Astaxanthin attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐induced atrogin‐1 expression in C2C12 myotubes (1163.22)

Abstract

Atrogin‐1, as a muscle specific ubiquitin ligase, is elevated in skeletal muscle during cachectic state, causing muscle atrophy. The elevation of atrogin‐1 expression level is induced by inflammatory cytokines, and they are promoted by oxidative stress. Astaxanthin, a member of carotenoid family, exerts high antioxidative capacity. We investigated preventive effect of astaxanthin on atrogin‐1 expression and muscle atrophy caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. In C2C12 myotubes, LPS treatment markedly increased the level of atrogin‐1 mRNA expression, leading to myotube atrophy. Astaxanthin treatment significantly attenuated the increased atrogin‐1 mRNA expression, and prevented myotube atrophy induced by LPS in C2C12 myotubes. These results suggest the efficacy of astaxanthin could provide a preventive approach against cachexia‐related muscle atrophy.