Protective effect of astaxanthin against SnS2 nanoflowers induced testes toxicity by suppressing RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL signaling in mice

Vigor King mitigates spermatogenic disorders caused by environmental estrogen zearalenone exposure

Zearalenone (ZEN) has been shown to cause reproductive damage by inducing oxidative stress. Astaxanthin and L-carnitine are widely used to alleviate oxidative stress and promote sperm maturation. However, it remains uncertain whether they are effective in mitigating spermatogenesis disorders induced by ZEN. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanisms of Vigor King (Vig), a compound preparation primarily consisting of astaxanthin and L-carnitine, in alleviating ZEN-induced spermatogenesis disorders. In the experiment, mice received continuous oral gavage of ZEN (80 μg/kg) for 35 days, accompanied by a rescue strategy with Vig (200 mg/kg). The results showed that Vig effectively reduced the negative impact on semen quality and improved the structural and functional abnormalities of the seminiferous epithelium caused by ZEN. Additionally, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA double-strand breaks, apoptosis, and autophagy abnormalities were all significantly ameliorated. Intriguingly, the GSK3β-dependent BTRC-NRF2 signaling pathway was found to play an important role in this process. Furthermore, testing of offspring indicated that Vig could extend its protective effects to the next generation, effectively combating the transgenerational toxic effects of ZEN. In summary, our research suggests that Vig supplementation holds considerable promise in alleviating spermatogenesis disorders induced by zearalenone.

Micro-algal astaxanthin ameliorates polystyrene microplastics-triggered necroptosis and inflammation by mediating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis in carp's head kidney lymphocytes (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Polystyrene microplastics (PM) is a pressing global environmental concern, posing substantial risks to aquatic ecosystems. Microalgal astaxanthin (MA), a heme pigment, safeguards cells against oxidative damage induced by free radicals, which contributes to various health conditions, including aging, inflammation and chronic diseases. Herein, we investigated the potential of MA in ameliorating the immunotoxicity of PM on carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) based on head kidney lymphocytes treated with PM (250 μM) and/or MA (100 μM). Firstly, CCK8 results showed that PM resulted in excessive death of head kidney lymphocytes. Secondly, head kidney lymphocytes treated with PM had a higher proportion of necroptosis, and the levels of necroptosis-related genes in head kidney lymphocytes were increased. Thirdly, the relative red fluorescence intensity of JC-1 and MitoSox showed decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mtROS in head kidney lymphocytes treated with PM. MitoTracker® Green FM fluorescence analysis revealed enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ levels in PM-treated lymphocytes, corroborating the association between PM exposure and elevated intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. PM exposure resulted in upregulation of calcium homeostasis-related gene (Orail, CAMKIIδ and SLC8A1) in lymphocytes. Subsequent investigations revealed that PM exposure reduced miR-25-5p expression while increasing levels of MCU, MICU1, and MCUR1. Notably, these effects were counteracted by treatment with MA. Furthermore, PM led to the elevated secretion of inflammatory factors (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2 and TNF-α), thereby inducing immune dysfunction in head kidney lymphocytes. Encouragingly, MA treatment effectively mitigated the immunotoxic effects induced by PM, demonstrating its potential in ameliorating necroptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction and immune impairment via regulating the miR-25-5p/MCU axis in lymphocytes. This study sheds light on safeguarding farmed fish against agrobiological threats posed by PM, highlighting the valuable applications of MA in aquaculture.

Micro-algal astaxanthin improves lambda-cyhalothrin-induced necroptosis and inflammatory responses via the ROS-mediated NF-κB signaling in lymphocytes of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCY) is a widely used toxic pesticide that causes harmful effects on the immune organs of fish and aquatic species. Micro-algal astaxanthin (MAA), a heme pigment found in haematococcus pluvialis, has been shown to benefit antioxidants and immunity in aquaculture. To investigate how MAA protects carp lymphocytes from LCY-induced immunotoxicity, a model of fish lymphocytes treated with LCY and/or MAA was established. Lymphocytes from carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were given LCY (80 μM) and/or MAA (50 μM) as a treatment for a period of 24 h. Firstly, LCY exposure resulted in excessive ROS and malondialdehyde production and reduces antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), indicating a reduced capacity of the antioxidant system. Secondly, the results of flow cytometry and AO/EB labeling proved that lymphocytes treated with LCY have a larger ratio of necroptosis. In addition, LCY upregulated the levels of necroptosis-related regulatory factors (RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL) via the ROS-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway in lymphocytes. Thirdly, LCY treatment caused increased secretion of inflammatory genes (IL-6, INF-γ, IL-4, IL-1β and TNF-α), leading to immune dysfunction in lymphocytes. Surprisingly, LCY-induced immunotoxicity was inhibited by MAA treatment, indicating that it effectively attenuated the LCY-induced changes described above. Overall, we concluded that MAA treatment could ameliorate LCY-induced necroptosis and immune dysfunction by inhibiting the ROS-mediated NF-κB signaling in lymphocytes. It provides insights into the protection of farmed fish from agrobiological threats in fish under LCY and the value of MAA applications in aquaculture.

Astaxanthin protected against the adverse effects induced by diesel exhaust particulate matter via improving membrane stability and anti-oxidative property

Diesel exhaust particulate matter (DPM), which has been clarified as a Group I carcinogenic agent, is still challenging in its detoxification due to the complex composition and toxic mechanisms. Astaxanthin (AST) is a pleiotropic small biological molecule widely used in medical and healthcare with surprising effects and applications. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of AST on DPM-induced injury and the underlying mechanism. Our results indicated that AST significantly suppressed the generation of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX, marker of DNA damage) and inflammation caused by DPM both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, AST prevented the endocytosis and intracellular accumulation of DPM via regulating the stability and fluidity of plasma membranes. Moreover, the oxidative stress elicited by DPM in cells could also be effectively inhibited by AST, together with protecting the structure and function of mitochondria. These investigations provided clear evidence that AST notably reduced DPM invasion and intracellular accumulation by modulating the membrane-endocytotic pathway, which eventually reduced intracellular oxidative stress caused by DPM. Our data might provide a novel clue for curing and treating the harmful effects of particulate matter.

Mitochondrion Participated in Effect Mechanism of Manganese Poisoning on Heat Shock Protein and Ultrastructure of Testes in Chickens

Manganese (Mn) poisoning can happen in the case of environmental pollution and occupational exposure. However, the underlying mechanisms of Mn-induced teste toxicity and whether mitochondrion and heat shock proteins (HSPs) are involved in toxic effect of Mn on chicken testes remain poorly understood. To investigate this, MnCl₂·4H₂O was administered in the diet (600, 900, and 1800 mg/kg Mn) of chickens for 30, 60, and 90 days. Electron microscopy and qPCR were performed. Results showed that Mn exposure suppressed dose- and time-dependently HSP40 and HSP60 mRNA levels, meanwhile increased does-dependently HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 mRNA levels at all three time points under three Mn exposure concentrations. Furthermore, Mn treatment damaged myoid cells, spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells through electron microscopic observation, indicating that Mn treatment damaged chicken testes. In addition, abnormal shapes of mitochondria were found, and mitochondria displayed extensive vacuolation. The increase of HSP90 and HSP70 induced by Mn exposure inhibited HSP40 and stimulated HSP27, respectively, in chicken testes, which needs further to be explored. Taken together, our study suggested that there was toxic effect in excess Mn on chickens, and HSPs and mitochondria were involved in the mechanism of dose-dependent injury caused by Mn in chicken testes. This study provided new insights for Mn toxicity identification in animal husbandry production practice.

Bilateral varicocele leads to ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis of human spermatozoa and affects semen quality in infertile men

Purpose: This study explored the effects of bilateral varicocele on male semen quality in infertile men and the molecular mechanisms involving ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis signaling pathways. Methods: Totally, 20 healthy males and 26 patients with bilateral varicocele receiving infertility treatment were enrolled. Semen samples were collected. Basic semen parameters, acrosome integrity and membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis rate were compared. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron, glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and, Catalase (CAT), were detected in human seminal plasma. Relative mRNA expression of Ca ²⁺-independent phospholipases A2 beta (iPLA 2β), P53, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and GSH-dependent peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were evaluated. Relative protein expression was determined for GPX4, receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) and receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3), as well as pyroptosis markers of Gasdermin E (GSDME) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90). Results: The results revealed that the bilateral varicocele group had significantly higher abnormalities (sperm progressive rate and sperm motility) compared to the control group. Meanwhile, compared to control group, GSH, T-SOD, and CAT levels were reduced in the bilateral varicocele group (p < 0.05). However, the level of ROS and iron were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Relative mRNA expression of P53, iPLA 2β, ZEB1, and GPX4 were reduced. In addition, ROS exposure activated ferroptosis-related signal pathways. RIPK1, RIPK3, GSDME and HSP 90 were increased in bilateral varicocele group. ROS exposure affected signaling pathways related to ferroptosis, necrosis and pyroptosis in human spermatozoa. Conclusion: Bilateral varicocele leads to ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis of human spermatozoa and affects semen quality in infertile men.

Health benefits of astaxanthin against age-related diseases of multiple organs: A comprehensive review

Age-related diseases are associated with increased morbidity in the past few decades and the cost associated with the treatment of these age-related diseases exerts a substantial impact on social and health care expenditure. Anti-aging strategies aim to mitigate, delay and reverse aging-associated diseases, thereby improving quality of life and reducing the burden of age-related pathologies. The natural dietary antioxidant supplementation offers substantial pharmacological and therapeutic effects against various disease conditions. Astaxanthin is one such natural carotenoid with superior antioxidant activity than other carotenoids, as well as well as vitamins C and E, and additionally, it is known to exhibit a plethora of pharmacological effects. The present review summarizes the protective molecular mechanisms of actions of astaxanthin on age-related diseases of multiple organs such as Neurodegenerative diseases [Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Status Epilepticus (SE)], Bone Related Diseases [Osteoarthritis (OA) and Osteoporosis], Cancers [Colon cancer, Prostate cancer, Breast cancer, and Lung Cancer], Cardiovascular disorders [Hypertension, Atherosclerosis and Myocardial infarction (MI)], Diabetes associated complications [Diabetic nephropathy (DN), Diabetic neuropathy, and Diabetic retinopathy (DR)], Eye disorders [Age related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye disease (DED), Cataract and Uveitis], Gastric Disorders [Gastritis, Colitis, and Functional dyspepsia], Kidney Disorders [Nephrolithiasis, Renal fibrosis, Renal Ischemia reperfusion (RIR), Acute kidney injury (AKI), and hyperuricemia], Liver Diseases [Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Alcoholic Liver Disease (AFLD), Liver fibrosis, and Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR) Injury], Pulmonary Disorders [Pulmonary Fibrosis, Acute Lung injury (ALI), and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)], Muscle disorders (skeletal muscle atrophy), Skin diseases [Atopic dermatitis (ATD), Skin Photoaging, and Wound healing]. We have also briefly discussed astaxanthin's protective effects on reproductive health.

Astaxanthin from Crustaceans and Their Byproducts: A Bioactive Metabolite Candidate for Therapeutic Application

In recent years, the food, pharma, and cosmetic industries have shown considerable interest in bioactive molecules of marine origin that show high potential for application as nutraceuticals and therapeutic agents. Astaxanthin, a lipid-soluble and orange-reddish-colored carotenoid pigment, is one of the most investigated pigments. Natural astaxanthin is mainly produced from microalgae, and it shows much stronger antioxidant properties than its synthetic counterpart. This paper aims to summarize and discuss the important aspects and recent findings associated with the possible use of crustacean byproducts as a source of astaxanthin. In the last five years of research on the crustaceans and their byproducts as a source of natural astaxanthin, there are many new findings regarding the astaxanthin content in different species and new green extraction protocols for its extraction. However, there is a lack of information on the amounts of astaxanthin currently obtained from the byproducts as well as on the cost-effectiveness of the astaxanthin production from the byproducts. Improvement in these areas would most certainly contribute to the reduction of waste and reuse in the crustacean processing industry. Successful exploitation of byproducts for recovery of this valuable compound would have both environmental and social benefits. Finally, astaxanthin’s strong biological activity and prominent health benefits have been discussed in the paper.

The Role of Astaxanthin on Chronic Diseases

Natural astaxanthin exists widely in algae, fungi, shrimp and crab, and, as a strong antioxidant, has potential effects on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, liver diseases and other physical health diseases. The treatment of many diseases involves the body’s signal transduction to regulate the body’s antioxidant defense system and inflammation. Astaxanthin is usually used as a dietary supplement, which plays an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role in the organism. This article reviews the structure, source of astaxanthin and how it plays an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant role in organisms, especially in treating diabetes.