. Beta carotene had little or no effect on the incidence of cancer other than lung cancer. Alpha- tocopherol had no apparent effect on total mortality, although more deaths from hemorrhagic stroke were observed among the men who received this supplement than among those who did not. Total mortality was 8 percent higher (95 percent confidence interval, 1 to 16 percent) among the participants who received beta carotene than among those who did not, primarily because there were more deaths from lung cancer and ischemic heart disease. Conclusions. We found no reduction in the incidence of lung cancer among male smokers after five to eight years of dietary supplementation with alpha-tocopherol or beta carotene. In fact, this trial raises the possibility that these supplements may actually have harmful as well as beneficial effects.
Background:
It has been suggested that increased intake of various antioxidant vitamins reduces the incidence rates of vascular disease, cancer, and other adverse outcomes.
Methods:
20,536 UK adults (aged 40-80) with coronary disease, other occlusive arterial disease, or diabetes were randomly allocated to receive antioxidant vitamin supplementation (600 mg vitamin E, 250 mg vitamin C, and 20 mg beta-carotene daily) or matching placebo. Intention-to-treat comparisons of outcome were conducted between all vitamin-allocated and all placebo-allocated participants. An average of 83% of participants in each treatment group remained compliant during the scheduled 5-year treatment period. Allocation to this vitamin regimen approximately doubled the plasma concentration of alpha-tocopherol, increased that of vitamin C by one-third, and quadrupled that of beta-carotene. Primary outcomes were major coronary events (for overall analyses) and fatal or non-fatal vascular events (for subcategory analyses), with subsidiary assessments of cancer and of other major morbidity.
Findings:
There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality (1446 [14.1%] vitamin-allocated vs 1389 [13.5%] placebo-allocated), or in deaths due to vascular (878 [8.6%] vs 840 [8.2%]) or non-vascular (568 [5.5%] vs 549 [5.3%]) causes. Nor were there any significant differences in the numbers of participants having non-fatal myocardial infarction or coronary death (1063 [10.4%] vs 1047 [10.2%]), non-fatal or fatal stroke (511 [5.0%] vs 518 [5.0%]), or coronary or non-coronary revascularisation (1058 [10.3%] vs 1086 [10.6%]). For the first occurrence of any of these "major vascular events", there were no material differences either overall (2306 [22.5%] vs 2312 [22.5%]; event rate ratio 1.00 [95% CI 0.94-1.06]) or in any of the various subcategories considered. There were no significant effects on cancer incidence or on hospitalisation for any other non-vascular cause.
Interpretation:
Among the high-risk individuals that were studied, these antioxidant vitamins appeared to be safe. But, although this regimen increased blood vitamin concentrations substantially, it did not produce any significant reductions in the 5-year mortality from, or incidence of, any type of vascular disease, cancer, or other major outcome.
