The Effect Of Astaxanthin On Mucosal Immunity, Oxidative Stress And Inflammation In Soccer Players

Abstract

The physiologic stress induced by intensive physical activity is reflected in transient, but significant immune system alterations, along with oxidative stress and inflammation. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of astaxanthin on mucosal immunity, oxidative stress status, markers of inflammation in soccer players during competitive season. METHOD: Forty trained male soccer players were randomized to astaxanthin (Asx) and placebo (P) groups and under double-blind procedures received 4 mg of Asx or placebo during a competitive half season, over the three-month period (March to May). Saliva and blood samples were collected at the onset of the study and after 90 days of supplementation. The mucosal immunity was evaluated by salivary IgA and oxidative stress status was determined through total oxidative status-TOS, total antioxidative status-TAS and redox balance-RB. In addition, we followed the changes in biochemical parameters and in total and differential white cell counts. RESULTS: ANOVA repeated measures revealed significant supplementation and training interaction effect (p<0.05) on sIgA response in soccer players. We observed a significant increase in resting sIgA secretion rate in Asx group (234 ± 75 to 298±87 μg/min), while there was no significant change in P group (300 ± 72 to 282 ± 60 μg/min). TOS significantly decreased in both groups of soccer players as a result of regular training (Asx: 15.4±1.5 to 5.0±0.5 mmol/L; P : 16.8±1.6 to 5.1±0.5 mmol/L; p<0.001), while RB was reduced as a result of Asx supplementation and training (Asx: 479.1±45.4 to 291.5±33.3 HK U, p<0.05; P: 338.9 ± 48.8 to 258.9±35.8 HK U). Decreased percentage of lymphocytes (39.1 ± 2 to 33.7±1.8 %, p<0.05) and increased percentage of neutrophils (49.3 ± 1.5 to 54.8 ± 2%, p<0.05), as well as increase in hs-CRP (1.26 [0.89 -1.78] to 1.98 [1.24 - 3.17] mg/L, p<0.05) were detected only in P group after 3 months of observational period. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that dietary astaxanthin improved mucosal immunity in soccer players probably through reducing oxidative stress. Also, the increases in neutrophil count and hs-CRP observed in placebo group were not evident in supplemented group, indicating a significant blunting of the minor inflammatory response in subjects taking astaxanthin.