Open Access

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

  • Authors:
    • Carolina Parga Martins Pereira
    • Ana Carolina Remondi Souza
    • Andrea Rodrigues Vasconcelos
    • Pietra Sacramento Prado
    • José João Name
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: November 4, 2020     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2020.4783
  • Pages: 37-48
  • Copyright: © Pereira et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

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.
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January-2021
Volume 47 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Spandidos Publications style
Pereira CP, Souza AC, Vasconcelos AR, Prado PS and Name JJ: Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 47: 37-48, 2021.
APA
Pereira, C.P., Souza, A.C., Vasconcelos, A.R., Prado, P.S., & Name, J.J. (2021). Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 47, 37-48. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2020.4783
MLA
Pereira, C. P., Souza, A. C., Vasconcelos, A. R., Prado, P. S., Name, J. J."Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 47.1 (2021): 37-48.
Chicago
Pereira, C. P., Souza, A. C., Vasconcelos, A. R., Prado, P. S., Name, J. J."Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 47, no. 1 (2021): 37-48. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2020.4783