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Anti-diabetic effects of astaxanthin on an STZ-induced diabetic model in rats

Fen Zhuge1, Yinhua Ni2, Chunyan Wan2

  • 1Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, 310015, China.

Endocrine Journal
|December 3, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, effectively lowers blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic rats. This marine compound shows promise as a natural, low-toxicity agent for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Nutritional Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and deficiency.
  • Current T2DM therapies have limitations, necessitating the search for safer, effective alternatives like functional foods.
  • Astaxanthin, a marine-derived antioxidant, has demonstrated potential in preventing insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anti-diabetic effects of astaxanthin in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • To compare the efficacy of astaxanthin with monacolin K, a known agent for hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia.

Main Methods:

  • A type 2 diabetes mellitus model was established in male Wistar rats using a high-energy diet and streptozotocin (STZ) injection.
  • Diabetic rats were administered diets containing varying doses of astaxanthin for three weeks.
  • Biochemical parameters (blood glucose, TC, HDL-C) and gene expression related to insulin sensitivity were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Astaxanthin significantly reduced blood glucose and total cholesterol (TC) levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
  • Astaxanthin dose-dependently increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.
  • Astaxanthin administration upregulated the expression of insulin sensitivity genes (adiponectin, adipoR1, adipoR2) and showed comparable effects to monacolin K.

Conclusions:

  • Astaxanthin exhibits significant anti-diabetic properties by improving glycemic control and lipid profiles in diabetic rats.
  • The observed benefits are linked to enhanced insulin sensitivity through increased expression of related genes.
  • Astaxanthin presents a promising candidate for development as a novel, low-toxicity anti-diabetic agent.
Keywords:
AstaxanthinDiabetesInsulin sensitivity

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