Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant properties that exists naturally in various plants, algae and seafood. Most astaxanthin is derived from the algae, Haematococcus pluvialis, which is commonly consumed by fish and crustaceans and is responsible for their pink coloration.
Its most researched properties are those associated with eye and skin health, although it has also been linked to joint and nervous system health. However, some other studies suggest that astaxanthin may also help protect diabetics from high-glucose-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the tubular cells of the kidneys. Under diabetic conditions, many damaged molecules including DNA, lipid peroxidation products, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) eventually lead to pathological diabetic complications, including nephropathy.
An in vitro research was carried out by Korean and Japanese scientists, using proximal tubular epithelial kidney cells. The cells were treated with a high-glucose mix, to mimic high blood sugar levels and were exposed to astaxanthin. To assess the efficacy of astaxanthin, several key markers and activities were measured, including lipid peroxidation, total reactive species, superoxide, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, as well as expressions of the inflammatory proteins: including nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor kappa B.
Less inflammation
Results showed that astaxanthin effectively suppressed levels of all tested free radical species and decreased expression of the above-mentioned inflammatory proteins.
The researchers concluded their study by saying: “On the basis of all the evidence, we propose that the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis is the likely mechanism underlying the beneficial role of astaxanthin on diabetic nephropathy”.
“Consequently, we conclude from these studies that astaxanthin could be an effective, functional supplement as an anti-diabetic phytochemical”, they added]
