Abstract
Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is a secondary metabolite naturally synthesized by a number of bacteria, microalgae, and yeasts. The commercial production of this pigment has traditionally been performed by chemical synthesis, but the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis appears to be the most promising source for its industrial biological production. Due to its collective diverse functions in skin biology, there is mounting evidence that astaxanthin possesses various health benefits and important nutraceutical applications in the field of dermatology. Although still debated, a range of potential mechanisms through which astaxanthin might exert its benefits on skin homeostasis have been proposed, including photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review summarizes the available data on the functional role of astaxanthin in skin physiology, outlines potential mechanisms involved in the response to astaxanthin, and highlights the potential clinical implications associated with its consumption.
Highlights
The ketocarotenoid astaxanthin (ASX), 3,30-dihydroxy-b,b-carotene-4,40-dione, was originally isolated from a lobster by Kuhn and Sorensen [1]
A recent study demonstrated that ASX protected against early burn-wound progression by attenuating reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress in a rat deep-burn model. This effect involves the regulation of free radical production by influencing xanthine oxidase (XO) and the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (Nox); both contribute to the generation of ROS [26]
The main components that confer an aged skin appearance are damaged structural and functional proteins that form the extracellular matrix (ECM). Damage to these structures leads to the production of reactive intermediates, cell death, and inflammatory responses
Summary
The ketocarotenoid astaxanthin (ASX), 3,30-dihydroxy-b,b-carotene-4,40-dione, was originally isolated from a lobster by Kuhn and Sorensen [1]. ASX has several essential biological functions in marine animals, including pigmentation, protection against ultraviolet (UV) light effects, Nutrients 2018, 10, 522; doi:10.3390/nu10040522 www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients. ASX is more bioactive than zeaxanthin, lutein, and β-carotene This is mainly due to the presence of a keto- and a hydroxyl group on each end of its molecule. The polar end groups quench free radicals, while the double bonds of its middle segment remove high-energy electrons These unique chemical properties explain some of its features, a higher antioxidant activity than other carotenoids [5]. We will discuss the effects of ASX on cellular and molecular mechanisms, such as the regulation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, modulation of the immune response, prevention of skin damage, and regulation of DNA repair
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