The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of astaxanthin supplementation on the expression of miR-146a and miR-126 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Astaxanthin treatment decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines and improves reproductive outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing assisted reproductive technology: A randomized clinical trial

RESEARCH QUESTION

In a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (RCT), we investigated the effect of astaxanthin (AST) on pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress (OS) markers, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in 44 infertile Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients.

DESIGN

Patients with PCOS were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received 6 mg AST, and the control group received placebo daily for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained from all patients before and after intervention and follicular fluid (FF) was collected during the ART procedure. Interleukin (IL) -6, IL-1β were evaluated from serum samples and FF and OS markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and reactive oxygen species [ROS]) were measured from FF. The groups were compared for ART outcomes as well.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in IL-6 and IL-1β concentrations (both, P = < 0.01) serum levels was found following AST treatment. FF cytokine levels and OS markers did not differ significantly between the groups. Reproductive outcomes, including the number of oocytes retrieved (P = 0.01), the MII oocyte count (P = 0.007), oocyte maturity rate (MII %) (P = 0.02) and number of frozen embryos (P = 0.03) significantly improved after intervention. No significant differences were found in chemical, clinical and multiple pregnancies between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

AST pretreatment may modify inflammation and improve ART outcomes in PCOS infertile patients. Further investigations are recommended to verify these findings.

The effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress indices, lipid profile, uric acid level, blood pressure, endothelial function, quality of life, and disease symptoms in heart failure subjects

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a chronic and progressive disease where the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body's needs. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key elements in the development and progression of heart failure. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may protect the cardiovascular system. A study will evaluate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory status, oxidative stress, lipid profile, uric acid levels, endothelial function, quality of life, and disease symptoms in people with heart failure.

METHODS

The current study is a double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial for 8 weeks, in which people with heart failure were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention (one capsule containing 20 mg of astaxanthin per day, n = 40) and placebo (one capsule containing 20 mg of maltodextrin per day, n = 40) will be divided. At the beginning and end of the intervention, uric acid, lipid profile, oxidative stress indices, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, nitric oxide, and anthropometric factors will be measured, and questionnaires measuring quality of life, fatigue intensity, shortness of breath, and appetite will be completed. SPSS version 22 software will be used for statistical analysis.

DISCUSSION

There is a growing global interest in natural and functional food products. This RCT contributes to the expanding body of research on the potential benefits of astaxanthin in heart failure patients, including its antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20200429047235N3. Registered on 26 March 2024.

Astaxanthin induces autophagy and apoptosis in murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2 cells and exhibits antitumor activity in vivo

Countless efforts have been made to prevent and suppress the formation and spread of melanoma. Natural astaxanthin (AST; extracted from the alga Haematococcus pluvialis) showed an antitumor effect on various cancer cell lines due to its interaction with the cell membrane. This study aimed to characterize the antitumor effect of AST against B16F10-Nex2 murine melanoma cells using cell viability assay and evaluate its mechanism of action using electron microscopy, western blotting analysis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential determination. Astaxanthin exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect in murine melanoma cells with features of apoptosis and autophagy. Astaxanthin also decreased cell migration and invasion in vitro assays at subtoxic concentrations. In addition, assays were conducted in metastatic cancer models in mice where AST significantly decreased the development of pulmonary nodules. In conclusion, AST has cytotoxic effect in melanoma cells and inhibits cell migration and invasion, indicating a promising use in cancer treatment.

Selectively extraction of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis by aqueous biphasic systems composed of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solutions

Haematococcus pluvialis is rich in astaxanthin ester (Ast1) and free astaxanthin (Ast2). The astaxanthin is natural antioxidant, and shows higher biodegradability and eco-friendly characteristics than commercial astaxanthin. However, the existing extraction technology is difficult to achieve selectively separation of Ast1 and Ast2. Novel aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) composed of ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were developed to selectively extract Ast1 and Ast2. The results showed that the ABS composed of tributyloctylphosphine chloride ([P4448]Cl) and choline chloride:d-fructose ([ChCl][Fru]) performed best. The yield and partition coefficient of astaxanthin was 2.35 mg·g-1 and 103.59, respectively. Moreover, Ast1 and Ast2 could be selectively separately with the highest coefficient of specificity of 48.31. Furthermore, the ABS maintained an excellent extraction capacity after three cycles of recycling. As compared with organic solvent extraction and prior methods, the IL-DES ABS is more efficient, recyclable, and environmentally friendly for selectively extraction of astaxanthin.

Effects of astaxanthin on microRNA expression in a rat cardiomyocyte anoxia-reoxygenation model

Introduction: The protective effects of astaxanthin against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuries are well documented, although the mechanisms are not defined. Methods: The anoxia-reoxygenation injury model was established after astaxanthin treated H9c2 cells for 24 h. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase, oxidative stress level and western blot were tested. Secondly, measured the effects of astaxanthin pretreatment on microRNA expression in a rat myocardial cell anoxia-reoxygenation injury model. Results: After anoxia-reoxygenation injury, in a dose dependent manner, astaxanthin increased cell viability, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde levels, downregulated protein expression of caspase-3, caspase-8, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1, and upregulated the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. High-throughput sequencing and qPCR showed that microRNAs rno-miR-125b-5p and rno-let-7c-1-3p were differentially expressed (|log2| ≥ 0.585, q < 0.1) between the normal, anoxia-reoxygenation, and astaxanthin (1.25 μM) groups. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and GO Gene ontology pathway enrichment analyses showed that TNF signaling, axon guidance, NF-κB signaling pathway, and other pathways displayed differentially expressed microRNA target genes associated with myocardial injuries. Discussion: These results suggested that thetarget genes of rno-miR-125b-5p were enriched in inflammation and apoptosis-related signaling pathways. Also, the results imply that simultaneous targeting of these related signaling pathways could significantly prevent myocardial anoxia-reoxygenation injury in the presence of astaxanthin.

The effect of lutein and Zeaxanthine on dyslipidemia: A meta-analysis study

AIMS

The relationship between circulating Lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) concentrations, and plasma lipoproteins has been indicated by observational studies. However, the beneficial impact of L/Z administration on dyslipidemia are unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of oral intake of L/Z on circulating total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.

METHODS

We electronically assessed all eligible interventional studies through different electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ISI -Web of Science, and Cochrane library until Jun 2021. After identifying the quality of each included randomized controlled trials, they were evaluated by assessing the risk-difference between treatment and control groups by pooling available data on net change of serum LDL-C, HDL-C, and Cholesterol.

RESULTS

L/Z supplementation has null effect on circulating levels of TC (WMD: -3.82 95% CI: -13.83, 6.18; I-square: 85.2%), and LDL-C (WMD: -4.54; 95% CI: -11.5, 2.48; I-square: 83.9%). In contrast, L/Z treatment could significantly increase HDL-C levels in older adults (WMD: 4.06; 95% CI: 0.64, 7.48; I-square: 50.7%).

CONCLUSION

L/Z administration could be an effective treatment for improving circulating HDL-C concentration in elderly adults.

Association of MicroRNA-146a with Type 1 and 2 Diabetes and their Related Complications

Most medical investigations have found a reduced blood level of miR-146a in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, suggesting an important role for miR-146a (microRNA-146a) in the etiology of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its consequences. Furthermore, injection of miR-146a mimic has been confirmed to alleviate diabetes mellitus in diabetic animal models. In this line, deregulation of miR-146a expression has been linked to the progression of nephropathy, neuropathy, wound healing, olfactory dysfunction, cardiovascular disorders, and retinopathy in diabetic patients. In this review, besides a comprehensive review of the function of miR-146a in DM, we discussed new findings on type 1 (T1MD) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus, highlighting the discrepancies between clinical and preclinical investigations and elucidating the biological pathways regulated through miR-146a in DM-affected tissues.

The landscape of potential health benefits of carotenoids as natural supportive therapeutics in protecting against Coronavirus infection

The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urges researching possibilities for prevention and management of the effects of the virus. Carotenoids are natural phytochemicals of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and may exert potential in aiding in combatting the pandemic. This review presents the direct and indirect evidence of the health benefits of carotenoids and derivatives based on in vitro and in vivo studies, human clinical trials and epidemiological studies and proposes possible mechanisms of action via which carotenoids may have the capacity to protect against COVID-19 effects. The current evidence provides a rationale for considering carotenoids as natural supportive nutrients via antioxidant activities, including scavenging lipid-soluble radicals, reducing hypoxia-associated superoxide by activating antioxidant enzymes, or suppressing enzymes that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Carotenoids may regulate COVID-19 induced over-production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, pro-inflammatory enzymes and adhesion molecules by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) and interleukins-6- Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (IL-6-JAK/STAT) pathways and suppress the polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage. Moreover, carotenoids may modulate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ by acting as agonists to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. They also may potentially block the cellular receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). These activities may reduce the severity of COVID-19 and flu-like diseases. Thus, carotenoid supplementation may aid in combatting the pandemic, as well as seasonal flu. However, further in vitro, in vivo and in particular long-term clinical trials in COVID-19 patients are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.

Carotenoids in Palliative Care—Is There Any Benefit from Carotenoid Supplementation in the Adjuvant Treatment of Cancer-Related Symptoms?

Carotenoids are organic, liposoluble pigments found in nature, which are responsible for the characteristic colors of ripe tomatoes, carrots, peppers, and crustaceans, among others. Palliative care provided to patients with an incurable disease is aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life through appropriate treatment of symptoms accompanying the disease. Palliative care patients with burdensome symptoms related to advanced-stage cancers are especially interested in the use of natural dietary supplements and herbal remedies to reduce symptoms’ intensity and ameliorate the quality of life. Carotenoids seem to be a group of natural compounds with particularly promising properties in relieving symptoms, mainly due to their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Moreover, carotenoids have been used in folk medicine to treat various diseases and alleviate the accompanying symptoms. In this narrative review, the authors decided to determine whether there is any scientific evidence supporting the rationale for carotenoid supplementation in advanced-stage cancer patients, with particular emphasis on the adjuvant treatment of cancer-related symptoms, such as neuropathic pain and cancer-related cachexia.

Herbal medications and natural products for patients with covid-19 and diabetes mellitus: Potentials and challenges

BACKGROUND

The presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among COVID-19 patients is associated with increased hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Evidence has shown that hyperglycemia potentiates SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection and plays a central role in severe COVID-19 and diabetes comorbidity. In this review, we explore the therapeutic potentials of herbal medications and natural products in the management of COVID-19 and DM comorbidity and the challenges associated with the preexisting or concurrent use of these substances.

METHODS

Research papers that were published from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Papers reporting clinical evidence of antidiabetic activities and any available evidence of the anti-COVID-19 potential of ten selected natural products were retrieved and analyzed for discussion in this review.

RESULTS

A total of 548 papers (73 clinical trials on the antidiabetic activities of the selected natural products and 475 research and review articles on their anti-COVID-19 potential) were retrieved from the literature search for further analysis. A total of 517 articles (reviews and less relevant research papers) were excluded. A cumulative sum of thirty-one (31) research papers (20 clinical trials and 10 others) met the criteria and have been discussed in this review.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this review suggest that phenolic compounds are the most promising phytochemicals in the management of COVID-19 and DM comorbidity. Curcumin and propolis have shown substantial evidence against COVID-19 and DM in humans and are thus, considered the best potential therapeutic options.

Carotenoids: Dietary Sources, Extraction, Encapsulation, Bioavailability, and Health Benefits-A Review of Recent Advancements

Natural carotenoids (CARs), viz. β-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, bixin, norbixin, capsanthin, lycopene, canthaxanthin, β-Apo-8-carotenal, zeaxanthin, and β-apo-8-carotenal-ester, are being studied as potential candidates in fields such as food, feed, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. CAR research is advancing in the following three major fields: (1) CAR production from natural sources and optimization of its downstream processing; (2) encapsulation for enhanced physical and chemical properties; and (3) preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies of CARs’ health benefits. This review critically discusses the recent developments in studies of the chemistry and antioxidant activity, marketing trends, dietary sources, extraction, bioaccessibility and bioavailability, encapsulation methods, dietary intake, and health benefits of CARs. Preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies on cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disease, mental health, eye, and skin health are also discussed.

Comparative Efficiency of Lutein and Astaxanthin in the Protection of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells In Vitro from Blue-Violet Light Photo-Oxidative Damage

The aim of this study was to compare in vitro the protective and antioxidant properties of lutein and astaxanthin on human primary corneal epithelial cells (HCE-F). To this purpose, HCE-F cells were irradiated with a blue-violet light lamp (415–420 nm) at different energies (20 to 80 J/cm2). Lutein and astaxanthin (50 to 250 μM) were added to HCE-F right before blue-violet light irradiation at 50 J/cm2. Viability was evaluated by the CKK-8 assay while the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the H2DCF-DA assay. Results have shown that the viability of HCE-F cells decreased at light energies from 20 J/cm2 to 80 J/cm2, while ROS production increased at 50 and 80 J/cm2. The presence of lutein or astaxanthin protected the cells from phototoxicity, with lutein slightly more efficient than astaxanthin also on the blunting of ROS, prevention of apoptotic cell death and modulation of the Nrf-2 pathway. The association of lutein and astaxanthin did not give a significant advantage over the use of lutein alone. Taken together, these results suggest that the association of lutein and astaxanthin might be useful to protect cells of the ocular surface from short (lutein) and longer (astaxanthin) wavelengths, as these are the most damaging radiations hitting the eye from many different LED screens and solar light.

Association of rs2910164 in miR-146a with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case-control and meta-analysis study

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have shown that miR-146a rs2910164 (C > G) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility, but the results are still controversial. This study is divided into two parts, and one is to explore the relationship between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and the genetic susceptibility of T2DM in Chinese Han population. Second, a meta-analysis on the basis of a larger sample size was used to determine whether this is a susceptibility gene for T2DM.

METHODS

A case-control study including 574 T2DM patients and 596 controls was used to evaluate the association of miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism with the risk of T2DM in Chinese Han People. Then, we systematically searched studies investigating the correlation between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and T2DM susceptibility published before April 2022 from PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and a meta-analysis including six studies was carried out. The results were expressed by odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

In a case-control study, we found that there were no statistical differences in genotype frequencies between T2DM and control group. Subgroup analysis showed that, compared with the CC genotype, CG + GG genotype was associated with a decreased risk of T2DM in the subgroup of individuals ≥ 65 years old (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58-0.98; P _adjusted = 0.032) and BMI < 18.5 (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.03-0.89; P _adjusted = 0.037). In overall meta-analysis, significant heterogeneity was detected. No significant association between miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism and T2DM was observed in all genetic models under random effects models. Subgroup analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in genotype frequencies between the T2DM and control group in recessive model (CC vs. CG + GG: OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.08-2.96; P_Q = 0.307, I ² = 4.0%) and homozygote model (CC vs. GG: OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.07-3.00; P_Q = 0.216, I ² = 34.7%) in Caucasians.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study demonstrate that the miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism might have ethnicity-dependent effects in T2DM and may be related to T2DM susceptibility in Caucasians.

Astaxanthin as a Novel Mitochondrial Regulator: A New Aspect of Carotenoids, beyond Antioxidants

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family that is found abundantly in marine organisms, and has been gaining attention in recent years due to its varied biological/physiological activities. It has been reported that astaxanthin functions both as a pigment, and as an antioxidant with superior free radical quenching capacity. We recently reported that astaxanthin modulated mitochondrial functions by a novel mechanism independent of its antioxidant function. In this paper, we review astaxanthin’s well-known antioxidant activity, and expand on astaxanthin’s lesser-known molecular targets, and its role in mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Astaxanthin attenuates hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet-fed rats by suppressing microRNA-21 via transactivation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2

This study examined whether astaxanthin (ASX) could alleviate hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) by modulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/miR-21 axis. Rats (n = 8/group) were fed either a standard diet (3.8 kcal/g; 10% fat) or HFD (4.6 kcal/g; 40% fat) and treated orally with either the vehicle or ASX (6 mg/kg) daily for 8 days. Another group was fed HFD and treated with ASX and brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor) (2 mg/kg/twice per week/i.p.). ASX prevented the gain in body and liver weights and attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation in HFD-fed rats. In the control and HFD-fed rats, ASX did not affect food intake, serum free fatty acid (FFA) content, and glucose and insulin levels and tolerance. However, serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels; hepatic levels of TGs and FFAs; and hepatic levels of Srebp1, Srebp2, HMGCR, and fatty acid synthase mRNAs and miR-21 were reduced and the mRNA levels of Pparα were significantly increased in both the groups. These effects were associated with a reduction in the hepatic levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interlukin-6 as well as an increase in superoxide dismutase levels, total glutathione content, and nuclear levels and activity of Nrf2. miR-21 levels were strongly correlated with the nuclear activity of Nrf2. Brusatol completely reversed the effects of ASX. In conclusion, ASX prevents hepatic steatosis mainly by transactivating Nrf2 and is associated with the suppression of miR-21 and Srebp1/2 and upregulation of Pparα expression.

Potential Therapeutic Effects of Natural Plant Compounds in Kidney Disease

Background: The blockade of the progression or onset of pathological events is essential for the homeostasis of an organism. Some common pathological mechanisms involving a wide range of diseases are the uncontrolled inflammatory reactions that promote fibrosis, oxidative reactions, and other alterations. Natural plant compounds (NPCs) are bioactive elements obtained from natural sources that can regulate physiological processes. Inflammation is recognized as an important factor in the development and evolution of chronic renal damage. Consequently, any compound able to modulate inflammation or inflammation-related processes can be thought of as a renal protective agent and/or a potential treatment tool for controlling renal damage. The objective of this research was to review the beneficial effects of bioactive natural compounds on kidney damage to reveal their efficacy as demonstrated in clinical studies. Methods: This systematic review is based on relevant studies focused on the impact of NPCs with therapeutic potential for kidney disease treatment in humans. Results: Clinical studies have evaluated NPCs as a different way to treat or prevent renal damage and appear to show some benefits in improving OS, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity, therefore making them promising therapeutic tools to reduce or prevent the onset and progression of KD pathogenesis. Conclusions: This review shows the promising clinical properties of NPC in KD therapy. However, more robust clinical trials are needed to establish their safety and therapeutic effects in the area of renal damage.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects of Microalgal Carotenoids

Acute inflammation is a key component of the immune system’s response to pathogens, toxic agents, or tissue injury, involving the stimulation of defense mechanisms aimed to removing pathogenic factors and restoring tissue homeostasis. However, uncontrolled acute inflammatory response may lead to chronic inflammation, which is involved in the development of many diseases, including cancer. Nowadays, the need to find new potential therapeutic compounds has raised the worldwide scientific interest to study the marine environment. Specifically, microalgae are considered rich sources of bioactive molecules, such as carotenoids, which are natural isoprenoid pigments with important beneficial effects for health due to their biological activities. Carotenoids are essential nutrients for mammals, but they are unable to synthesize them; instead, a dietary intake of these compounds is required. Carotenoids are classified as carotenes (hydrocarbon carotenoids), such as α- and β-carotene, and xanthophylls (oxygenate derivatives) including zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, lutein, α- and β-cryptoxanthin, and canthaxanthin. This review summarizes the present up-to-date knowledge of the anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of microalgal carotenoids both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the latest status of human studies for their potential use in prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer.