The Beneficial Effects of Astaxanthin on Glucose Metabolism and Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein in Healthy Volunteers and Subjects with Prediabetes.

Masaharu Urakaze,Kouichi Shigeta,Chikaaki Kobashi,Hiroshi Nishida,Jiro Takahashi,Masatoshi Takagi,Masahiro Toshima,Yukihiro Satou

doi:10.3390/nu13124381

Masaharu Urakaze, Kouichi Shigeta + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124381

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Abstract

Astaxanthin (ASTX) is an antioxidant agent. Recently, its use has been focused on the prevention of diabetes and atherosclerosis. We examined the effects of astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks on glucose metabolism, glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles and anthropometric indices in healthy volunteers including subjects with prediabetes with a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: We enrolled 53 subjects who met our inclusion criteria and administered them with 12 mg astaxanthin or a placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Subsequently, their HbA1c levels, lipid profiles and biochemical parameters were determined. The participants also underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), vascular endothelial function test and measurement of the visceral fat area. Results: After astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks, glucose levels after 120 min in a 75 g OGTT significantly decreased compared to those before supplementation. Furthermore, the levels of HbA1c (5.64 ± 0.33 vs. 5.57 ± 0.39%, p < 0.05), apo E (4.43 ± 1.29 vs. 4.13 ± 1.24 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (87.3 ± 28.6 vs. 76.3 ± 24.6 U/L, p < 0.05) were also reduced, whereas total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) levels were unaltered. The Matuda index, which is one of the parameters of insulin resistance, was improved in the ASTX group compared to that before supplementation. Conclusions: our results suggest that ASTX may have preventive effects against diabetes and atherosclerosis and may be a novel complementary treatment option for the prevention of diabetes in healthy volunteers, including subjects with prediabetes, without adverse effects.

Highlights

ASTX may have a preventive effect on diabetes in healthy volunteers, including subjects with prediabetes
Uchiyama et al [22] reported that ASTX supplementation protected pancreatic beta-cells against glucose toxicity by decreasing the level of blood glucose and oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia in diabetic db/db mice
We demonstrated that ASTX decreases the level of HbA1c in healthy volunteers and subjects with prediabetes

Summary

Introduction

Patients with diabetes often have dyslipidemia and an increased risk of developing a number of life-threatening disorders, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, resulting in higher medical care costs, a reduced quality of life and increased mortality [1]. The global prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in adults has been increasing in recent decades. In many countries and regions, the number of people with impaired glucose tolerance, including diabetes, has been boosted by rapid urbanization and dramatic changes leading to a sedentary lifestyle [2]. 7.3% of the world’s population, or 352 million individuals, have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and are considered to be increased risk of developing diabetes, with an expectation that this will increase to

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