Astaxanthin Alleviated La2O3 Nanoparticle-Induced Liver Injury by Activating the Transsulfuration Pathway in Mice

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La₂O₃ NPs) are widely used but their liver toxicity mechanism is unclear.
• Astaxanthin (ASX), a potent antioxidant, is known for its potential hepatoprotective effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective mechanism of Astaxanthin (ASX) against La₂O₃ NP-induced liver toxicity.
• To explore the role of the transsulfuration pathway in ASX's hepatoprotective effects.

Main Methods:

• Assessing histopathological and ultrastructural liver changes in response to La₂O₃ NPs and ASX treatment.
• Measuring oxidative stress parameters and transsulfuration pathway metabolites (SAM, SAH, cysteine, homocysteine).
• Analyzing the expression of transsulfuration pathway-related genes at mRNA and protein levels.

Main Results:

• ASX treatment significantly reduced La₂O₃ NP-induced liver injury and cellular damage.
• ASX altered oxidative stress markers and increased key transsulfuration pathway metabolites.
• ASX prevented the downregulation of transsulfuration pathway genes caused by La₂O₃ NPs.

Conclusions:

• Astaxanthin (ASX) demonstrates significant hepatoprotective effects against La₂O₃ NP-induced toxicity.
• ASX's protective action is linked to the activation of the transsulfuration pathway.
• ASX mitigates liver damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.