Astaxanthin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest of Mice H22 Hepatoma Cells

Carotenoids from Different Pumpkin Varieties Exert a Cytotoxic Effect on Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells

Plants, including pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.), are an interesting source of nutrients and bioactives with various health benefits. In this research, carotenoid extracts obtained from the pulp of eight pumpkin varieties, belonging to the C. moschata and C. maxima species, were tested for cytotoxicity on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The results showed that pumpkin bioactives exert a cytotoxic action against the tested cells, in particular Butternut extract at a 100 μM (53.69 μg/mL) concentration after 24 h of treatment and Mantovana extract at 50 μM (26.84 μg/mL) after 48 h. Moreover, the carotenoid extracts also showed interesting in vitro antioxidant activity, evaluated by ABTS and ORAC assays. To fully characterize the qualitative and quantitative profile of carotenoids in the tested extracts, a high-performance chromatographic technique was performed, revealing that pumpkin pulp carotenoids were mainly represented by β-carotene, mono- and di-esterified hydroxy- and epoxy-carotenoids. Moreover, the carotenoid dataset was also useful for discriminating samples from two different species. In conclusion, the results of the present study highlight the potential anti-cancer activity of pumpkin carotenoid extracts and the possibility of using them as chemotherapeutic adjuvants.

Astaxanthin Alleviates Autoimmune Hepatitis by Modulating CD8+ T Cells: Insights From Mass Cytometry and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analyses

Astaxanthin (ASX) is an oxygen-containing non-vitamin A carotenoid pigment. However, the role of ASX in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remains unclear. In this study, a mouse model of AIH is established induced by concanavalin A (ConA). Mass cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) are used to analyze the potential role of ASX in regulating the immune microenvironment of AIH. ASX treatment effectively alleviated liver damage induced by ConA and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines production in mice. Mass cytometry and scRNA-seq analyses revealed a significant increase in the number of CD8+ T cells following ASX treatment. Functional markers of CD8+ T cells, such as CD69, MHC II, and PD-1, are significantly downregulated. Additionally, specific CD8+ T cell subclusters (subclusters 4, 13, 24, and 27) are identified, each displaying distinct changes in marker gene expression after ASX treatment. This finding suggests a modulation of CD8+ T cell function by ASX. Finally, the key transcription factors for four subclusters of CD8+ T cells are predicted and constructed a cell-to-cell communication network based on receptor-ligand interactions probability. In conclusion, ASX holds the potential to ameliorate liver damage by regulating the number and function of CD8+ T cells.

Shellfish industrial waste reuse

The global production of aquatic organisms has grown steadily in recent decades. This increase in production results in high volumes of by-products and waste, generally considered to be of low commercial value and part of them are consequently discarded in landfills or in the sea, causing serious environmental problems when not used. Currently, a large part of the reused aquaculture waste is destined for the feed industry. This generally undervalued waste presents an important source of bioactive compounds in its composition, such as: amino acids, carotenoids, chitin and its derivatives, fatty acids and minerals. These compounds are capable of offering numerous benefits due to their bioactive properties. However, the applicability of these compounds may be opportune in several other sectors. This review describes studies that seek to obtain and apply bioactive compounds from different sources of aquaculture waste, thus adding commercial value to these underutilized biomasses.HIGHLIGHTSVolume of aquaculture industrial waste from crustaceans and mollusks.Quantity and quality of bioactive components in aquaculture waste.Applications of recovered proteins, lipids, chitin, carotenoids and minerals.Future prospects for the destination of aquaculture waste.

Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential of natural bioactive pigment: astaxanthin

Astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione) is an orange-red, lipophilic keto-carotenoid pigment. It is majorly found in marine ecosystems particularly in aquatic animals such as salmon, shrimp, trout, krill, crayfish, and so on. It is also synthesized in microalgae Heamatococcus pluvialis, Chlorococcum, Chlorella zofingiensis, red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma and bacterium Paracoccus carotinifaciens. Some aquatic and terrestrial creatures regarded as a primary and secondary sources of the astaxanthin producing and accumulating it through their metabolic pathways. Astaxanthin is the powerful antioxidant, nutritional supplement as well as promising therapeutic compound, observed to have activities against different ravaging diseases and disorders. Researchers have reported remarkable bioactivities of astaxanthin against major non-communicable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative, and immune disorders. The current review discusses some structural aspects of astaxanthin. It further elaborates its multiple potencies such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, anti-obese, anti-diabetic, anti-ageing, anti-TB, anti-viral, anti-COVID 19, neuro-protective, nephro-protective, and fertility-enhancing properties. These potencies make it a more precious entity in the preventions as well as treatments of prevalent systematic diseases and/or disorders. Also, the review is acknowledging and documenting its powerful bioactivities in relation with the pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical applicability.

Insight into the Progress on Natural Dyes: Sources, Structural Features, Health Effects, Challenges, and Potential

(1) Background: Dyes play an important role in food, medicine, textile, and other industries, which make human life more colorful. With the increasing demand for food safety, the development of natural dyes becomes more and more attractive. (2) Methods: The literature was searched using the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SciFinder and this scoping review was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). (3) Results: 248 articles were included in this review. This review summarizes the research progress on natural dyes in the last ten years. According to structural features, natural dyes mainly include carotenoids, polyphenols, porphyrins, and alkaloids, and some of the newest dyes are summarized. Some pharmacological activities of carotenoids, anthocyanin, curcumin, and betalains in the last 10 years are summarized, and the biological effects of dyes regarding illumination conditions. The disadvantages of natural dyes, including sources, cost, stability, and poor bioavailability, limit their application. Here, some feasible strategies (potential resources, biotechnology, new extraction and separation strategies, strategies for improving stability) are described, which will contribute to the development and utilization of natural dyes. (4) Conclusion: Natural dyes show health benefits and potential in food additives. However, it is necessary for natural dyes to pass toxicity tests and quality tests and receive many regulatory approvals before their final entry into the market as food colorants or as drugs.

Mechanistic role of astaxanthin derived from shrimp against certain metabolic disorders

Oxidative stress caused by the imbalance between production of oxidants and antioxidants in the body leads to the development of different ailments. The bioactive compounds derived from marine sources are considered to be safe and appropriate to use. Astaxanthin possesses antioxidant activity about 100-500 times higher than other antioxidants such as α-tocopherol and β-carotene. It has numerous health benefits and vital pharmacological properties for the treatment of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart disease, ischemia, neurological disorders, and potential role in liver enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase which has significance in medicine as a diagnostic marker. The primary source of astaxanthin among crustaceans is shrimps and the presence of astaxanthin protects shrimps from oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Conclusively, astaxanthin derived from shrimps is very effective against oxidative stress which can lead to certain ailments.

[Therapeutic mechanism of natural astaxanthin against renal clear cell carcinoma based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the molecular mechanism by which natural astaxanthin (AST) inhibits renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics.

METHODS

PharmMapper database was used to retrieve the targets of natural astaxanthin, and TCGA database was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KIRC and adjacent tissues. The target genes of AST was analyzed using Cytoscape software to construct the "drug-target" network diagram. The visual protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using String database, and GO enrichment analysis of the core targets was performed. Single gene bioinformatics was performed to verify the screened core target of AST, namely placental growth factor (PGF). The effect of natural AST on the viability of KIRC cells was tested using CCK-8 method, and the binding between natural AST and PGF was assessed with molecular docking technology. The effect of natural AST on the mRNA and protein expression of the target genes was analyzed using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

We identified 278 candidate targets of AST, 1081 KIRC-related targets, and 7 core targets involved in the therapeutic mechanism of AST against KIRC. Among these 7 core targets, PGF showed significantly upregulated expression in KIRC (P < 0.001) in correlation with a poor prognosis (HR=1.37, P=0.043). Molecular docking showed that the binding energy of AST and PGF was -5.43 kcal/mol. CCK-8 assay showed that AST at the concentration of 50 μmol/L was capable of inhibiting the proliferation of KIRC cells, and a higher concentration resulted in a stronger inhibitory effect. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that AST treatment significantly reduced the expression of PGF at both the mRNA and protein levels in KIRC cells.

CONCLUSION

Natural AST can suppress the proliferation of KIRC and inhibit the expression of PGF in the cells.

Astaxanthin: A super antioxidant from microalgae and its therapeutic potential

Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid, super antioxidant molecule. It has higher antioxidant activity than a range of carotenoids, thus has applications in cosmetics, aquaculture, nutraceuticals, therapeutics, and pharmaceuticals. Naturally, it is derived from Haematococcus pluvialis via a one-stage process or two-stage process. Natural astaxanthin significantly reduces oxidative and free-radical stress as compared to synthetic astaxanthin. The present review summarizes all the aspects of astaxanthin, including its structure, chemistry, bioavailability, and current production technology. Also, this paper gives a detailed mechanism for the potential role of astaxanthin as nutraceuticals for cardiovascular disease prevention, skin protection, antidiabetic and anticancer, cosmetic ingredient, natural food colorant, and feed supplement in poultry and aquaculture. Astaxanthin is one of the high-valued microalgae products of the future. However, due to some risks involved or not having adequate research in terms of long-term consumption, it is still yet to be explored by food industries. Although the cost of naturally derived astaxanthin is high, it accounts for only a 1% share in total astaxanthin available in the global market. Therefore, scientists are looking for ways to cut down the cost of natural astaxanthin to be made available to consumers.

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.

Central Nervous System Migration of Astaxanthin and Adonixanthin Following Their Oral Administration in Cynomolgus Monkeys

Astaxanthin, which has been shown to have significant antioxidant activity, is rapidly spreading as a health functioning ingredient in the health food and cosmetics sectors worldwide. It is well known that astaxanthin acts on the brain; however, there is little evidence of brain translocation due to the difficulty in identifying astaxanthin in tissues. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the concentrations of astaxanthin and adonixanthin, the latter being a biosynthetic intermediate from β-carotene to astaxanthin, in the brain after oral administration in primates. Cynomolgus monkeys were orally administered astaxanthin or adonixanthin at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 10 d, through a disposable catheter inserted into the stomach via the nasal passage. Following euthanization, the monkeys' brains and various other organs were collected. The carotenoid content in serum and individual organs was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Adonixanthin was found to accumulate at a higher concentration than astaxanthin in monkey brain tissues. Also, both astaxanthin and adonixanthin were found to be distributed in the heart, spleen, liver, and kidneys. These findings indicate that astaxanthin and adonixanthin can enter the central nervous system of primates following their oral administration. This provides important evidence for the activity of astaxanthin and adonixanthin on the central nervous system.

Novel Insights into the Biotechnological Production of Haematococcus pluvialis-Derived Astaxanthin: Advances and Key Challenges to Allow Its Industrial Use as Novel Food Ingredient

Astaxanthin shows many biological activities. It has acquired a high economic potential and its current market is dominated by its synthetic form. However, due to the increase of the health and environmental concerns from consumers, natural forms are now preferred for human consumption. Haematococcus pluvialis is artificially cultured at an industrial scale to produce astaxanthin used as a dietary supplement. However, due to the high cost of its cultivation and its relatively low biomass and pigment productivities, the astaxanthin extracted from this microalga remains expensive and this has probably the consequence of slowing down its economic development in the lower added-value market such as food ingredient. In this review, we first aim to provide an overview of the chemical and biochemical properties of astaxanthin, as well as of its natural sources. We discuss its bioavailability, metabolism, and biological activities. We present a state-of-the-art of the biology and physiology of H. pluvialis, and highlight novel insights into the biotechnological processes which allow optimizing the biomass and astaxanthin productivities. We are trying to identify some lines of research that would improve the industrial sustainability and economic viability of this bio-production and to broaden the commercial potential of astaxanthin produced from H. pluvialis.

Carotenoids in Cancer Apoptosis-The Road from Bench to Bedside and Back

An incidence and mortality of cancer are rapidly growing worldwide, especially due to heterogeneous character of the disease that is associated with irreversible impairment of cellular homeostasis and function. Targeting apoptosis, one of cancer hallmarks, represents a potent cancer treatment strategy. Carotenoids are phytochemicals represented by carotenes, xanthophylls, and derived compounds such as apocarotenoids that demonstrate a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects involving pro-apoptotic signaling through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. As demonstrated in preclinical oncology research, the apoptotic modulation is performed at post-genomic levels. Further, carotenoids demonstrate additive/synergistic action in combination with conventional oncostatic agents. In addition, a sensitization of tumor cells to anti-cancer conventional treatment can be achieved by carotenoids. The disadvantage of anti-cancer application of carotenoids is associated with their low solubility and, therefore, poor bioavailability. However, this deficiency can be improved by using nanotechnological approaches, solid dispersions, microemulsions or biofortification that significantly increase the anti-cancer and pro-apoptotic efficacy of carotenoids. Only limited number of studies dealing with apoptotic potential of carotenoids has been published in clinical sphere. Pro-apoptotic effects of carotenoids should be beneficial for individuals at high risk of cancer development. The article considers the utility of carotenoids in the framework of 3P medicine.

Astaxanthin in Liver Health and Disease: A Potential Therapeutic Agent

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid derived from oxygen-containing non-vitamin A sources and is mainly obtained from marine organisms. Studies have demonstrated that astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant product and it is widely used in the fields of medicine, health-care products and cosmetics. Studies have shown that astaxanthin has important preventive and therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver, liver cancer, drug and ischemia-induced liver injury, and its mechanism is related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the latest data on astaxanthin in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. An understanding of the structure, source and mechanism of action of astaxanthin in the body would not only provide a theoretical basis for its clinical application but could also have important significance in screening and improving related compounds for the treatment of liver diseases.

Astaxanthin anticancer effects are mediated through multiple molecular mechanisms: A systematic review

During the latest decades, the interest on the effectiveness of natural compounds and their impact on human health constantly increased, especially on those demonstrating to be effective on cancer. Molecules coming from nature are currently used in chemotherapy like Taxol, Vincristine or Vinblastine, and several other natural substances have been showed to be active in reducing cancer cell progression and migration. Among them, astaxanthin, a xanthophyll red colored carotenoid, displayed different biological activities including, antinflammatory, antioxidant, proapoptotic, and anticancer effects. It can induce apoptosis through downregulation of antiapoptotic protein (Bcl-2, p-Bad, and survivin) expression and upregulation of proapoptotic ones (Bax/Bad and PARP). Thanks to these mechanisms, it can exert anticancer effects towards colorectal cancer, melanoma, or gastric carcinoma cell lines. Moreover, it possesses antiproliferative activity in many experimental models and enhances the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapic drugs on tumor cells underling its potential future use. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the anticancer potential of astaxanthin by modulating several molecular targets. While it has been clearly demonstrated its multitarget activity in the prevention and regression of malignant cells in in vitro or in preclinical investigations, further clinical studies are needed to assess its real potential as anticancer in humans.

Targeting hallmarks of cancer with a food-system-based approach

Although extensive resources are dedicated to the development and study of cancer drugs, the cancer burden is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decade. This highlights a critical need to develop effective, evidence-based strategies for countering the global rise in cancer incidence. Except in high-risk populations, cancer drugs are not generally suitable for use in cancer prevention owing to potential side effects and substantial monetary costs (Sporn, 2011). There is overwhelming epidemiological and experimental evidence that the dietary bioactive compounds found in whole plant-based foods have significant anticancer and chemopreventative properties. These bioactive compounds often exert pleiotropic effects and act synergistically to simultaneously target multiple pathways of cancer. Common bioactive compounds in fruits and vegetables include carotenoids, glucosinolates, and polyphenols. These compounds have been shown to target multiple hallmarks of cancer in vitro and in vivo and potentially to address the diversity and heterogeneity of certain cancers. Although many studies have been conducted over the past 30 y, the scientific community has still not reached a consensus on exactly how the benefit of bioactive compounds in fruits and vegetables can be best harnessed to help reduce the risk for cancer. Different stages of the food processing system, from "farm-to-fork," can affect the retention of bioactive compounds and thus the chemopreventative properties of whole foods, and there are opportunities to improve handling of foods throughout the stages in order to best retain their chemopreventative properties. Potential target stages include, but are not limited to, pre- and postharvest management, storage, processing, and consumer practices. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive food-system-based approach that not only taking into account the effects of the food system on anticancer activity of whole foods, but also exploring solutions for consumers, policymakers, processors, and producers. Improved knowledge about this area of the food system can help us adjust farm-to-fork operations in order to consistently and predictably deliver desired bioactive compounds, thus better utilizing them as invaluable chemopreventative tools in the fight to reduce the growing burden of cancer worldwide.

Antitumor activity of selenium modification of the bovine milk component β-Lg (Se-β-Lg) on H22 cells

In this study, the apoptosis induction and antitumor activity of a novel complex, seleno-β-lactoglobulin (Se-β-Lg), on H22 cells were explored.

Effects of carbendazim and astaxanthin co-treatment on the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells

There has been a controversy in the oncology field about the use of antioxidants along with chemotherapeutics in cancer treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a potent antioxidant (astaxanthin) co-treatment with a promising anti-cancer drug (carbendazim), which is in phase I clinical trials, on MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation. MCF-7 cells were treated with carbendazim, astaxanthin, or their combinations and incubated for 24 h. After the incubation, each treatment group was evaluated for proliferation, cell cycle progression, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using WST-1, flow cytometry, and CM-H2DCFDA, respectively. All tested carbendazim and astaxanthin combinations increased the anti-proliferative effect of Carb treatment alone and increased the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest compared to the DMSO-treated control. Astaxanthin, at all concentrations tested, reduced the elevated intracellular ROS levels induced by the carbendazim treatment. Our data suggest that astaxanthin and carbendazim co-treatment enhances the anti-proliferative effect of carbendazim as a single agent, while alleviating the carbendazim treatment-associated ROS production in MCF-7 cells. These findings may contribute to the current debate on the use of antioxidants along with anti-cancer drugs in cancer chemotherapy.

Astaxanthin-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Preservation of Antioxidant Activity

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid showing efficient scavenging ability and represents an interesting candidate in the development of new therapies for preventing and treating oxidative stress-related pathologies. However, its high lipophilicity and thermolability often limits its antioxidant efficacy in human applications. Here, we developed a formulation of lipid carriers to protect astaxanthin’s antioxidant activity. The synthesis of natural astaxanthin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers using a green process with sunflower oil as liquid lipid is presented. Their antioxidant activity was measured by α-Tocopherol Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity assay and was compared to those of both natural astaxanthin and α-tocopherol. Characterizations by dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and scattering electron microscopy techniques were carried out and showed spherical and surface negative charged particles with z-average and polydispersity values of ~60 nm and ~0.3, respectively. Astaxanthin loading was also investigated showing an astaxanthin recovery of more than 90% after synthesis of nanostructured lipid carriers. These results demonstrate the capability of the formulation to stabilize astaxanthin molecule and preserve and enhance the antioxidant activity.

Total Flavonoids from Oroxylum indicum Induce Apoptosis via PI3K/Akt/PTEN Signaling Pathway in Liver Cancer

Total flavonoids (TF), derived from the seeds of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent., possess many pharmacological functions. In the present study, H22-bearing mice and SMMC-7721 models were employed to evaluate the antitumor activity of TF and to and investigate its possible mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay; cell apoptosis rate was analyzed via Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining by flow cytometer. Meanwhile, the expressions of apoptosis-related mRNA and proteins were evaluated by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The results revealed that TF could significantly inhibit the tumor growth, and the possible mechanism was related to the effect of inducing tumor cells apoptosis through PI3K/Akt/PTEN signaling pathway. This study has provided a theoretical basis for the further development and application of TF as antitumor drugs.

A dietary carotenoid reduces immunopathology and enhances longevity through an immune depressive effect in an insect model

Immunopathology corresponds to self-damage of the inflammatory response, resulting from oxidizing molecules produced when the immune system is activated. Immunopathology often contributes to age-related diseases and is believed to accelerate ageing. Prevention of immunopathology relies on endogenous antioxidant enzymes and the consumption of dietary antioxidants, including carotenoids such as astaxanthin. Astaxanthin currently raises considerable interest as a powerful antioxidant and for its potential in alleviating age-related diseases. Current in vitro and short-term in vivo studies provide promising results about immune-stimulating and antioxidant properties of astaxanthin. However, to what extent dietary supplementation with astaxanthin can prevent long-term adverse effects of immunopathology on longevity is unknown so far. Here, using the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, as biological model we tested the effect of lifetime dietary supplementation with astaxanthin on longevity when exposed to early life inflammation. While supplementation with astaxanthin was found to lessen immunopathology cost on larval survival and insect longevity, it was also found to reduce immunity, growth rate and the survival of non immune-challenged larvae. This study therefore reveals that astaxanthin prevents immunopathology through an immune depressive effect and can have adverse consequences on growth.