ascorbic-acid and astaxanthine

Antioxidants are substances capable of inhibiting oxidation. In chronic diseases, inflammatory response cells produce oxygen free radicals. Oxygen free radicals cause DNA damage, and this may lead to gene modifications that might be carcinogenic. Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection causes the production of DNA-damaging free radicals. In recent years, various groups have studied the effects of antioxidants, especially on H. pylori-associated gastric cancer. In most of the studies, it has been shown that H. pylori infection does affect the level of antioxidants measured in the gastric juice, but there are also controversial results. Recent experimental studies, both in vivo and in vitro, have shown that vitamin C and astaxanthin, a carotenoid, are not only free radical scavengers but also show antimicrobial activity against H. pylori. It has been shown that astaxanthin changes the immune response to H. pylori by shifting the Th1 response towards a Th2 T-cell response. Very few experimental studies support the epidemiologic studies, and further studies are needed to describe the effect and the mechanism of antioxidants in the H. pylori immune response.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; DNA Damage; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Risk Factors; Stomach Neoplasms; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Xanthophylls

Topics: Administration, Oral; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Erythema; Female; Humans; Lutein; Lycopene; Male; Radiation Dosage; Time Factors; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls

To evaluate the influence of short-term carotenoid and antioxidant supplementation on retinal function in nonadvanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).. Randomized controlled trial.. Twenty-seven patients with nonadvanced AMD and visual acuity > or =0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 age-similar groups: 15 patients had oral supplementation of vitamin C (180 mg), vitamin E (30 mg), zinc (22.5 mg), copper (1 mg), lutein (10 mg), zeaxanthin (1 mg), and astaxanthin (4 mg) (AZYR SIFI, Catania, Italy) daily for 12 months (treated AMD [T-AMD] group; mean age, 69.4+/-4.31 years; 15 eyes); 12 patients had no dietary supplementation during the same period (nontreated AMD [NT-AMD] group; mean age, 69.7+/-6.23 years; 12 eyes). At baseline, they were compared with 15 age-similar healthy controls.. Multifocal electroretinograms in response to 61 M-stimuli presented to the central 20 degrees of the visual field were assessed in pretreatment (baseline) conditions and, in nonadvanced AMD patients, after 6 and 12 months.. Multifocal electroretinogram response amplitude densities (RAD, nanovolt/deg(2)) of the N1-P1 component of first-order binary kernels measured from 5 retinal eccentricity areas between the fovea and midperiphery: 0 degrees to 2.5 degrees (R1), 2.5 degrees to 5 degrees (R2), 5 degrees to 10 degrees (R3), 10 degrees to 15 degrees (R4), and 15 degrees to 20 degrees (R5).. At baseline, we observed highly significant reductions of N1-P1 RADs of R1 and R2 in T-AMD and NT-AMD patients when compared with healthy controls (1-way analysis of variance P<0.01). N1-P1 RADs of R3-R5 observed in T-AMD and NT-AMD were not significantly different (P>0.05) from controls. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in N1-P1 RADs of R1-R5 between T-AMD and NT-AMD at baseline. After 6 and 12 months of treatment, T-AMD eyes showed highly significant increases in N1-P1 RADs of R1 and R2 (P<0.01), whereas no significant (P>0.05) change was observed in N1-P1 RADs of R3-R5. No significant (P>0.05) changes were found in N1-P1 RADs of R1-R5 in NT-AMD eyes.. In nonadvanced AMD eyes, a selective dysfunction in the central retina (0 degrees -5 degrees ) can be improved by the supplementation with carotenoids and antioxidants. No functional changes are present in the more peripheral (5 degrees -20 degrees ) retinal areas.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Carotenoids; Copper; Electroretinography; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lutein; Macular Degeneration; Male; Middle Aged; Retina; Visual Acuity; Visual Fields; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Zeaxanthins; Zinc

In this study, the interaction between four classic dietary antioxidants (including l-ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and astaxanthin) and papain/bromelain was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that the quenching mechanisms are all static quenching at lower concentrations of antioxidants, but at higher concentrations of antioxidants, predominantly by the "sphere of action" quenching mechanisms. The binding processes of the four antioxidants to papain/bromelain are all synergistically driven by enthalpy and entropy, and the major driving forces are electrostatic effect and hydrophobic interactions. The binding constants of papain/bromelain with the four antioxidants are in the following order as: astaxanthin-papain >β-carotene-papain > astaxanthin-bromelain >l-ascorbic acid-papain >l-ascorbic acid-bromelain >β-carotene-bromelain >α-tocopherol-papain >α-tocopherol-bromelain. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy shows the interaction between l-ascorbic acid/β-carotene/astaxanthin and papain/bromelain decreases the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment of tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) residues. The hydrophobicity of Trp is increased while the hydrophility of Tyr is increased in the presence of α-tocopherol.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Bromelains; Papain; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Thermodynamics; Tryptophan; Tyrosine; Xanthophylls

The progress of the hepatic steatosis (HS), a clinicopathological status, is influenced by cellular oxidative stress, lipogenesis, fatty acid (FA) oxidation, and inflammatory responses. Because antioxidants are gaining attention as potent preventive agents for HS, we aimed to investigate anti-lipogenic effects of the antioxidants vitamin C (VC), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and astaxanthin (ATX) using hepatocytes. For this, we established an in vitro model using 1 mM oleic acid (OA) and human liver hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells; 10 μM antioxidants were evaluated for their ability to reduce fat accumulation in hepatocytes. Our results showed that all three antioxidants were effective to reduce fat accumulation for the molecular targets such as reduction in lipid droplets, triglyceride (TG) concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cell apoptosis, as well as in gene expressions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related effectors, lipogenesis, and inflammatory cytokines. There were simultaneous increases in diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect, cell survival, AMPK phosphorylation, NRF2-related gene expression for cellular defense, and FA β-oxidation. However, among these, ATX more effectively inhibited ER stress and lipogenesis at the intracellular level than VC or NAC. Consequently, ATX was also more effective in inhibiting cell death, lipotoxicity, and inflammation. Our result emphasizes that ATX achieved greater lipotoxicity reduction than VC and NAC.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Ascorbic Acid; Cell Survival; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Hep G2 Cells; Hepatocytes; Humans; Oleic Acid; Reactive Oxygen Species; Triglycerides; Xanthophylls

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calorie restriction and dietary antioxidant supplementation, separately or in combination, on the quality and quantity of sperm in male rats. Forty male rats were randomly allocated to four groups of 10 animals each, and fed for at least 86 days with an ad libitum diet (group 1), a restricted diet (group 2), an ad libitum diet and astaxanthin, vitamin E, and vitamin C supplements (group 3), or a restricted diet with astaxanthin, vitamin E, and vitamin C supplements (group 4). At the end of the study period, sperm count and motility were determined with a hemocytometer, and differences between the groups were analyzed by analysis of variance. In addition, total antioxidant capacity and 8-epi prostaglandin F2 alpha were measured at the beginning and end of the study period with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. After 86 days, a significantly higher sperm count was seen in group 4 compared to other groups. The percentage of immotile sperm was significantly decreased in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared to group 1. A significant increase in total antioxidant capacity was observed in group 3 (p = 0.02) and group 4 (p = 0.02) compared to groups 1 and 2. Antioxidant supplementation with or without calorie restriction had no significant effect on the serum isoprostane level in any group. Astaxanthinin, combined with vitamin E, vitamin C, and calorie restriction, was able to ameliorate, in part, infertility in male rats.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Caloric Restriction; Dietary Supplements; Dinoprost; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Male; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls

L-Ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, procyanidin B3, β-carotene and astaxanthin are five classic dietary antioxidants. In this study, the interaction between the five antioxidants and ovalbumin was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, in combination with UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The quenching mechanism of ovalbumin by α-tocopherol is static quenching and the interaction between α-tocopherol and ovalbumin is synergistically driven by enthalpy and entropy. Electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic interactions play a major role in stabilizing the complex. For the other four antioxidants, the quenching mechanisms are all static quenching mechanisms at lower concentrations of antioxidants, but at higher concentrations of antioxidants, predominantly by the "sphere of action" quenching mechanisms. The binding processes of the other four antioxidants to ovalbumin are all entropy process and the major part of the action force is hydrophobic interactions. The binding constants of ovalbumin with the five antioxidants are in the following order as: astaxanthin > β-carotene > L-ascorbic acid > procyanidin B3 > α-tocopherol at 298 K. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy shows the interaction between L-ascorbic acid/β-carotene/astaxanthin and ovalbumin decreases the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment of tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) residues. The hydrophobicity of Trp is increased while the hydrophility of Tyr is increased in the presence of α-tocopherol. However, the microenvironment of Trp and Tyr is not affected by procyanidin B3. The UV-vis absorption and CD spectra suggest that the interaction between the five antioxidants and ovalbumin leads to the loosening and unfolding of ovalbumin skeleton and exerts some influence on the natural secondary structure of ovalbumin. The study provides an accurate and full basic data for clarifying the binding mechanisms of L-ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, procyanidin B3, β-carotene and astaxanthin interacting with ovalbumin and is helpful for understanding rational use of antioxidants as dietary supplements.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Biflavonoids; Binding Sites; Catechin; Circular Dichroism; Humans; Ovalbumin; Proanthocyanidins; Protein Binding; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Thermodynamics; Xanthophylls

The experiment was conducted to determine the most effective antioxidant (among the vitamin E (VE), vitamin C (VC), vitamin A (VA), astaxanthine (AX), β-carotene (βC)) on the ovarian egg number and size, level of VE, VC, VA, AX, βC and oxidative stress (as malondialdehyde (MDA)) in the hepatopancreas, ovarian, gills and muscle tissue during ovarian development of Astacus leptodactylus. One control (C) and five experimental diets (EE, EC, EA, EAX and EβC) were prepared. The EE, EC, EA, EAX and EβC groups were formed by added 150 mg kg-1 VE, 200 mg kg-1 VC, 240 mg kg-1 VA, 200 mg kg-1 AX and 200 mg kg-1 βC to diet C, respectively. At the end of the experiment found that the dietary antioxidants increased ovarian egg number and size and reduced the level of MDA in the tissues. Ovarian egg number and size were highest in the EE and EAX diet groups in the comparison to control (p<0.001). The level of MDA in the tissues was lowest in the EAX diet group in the comparison to control (p<0.001). The highest levels of VE, VC, VA, AX and βC were found in the hepatopancreas and ovarian compared with muscle and gills. The highest level of MDA also was determined in the ovarian according to other tissues. In conclusion, the VE and AX in broodstock diets were the most effective antioxidants on the ovarian egg number and size of A. leptodactylus.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Astacoidea; beta Carotene; Cell Count; Cell Size; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dietary Supplements; Female; Malondialdehyde; Oocytes; Ovary; Oxidative Stress; Reproduction; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Xanthophylls

Cognitive function is impaired by imbalanced diet consumption. High-fat diet (HFD) induces oxidative stress and metabolic disorders, which results in neuronal damage and interferes with synaptic transmission and neurogenesis; hence, a decline in learning and memory. Antioxidants are believed to have positive effects on cognitive function. The objective of this study was to determine the relation between the chronic consumption of a HFD and antioxidants on passive avoidance learning (PAL) in male rats. Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the following five groups (N=6-8): Control group-consumed an ordinary diet; HFD group-received high-fat diets only; ANO group-received HFD plus antioxidants (vitamins C and E and astaxanthin (ASX)); RHFD group-received the restricted HFD (30% less than the HFD group); and RANO group-received restricted HFD plus antioxidants (30% less than the ANO group). Following 6months of controlled dietary condition as mentioned above, in each experimental group, the PAL was assessed using shuttle box apparatus. Our results showed that HFD caused a decrease in step through latency in the retention test (STLr) and increased the time spent in the dark compartment in the retention test (TDC) when compared to the control group. Antioxidant supplementation caused an increase in STLr and decrease in TDC when compared to the control group. Furthermore, RHFD and RANO had no significant effect on STLr and TDC compared with the control group. According to our results, HFD impairs PAL and the combination of vitamins C and E and astaxanthin improves PAL deficits in the HFD group.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Avoidance Learning; Cholesterol; Diet, High-Fat; Drug Therapy, Combination; Male; Memory Disorders; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Triglycerides; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls

A high-fat diet (HFD) promotes the oxidative stress formation, which in turn has hazardous effects on reproductive system and fertility. The present study examines the potential positive effects of a restricted high-fat diet (RHFD) and antioxidants consumption on sperm parameters and testis tissue in rats.. Male rats (n = 48) were divided into four groups (12 in each group): control group (Cont), HFD group, RHFD, and RHFD with astaxanthin and vitamins E and C group (RHFDA). After 12 weeks, serum analysis and sperm parameters study were performed. Sections of fixed testes were stained with Hematoxilin and Eosin to study the histological changes. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the data.. HFD fed animals presented significant increase in weight load and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels (P < 0.05). The sperm count in RHFD was lower than three other groups (P < 0.05) and sperm motility of RHFDA group was significantly higher than HFD and RHFD groups (P < 0.05). The histological study was showed a significant increase in spermatogonium number in RHFDA compared to three other groups (P < 0.05). The number of spermatocyte I and spermatid in RHFD was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than Cont and HFD groups.. HFD and obesity can affect sperm parameters and spermatogenesis and antioxidants consumption may improve their quality. Although the RHFD is a benefit way in weight loss and decrease of LDL-C of serum, but it is suggested that is not effective on sperm quality improvement.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Caloric Restriction; Diet, High-Fat; Infertility, Male; Lipoproteins, LDL; Male; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatids; Spermatocytes; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls

The protective effects of α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on astaxanthin in astaxanthin nanodispersions produced via a solvent-diffusion technique and stabilized by a three-component stabilizer system, were studied either individually or in combination by using response surface methodology. Generally, both α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid could retard the astaxanthin degradation in astaxanthin nanodispersions. The results showed that the using α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid can be more efficient in increasing the chemical stability of nanodispersions in comparison to using them individually. Using a response surface methodology (RSM) response optimizer, it was seen that addition of ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid/astaxanthin w/w) and α-tocopherol (α-tocopherol/astaxanthin w/w) in proportions of 0.4 and 0.6, respectively, would give the maximum chemical stability to the studied astaxanthin nanodispersions.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Lipid Peroxidation; Nanostructures; Xanthophylls

In this study, low temperature vacuum microwave-assisted extraction, which simultaneous performed microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in low temperature and in vacuo environment, was proposed. The influencing parameters including solid/liquid ratio, extraction temperature, extraction time, degree of vacuum and microwave power were discussed. The predominance of low temperature vacuum microwave-assisted extraction was investigated by comparing the extraction yields of vitamin C, β-carotene, aloin A and astaxanthin in different foods with that in MAE and solvent extraction, and 5.2-243% increments were obtained. On the other hand, the chemical kinetics of vitamin C and aloin A, which composed two different steps including the extraction step of analyte transferred from matrix into solvent and the decomposition step of analyte degraded in the extraction solvent, were proposed. All of the decomposition rates (K(2)) for the selected analyte in low temperature, in vacuo and in nitrogen atmosphere decreased significantly comparing with that in conventional MAE, which are in agreement with that obtained from experiments. Consequently, the present method was successfully applied to extract labile compound from different food samples. These results showed that low temperature and/or in vacuo environment in microwave-assisted extraction system was especially important to prevent the degradation of labile components and have good potential on the extraction of labile compound in foods, pharmaceutical and natural products.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cold Temperature; Emodin; Food Analysis; Kinetics; Microwaves; Xanthophylls

The purpose of the present study was to find out whether co-treatment of human neutrophils with high glucose and methylglyoxal (MGO) can alter the biochemical parameters of human neutrophils. We also examined if astaxanthin associated with vitamin C can improve those biochemical parameters. Neutrophils from healthy subjects were treated with 20mM of glucose and 30 μM MGO followed or not by the addition of the antioxidants astaxanthin (2 μM) and vitamin C (100 μM). MGO/high glucose treatment reduced the phagocytic capacity and the G6PDH, total/SOD and GR activities. Additionally, there was an increase in the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) with consequent increase in the hypochlorous acid production, CAT activity and in the release of IL-6 cytokine without changes in intracellular calcium mobilization. Our study also shows that the association of astaxanthin with vitamin C greatly improved neutrophil phagocytic capacity, decreasing all reactive oxygen species measured, pro-inflammatory IL-1β and TNF-α release, MPO activity and HClO production. The combination of astaxanthin with vitamin C alone has more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than when they were in the presence of MGO/high glucose. Injury to the function of neutrophils due to high glucose and methylglyoxal appears not to involve oxidative stress or calcium release. The association of antioxidants astaxanthin and vitamin C promoted a significant improvement in the function of neutrophils and in the redox status.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Catalase; Cell Membrane; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Drug Combinations; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents; Glucose; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase; Humans; Interleukin-6; Male; Neutrophils; Oxidative Stress; Peroxidase; Phagocytosis; Protein Carbonylation; Pyruvaldehyde; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxide Dismutase; Xanthophylls; Young Adult

The present study examined the effects of glycolaldehyde (GC) on biochemical parameters of human neutrophils and whether the antioxidant astaxanthin associated with vitamin C can modulate these parameters.. Neutrophils from healthy subjects were treated with GC (1mM) followed or not by the antioxidants astaxanthin (2 μM) and vitamin C (100 μM). We examined the phagocytic capacity, hypochlorous acid, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activities, cytokines and [Ca(2+)](i). Also, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide production, antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione-recycling system were evaluated.. GC promoted a marked reduction on the phagocytic capacity, maximal G6PDH and MPO activities, hypochlorous acid production and release of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines. Some impairment in the neutrophils biochemical parameters appears to be mediated by oxidative stress through ROS/RNS production and calcium reduction. Oxidative stress was evidenced by reduction in the activities of the main antioxidant enzymes, GSH/GSSG ratio and in the increment of O(2)(-) and H(2)O(2) and NO.. Treatment of cells with the combination of the antioxidants astaxanthin and vitamin C was able to restore some neutrophils function mainly by decreasing ROS/RNS production and improving the redox state. Overall, our findings demonstrate that GC modulates several neutrophils biochemical parameters in vitro.

Topics: Acetaldehyde; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Cell Membrane; Cells, Cultured; Female; Humans; Male; Neutrophils; Nitric Oxide; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxides; Xanthophylls; Young Adult

During normal B- and T-cell life, processes including activation, proliferation, signaling pathways and apoptosis are markedly dependent on ROS generation. However, these cells can also suffer the effect of oxidant overproduction. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine the possible pro-oxidant effects of MGO/high glucose and antioxidant effects of astaxanthin associated with vitamin C on some oxidative and antioxidant parameters of human lymphocytes in vitro. Lymphocytes from healthy subjects were treated with 20mM of glucose and 30 μM MGO followed or not by the addition of the antioxidants astaxanthin (2 μM) and vitamin C (100 μM) for up to 24h. We examined superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activities, GSH/GSSG ratio and total thiol and carbonyl content. Oxidative parameters included superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production. The association of astaxanthin and vitamin C proved to be a powerful antioxidant in human lymphocytes as showed by the marked reduction in superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide production as well as increased GSH content, GSH/GSSG ratio, GPx and GR activities. The antioxidant association showed to be more potent than their individual application. High glucose and methylglyoxal did not promote oxidative stress in human lymphocytes, since neither the oxidative parameters nor the antioxidant defense system was altered. According to these results, new therapies with the association of astaxanthin and vitamin C may be helpful to improve the immune function of patients with exacerbated production of ROS.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Cells, Cultured; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Glucose; Humans; Lymphocytes; Male; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Nitrogen Species; Reactive Oxygen Species; Xanthophylls; Young Adult

In this study, combinations of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb761) plus the carotenoid antioxidant astaxanthin (ASX) and vitamin C were evaluated for a summative dose effect in the inhibition of asthma-associated inflammation in asthmatic guinea-pigs. Ovalbumin-sensitized Hartley guinea-pigs challenged with ovalbumin aerosol to induce asthma, were administered EGb761, ASX, vitamin C or ibuprofen. Following killing, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was evaluated for inflammatory cell infiltrates and lung tissue cyclic nucleotide content. Each parameter measured was significantly altered to a greater degree by drug combinations, than by each component acting independently. An optimal combination was identified that included astaxanthin (10 mg/kg), vitamin C (200 mg/kg) and EGb761 (10 mg/kg), resulting in counts of eosinophils and neutrophils each 1.6-fold lower; macrophages 1.8-fold lower, cAMP 1.4-fold higher; and cGMP 2.04-fold higher than levels in untreated, asthmatic animals (p < 0.05). In conclusion, EGb761, ASX and vitamin C are shown here to interact summatively to suppress inflammation with efficacy equal to or better than ibuprofen, a widely used non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Such combinations of non-toxic phytochemicals constitute powerful tools for the prevention of onset of acute and chronic inflammatory disease if consumed regularly by healthy individuals; and may also augment the effectiveness of therapy for those with established illness.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Asthma; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ginkgo biloba; Guinea Pigs; Ibuprofen; Male; Plant Extracts; Xanthophylls

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of astaxanthin in combination with other antioxidants against oxidative damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi (ODS) rats. Diabetic-ODS rats were divided into five groups: control, astaxanthin, ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and tocotrienol. Each of the four experimental groups was administered a diet containing astaxanthin (0.1 g/kg), in combination with ascorbic acid (3.0 g/kg), alpha-tocopherol (0.1 g/kg), or tocotrienol (0.1 g/kg) for 20 wk. The effects of astaxanthin with other antioxidants on lipid peroxidation, urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion, serum creatinine (Cr) level, creatinine clearance (Ccr), and urinary protein content were assessed. The serum lipid peroxide levels and chemiluminescent (CL) intensity in the liver of the alpha-tocopherol and tocotrienol groups were significantly reduced in comparison to that of the control group. In the alpha-tocopherol group, urinary 8-OHdG excretion, serum Cr level, Ccr, urinary albumin excretion, and urinary protein concentration were significantly decreased as compared with those in the control group. Additionally, the CL intensity in the kidney of the alpha-tocopherol group was significantly lower, but that of the ascorbic acid group was significantly higher than that in the control group. These results indicate that dietary astaxanthin in combination with alpha-tocopherol has an inhibitory effect on oxidative stress. On the other hand, our study suggests that excessive ascorbic acid intake increases lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Diabetic Nephropathies; Diabetic Neuropathies; Drug Therapy, Combination; Kidney; Liver; Organ Size; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Tocotrienols; Xanthophylls

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are increasingly finding use as treatments for a variety of medical conditions. PUFA supplementation can, however, result in increased oxidative stress causing elevated turnover rate of membrane phospholipids, impairment of membrane integrity and increased formation of inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to determine which antioxidant compounds were most effective in ameliorating the stimulation of phospholipid turnover by oxidative stress. U937 cells were supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid and either ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene or astaxanthin prior to being challenged with oxidant. Although all antioxidants were found to be effective in decreasing oxidant-stimulated peroxide formation, only alpha-tocopherol significantly decreased oxidant-stimulated release of 3H-labeled arachidonic acid (AA), while ascorbic acid markedly increased release. All antioxidants except alpha-tocopherol decreased oxidant-stimulated 3H-AA uptake. Our data suggest that antioxidants are not equally effective in combating the effects of oxidative stress upon membrane phospholipid turnover, and that optimal protection will require mixtures of antioxidants.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Arachidonic Acid; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Oxidants; Oxidative Stress; Phospholipids; U937 Cells; Xanthophylls

Astaxanthin (Asx), one of the carotenoids, is a red pigment in fish and Crustaceans, and possesses stronger reduction properties than conventional carotenoids, like beta-carotene. However, little is known about the biochemical properties and physiological functions of astaxanthin. The effects of astaxanthin and vitamin C on stressed rats were studied physiologically and biochemically. beta-Carotene and three kinds of astaxanthins, which were extracted from Haematococcus and Phaffia, and synthesized chemically, were used in these experiments. These rats given astaxanthins or beta-carotene had stress induced on the 12th day by immersing the rats in chest-level water at 20 degrees C for 24 h after fasting for 24 h. Rats given astaxanthins or beta-carotene prior to stressing were appreciably protected against the evolution of gastric ulcerations in relation to control rats. Ulcer indexes in particular were smaller with the rat group fed astaxanthin extracted from Haematococcus than the other groups. Next, the effects of Asx and/or vitamin C on the protection of evolution of gastric ulcer in stressed rats were persued by the same methods as described above. The results showed that rats given Asx or vitamin C were appreciably protected against the evolution of gastric ulcerations in relation to control rats. The effects were more intense, especially in rats simultaneously supplied Asx and vitamin C than in rats taking either Asx or vitamin C. It was suggested that the simultaneous supplementation of food substances with astaxanthin and vitamin C would supply enough antioxidants to offset stress-related injuries.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Aspartate Aminotransferases; beta Carotene; Diet; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Immersion; Male; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Stomach Ulcer; Stress, Physiological; Triglycerides; Xanthophylls

During embryogenesis in grass shrimp the capacity to scavenge oxyradicals increased as measured by the Total Oxyradical Scavenging Capacity (TOSC) assay. The increase in TOSC during embryogenesis was associated with increasing concentrations of a number of antioxidants, including coenzyme Q (ubiquinone), alpha-tocopherol and reduced glutathione. Glutathione concentrations ranged from 0.004 to 0.005 nmol/embryo in early embryo stages and reached concentrations between 0.16 to 0.23 nmol/embryo in late embryo stages. Ascorbate remained essentially constant (0.16-0.20 nmol/embryo) throughout embryogenesis and may provide the preponderance of TOSC during early embryo development. Carotenoids were associated with yolk lipovitellin and these antioxidants decreased as yolk was absorbed during embryogenesis. Astaxanthin and beta-carotene were identified in embryos with astaxanthin always the principal carotenoid. In early embryo stages there are maternally derived antioxidants but as embryogenesis proceeds there is an assembly of a complex antioxidant system by newly formed cells and tissues.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Coenzymes; Female; Glutathione; Methionine; Palaemonidae; Peroxides; Reactive Oxygen Species; Ubiquinone; Xanthophylls

The development of cataracts in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., was studied in 16 groups of smolts fed diets differing in prooxidant (iron, copper, manganese) and antioxidant (vitamin E, vitamin C, astaxanthin) composition and lipid level for 23 weeks in sea water, using a 2(7-3) reduced factorial design. The seven dietary variables were systematically varied at low (requirement level and 150 g lipid kg(-1)) and high levels (below known toxic levels and 320 g lipid kg(-1)). A mean endpoint cataract incidence of approximately 36% was observed. High dietary levels of vitamin C and astaxanthin reduced cataract frequency, whereas high dietary lipid level, iron and manganese were associated with increased cataract frequencies. Considering the nutritional status of selected organs of the fish, only the status of ascorbic acid correlated negatively to cataract development (P < 0.05). The lens glutathione (GSH) status was not correlated to cataract frequency, nor statistically explained by the dietary variables. However, the study shows that balancing the diet with respect to pro- and antioxidant nutrients may significantly protect Atlantic salmon against development of cataracts. An incidence of reversible osmotic cataract observed at week 14 was positively correlated to plasma glucose concentration.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Aqueous Humor; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Blood Glucose; Cataract; Copper; Diet; Dietary Fats; Eye; Fish Diseases; Glucose; Glutathione; Incidence; Iron; Lipids; Manganese; Nutritional Status; Reactive Oxygen Species; Salmo salar; Vitamin E; Xanthophylls; Zinc

Astaxanthin and peridinin, two typical carotenoids of marine microalgae, and lycopene were incorporated in phosphatidylcholine multilamellar liposomes and tested as inhibitors of lipid oxidation. Contrarily to peridinin results, astaxanthin strongly reduced lipid damage when the lipoperoxidation promoters-H(2)O(2), tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-ButOOH) or ascorbate-and Fe(2+):EDTA were added simultaneously to the liposomes. In order to check if the antioxidant activity of carotenoids was also related to their effect on membrane permeability, the peroxidation processes were initiated by adding the promoters to Fe(2+)-loaded liposomes (encapsulated in the inner aqueous solution). Despite that the rigidifying effect of carotenoids in membranes was not directly measured here, peridinin probably has decreased membrane permeability to initiators (t-ButOOH > ascorbate > H(2)O(2)) since its incorporation limited oxidative damage on iron-liposomes. On the other hand, the antioxidant activity of astaxanthin in iron-containing vesicles might be derived from its known rigidifying effect and the inherent scavenging ability.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Cell Membrane Permeability; Chromans; Free Radical Scavengers; Hydrogen Peroxide; Iron; Lipid Peroxidation; Liposomes; Models, Biological; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; tert-Butylhydroperoxide; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Xanthophylls

Helicobacter pylori infection in humans is associated with chronic type B gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric carcinoma. A high intake of carotenoids and vitamin C has been proposed to prevent development of gastric malignancies. The aim of this study was to explore if the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis rich in the carotenoid astaxanthin and vitamin C can inhibit experimental H. pylori infection in a BALB/cA mouse model. Six-week-old BALB/cA mice were infected with the mouse-passaged H. pylori strain 119/95. At 2 weeks postinoculation mice were treated orally once daily for 10 days (i) with different doses of algal meal rich in astaxanthin (0.4, 2, and 4 g/kg of body weight, with the astaxanthin content at 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively), (ii) with a control meal (algal meal without astaxanthin, 4 g/kg), or (iii) with vitamin C (400 mg/kg). Five mice from each group were sacrificed 1 day after the cessation of treatment, and the other five animals were sacrificed 10 days after the cessation of treatment. Culture of H. pylori and determination of the inflammation score of the gastric mucosae were used to determine the outcome of the treatment. Mice treated with astaxanthin-rich algal meal or vitamin C showed significantly lower colonization levels and lower inflammation scores than those of untreated or control-meal-treated animals at 1 day and 10 days after the cessation of treatment. Lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased in mice treated with the astaxanthin-rich algal meal and vitamin C compared with that of animals not treated or treated with the control meal. Both astaxanthin-rich algal meal and vitamin C showed an inhibitory effect on H. pylori growth in vitro. In conclusion, antioxidants may be a new strategy for treating H. pylori infection in humans.

Topics: Agar; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Disease Models, Animal; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Lipid Peroxidation; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Xanthophylls