Astaxanthin suppresses scavenger receptor expression and matrix metalloproteinase activity in macrophages

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment which has significant potential for antioxidant activity. The macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions, known as activated macrophages, express scavenger receptors responsible for the clearance of pathogenic lipoproteins. In addition, the expression and secretion of proteolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and pro-inflammatory cytokines are remarkably promoted in activated macrophages.

In this study, we investigated the effects of astaxanthin on the expression of scavenger receptors, MMPs, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages.

THP-1 macrophages were incubated with 5-10 microM astaxanthin for 24 h. The expression levels of scavenger receptors, MMPs, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined by Western blot analysis or real-time RT-PCR. The MMP-9 and -2 activities were examined by gelatin zymography and total MMP activity was measured by fluorometry.

We found that astaxanthin remarkably decreased the class A scavenger receptor and CD36 expression in the protein and mRNA levels. Astaxanthin also reduced MMP-1, -2, -3, -9, -12, and -14 activity and expression. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 were significantly suppressed by astaxanthin. Furthermore, astaxanthin inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappaB.

These results indicate that astaxanthin has inhibitory effects on macrophage activation, such as scavenger receptors up-regulation, MMPs activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion.