Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review

CO2-responsive switchable hydrophilic solvent as a novel extractant for selective extraction and separation of natural bioactive ingredients: A comprehensive review

When conventional solvents such as water, methanol, ethanol, hexane, petroleum ether, etc., are used to extract active ingredients from natural resources, an evaporation process is required to remove solvent from active ingredients, which not only consumes huge amounts of energy, but also causes harm to human health and the environment. The CO2-responsive switchable hydrophilic solvent (SHS) based on amines and water is an emerging, green and recyclable solvent, which not only has high extraction efficiency of active ingredients, but also can remove solvent from active ingredients without evaporation process. This paper reviews the research progress of amine-based SHS in the extraction of bioactive ingredients from natural resources. The process flow, extraction mechanism, critical influencing factors, recovery of amines and latest applications have been summarized. On this basis, some shortcomings of amine-based SHS are also pointed out. Finally, the improvement directions of amine-based SHS extraction in the future is prospected.

Metabolomic Analysis of Carotenoids Biosynthesis by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05

Carotenoids belonging to the class of tetraterpenoids have extensive applications in medicine, food, nutrition, cosmetics, and feed. Among them, lutein and zeaxanthin can prevent macular degeneration in the elderly, which is very important for protecting vision. Here, we introduce the first metabolomic analysis of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05, aiming to shed light on the biosynthesis of carotenoids. Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 has the complete methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway and carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, especially involved in the bioconversion of zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Metabolomic profiling identified seven carotenes and six xanthophylls synthesized by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. Zeaxanthin, in particular, was found to be the most abundant, with a content of 37.1 µg/g dry cells. Collectively, the results presented herein greatly enhance our understanding of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 in carotenoids biosynthesis, and thus further accelerate its fundamental molecular investigations and biotechnological applications.

A crosswalk on the genetic and conventional strategies for enhancing astaxanthin production in Haematococcus pluvialis

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring xanthophyll with powerful: antioxidant, antitumor, and antibacterial properties that are widely employed in food, feed, medicinal and nutraceutical industries. Currently, chemical synthesis dominates the world's astaxanthin market, but the increasing demand for natural products is shifting the market for natural astaxanthin. Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) is the factory source of natural astaxanthin when grown in optimal conditions. Currently, various strategies for the production of astaxanthin have been proposed or are being developed in order to meet its market demand. This up-to-date review scrutinized the current approaches or strategies that aim to increase astaxanthin yield from H. pluvialis. We have emphasized the genetic and environmental parameters that increase astaxanthin yield. We also looked at the transcriptomic dynamics caused by environmental factors (phytohormones induction, light, salt, temperature, and nutrient starvation) on astaxanthin synthesizing genes and other metabolic changes. Genetic engineering and culture optimization (environmental factors) are effective approaches to producing more astaxanthin for commercial purposes. Genetic engineering, in particular, is accurate, specific, potent, and safer than conventional random mutagenesis approaches. New technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 coupled with omics and emerging computational tools, may be the principal strategies in the future to attain strains that can produce more astaxanthin. This review provides accessible data on the strategies to increase astaxanthin accumulation natively. Also, this review can be a starting point for new scholars interested in H. pluvialis research.

A marine-derived antioxidant astaxanthin as a potential neuroprotective and neurotherapeutic agent: A review of its efficacy on neurodegenerative conditions

Astaxanthin is a potent lipid-soluble carotenoid produced by several different freshwater and marine microorganisms, including microalgae, bacteria, fungi, and yeast. The proven therapeutic effects of astaxanthin against different diseases have made this carotenoid popular in the nutraceutical market and among consumers. Recently, astaxanthin is also receiving attention for its effects in the co-adjuvant treatment or prevention of neurological pathologies. In this systematic review, studies evaluating the efficacy of astaxanthin against different neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, and spinal cord injury are analyzed. Based on the current literature, astaxanthin shows potential biological activity in both in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, its preventive and therapeutic activities against the above-mentioned diseases have been emphasized in studies with different experimental designs. In contrast, none of the 59 studies reviewed reported any safety concerns or adverse health effects as a result of astaxanthin supplementation. The preventive or therapeutic role of astaxanthin may vary depending on the dosage and route of administration. Although there is a consensus in the literature regarding its effectiveness against the specified diseases, it is important to determine the safe intake levels of synthetic and natural forms and to determine the most effective forms for oral intake.

Enhanced toxicity-free astaxanthin extraction from Haematococcus pluvialis via concurrent cell disruption and demulsification

The extraction of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis involves the utilization of petroleum-derived organic solvents or supercritical CO2, beset by safety concerns, high costs, and environmental sustainability limitations. This study, in contrast, employed a method involving the adjustment of salt concentration, propylene glycol, and vegetable oil fraction to disrupt emulsion in aqueous cell lysates for facilitating the separation of astaxanthin. Under optimized conditions, an astaxanthin-containing oil with a content of 1.88% was obtained even with the use of wet biomass, and four rounds of consecutive extraction resulted in a cumulative recovery yield of 66.41%. This process produced astaxanthin-enriched soybean oil with 9.49 times improved antioxidant capacity that satisfies a requirement for health functional application. Omitting the solvent removal and drying processes, which consume tremendous energy, can reduce the production cost by 2.98 times compared to conventional methods. Consequently, this study suggests an effective technique for producing edible oil containing H. pluvialis-derived astaxanthin.

Biovalorisation of agro-industrial wastes into astaxanthin by Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous

Astaxanthin is a red xanthophyll with high economic and industrial value in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic and food industries. In recent years, the biotechnological production of astaxanthin has attracted much attention as a sustainable alternative to the predominating petrochemical-dependent chemical synthesis. In this regard, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous is regarded as a promising microorganism for industrial production of astaxanthin. Unfortunately, biotechnological production of the carotenoid is currently expensive. The present study investigated soy molasses (SM) and residual brewers' yeast as cheap fermentation feedstocks for the cultivation of X. dendrorhous and astaxanthin production. Yeast extract was obtained from residual brewers' yeast using various techniques and then combined with SM to formulate a two-component growth medium which was subsequently used to cultivate X. dendrorhous. Generally, the yeast extract produced from residual brewers' yeast supported X. dendrorhous growth and astaxanthin production at levels comparable to those seen with commercial yeast extract. Overall, cultivating X. dendrorhous in an SM-based medium containing 5% SM and 0.2% yeast extract obtained from residual brewers' yeast resulted in significantly higher (> 20% more) biomass accumulation compared to the control media (YPD). A similar slightly higher astaxanthin output (up to 14% more) was recorded in the SM-based medium compared to YPD. The formulated cultivation medium in this study provides an opportunity to reduce the production cost of astaxanthin from X. dendrorhous while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact related to the disposal of the industrial waste used as feedstock. KEY POINTS: • Cheap culture media were formulated from soy molasses and brewers' spent yeast • The formulated medium resulted in at least 20% more biomass than the control • Up to 14% more astaxanthin was produced in molasses-based medium.

Extraction of Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis and Preparation of Astaxanthin Liposomes

Astaxanthin has 550 times more antioxidant activity than vitamin E, so it can scavenge free radicals in vivo and improve body immunity. However, the poor stability of astaxanthin becomes a bottleneck problem that limits its application. Herein, Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) as a raw material was used to extract astaxanthin, and the optimal extraction conditions included the extraction solvent (EA:EtOH = 1:6, v/v), extraction temperature (60 °C), and extraction time (70 min). The extracted astaxanthin was then loaded using lecithin to form corresponding liposomes via the ethanol injection method. The results showed that the particle size and zeta potential of the prepared liposomes were 105.8 ± 1.2 nm and -38.0 ± 1.7 mV, respectively, and the encapsulation efficiency of astaxanthin in liposomes was 88.83%. More importantly, the stability of astaxanthin was significantly improved after being embedded in the prepared liposomes.

Krill oil: nutraceutical potential in skin health and disease

Krill oil (KO), extracted from the Antarctic marine crustacean Euphausia superba, is a nutrient-dense substance that includes rich profiles of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), phospholipids (PLs), astaxanthin (ASX), as well as vitamins A and E, minerals, and flavonoids. As a high-quality lipid resource, KO has been widely used as a dietary supplement for its health-protective properties in recent years. KO has various benefits, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, metabolic regulatory, neuroprotective, and gut microbiome modulatory effects. Especially, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects make KO have potential in skin care applications. With increasing demands for natural skin anti-aging solutions, KO has emerged as a valuable nutraceutical in dermatology, showing potential for mitigating the effects of skin aging and enhancing overall skin health and vitality. This review provides an overview of existing studies on the beneficial impact of KO on the skin, exploring its functional roles and underlying mechanisms through which it contributes to dermatological health and disease management.

Solubilization of Hydrophobic Astaxanthin in Water by Physical Association with Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles

Astaxanthin (AXT) is a xanthophyll carotenoid with reported health benefits. Realizing its potential as a bioactive is challenging because of its extremely poor solubility in water. We describe a method to improve the effective solubility of AXT in water through its physical association with phytoglycogen (PG), which is produced in sweet corn as compact, highly branched nanoparticles. We combine PG in water with AXT in acetone, evaporate the acetone, and lyophilize. The result is an AXT-PG complex that can be readily redispersed in water, resulting in stable aqueous dispersions. By characterizing the UV-vis absorbance due to different aggregation states of AXT in the AXT-PG complex, we determined the maximum loading of AXT onto PG to be ∼10% by mass. Our results demonstrate the promise of using PG as a solubilizing agent for hydrophobic compounds in water.

Advances in microbial astaxanthin production

This work explores astaxanthin (AXT), a valuable xanthophyll ketocarotenoid pigment with significant health benefits and diverse applications across various industries. It discusses the prevalence of synthetic AXT, and the development of natural-based alternatives derived from microorganisms such as microalgae, bacteria, and yeast. The chapter examines the potential of microbial AXT production, highlighting the advantages and challenges associated with natural AXT. Key microorganisms like Haematococcus pluvialis, Paracoccus carotinifaciens, and Phaffia rhodozyma are emphasized for their role in commercially producing this valuable ketocarotenoid. The narrative covers the complexities and opportunities in microbial AXT production, from cell structure implications to downstream processing strategies. Additionally, the chapter addresses current applications, commercialization trends, and market dynamics of natural microbial AXT, emphasizing the importance of cost-effective production, regulatory compliance, and technological advancements to reduce the market cost of the final product. As demand for natural microbial-based AXT rises, this chapter envisions a future where research, innovation, and collaboration drive sustainable and competitive microbial AXT production, fostering growth in this dynamic market.

Astaxanthin Esters as Functional Food: A Review of Their Nutrition, Phytochemical Structure, Biological Features, and Food Industry Prospects

Astaxanthin (AST), mainly found in algae and shrimp, is a liposoluble ketone carotenoid with a wide range of biological activities and is commonly used in healthcare interventions and cosmetics. AST has a long chain of conjugated double bonds with hydroxyl and ketone groups at both ends, enabling it to form astaxanthin esters (AST-Es) through esterification with fatty acids. The fatty acid structure of AST plays a key role in the stability, antioxidant activity, and bioavailability of AST-Es. Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and blood-red algae Haematococcus Pluvialis (H pluvialis)-derived AST-Es exhibit strong antioxidant activity and numerous biological activities, such as improving insulin resistance, preventing Parkinson's disease, regulating intestinal flora, and alleviating inflammatory bowel disease. This review discusses the significance of AST-Es as functional food ingredients, highlighting their nutritional value, phytochemical structure, biological activities, and potential applications in the food industry.

Combination Therapy for Sustainable Fish Oil Products: Improving Cognitive Function with n-3 PUFA and Natural Ingredients

Long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are recommended as beneficial dietary supplements for enhancing cognitive function. Although fish oil (FO) is renowned for its abundant n-3 PUFA content, combining FO with other natural products is considered as a viable option to support the sustainable development of FO products. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the advanced effects of combining FO or its components of DHA and EPA with natural products on protecting cognitive function. In two double-blind random control trials, no advanced effects were observed for adding curcumin to FO on cerebral function protection. However, 16 week's treatment of FO combined with vitamin E did not yield any advanced effects in cognitive factor scores. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that combinations of FO with natural products can exhibit advanced effects in addressing pathological components in cognitive impairment, including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal survival. In conclusion, evidence from clinical trials for beneficial use of FO and natural ingredients combination is lacking. Greater cohesion is needed between preclinical and clinical data to substantiate the efficacy of FO and natural product combinations in preventing or slowing the progression of cognitive decline.

Astaxanthin reduces inflammation and promotes a chondrogenic phenotype by upregulating SIRT1 in osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of astaxanthin (AST) on mouse osteoarthritis (OA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ATDC5 cell damage and to explore whether SIRT1 protein plays a role.

METHODS

In this study, some mouse OA models were constructed by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Imaging, molecular biology and histopathology methods were used to study the effect of AST administration on traumatic OA in mice. In addition, LPS was used to stimulate ATDC5 cells to mimic the inflammatory response of OA. The effects of AST on the cell activity, inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases and collagen type II levels were studied by CCK8 activity assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and protein imprinting. The role of SIRT1 protein was also detected.

RESULTS

In the mouse OA model, the articular surface collapsed, the articular cartilage thickness and cartilage matrix protein abundance were significantly decreased, while the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases was increased; but AST treatment reversed these effects. Meanwhile, AST pretreatment could partially reverse LPS-induced ATDC5 cell damage and upregulate SIRT1 expression, but this protective effect of AST was attenuated by concurrent administration of the SIRT1 inhibitor Ex527.

CONCLUSION

AST can protect against the early stages of OA by affecting SIRT1 signalling, suggesting that AST might be a potential therapeutic agent for OA treatment.

Michael Acceptors as Anti-Cancer Compounds: Coincidence or Causality?

Michael acceptors represent a class of compounds with potential anti-cancer properties. They act by binding to nucleophilic sites in biological molecules, thereby disrupting cancer cell function and inducing cell death. This mode of action, as well as their ability to be modified and targeted, makes them a promising avenue for advancing cancer therapy. We are investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying Michael acceptors and their interactions with cancer cells, in particular their ability to interfere with cellular processes and induce apoptosis. The anti-cancer properties of Michael acceptors are not accidental but are due to their chemical structure and reactivity. The electrophilic nature of these compounds allows them to selectively target nucleophilic residues on disease-associated proteins, resulting in significant therapeutic benefits and minimal toxicity in various diseases. This opens up new perspectives for the development of more effective and precise cancer drugs. Nevertheless, further studies are essential to fully understand the impact of our discoveries and translate them into clinical practice.

The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on liver enzyme levels

According to previous studies, astaxanthin exerts various biological effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities; however, its effects on liver enzymes have not yet been well elucidated. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess astaxanthin's effects on liver enzymes. A systematic literature search was conducted using scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar up to February 2023 to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). A random-effects model was used for the estimation of the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD). Overall, we included five trials involving 196 subjects. The duration of the intervention was between 4 and 48 weeks, and the dose was between 6 and 12 mg/day. ALT levels increased in the intervention group compared to the control group following astaxanthin supplementation (WMD: 1.92 U/L, 95% CI: 0.16 to 3.68, P=0.03), whereas supplementation with astaxanthin had a non-significant effect on AST (WMD: 0.72 U/L, 95% CI: -0.85 to 2.29, P=0.36), GGT (WMD: 0.48 U/L, 95% CI: -2.71 to 3.67, P=0.76), and ALP levels (WMD: 2.85 U/L, 95% CI: -7.94 to 13.63, P=0.60) compared to the placebo group. Our data showed that astaxanthin supplementation increases ALT concentrations in adults without affecting the levels of other liver enzymes. Further long-term and well-designed RCTs are necessary to assess and confirm these findings.

Generation of Porcine and Rainbow Trout 3D Intestinal Models and Their Use to Investigate Astaxanthin Effects In Vitro

Astaxanthin (AST) is a natural compound derived from shellfish, microorganisms, and algae, with several healthy properties. For this reason, it is widely used in the diet of humans and animals, such as pigs, broilers, and fish, where its addition is related to its pigmenting properties. Moreover, AST's ability to reduce free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage finds application during the weaning period, when piglets are exposed to several stressors. To better elucidate the mechanisms involved, here we generate ad hoc pig and rainbow trout in vitro platforms able to mimic the intestinal mucosa. The morphology is validated through histological and molecular analysis, while functional properties of the newly generated intestinal barriers, both in porcine and rainbow trout models, are demonstrated by measuring trans-epithelial electrical resistance and analyzing permeability with fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Exposure to AST induced a significant upregulation of antioxidative stress markers and a reduction in the transcription of inflammation-related interleukins. Altogether, the present findings demonstrate AST's ability to interact with the molecular pathways controlling oxidative stress and inflammation both in the porcine and rainbow trout species and suggest AST's positive role in prevention and health.

Astaxanthin-mediated Nrf2 activation ameliorates glucocorticoid-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired bone formation of glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats

BACKGROUND

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head caused by glucocorticoids (GIONFH) is a significant issue resulting from prolonged or excessive clinical glucocorticoid use. Astaxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid present in marine organisms, has been the focus of this study to explore its impact and mechanism on osteoblast apoptosis induced by dexamethasone (Dex) and GIONFH.

METHODS

In this experiment, bioinformatic prediction, molecular docking and dynamics simulation, cytotoxicity assay, osteogenic differentiation, qRT-PCR analysis, terminal uridine nickend labeling (TUNEL) assay, determination of intracellular ROS, mitochondrial function assay, immunofluorescence, GIONFH rat model construction, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans were performed.

RESULTS

Our research demonstrated that a low dose of astaxanthin was non-toxic to healthy osteoblasts and restored the osteogenic function of Dex-treated osteoblasts by reducing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Furthermore, astaxanthin rescued the dysfunction in poor bone quality, bone metabolism and angiogenesis of GIONFH rats. The mechanism behind this involves astaxanthin counteracting Dex-induced osteogenic damage by activating the Nrf2 pathway.

CONCLUSION

Astaxanthin shields osteoblasts from glucocorticoid-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction via Nrf2 pathway activation, making it a potential therapeutic agent for GIONFH treatment.

Astaxanthin Synergizes with Ionizing Radiation (IR) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

Astaxanthin (ATX) is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammation functions yet its role in cancers requires more research. This study is aimed to reveal the potential synergetic effect of ATX with ionizing radiation (IR) in OSCC. Cell survival was measured after human OSCC cells including CAL27 and SCC9, and normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs) were treated with different concentrations of ATX for 24 h. Colony formation assays were performed after OSCC cells were treated with IR, ATX (20 μ M), or combined and survival fraction was analyzed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and intercellular iron levels were measured. Western blot method was used to measure the ferroptosis-related proteins, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ACSL4. In xenograft mice model, we evaluated the tumor volumes, tumor growth, and examined the GPX4/ACSL4 proteins in tumor tissues using Immunohistochemistry (IHC). ATX inhibited viability of OSCC cells but not NHOK. In OSCC cells, ATX further enhanced the cell death induced by IR. In addition, ATX promoted the MDA content, Iron levels but inhibited the GSH regulated by IR in cells. ATX could synergize with IR, further inhibiting GPX4, SLC7A11 and promoting ACSL4 in OSCC cells. In vivo, ATX and IR treatment inhibited OSCC tumor growth and the group with combined treatment showed the most inhibitory effect. GPX4 was inhibited by IR and further inhibited in the combined group while ACSL4 was promoted by IR and enhanced more significantly in the combined group. ATX might synergize with IR treatment in OSCC partly via ferroptosis.

Current challenges of microalgae applications: exploiting the potential of non-conventional microalgae species

The intensified attention to health, the growth of an elderly population, the changing lifestyles, and the medical discoveries have increased demand for natural and nutrient-rich foods, shaping the popularity of microalgae products. Microalgae thanks to their metabolic versatility represent a promising solution for a 'green' economy, exploiting non-arable land, non-potable water, capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and solar energy. The interest in microalgae is justified by their high content of bioactive molecules, such as amino acids, peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids (as ω-3 fatty acids), pigments (as β-carotene, astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, phycocyanin, zeaxanthin and lutein), or mineral elements. Such molecules are of interest for human and animal nutrition, cosmetic and biofuel production, for which microalgae are potential renewable sources. Microalgae, also, represent effective biological systems for treating a variety of wastewaters and can be used as a CO2 mitigation approach, helping to combat greenhouse gases and global warming emergencies. Recently a growing interest has focused on extremophilic microalgae species, which are easier to cultivate axenically and represent good candidates for open pond cultivation. In some cases, the cultivation and/or harvesting systems are still immature, but novel techniques appear as promising solutions to overcome such barriers. This review provides an overview on the actual microalgae cultivation systems and the current state of their biotechnological applications to obtain high value compounds or ingredients. Moreover, potential and future research opportunities for environment, human and animal benefits are pointed out. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

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.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8: a versatile nanoplatform for tissue regeneration

Extensive research on zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) and its derivatives has highlighted their unique properties in nanomedicine. ZIF-8 exhibits advantages such as pH-responsive dissolution, easy surface functionalization, and efficient drug loading, making it an ideal nanosystem for intelligent drug delivery and phototherapy. These characteristics have sparked significant interest in its potential applications in tissue regeneration, particularly in bone, skin, and nerve regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of ZIF-8's feasibility in tissue engineering, encompassing material synthesis, performance testing, and the development of multifunctional nanosystems. Furthermore, the latest advancements in the field, as well as potential limitations and future prospects, are discussed. Overall, this review emphasizes the latest developments in ZIF-8 in tissue engineering and highlights the potential of its multifunctional nanoplatforms for effective complex tissue repair.

Maximizing crustaceans (shrimp, crab, and lobster) by-products value for optimum valorization practices: A comparative review of their active ingredients, extraction, bioprocesses and applications

BACKGROUND

The processing of the three major crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, and crab) is associated with inevitable by-products, high waste disposal costs, environmental and human health issues, loss of multiple biomaterials (chitin, protein hydrolysates, lipids, astaxanthin and minerals). Nowadays, these bioresources are underutilized owing to the lack of effective and standardized technologies to convert these materials into valued industrial forms.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to provide a holistic overview of the various bioactive ingredients and applications within major crustaceans by-products. This review aims to compare various extraction methods in crustaceans by-products, which will aid identify a more workable platform to minimize waste disposal and maximize its value for best valorization practices.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

The fully integrated applications (agriculture, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paper industries, etc.) of multiple biomaterials from crustaceans by-products are presented. The pros and cons of the various extraction methods, including chemical (acid and alkali), bioprocesses (enzymatic or fermentation), physical (microwave, ultrasound, hot water and carbonic acid process), solvent (ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, EDTA) and electrochemistry are detailed. The rapid development of corresponding biotechnological attempts present a simple, fast, effective, clean, and controllable bioprocess for the comprehensive utilization of crustacean waste that has yet to be applied at an industrial level. One feasible way for best valorization practices is to combine innovative extraction techniques with industrially applicable technologies to efficiently recover these valuable components.

Programmed microalgae-gel promotes chronic wound healing in diabetes

Chronic diabetic wounds are at lifelong risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers owing to severe hypoxia, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), a complex inflammatory microenvironment, and the potential for bacterial infection. Here we develop a programmed treatment strategy employing live Haematococcus (HEA). By modulating light intensity, HEA can be programmed to perform a variety of functions, such as antibacterial activity, oxygen supply, ROS scavenging, and immune regulation, suggesting its potential for use in programmed therapy. Under high light intensity (658 nm, 0.5 W/cm2), green HEA (GHEA) with efficient photothermal conversion mediate wound surface disinfection. By decreasing the light intensity (658 nm, 0.1 W/cm2), the photosynthetic system of GHEA can continuously produce oxygen, effectively resolving the problems of hypoxia and promoting vascular regeneration. Continuous light irradiation induces astaxanthin (AST) accumulation in HEA cells, resulting in a gradual transformation from a green to red hue (RHEA). RHEA effectively scavenges excess ROS, enhances the expression of intracellular antioxidant enzymes, and directs polarization to M2 macrophages by secreting AST vesicles via exosomes. The living HEA hydrogel can sterilize and enhance cell proliferation and migration and promote neoangiogenesis, which could improve infected diabetic wound healing in female mice.

Efficacy and Safety of Astaxanthin in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder characterized by progressive fibrosis of the oral mucosa, leading to restricted mouth opening and discomfort. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory carotenoid, in the comprehensive management of OSMF.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 68 eligible participants diagnosed with OSMF. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (astaxanthin capsules, 5 mg twice daily) or the control group (placebo capsules) for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in mouth opening and burning sensation assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Adverse events were monitored to evaluate safety.

RESULTS

The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in mouth opening compared to the control group over the 12-week intervention (p < 0.001). Additionally, the experimental group reported a significant reduction in burning sensation, as indicated by VAS scores (p < 0.001). Adverse events were generally mild and comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that astaxanthin may have a positive impact on mouth opening and burning sensation in individuals with OSMF. The safety profile observed supports the feasibility of astaxanthin as a potential therapeutic adjunct in OSMF management. Further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is warranted to validate these findings.

Skin Protection by Carotenoid Pigments

Sunlight, despite its benefits, can pose a threat to the skin, which is a natural protective barrier. Phototoxicity caused by overexposure, especially to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), results in burns, accelerates photoaging, and causes skin cancer formation. Natural substances of plant origin, i.e., polyphenols, flavonoids, and photosynthetic pigments, can protect the skin against the effects of radiation, acting not only as photoprotectors like natural filters but as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory remedies, alleviating the effects of photodamage to the skin. Plant-based formulations are gaining popularity as an attractive alternative to synthetic filters. Over the past 20 years, a large number of studies have been published to assess the photoprotective effects of natural plant products, primarily through their antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-immunosuppressive activities. This review selects the most important data on skin photodamage and photoprotective efficacy of selected plant carotenoid representatives from in vivo studies on animal models and humans, as well as in vitro experiments performed on fibroblast and keratinocyte cell lines. Recent research on carotenoids associated with lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, liposomes, and micelles is reviewed. The focus was on collecting those nanomaterials that serve to improve the bioavailability and stability of carotenoids as natural antioxidants with photoprotective activity.

Anticancer Activity of Astaxanthin-Incorporated Chitosan Nanoparticles

Astaxanthin (AST)-encapsulated nanoparticles were fabricated using glycol chitosan (Chito) through electrostatic interaction (abbreviated as ChitoAST) to solve the aqueous solubility of astaxanthin and improve its biological activity. AST was dissolved in organic solvents and then mixed with chitosan solution, followed by a dialysis procedure. All formulations of ChitoAST nanoparticles showed small diameters (less than 400 nm) with monomodal distributions. Analysis with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the specific peaks of AST and Chito. Furthermore, ChitoAST nanoparticles were formed through electrostatic interactions between Chito and AST. In addition, ChitoAST nanoparticles showed superior antioxidant activity, as good as AST itself; the half maximal radical scavenging concentrations (RC50) of AST and ChitoAST nanoparticles were 11.8 and 29.3 µg/mL, respectively. In vitro, AST and ChitoAST nanoparticles at 10 and 20 µg/mL properly inhibited the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROSs), nitric oxide (NO), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). ChitoAST nanoparticles had no significant cytotoxicity against RAW264.7 cells or B16F10 melanoma cells, whereas AST and ChitoAST nanoparticles inhibited the growth of cancer cells. Furthermore, AST itself and ChitoAST nanoparticles (20 µg/mL) efficiently inhibited the migration of cancer cells in a wound healing assay. An in vivo study using mice and a pulmonary metastasis model showed that ChitoAST nanoparticles were efficiently delivered to a lung with B16F10 cell metastasis; i.e., fluorescence intensity in the lung was significantly higher than in other organs. We suggest that ChitoAST nanoparticles are promising candidates for antioxidative and anticancer therapies of B16F10 cells.

Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health-A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why

Supplementation of micronutrients is considered to be crucial in the reinforcement of the skin's barrier. In this paper, 14 nutritional compounds commonly used in food or pharmaceutic industries were analyzed in terms of influencing skin conditions. The major objective of this paper was to provide a narrative review of the available literature regarding several chosen compounds that are currently widely recommended as supplements that aim to maintain proper and healthy skin conditions. We conducted a review of the literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until September 2023 without any other restrictions regarding the year of the publication. Ultimately, we reviewed 238 articles, including them in this review. Each of the reviewed compounds, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, curcumin, chlorella, Omega-3, biotin,Ppolypodium leucotomos, Simmondsia chinesis, gamma oryzanol, olive leaf extract, spirulina, and astaxanthin, was observed to present some possible effects with promising benefits for a skin condition, i.e., photoprotective radiation. Adding them to the diet or daily routine might have a positive influence on some skin inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Further, UV radiation protection facilitated by some supplements and their impact on human cells might be helpful during chemotherapy or in preventing melanoma development. Further research is needed because of the lack of clear consensus regarding the doses of the described compounds that could provide desirable effects on the skin.

Astaxanthin Protects against Alcoholic Liver Injury via Regulating Mitochondrial Redox Balance and Calcium Homeostasis

Increasing evidence points to the critical role of calcium overload triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). As an important organelle for aerobic respiration with a double-layered membrane, mitochondria are pivotal targets of alcohol metabolism-mediated lipid peroxidation, wherein mitochondria-specific phospholipid cardiolipin oxidation to 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) ultimately leads to mitochondrial integrity and function impairment. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to identify effective nutritional intervention targeting mitochondrial redox function for an alternative therapy of ALD, in order to compensate for the difficulty in achieving alcohol withdrawal due to addiction. In this study, we confirmed the significant advantages of astaxanthin (AX) against alcohol toxicity among various carotenoids via cell experiments and identified the potential in mitochondrion morphogenesis and calcium signaling pathway by bioinformatics analysis. The ALD model of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was also generated to investigate the effectiveness of AX on alcohol-induced liver injury, and the underlying mechanisms were further explored. AX intervention attenuated alcohol-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation as well as mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by degenerative morphology changes and collapsed membrane potential. Also, AX reduced the production of 4-HNE by activating the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, which is closely associated with the redox balance of mitochondria. In addition, relieved mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation caused by AX was observed both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we revealed the structure-activity relationship of AX and mitochondrial membrane channel proteins MCU and VDAC1, implying potential acting targets. Altogether, our data indicated a new mechanism of AX intervention which protects against alcohol-induced liver injury through restoring redox balance and Ca2+ homeostasis in mitochondria, as well as provided novel insights into the development of AX as a therapeutic option for the management of ALD.

Prevention of STAT3-related pathway in SK-N-SH cells by natural product astaxanthin

PURPOSE

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common solid malignancy in children. Despite current intensive treatment, the long-term event-free survival rate is less than 50% in these patients. Thus, patients with NB urgently need more valid treatment strategies. Previous research has shown that STAT3 may be an effective target in high-risk NB patients. However, there are no effective inhibitors in clinical evaluation with low toxicity and few side effects. Astaxanthin is a safe and natural anticancer product. In this study, we investigated whether astaxanthin could exert antitumor effects in the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cancer cell line.

METHOD

MTT and colony formation assays were used to determine the effect of astaxanthin on the proliferation and colony formation of SK-N-SH cells. Flow cytometry assays were used to detect the apoptosis of SK-N-SH cells. The migration and invasion ability of SK-N-SH cells were detected by migration and invasion assays. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels. Animal experiments were carried out and cell apoptosis in tissues were assessed using a TUNEL assay.

RESULT

We confirmed that astaxanthin repressed proliferation, clone formation ability, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis in SK-N-SH cells through the STAT3 pathway. Furthermore, the highest inhibitory effect was observed when astaxanthin was combined with si-STAT3. The reason for this may be that the combination of astaxanthin and si-STAT3 can lower STAT3 expression further than astaxanthin or si-STAT3 alone.

CONCLUSION

Astaxanthin can exert anti-tumor effect on SK-N-SH cells. The inhibitory effect was the higher when astaxanthin was combined with si-STAT3.

A clinical evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of a novel topical antioxidant formulation featuring vitamin C, astaxanthin, and fermented turmeric

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, and pollution are a few examples of environmental factors that exacerbate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause damage to skin cells' DNA, proteins, and lipids. By supplementing the skin with antioxidants, we can help neutralize ROS formed by these extrinsic factors before they can damage the skin.

AIMS

This prospective open-label study explores the safety and efficacy of this novel topical formulation of antioxidants (vitamin C, astaxanthin, fermented turmeric, and vitamin E) designed to fight free radical damage and improve overall skin quality, as well as the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This single-center clinical study evaluated the efficacy of twice-daily application of the test article (Asta C™ Vitamin C Age Defense Serum, Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty) in 32 subjects for 12 weeks. Healthy female subjects aged 35-60 with mild to moderate fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation/uneven skin tone were enrolled in this study. Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI, all skin types (dry, normal, combination, oily), and subjects with sensitive skin were included.

RESULTS

All subjects demonstrated improvement in overall skin quality (face, neck, and chest) by the end of the 12-week study period. One hundred percent of subjects demonstrated improvement in the appearance of fine lines at Week 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the current clinical study demonstrates that Asta C™ is safe, well-tolerated, and effective in improving overall skin quality, as well as the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, radiance, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

In vivo protective efficacy of astaxanthin against ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, is believed to be effective in the repair of DNA damage. Our study evaluates the effect of astaxanthin on DNA damage in rats exposed to whole-body radiotherapy using the comet assay. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, ionizing radiation, astaxanthin, and radiation+astaxanthin). The radiation and radiation+astaxanthin groups were exposed to X-rays at a dose of 8 gray (0.62 gray/min). Astaxanthin was administered at 4 mg/kg by gavage for 7 days starting from irradiation. The %TailDNA parameter was chosen as an indicator of DNA damage and the results were compared using one-way ANOVA. %TailDNA was 3.24 ± 3.12 in the control group, 2.85 ± 2.73 in the astaxanthin group, 4.11 ± 7.90 in the radiation group, and 3.59 ± 4.05 in the radiation+astaxanthin group. There was a significant increase in DNA damage in the radiation group, compared with the control and astaxanthin groups (p < .001). DNA damage was reduced in the radiation+astaxanthin group compared with the radiation group (p < .05). Although this decrease did not reduce damage to the level of the control group, it was significant. The decrease in radiation-induced DNA damage by astaxanthin administration in our study supports the hypothesis that astaxanthin is a promising agent for against/reducing DNA damage.

Production of Astaxanthin by Animal Cells via Introduction of an Entire Astaxanthin Biosynthetic Pathway

Astaxanthin is a fascinating molecule with powerful antioxidant activity, synthesized exclusively by specific microorganisms and higher plants. To expand astaxanthin production, numerous studies have employed metabolic engineering to introduce and optimize astaxanthin biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms and plant hosts. Here, we report the metabolic engineering of animal cells in vitro to biosynthesize astaxanthin. This was accomplished through a two-step study to introduce the entire astaxanthin pathway into human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T). First, we introduced the astaxanthin biosynthesis sub-pathway (Ast subp) using several genes encoding β-carotene ketolase and β-carotene hydroxylase enzymes to synthesize astaxanthin directly from β-carotene. Next, we introduced a β-carotene biosynthesis sub-pathway (β-Car subp) with selected genes involved in Ast subp to synthesize astaxanthin from geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). As a result, we unprecedentedly enabled HEK293T cells to biosynthesize free astaxanthin from GGPP with a concentration of 41.86 µg/g dry weight (DW), which represented 66.19% of the total ketocarotenoids (63.24 µg/g DW). Through optimization steps using critical factors in the astaxanthin biosynthetic process, a remarkable 4.14-fold increase in total ketocarotenoids (262.10 µg/g DW) was achieved, with astaxanthin constituting over 88.82%. This pioneering study holds significant implications for transgenic animals, potentially revolutionizing the global demand for astaxanthin, particularly within the aquaculture sector.

The potential modulation of gut microbiota and oxidative stress by dietary carotenoid pigments

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.

SPC212 human mesothelioma cells underwent apoptosis, oxidative stress, and morphological deformation following Astaxanthin treatment

Astaxanthin (ASX) is one of the keto-carotenoids, which is biologically more active than other counterparts. Besides its variety of beneficial effects, it was reported to exert anticancer effects. Despite its utilization against different cancer types, the effect of ASX on mesothelioma has yet to be well-studied. In this study, our goal is to ascertain how ASX will affect SPC212 human mesothelioma cells. First, the effective doses of ASX against SPC212 cells were investigated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Thereafter, with flow cytometry analysis, Annexin-V and caspase 3/7 assay were implemented for the evaluation of apoptotic cell death and an oxidative stress test was carried out to determine how the free radicals changed. Ultimately, the cells' morphology was examined under a light microscope. The effective doses of ASX were found as 50, 100, and 200 µM. In the Annexin V assay, the total apoptosis increased to around 12%, 30%, and 45% with increasing doses of ASX. In the caspase 3/7 assay, the total apoptosis was around 25% and 38% at 100 and 200 µM. In oxidative stress analysis, reactive oxygen species-positive cells rose from 4.54 at the lowest dose to 86.95 at the highest dose. In morphological analysis, cellular shrinkage, decrease in cell density, swelling and vacuolations in some cells, membrane blebbing, and apoptotic bodies are observed in ASX-treated cells. To conclude, the current study provided insights into the efficacy and effects of ASX against SPC212 mesothelioma cells regarding morphology, proliferation, and cell death for future studies.

Carotenoids from Starfish Patiria pectinifera: Therapeutic Activity in Models of Inflammatory Diseases

The carotenoids mixture (MC) isolated from the starfish Patiria. pectinifera contains more than 50% astaxanthin, 4-6% each zeaxanthine and lutein, and less pharmacologically active components such as free fatty acids and their glycerides. Astaxanthin, the major component of MC, belongs to the xanthophyll class of carotenoids, and is well known for its antioxidant properties. In this work, in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological activity of MC were carried out. The complex was shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and cancer-preventive activity, without any toxicity at a dose of 500 mg/kg. MC effectively improves the clinical picture of the disease progressing, as well as normalizing the cytokine profile and the antioxidant defense system in the in vivo animal models of inflammatory diseases, namely: skin carcinogenesis, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and systemic inflammation (SI). In the skin carcinogenesis induced by 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, the incidence of papillomas was decreased 1.5 times; 1% MC ointment form in allergic contact dermatitis showed an 80% reduced severity of pathomorphological skin manifestations. Obtained results show that MC from starfish P. pectinifera is an effective remedy for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory processes.

Therapeutic potential of lipid nanosystems for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain is primarily responsible for the onset of the disease. The major challenge faced in the treatment of PD is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which impedes the delivery of therapeutics to targeted locations. To address this issue, lipid nanosystems have been used for the precise delivery of therapeutic compounds in anti-PD therapy. In this review, we will discuss the application and clinical significance of lipid nanosystem in delivering therapeutic compounds for anti-PD treatment. These medicinal compounds include ropinirole, apomorphine, bromocriptine, astaxanthin, resveratrol, dopamine, glyceryl monooleate, levodopa, N-3,4-bis(pivaloyloxy)- dopamine and fibroblast growth factor, which have significant potential to treat PD in the early stage. This review, in a nutshell, will pave the way for researchers to develop diagnostic and potential therapeutic approaches using nanomedicine to overcome the challenges posed by the BBB in delivering therapeutic compounds for PD.

A New Role for Yeast Cells in Health and Nutrition: Antioxidant Power Assessment

As the use of antioxidant compounds in the domains of health, nutrition and well-being is exponentially rising, there is an urgent need to quantify antioxidant power quickly and easily, ideally within living cells. We developed an Anti Oxidant Power in Yeast (AOPY) assay which allows for the quantitative measurement of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free-radical scavenging effects of various molecules in a high-throughput compatible format. Key parameters for Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated, and the optimal values were determined for each of them. The cell density in the reaction mixture was fixed at 0.6; the concentration of the fluorescent biosensor (TO) was found to be optimal at 64 µM, and the strongest response was observed for exponentially growing cells. Our optimized procedure allows accurate quantification of the antioxidant effect in yeast of well-known antioxidant molecules: resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin and astaxanthin added in the culture medium. Moreover, using a genetically engineered carotenoid-producing yeast strain, we realized the proof of concept of the usefulness of this new assay to measure the amount of β-carotene directly inside living cells, without the need for cell lysis and purification.

Algal Carotenoids: Chemistry, Sources, and Application

Recently, the isolation and identification of various biologically active secondary metabolites from algae have been of scientific interest, with particular attention paid to carotenoids, widely distributed in various photosynthetic organisms, including algal species. Carotenoids are among the most important natural pigments, with many health-promoting effects. Since the number of scientific studies on the presence and profile of carotenoids in algae has increased exponentially along with the interest in their potential commercial applications, this review aimed to provide an overview of the current knowledge (from 2015) on carotenoids detected in different algal species (12 microalgae, 21 green algae, 26 brown algae, and 43 red algae) to facilitate the comparison of the results of different studies. In addition to the presence, content, and identification of total and individual carotenoids in various algae, the method of their extraction and the main extraction parameters were also highlighted.

Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant, lowers cholesterol and markers of cardiovascular risk in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidaemia

AIM

To determine the effects of astaxanthin treatment on lipids, cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers, glucose tolerance, insulin action and inflammation in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidaemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult participants with dyslipidaemia and prediabetes (n = 34) underwent baseline blood draw, an oral glucose tolerance test and a one-step hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp. They were then randomized (n = 22 treated, 12 placebo) to receive astaxanthin 12 mg daily or placebo for 24 weeks. Baseline studies were repeated after 12 and 24 weeks of therapy.

RESULTS

After 24 weeks, astaxanthin treatment significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (-0.33 ± 0.11 mM) and total cholesterol (-0.30 ± 0.14 mM) (both P < .05). Astaxanthin also reduced levels of the CVD risk markers fibrinogen (-473 ± 210 ng/mL), L-selectin (-0.08 ± 0.03 ng/mL) and fetuin-A (-10.3 ± 3.6 ng/mL) (all P < .05). While the effects of astaxanthin treatment did not reach statistical significance, there were trends toward improvements in the primary outcome measure, insulin-stimulated, whole-body glucose disposal (+0.52 ± 0.37 mg/m2 /min, P = .078), as well as fasting [insulin] (-5.6 ± 8.4 pM, P = .097) and HOMA2-IR (-0.31 ± 0.16, P = .060), suggesting improved insulin action. No consistent significant differences from baseline were observed for any of these outcomes in the placebo group. Astaxanthin was safe and well tolerated with no clinically significant adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the primary endpoint did not meet the prespecified significance level, these data suggest that astaxanthin is a safe over-the-counter supplement that improves lipid profiles and markers of CVD risk in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidaemia.

Beneficial effects of seaweed-derived components on metabolic syndrome via gut microbiota modulation

Metabolic syndrome comprises a group of conditions that collectively increase the risk of abdominal obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Gut microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, and microbial diversity and function are strongly affected by diet. In recent years, epidemiological evidence has shown that the dietary intake of seaweed can prevent metabolic syndrome via gut microbiota modulation. In this review, we summarize the current in vivo studies that have reported the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome via seaweed-derived components by regulating the gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids. Among the surveyed related articles, animal studies revealed that these bioactive components mainly modulate the gut microbiota by reversing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, or decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrio, Lachnoclostridium. The regulated microbiota is thought to affect host health by improving gut barrier functions, reducing LPS-induced inflammation or oxidative stress, and increasing bile acid production. Furthermore, these compounds increase the production of short-chain fatty acids and influence glucose and lipid metabolism. Thus, the interaction between the gut microbiota and seaweed-derived bioactive components plays a critical regulatory role in human health, and these compounds have the potential to be used for drug development. However, further animal studies and human clinical trials are required to confirm the functional roles and mechanisms of these components in balancing the gut microbiota and managing host health.

In Vitro Evaluation of Skin-Related Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Astaxanthin Isomers

Dietary astaxanthin exists predominantly as the all-E-isomer; however, certain amounts of the Z-isomers are universally present in the skin, whose roles remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the astaxanthin E/Z-isomer ratio on skin-related physicochemical properties and biological activities using human dermal fibroblasts and B16 mouse melanoma cells. We revealed that astaxanthin enriched in Z-isomers (total Z-isomer ratio = 86.6%) exhibited greater UV-light-shielding ability and skin antiaging and skin-whitening activities, such as anti-elastase and anti-melanin formation activities, than the all-E-isomer-rich astaxanthin (total Z-isomer ratio = 3.3%). On the other hand, the all-E-isomer was superior to the Z-isomers in singlet oxygen scavenging/quenching activity, and the Z-isomers inhibited type I collagen release into the culture medium in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings help clarify the roles of astaxanthin Z-isomers in the skin and would help in the development of novel skin health-promoting food ingredients.

Mechanisms of and Potential Medications for Oxidative Stress in Ovarian Granulosa Cells: A Review

Granulosa cells are essential for follicle initiation and development, and their abnormal function or apoptosis is a crucial factor leading to follicular atresia. A state of oxidative stress occurs when the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the regulation of the antioxidant system is disturbed. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of the abnormal function and apoptosis of granulosa cells. Oxidative stress in granulosa cells causes female reproductive system diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure. In recent years, studies have confirmed that the mechanism of oxidative stress in granulosa cells is closely linked to the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, FOXO axis, Nrf2 pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and mitophagy. It has been found that drugs such as sulforaphane, Periplaneta americana peptide, and resveratrol can mitigate the functional damage caused by oxidative stress on granulosa cells. This paper reviews some of the mechanisms involved in oxidative stress in granulosa cells and describes the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological treatment of oxidative stress in granulosa cells.

Comparison between the Astaxanthin Release Profile of Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles (MBGNs) and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/MBGN Composite Microspheres

In recent years, composite biomaterials have attracted attention for drug delivery applications due to the possibility of combining desired properties of their components. However, some functional characteristics, such as their drug release efficiency and likely side effects, are still unexplored. In this regard, controlled tuning of the drug release kinetic via the precise design of a composite particle system is still of high importance for many biomedical applications. This objective can be properly fulfilled through the combination of different biomaterials with unequal release rates, such as mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGN) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) microspheres. In this work, MBGNs and PHBV-MBGN microspheres, both loaded with Astaxanthin (ASX), were synthesised and compared in terms of ASX release kinetic, ASX entrapment efficiency, and cell viability. Moreover, the correlation of the release kinetic to phytotherapeutic efficiency and side effects was established. Interestingly, there were significant differences between the ASX release kinetic of the developed systems, and cell viability differed accordingly after 72 h. Both particle carriers effectively delivered ASX, though the composite microspheres exhibited a more prolonged release profile with sustained cytocompatibility. The release behaviour could be fine-tuned by adjusting the MBGN content in the composite particles. Comparatively, the composite particles induced a different release effect, implying their potential for sustained drug delivery applications.

Production and therapeutic use of astaxanthin in the nanotechnology era

Astaxanthin (AXT) is a red fat-soluble pigment found naturally in aquatic animals, plants, and various microorganisms and can be manufactured artificially using chemical catalysis. AXT is a xanthophyll carotenoid with a high potential for scavenging free radicals. Several studies have investigated AXT efficacy against diseases such as neurodegenerative, ocular, skin, and cardiovascular hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal and liver diseases, and immuno-protective functions. However, its poor solubility, low stability to light and oxygen, and limited bioavailability are major obstacles hindering its wide applications as a therapeutic agent or nutritional supplement. Incorporating AXT with nanocarriers holds great promise in enhancing its physiochemical properties. Nanocarriers are delivery systems with several benefits, including surface modification, bioactivity, and targeted medication delivery and release. Many approaches have been applied to enhance AXT's medicinal effect, including solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and polymeric nanospheres. AXT nano-formulations have demonstrated a high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, significantly affecting cancer in different organs. This review summarizes the most recent data on AXT production, characterization, biological activity, and therapeutic usage, focusing on its uses in the nanotechnology era.

Effect of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on the Growth of the Green Microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and Astaxanthin Synthesis

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely known for their antimicrobial activity in various systems from microorganisms to cell cultures. However, the data on their effects on microalgae are very limited. Unicellular green algae Haematococcus pluvialis is known for its ability to accumulate large amounts of astaxanthin under stress conditions. Therefore, it can be used as a suitable model system to test the influence of AgNPs on stress induction in unicellular algae, with visible phenotypic effects, such as astaxanthin synthesis and cell morphology. This study tested different AgNP concentrations (0-8 mg/L) effects on different growth stages (red and green) of H. pluvialis culture. Effects on cell morphology, culture productivity, and astaxanthin synthesis were evaluated. Data showed that the addition of high concentrations of AgNPs to the growing culture had a significant negative impact on culture productivity. Green-stage (HpG) cultures productivity was reduced by up to 85% by increasing AgNPs concentration to 8 mg/L while the impact on red-stage (HpR) culture was lower. Astaxanthin concentration measurements showed that AgNPs do not have any effect on astaxanthin concentration in HpG culture and caused decreased astaxanthin production rate in HpR culture. HpG culture astaxanthin concentration stayed constant at ~0.43% dry weight, while HpR culture astaxanthin concentration was significantly reduced from 1.89% to 0.60% dry weight by increasing AgNP concentration. AgNPs in the media lead to significant changes in cell morphology in both HpG and HpR cultures. Cell deformations and disrupted cytokinesis, as well as AgNPs and induced sexual reproduction, were observed.

Study on bioactive compounds of microalgae as antioxidants in a bibliometric analysis and visualization perspective

Natural antioxidants are more attractive than synthetic chemical oxidants because of their non-toxic and non-harmful properties. Microalgal bioactive components such as carotenoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds are gaining popularity as very effective and long-lasting natural antioxidants. Few articles currently exist that analyze microalgae from a bibliometric and visualization point of view. This study used a bibliometric method based on the Web of Science Core Collection database to analyze antioxidant research on bioactive compounds in microalgae from 1996 to 2022. According to cluster analysis, the most studied areas are the effectiveness, the antioxidant mechanism, and use of bioactive substances in microalgae, such as carotene, astaxanthin, and tocopherols, in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine. Using keyword co-occurrence and keyword mutation analysis, future trends are predicted to improve extraction rates and stability by altering the environment of microalgae cultures or mixing extracts with chemicals such as nanoparticles for commercial and industrial applications. These findings can help researchers identify trends and resources to build impactful investigations and expand scientific frontiers.

Current Insights into the Formulation and Delivery of Therapeutic and Cosmeceutical Agents for Aging Skin

“Successful aging” counters the traditional idea of aging as a disease and is increasingly equated with minimizing age signs on the skin, face, and body. From this stems the interest in preventative aesthetic dermatology that might help with the healthy aging of skin, help treat or prevent certain cutaneous disorders, such as skin cancer, and help delay skin aging by combining local and systemic methods of therapy, instrumental devices, and invasive procedures. This review will discuss the main mechanisms of skin aging and the potential mechanisms of action for commercial products already on the market, highlighting the issues related to the permeation of the skin from different classes of compounds, the site of action, and the techniques employed to overcome aging. The purpose is to give an overall perspective on the main challenges in formulation development, especially nanoparticle formulations, which aims to defeat or slow down skin aging, and to highlight new market segments, such as matrikines and matrikine-like peptides. In conclusion, by applying enabling technologies such as those delivery systems outlined here, existing agents can be repurposed or fine-tuned, and traditional but unproven treatments can be optimized for efficacious dosing and safety.

Bacteria as biofactory of pigments: Evolution beyond therapeutics and biotechnological advancements

Bacterial pigments are the wonder molecules of nature that have attracted the attention of industries in recent years. To date, various synthetic pigments have been in use in food, cosmetics, and textile industries that have not only shown a notoriously toxic nature but also posed threat to the ecosystem. Moreover, nutraceuticals, fisheries, and animal husbandry were highly dependent on plant sources for products that aid in disease prevention and improve stock health. In this context, the use of bacterial pigments as new-generation colorants, food fortifiers, and supplements can hold great prospects as low-cost, healthy, and eco-friendly alternatives. The majority of studies on these compounds were restricted to antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer potentials to date. Each of these can be highly beneficial for the development of new-generation drugs, but their other potential niche in various industries that pose health and environmental risks needs to be explored. Recent advances in novel strategies of metabolic engineering, advancements in optimization tools for the fermentation process, and the design of appropriate delivery systems will greatly expand the market of bacterial pigments in industries. This review summarizes the current technologies for enhancing production, recovery, stability, and appreciable use of bacterial pigments in industries apart from therapeutics with proper financial aspects. The toxicity perspectives have been focused to emphasize that these wonder molecules are the need of the hour and their future prospects have been highlighted. Extensive literature has been studied to include the challenges of bacterial pigments from environmental and health risk perspectives.

Astaxanthin attenuates cigarette smoking-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in a sirtuin 1-dependent manner

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play key roles in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Astaxanthin (AXT) is a keto-carotenoid with a variety of biological functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects This study aimed to explore the protective role and underlying mechanism of AXT in the pathogenesis of COPD. In this study, we found AXT alleviated pulmonary emphysema in a CS-exposed mouse model and regulated the expression of MMP-9/TIMP-1. And, AXT attenuates CSE-induced small airway fibrosis. Meanwhile, AXT inhibited Nrf2-modulated oxidative stress and the p65 NF-κB-regulated inflammatory pathway in both the mouse model and CSE-treated HBE cells. Mechanistically, AXT could directly bind to SIRT1 (the binding energy of the complex was -8.8 kcal/mol) and regulate the deacetylation activity of SIRT1. Finally, by activating SIRT1 deacetylation, AXT deacetylated Nrf2 and contributed to its action of reducing oxidative stress by generating antioxidant enzymes, and inhibiting p65 NF-κB transcriptional activity to suppress the inflammatory response. Our results show that treatment with AXT significantly reverses the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cigarette smoke both in vivo and in vitro in a sirtuin 1-dependent manner.

The Role of Phytochemicals and Gut Microbiome in Atherosclerosis in Preclinical Mouse Models

Gut microbiome alterations have recently been linked to many chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is an interplay between diet and the resident gut microbiome, where the food eaten affects populations of certain microbes. This is important, as different microbes are associated with various pathologies, as they can produce compounds that are disease-promoting or disease-protecting. The Western diet negatively affects the host gut microbiome, ultimately resulting in heightened arterial inflammation and cell phenotype changes as well as plaque accumulation in the arteries. Nutritional interventions including whole foods rich in fiber and phytochemicals as well as isolated compounds including polyphenols and traditional medicinal plants show promise in positively influencing the host gut microbiome to alleviate atherosclerosis. This review investigates the efficacy of a vast array of foods and phytochemicals on host gut microbes and atherosclerotic burden in mice. Reduction in plaque by interventions was associated with increases in bacterial diversity, reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, and upregulation of Akkermansia. Upregulation in CYP7 isoform in the liver, ABC transporters, bile acid excretion, and the level of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid were also noted in several studies reducing plaque. These changes were also associated with attenuated inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, an increase in the abundance of Akkermansia with diets rich in polyphenols, fiber, and grains is likely to reduce plaque burden in patients suffering from CVD.