Astaxanthin Supplementation Research Articles

Astaxanthin Inhibits Oxidative Stress-Induced Ku Protein Degradation and Apoptosis in Gastric Epithelial Cells.

Oxidative stress induces DNA damage which can be repaired by DNA repair proteins, such as Ku70/80. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulate the activation of caspase-3, which degrades Ku 70/80. Cells with decreased Ku protein levels undergo apoptosis. Astaxanthin exerts antioxidant activity by inducing the expression of catalase, an antioxidant enzyme, in gastric epithelial cells. Therefore, astaxanthin may inhibit oxidative stress-induced DNA damage by preventing Ku protein degradation and thereby suppressing apoptosis. Ku proteins can be degraded via ubiquitination and neddylation which adds ubiquitin-like protein to substrate proteins. We aimed to determine whether oxidative stress decreases Ku70/80 expression through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway to induce apoptosis and whether astaxanthin inhibits oxidative stress-induced changes in gastric epithelial AGS cells. We induced oxidative stress caused by the treatment of β-D-glucose (G) and glucose oxidase (GO) in the cells. As a result, the G/GO treatment increased ROS levels, decreased nuclear Ku protein levels and Ku-DNA-binding activity, and induced the ubiquitination of Ku80. G/GO increased the DNA damage marker levels (γ-H2AX; DNA fragmentation) and apoptosis marker annexin V-positive cells and cell death. Astaxanthin inhibited G/GO-induced alterations, including Ku degradation in AGS cells. MLN4924, a neddylation inhibitor, and MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, suppressed G/GO-mediated DNA fragmentation and decreased cell viability. These results indicated that G/GO-induced oxidative stress causes Ku protein loss through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, resulting in DNA fragmentation and apoptotic cell death. Astaxanthin inhibited oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis via the reduction of ROS levels and inhibition of Ku protein degradation. In conclusion, dietary astaxanthin supplementation or astaxanthin-rich food consumption may be effective for preventing or delaying oxidative stress-mediated cell damage by suppressing Ku protein loss and apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells.

215 Awardee Talk: Astaxanthin Supplementation During Deconditioning and Reconditioning Periods Reduces Oxidative Stress in Circulation in Polo Ponies

Abstract Oxidative status is impacted by fitness and dietary nutrients, such as antioxidants. We hypothesized that astaxanthin (ASTX) supplementation would improve oxidative status in the circulation and muscle in response to exercise following deconditioning and reconditioning in horses. Twelve conditioned polo ponies (14.8 ± 1.7 yr) were assigned to control (CON; n = 6) or astaxanthin supplemented (ASTX; n = 6; 75 mg ASTX daily) groups. Horses performed 26 min submaximal exercise tests (SET) followed by 30 min of recovery while in condition (SET1), after 16 wk of deconditioning (SET2), and after 16 wk of reconditioning (SET3). Blood samples were collected 30 min before and 0, 15, 30, and 60 min after each SET. Semitendinosus muscle biopsies were collected 2 wk before and 2 hr after each SET. Using commercially available kits, plasma and muscle superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were determined. At SET2, ASTX had 116% greater plasma SOD activities than CON (P=0.001). Both treatment groups increased from SET2 to SET3 (P< 0.001), but there were no treatment effects at SET3 (P=0.788). At SET2, plasma GPX activities were 49.3% greater in ASTX than CON (P=0.012), and ASTX tended to be 21.2% greater than CON at SET3 (P=0.096). Plasma MDA concentrations were 22.2% greater in CON than ASTX at SET2 (P=0.034), but not at SET1 or SET3 (P≥0.449). There were no detectable differences in muscle SOD or GPX activities 2 wk before or 2 hr after any SET (P≥0.309). In conclusion, ASTX supplementation maintained circulating antioxidant capacity and minimized oxidant activities during deconditioning, reducing oxidative stress in response to the SET in the circulation but not in the skeletal muscle. This may enable horses to adjust to strenuous exercise more efficiently, improving athletic performance, especially when they are re-introduced to exercise after deconditioning.

The effects of astaxanthin supplementation on expression of microRNAs involved in cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review of current evidence

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have biological roles in controlling oxidative stress. Astaxanthin (AST) may regulate circulating miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the effect of AST on miRNA involved in CVDs. A systematic literature search from inception to August 2022 resulted in 80 preliminary studies; 15 articles were included. In vitro studies indicated that AST up-regulated miRNAs compromised miR-138, miR-7, miR-29a-3p, and miR-200a, while down-regulated miR-382-5p, miR-31-5p, and miR-21. In vivo articles revealed that AST increased the expression of miR-124, miR-7, miR-29a-3p, and miR-200a but decreased miR-21 and miR-31-5p and the only clinical study showed a drop in miR-146a. The findings indicate that AST regulated different pathways of miRNAs implicated in various conditions. Therefore AST as a new therapeutic strategy could be essential in preventing and controlling CVDs. However, more studies, including clinical trials, are needed to determine the influence of AST on miRNAs associated with CVDs.

Natural Astaxanthin Improves Testosterone Synthesis and Sperm Mitochondrial Function in Aging Roosters.

Spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and apoptosis are dependent on the regulation of glandular hormones and mitochondria. Natural astaxanthin (ASTA) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The present study evaluates the effects of ASTA on testosterone synthesis and mitochondrial function in aging roosters. Jinghong No. 1 layer breeder roosters (n = 96, 53-week old) were fed a corn–soybean meal basal diet containing 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks. The levels of plasma reproductive hormones and the mRNA and protein levels of molecules related to testosterone synthesis were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in the testes of the ASTA group roosters. In addition, antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging abilities in roosters of the ASTA groups were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes activities and mitochondrial membrane potential in sperm increased linearly with dietary ASTA supplementation (p < 0.05). The levels of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis factors decreased in roosters of the ASTA groups (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that dietary ASTA may improve testosterone levels and reduce sperm apoptosis, which may be related to the upregulation of the testosterone synthesis pathway and the enhancement of mitochondrial function in aging roosters.

Dietary protein and astaxanthin levels on growth performance, hepatopancreas antioxidant capacity and immunity of giant freshwater prawn ( Macrobrachium rosenbergii )

The giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is abundantly farmed in East China and Southeast Asia. To date, limited information exists on the relationship between protein and astaxanthin, and the antioxidation and non-specific immunity functions. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary protein and astaxanthin levels on growth, hepatopancreas antioxidant capacity and non-specific immune response of prawns. Further, the interaction between protein and astaxanthin was determined. In total, 1800 juveniles were randomly allocated into nine treatments with four replicates in 36 net-cages. Nine iso-lipidic diets were formulated with three levels of astaxanthin (0, 100 and 200 mg kg−1) and protein (350, 380 and 410 g kg−1) respectively. Feeding trials lasted for 72 days. The results demonstrated that survival rate, feed coefficient, protein efficiency and body composition did not differ significantly among treatments (p > 0.05), and the weight gain and specific growth rates disposed in their protein levels in diets by 410 g kg−1 were markedly higher than the other two levels (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in antioxidant capacity of hepatopancreas among different levels of protein (p > 0.05). The activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and glutathione peroxidase in hepatopancreas decreased with upgraded content of astaxanthin in diets (P < 0.05). Overall, this study implies that dietary protein levels are the key factor impacting growth performance and feed utilization, when combined with astaxanthin in diets, an interaction effect may partially occur on antioxidant enzymatic activities. However, excessive supplementation of astaxanthin may cause negative impacts on some immune-related enzymatic activities.

The Role of Nutraceutical Supplements, Monacolin K and Astaxanthin, and Diet in Blood Cholesterol Homeostasis in Patients with Myopathy

Several studies suggest that different combinations of nutraceutical supplements may improve the lipid profile, representing a viable alternative to statins. However, their effects on individuals with myopathy need to be investigated. The aim of our study was to explore the mid- and long-term physiological effects of monacolin k (5 mg) and astaxanthin (0.1 mg) supplements in association with a low-energy/fat diet in a group of subjects with mild myopathy. Eighty subjects (44 women) took part in this observational study. Participants were assigned to the experimental group (EG, n = 40, 24 women) treated with a low-energy/fat diet (1200–1500 Kcal/day and 15–20% lipids) in combination with monacolin k (5 mg) and astaxanthin (0.1 mg) supplementation, and to the control group (CG, n = 40, 20 women) treated only with a low-energy/fat diet (1200–1500 Kcal/day and 15–20% lipids). BMI and biochemical parameters (blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatine phosphokinase-CPK) were collected at baseline (T0), after 12 (T1) and 24 (T2) weeks. A mixed factorial ANOVA was performed to determine if there were significant main effects and/or interactions between time and treatment. Treatment (EG vs. CG) was entered as the between-subjects factor and time (T0 vs. T1 vs. T2) as the within-subject factor. We found a significant improvement in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, PCR and CPK parameters in EG compared with CG. Our results highlight the efficacy and safety of combined use of monacolin k (5 mg) and astaxanthin (0.1 mg) in combination with a low-energy/fat diet in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin modulates skin color and liver antioxidant status of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)

Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) is an emerging aquaculture species in Southeast Asia and Australia with limited knowledge of its nutrient requirements and effects of supplements on its physiology. The present study investigated the effects of astaxanthin, vitamin E, and combinations on growth performance, body coloration, and the antioxidant status of juvenile giant grouper. Nine isonitrogenous (crude protein = 65 % ± 0.7 %) and isolipidic (crude lipid = 10 % ± 0.3 %) diets were formulated using a 3 × 3 factorial design, including three levels astaxanthin (0, 75, and 150 mg/kg) and vitamin E (0, 250, and 500 mg/kg), respectively. Each of the nine diets was fed to triplicate groups of 15 giant grouper (18.04 ± 0.92 g) for 30 days. Giant grouper fed the different diets exhibited no significant differences (p > 0.05) in specific growth rate (4.87 %/day - 5.21 %/day). However, dietary astaxanthin supplementation significantly enhanced the redness (a*), yellowness (b*b*), chroma, and hue values of the fin, regardless of the dose supplemented. Giant grouper fed astaxanthin at 75 and 150 mg/kg diet were more yellow and had three times higher b* values than fish fed non-supplemented diets. Further, total antioxidant capacity (TAC; mmol Trolox equivalent) in liver tissues was significantly increased in fish fed any of the astaxanthin-supplemented diets (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, TAC levels were not affected by vitamin E supplementation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by astaxanthin or vitamin E. Findings from this study will contribute toward a better understanding of the dietary effects of antioxidant and pigment in juvenile giant grouper. We present that dietary treatment can modulate giant grouper pigmentation and may be used in the live fish trade. Further, this study contributes to narrowing the knowledge gap in formulating appropriate diets for giant grouper, which to date is fed diets formulated for other species.

Diet supplementation of astaxanthin mitigates cadmium induced negative effects on oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and the intestinal morphology in Trachinotus ovatus

Knowledge about additive on alleviating the negative effects of fish exposed to cadmium (Cd) needs to be more identified in the aquaculture. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate whether diet supplemented with astaxanthin could mitigate adverse effects on hepatic Cd deposition, oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and intestinal morphology of Trachinotus ovatus exposed to dietary Cd treatment. Three isonitrogen-isolipid experimental diets supplemented with/without CdCl2/Astaxanthin were formulated to feed the T. ovatus for 30 days. Results demonstrated that considerably higher hepatic Cd level was found in two Cd supplementing groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05), while no statistical difference of hepatic Cd concentration between these two Cd supplementing groups (p > 0.05). The activity of hepatic total superoxide dismutase, RNA expression levels of hepatic Nrf2-keap1 pathway genes, pro-inflammatory genes, and non-specific immune genes were no statistical differences between the control group and the dietary Cd supplementing group (p > 0.05), while these data in the dietary Cd with astaxanthin group showed significantly higher than that in the dietary Cd without astaxanthin group (p < 0.05). On the contrary, hepatic malondialdehyde content in the dietary Cd group showed significantly higher than that in the control group and dietary Cd with astaxanthin group (p < 0.05). Significantly lower mid-intestine morphology parameters were obtained in the dietary Cd group than the control group (p < 0.05), while significantly higher data were found in the dietary Cd with astaxanthin group compared to the dietary Cd group (p < 0.05). These results indicated that astaxanthin could mitigate the inhibitory effects of Cd on the oxidative, inflammatory and non-specific immune responses, and intestinal morphology of T. ovatus while not reduce the hepatic Cd deposition.

Effects of dietary supplementation of astaxanthin (Ast) on growth performance, activities of digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism of large yellow croaker ( Larimichthys crocea ) larvae

Effects of dietary supplementation of astaxanthin (Ast) on growth performance, activities of digestive enzymes, antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism of large yellow croaker ( <i>Larimichthys crocea</i> ) larvae

Growth Performance, Immune-Related and Antioxidant Genes Expression, and Gut Bacterial Abundance of Pacific White Leg Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, Dietary Supplemented With Natural Astaxanthin.

The current study examines the effect of dietary supplementation of ethanolic extract of Arthrospira platensis NIOF17/003, which is mainly natural astaxanthins (97.50%), on the growth performance, feed utilization, bacterial abundance, and immune-related and antioxidant gene expressions of the Pacific white leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 360 healthy L. vannamei postlarvae (0.19 ± 0.003 g) were divided into four groups (0, 2, 4, and 6 g natural astaxanthins/kg diet) each in three replicates, at an initial density of 30 PLs per tank (40 L capacity). The shrimp were fed the tested diets three times a day at a rate of 10% of their total body weight for 90 days. Diets supplemented with different astaxanthin levels significantly improved shrimp growth performance and feed conversion ratio compared to the control diet. No significant differences were observed in survival rates among all experimental groups. The immune-related genes (prophenoloxidase, lysozyme, beta-glucan binding protein, transglutaminase, and crustin) mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in groups fed with different concentrations of the natural astaxanthins in a dose-dependent manner. The prophenoloxidase gene is the highest immune-upregulated gene (14.71-fold change) in response to astaxanthin supplementation. The superoxide dismutase mRNA level was significantly increased with increasing dietary astaxanthin supplementation. In addition, increasing astaxanthin supplementation levels significantly reduced the count of heterotrophic bacteria and Vibrio spp. in the culture water and shrimp intestine. Overall, the current results concluded that diet supplementation with natural astaxanthin, extracted from Arthrospira platensis, enhanced the growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant status of L. vannamei.

Effect of dietary astaxanthin on growth, body color, biochemical parameters and transcriptome profiling of juvenile blood parrotfish (Vieja melanurus ♀ × Amphilophus citrinellus ♂)

To investigate the effects of dietary astaxanthin on fish growth and body color, blood parrotfish juveniles were assigned to three groups: control (CL), fed a diet without astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks; coloration (ASTA+), fed a diet containing 0.45 g/kg astaxanthin for 12 weeks; decoloration (ASTA-) fed the diet supplemented with astaxanthin for the first six weeks and then the control diet for the other six. Our results showed that the specific growth rate showed no significant difference between ASTA+ and CL at weeks 3 and 6 and among ASTA+ , ASTA- and CL at weeks 9 and 12. The ASTA+ group showed higher skin redness at weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12 and higher yellowness at weeks 6, 9 and 12 than CL, and than ASTA- at week 12. The ASTA+ group had higher concentrations of astaxanthin, HDL-C and LDL-C than the CL at weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12 and than ASTA- group at weeks 9 and 12. By compared ASTA+ and ASTA- with CL, a total of 4250 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected. Pathways, e.g., PPRA signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, and ABC transporters, of DEGs involved in carotenoid deposition were enriched. DEGs involved in the absorption and transport (e.g., upregulated lpl and pltp, and downregulated stard7), metabolism (e.g., upregulated adh1 and dhrs7cb, and downregulated cyp7b1, dhrs11, and si:ch211-113j14.1), and deposition of carotenoids (e.g., downregulated apoa1b and apodb) might be associated with skin coloration. Overall, the results of this study could help to understand the biochemical and molecular mechanism of body coloration under the presence and absence of dietary astaxanthin in blood parrotfish.

Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin is superior to its combination with Lactococcus lactis in improving the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity and disease resistance of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

A four-week feeding trial, followed by a challenge test, was conducted to evaluate the effects of Lactococcus lactis and astaxanthin on the growth performance, digestive ability, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei against Vibrio alginolyticus. Specifically, shrimp were randomly allocated into 12 tanks (100 shrimp per tank), and divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates. Shrimp were fed on either a control (CK) or three other treatment diets by supplementing L. lactis at 1 × 108 CFU g−1 diet (L), astaxanthin at 250 mg kg−1 diet (A) and L. lactis at 1 × 108 CFU g−1 diet combined with astaxanthin 250 mg kg−1 diet (LA). Results indicated that treatment diets significantly improved growth performance and increased the activity of digestive enzymes relative to the control diet. Particularly, the highest parameters were recorded in shrimp fed on astaxanthin alone. Moreover, statistical analysis revealed significant differences in antioxidant and immune enzymes activities between shrimp in the CK and A groups. From the results of the challenge test, shrimp fed on treatment diets all had significantly lower mortality as compared to the control diet, and shrimp fed on astaxanthin alone had the lowest mortality. Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin alone significantly increased the relative expression of Cru, Pen-3α, SOD and LZM and decreased the relative expression of proPO in the gut of shrimp as compared to the control diet. The results indicates that the relative expression levels of most selected immune-related genes were significantly up-regulated in shrimp fed on astaxanthin alone, which may explain the best disease resistance observed in this group. Taken together, the findings of this study suggest that astaxanthin can positively affect the growth performance, digestive ability, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and disease resistance of L. vannamei against V. alginolyticus. Notably, these effects are superior to those induced by L. lactis alone or in combination with L. lactis.

Astaxanthin Supplementation Improves the Subsequent Developmental Competence of Vitrified Porcine Zygotes.

Cryopreservation of embryos has been confirmed to cause oxidative stress as a factor responsible for impaired developmental competence. Currently, astaxanthin (Ax) raises considerable interest as a strong exogenous antioxidant and for its potential in reproductive biology. The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of Ax supplementation during in vitro culture of vitrified porcine zygotes and the possible underlying mechanisms. First, the parthenogenetic zygotes were submitted to vitrification and then cultured in the medium added with various concentrations of Ax (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 μM). Supplementation of 1.5 μM Ax achieved the highest blastocyst yield and was considered as the optimal concentration. This concentration also improved the blastocyst formation rate of vitrified cloned zygotes. Moreover, the vitrified parthenogenetic zygotes cultured with Ax exhibited significantly increased mRNA expression of CDX2, SOD2, and GPX4 in their blastocysts. We further analyzed oxidative stress, mitochondrial and lysosomal function in the 4-cell embryos and blastocysts derived from parthenogenetic zygotes. For the 4-cell embryos, vitrification disturbed the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH), and the activities of mitochondria, lysosome and cathepsin B, and Ax supplementation could fully or partially rescue these values. The blastocysts obtained from vitrified zygotes showed significantly reduced ATP content and elevated cathepsin B activity, which also was recovered by Ax supplementation. There were no significant differences in other parameters mentioned above for the resultant blastocysts. Furthermore, the addition of Ax significantly enhanced mitochondrial activity and reduced lysosomal activity in resultant blastocysts. In conclusion, these findings revealed that Ax supplementation during the culture period improved subsequent embryonic development and quality of porcine zygotes after vitrification and might be used to ameliorate the recovery culture condition for vitrified embryos.

Shift and interaction of intestinal bacterial community in juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis upon astaxanthin feeding

Intestinal bacterial communities of juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis are investigated for the effects of dietary supplementation with different amounts of micro-algal astaxanthin (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg dry diet) and for the correlation to crab hemolymph antioxidant capacity and immunity. Comprehensively analyzing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons showed that astaxanthin supplement, particularly of 90 mg/kg, appeared to enrich especially the number of Bacteroidetes members, albeit not significantly, increased the relative abundance of Dysgonomonas sp. (OTU1156), and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Jinshanibacter sp. (OTU1324) (P < 0.05). Both Dysgonomonas sp. (OTU1156) and Jinshanibacter sp. (OTU1324) are dominant and native bacterial lineages, present in neither the farming water nor feed. The Dysgonomonas sp. (OTU1156) are probably probiotics involving the digesting of food rich in plant matter, while the Jinshanibacter sp. (OTU1324) are potential parasitic/pathogenic bacteria. Intestinal bacterial communities were improved for the metabolic capacity by astaxanthin, such as the ability to digest xenobiotics, which significantly correlates with the total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05) of crab hemolymph. These findings contribute to better understanding of the mutual-interaction among astaxanthin, gut bacterial community structure, and hemolymph antioxidant capability and immunity, and shed light on the health and disease-resistance aquaculture of crabs.

Dietary supplementation of astaxanthin increased growth, colouration, the capacity of hypoxia and ammonia tolerance of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Astaxanthin (AX) is a naturally occurring carotenoid often used as a dietary supplement in the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture industry. This study evaluated the effects of chemically synthesized astaxanthin on growth performance, survival, stress resistance, immune responses, and pigmentation of the Pacific white shrimp fed diets supplemented with five dietary levels of AX containing 0, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg kg−1. The feeding trial was conducted for 8 weeks. The results showed the individuals fed diets supplemented with AX exhibited better growth performance, whose final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), specific growth ratio (SGR), and Myostatin (MSTN) showed a dose-dependent increase in Astaxanthin levels. Following acute hypoxia and ammonia stress test, the survival rate (SR) of shrimp fed with 40, 80 and 160 mg kg−1 diets were higher than that of the control group. AX diet groups improved their capacity of antioxidant defense to prevent oxidative damage, including increasing the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and decreasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the control group. In addition, the gene expression of various antioxidant enzymes in the hepatopancreas of shrimp was significantly upregulated higher such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). High expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH-β), glutamine synthetase (GS) in 80 and 160 mg kg−1 group indicated their effect on glycolysis possibly, which is vital on energy production required. Quadratic regression analysis indicated that the optimal levels for growth and pigmentation were 126.94 mg kg−1 and 138.96 mg kg−1 diet, respectively. In conclusion, Astaxanthin can enhance growth performance, alleviate oxidative and ammonia stress, improving the immunity of Pacific white shrimp.

Randomized controlled trial of astaxanthin impacts on antioxidant status and assisted reproductive technology outcomes in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy in women, is typically accompanied by a defective oxidative defense system. Here, we investigated the effect of astaxanthin (AST) as a powerful antioxidant on the oxidative stress (OS) response and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in PCOS patients. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, PCOS patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group received 8mg AST, and the control group received the placebo daily for 40days. The primary outcomes were the serum and follicular fluid (FF) levels of the OS biomarkers and the expression levels of the specific genes and proteins in the oxidative stress response pathway. The secondary outcomes were considered ART outcomes. According to our findings, a 40-day course of AST supplementation led to significantly higher levels of serum CAT and TAC in the AST group compared to the placebo group. However, there were no significant intergroup differences in the serum MDA and SOD levels, as well as the FF levels of OS markers. The expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQ-1 was significantly increased in the granulosa cells (GCs) of the AST group. Moreover, the MII oocyte and high-quality embryo rate were significantly increased in the AST group compared to the placebo group. We found no significant intergroup difference in the chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. AST treatment has been shown to increase both serum TAC levels and activation of the Nrf2 axis in PCOS patients' GCs. ClincialTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03991286.

Effects of astaxanthin supplementation in fertilization medium and/or culture medium on the fertilization and development of mouse oocytes.

Objective We investigated the effect of supplementing fertilization medium and/or culture medium with astaxanthin (AST) on the two phases of in vitro fertilization: gamete fertilization and embryo development.Methods Mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes were divided into four groups with 5 µM AST added to the fertilization medium (group 3, n=300), culture medium (group 2, n=300), or both media (group 4, n=290). No AST was added to the control group (group 1, n=300).ResultsThe fertilization rate was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the groups using AST supplemented fertilization medium (group 3, 79.0%; group 4, 81.4%) than those without AST (group 1, 56.3%; group 2, 52.3%). The blastocyst rate calculated from the two-cell stage was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the groups using AST-supplemented embryo culture medium (group 2, 58.0%; group 4, 62.3%) than in those without AST (group 1, 82.8%; group 3, 79.8%). The blastocyst rate calculated from the number of inseminated oocytes was highest in group 3 (189/300, 63.0%) and lowest in group 2 (91/300, 30.3%) with statistical significance compared to other groups (p<0.001). There were significantly higher numbers of cells in the inner cell mass and trophectoderm, as well as significantly higher total blastocyst cell counts, in group 3 than in the control group.ConclusionAn increased blastocyst formation rate and high-quality blastocysts were found only in the fertilization medium that had been supplemented with AST. In contrast, AST supplementation of the embryo culture medium was found to impair embryo development.

Effect of astaxanthin and spirulina levels in black soldier fly larvae meal-based diets on growth performance and skin pigmentation in discus fish, Symphysodon sp.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of spirulina levels and 100 mg kg−1 astaxanthin supplementation in the diets replaced with 50% of fishmeal by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) on growth performance, survival rate (SR) and skin color of discus fish Symphysodon sp.. Fish were randomly distributed into 18 tanks at 10 fish/tank for each of the 6 experimental diets, treatments of which consisted of frozen beef-heart (T1), commercial feed for discus fish (T2), with the remaining four diets being supplemented with dried spirulina at 0 g (T3), 3 g (T4), 6 g (T5) and 9 g kg−1 feed (T6) and 100 mg kg−1 astaxanthin for 10 weeks. Fish fed the frozen beef-heart treatment had the highest growth rate and lowest FCR that differed significantly from the other treatments (p < 0.05). After the 10-week trial, skin color intensity from four locations on the fish evaluated using the CIE LAB color space method. There was an increasing trend for the L* value (brightness) at the four positions on the body from T1 to T6; particularly, increasing spirulina levels in the diets increased brightness. The lowest color value a* (redness) at all points were found in the T1 and T2 treatments and differed significantly from the other diets supplemented with 100 mg kg−1 astaxanthin (T3–T6) (p < 0.05). There was an increasing trend in the color value b* (yellowness) from the four locations on the body when spirulina levels were increased in the diets. In conclusion, the diets for those that replaced 50% of fishmeal by BSFL and supplemented with astaxanthin and spirulina enhanced the SR and color intensity of the fish body but had no effect on growth performance.

Effect of Astaxanthin and Copper Supplementation on Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant, and Blood Biochemical Status of Growing Murrah Buffalo Heifers.

This study was aimed to explore the effect of astaxanthin (ASTX) and copper (Cu) supplementation on the growth, immunity, antioxidant, and blood biochemical status of growing Murrah buffalo heifers. Twenty-eight Murrah buffalo heifers were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7) after blocking by body weight (BW) (129.86 ± 5.37kg) and age (9.05 ± 1.02months). The heifers were fed basal total mixed ration diet without supplementation (CON) or with ASTX (0.20mg/kg BW; AX), Cu (10mg/kg DM; CU), or ASTX + Cu (0.20mg/kg BW + 10mg/kg DM; AX + CU) for 90days of study period. The result showed that BW and dry matter intake (DMI) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in AX + CU than that in other groups. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were statistically higher (P < 0.05) in treatments than the values observed in CON. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was reported significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the AX + CU group followed by AX, CU, and CON groups. The total leukocytes count (TLC), lymphocytes, and total immunoglobulin (TIG) were statistically higher (P < 0.05) in AX + CU groups than that found in other groups. However, neutrophil % decreased (P < 0.05) in the AX + CU group than its level in other groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant (TAA) levels were observed higher (P < 0.05) in treatments supplemented with ASTX, Cu, or both than CON group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in treatments than its level found in the CON group. Glucose level was higher (P < 0.05); however, non-esterifies fatty acid (NEFA) was lower (P < 0.05) in AX + CU than that in others groups. The level of cholesterol (CH), HDL cholesterol (HDL-CH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were reported lower (P < 0.05) in the AX + CU group followed by CU, AX, and CON groups. The copper (Cu) level was higher (P < 0.05) in CU and AX + CU than AX and CON groups. The result of the present study indicated that the supplementation of ASTX, Cu alone, or their combination improved the growth, immunity, antioxidant status, and liver function of growing heifers.

Antioxidant effects of astaxanthin and metformin combined therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

Background and purpose:Since the critical role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis and complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been proven, antioxidant therapy is considered an applicable strategy to control T2DM development. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of astaxanthin (AST) supplementation combined with metformin on oxidative indices and antioxidant defenses in T2DM patients.Experimental approach:In this randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 50 T2DM subjects receiving metformin were supplemented with 10 mg/day AST or placebo for 12 weeks. Malondialdehyde concentration and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed as oxidative indices. We also evaluated NF-E2-related factor2 (Nrf2) as the most critical transcription factor of antioxidant defense. Moreover, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase were calculated.Findings/Results:AST supplementation-metformin combination caused a significant increase in SOD and catalase activities, as well as inducing Nrf2 protein expression compared to the placebo group. Significant changes in serum malondialdehyde and TAC between the AST group and placebo group after supplementation were not observed, although a significant increase was observed in TAC within the AST group after supplementation (32.67 ± 6.73) to before (25.86 ± 5.98). These results remained without change after adjustment for potential confounders.Conclusion and implications:Our study demonstrated that AST supplementation controlled oxidative stress through a synergistic effect with metformin and ameliorated overall antioxidant capacity by inducing Nrf2 transcription factor and activating SOD and catalase in T2DM patients. As a result, AST and metformin combination therapy can be considered beneficial in modifying oxidative stress and preventing T2DM complications.