Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review)

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases; thus, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that modulate redox balance have become research targets...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular medicine 2021-01, Vol.47 (1), p.37-48
Main Authors: Pereira, Carolina, Souza, Ana, Vasconcelos, Andrea, Prado, Pietra, Name, José
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Antioxidants
Atherosclerosis
Bioavailability
Blood pressure
Cardiovascular diseases
Carotenoids
Coronary vessels
Development and progression
Diabetes
Enzymes
Fatty acids
Flow velocity
Functional foods & nutraceuticals
Glucose metabolism
Health aspects
Hypertension
Inflammation
Lipid peroxidation
Lipids
Medical research
Medicine, Experimental
Metabolism
Metabolites
Mortality
Oxidation
Oxidative stress
Physiological aspects
Rheology
Veins & arteries
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Summary:Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases; thus, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents that modulate redox balance have become research targets so as to evaluate their molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic properties. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid of the xanthophyll group, has potent antioxidant properties due to its molecular structure and its arrangement in the plasma membrane, factors that favor the neutralization of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This carotenoid also has prominent anti-inflammatory activity, possibly interrelated with its antioxidant effect, and is also involved in the modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Considering the potential beneficial effects of astaxanthin on cardiovascular health evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies, the aim of the present review was to describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this carotenoid in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. The beneficial properties and safety profile of astaxanthin indicate that this compound may be used for preventing progression or as an adjuvant in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
ISSN:1107-3756
1791-244X
DOI:10.3892/ijmm.2020.4783