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Combined effect of astaxanthin and squalene on oxidative stress in vivo
Sangeetha Ravi Kumar1,2, Bhaskar Narayan3,4, Yuki Sawada3
1Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1, Minato Cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan. sangeetha.rk@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Obesity and diabetes, risk factors for metabolic syndrome, are characterized by oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Marine biofunctionals, astaxanthin (Ax) and squalene (SQ), were evaluated for their combined effect. Groups of male KK-A (y) mice were fed high fat/sucrose diet for 4 weeks, supplemented with either 0.1 %Ax, 2 %SQ or 0.1 %Ax + 2 %SQ. In comparison to control, Sod was elevated in only Ax + SQ. However, Gpx was highest in Ax + SQ, indicating the combined antioxidant effect of Ax and SQ. This was supported by elevated mRNA expression of Sod1 and Gpx1. Except adiponectin (elevated in Ax and Ax + SQ), expression of other inflammatory markers was not altered. Blood glucose levels were decreased in SQ and Ax + SQ while liver triglycerides decreased in SQ group. This is the first in vivo study demonstrating combined effects of Ax and SQ resulting in antioxidant effects and modulation of glucose/triglyceride levels. This study highlights the benefit of utilizing Ax and SQ together for management of obesity/diabetes.
Insights
Marine compounds astaxanthin (Ax) and squalene (SQ) show combined antioxidant effects, improving glucose and triglyceride levels in mice with obesity and diabetes risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity and diabetes are linked to metabolic syndrome, characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Marine biofunctionals astaxanthin (Ax) and squalene (SQ) possess antioxidant properties.
- Investigating the synergistic effects of Ax and SQ in metabolic disease models is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the combined effects of astaxanthin (Ax) and squalene (SQ) on oxidative stress and metabolic parameters.
- To determine if combined Ax and SQ supplementation offers benefits beyond individual supplementation.
- To explore the potential of Ax and SQ in managing obesity and diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Male KK-A(y) mice were fed a high-fat/sucrose diet for four weeks.
- Mice were supplemented with 0.1% astaxanthin (Ax), 2% squalene (SQ), or a combination of both (0.1% Ax + 2% SQ).
- Antioxidant enzyme activity (Sod, Gpx), mRNA expression (Sod1, Gpx1), inflammatory markers, blood glucose, and liver triglycerides were assessed.
Main Results:
- Combined Ax + SQ significantly elevated superoxide dismutase (Sod) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) activity, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity.
- mRNA expression of Sod1 and Gpx1 was upregulated in the Ax + SQ group.
- Blood glucose levels decreased in the SQ and Ax + SQ groups, while liver triglycerides decreased in the SQ group.
- Adiponectin levels increased with Ax and Ax + SQ supplementation, while other inflammatory markers remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first in vivo evidence of combined antioxidant effects from astaxanthin and squalene.
- The combination of Ax and SQ effectively modulated blood glucose and liver triglyceride levels.
- Co-administration of astaxanthin and squalene shows promise for the management of obesity and diabetes.
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