Astaxanthin enhances pemetrexed-induced cytotoxicity by downregulation of thymidylate synthase expression in human lung cancer cells

Astaxanthin Alleviates Lung Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response, P2X7 Receptor, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 in LPS-Induced Endotoxemia

Sepsis remains the leading cause of multiple-organ injury due to endotoxemia. Astaxanthin (ASTA), widely used in marine aquaculture, has an extraordinary potential for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Purinergic receptor (e.g., P2X7R) activation is a powerful signaling in the modulation of inflammation. The effect of ASTA was investigated on the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptotic mediators, and P2X7R expression in the lung injury during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia. Twenty-four rats were blocked into four groups as Control, LPS, ASTA, and LPS + ASTA. LPS was administered by intraperitoneal injection and ASTA by gavage. Blood and lung samples were taken 6 h after the administrations. The methods were ELISA, western blotting, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Sepsis was confirmed by the elevations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels in bloodstream. Lung injury was determined by histopathological changes. There were increased P2X7R expression, malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β, TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and Caspase-3 and decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and glutathione (GSH) in the septic lung tissue (p < 0.05). ASTA treatment improved MDA, GSH, IL-1β, TNF-α, P2X7R, NF-κB, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 levels and reduced P2X7R immunoreactivity and histological abnormalities in the lung (p < 0.05). The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, P2X7R expression, and apoptotic mediators in the lung is associated with LPS-induced endotoxemia. The ASTA administration appears to regulate the expressions of P2X7R, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 improving the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory response of the lung tissue in sepsis, in vivo.

Carotenoids Modulate FoxO-Induced Cell Cycle Awrrest in Human Cancer Cell Lines: A Scoping Review

Carotenoids, a class of antioxidants, have shown great potential for cancer management. This scoping review aimed to elucidate the anticancer mechanisms of carotenoids by using a protein interactions and pathways approach. A literature search on five databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase and Scopus) was carried out, and studies investigating differential protein expression in cancer cell lines treated with carotenoids published in the last 10 years were included in the analysis. Sixty-three research articles were short-listed, and 17 carotenoids were used in these studies. The most studied carotenoids were fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, and crocin. The key cancer cell lines tested in these studies included breast, gastric, and lung cancers. Analysis of the proteins identified from these studies using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) revealed the upregulation of proteins belonging to the pro-apoptotic and FoxO signaling pathways. In contrast, several proteins in the PI3k/Akt and TNF signaling pathways and cell cycle regulation were downregulated, which can explain the observed anticancer effects. The findings from this scoping review suggest that the cell cycle arrest observed in carotenoid-treated cancer cells may work through activation of the FoxO signaling pathway in these cells, highlighting their role as potential anticancer agents. Nonetheless, the lack of evidence on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and physiology of carotenoids necessitates more robust and well-designed clinical trials. Similarly, further investigations into the therapeutic effects of targeting the PI3K/Akt/FoxO axis to induce cell cycle arrest and its translational potential are required to ensure the successful development of effective treatments.

Advances in microbial astaxanthin production

This work explores astaxanthin (AXT), a valuable xanthophyll ketocarotenoid pigment with significant health benefits and diverse applications across various industries. It discusses the prevalence of synthetic AXT, and the development of natural-based alternatives derived from microorganisms such as microalgae, bacteria, and yeast. The chapter examines the potential of microbial AXT production, highlighting the advantages and challenges associated with natural AXT. Key microorganisms like Haematococcus pluvialis, Paracoccus carotinifaciens, and Phaffia rhodozyma are emphasized for their role in commercially producing this valuable ketocarotenoid. The narrative covers the complexities and opportunities in microbial AXT production, from cell structure implications to downstream processing strategies. Additionally, the chapter addresses current applications, commercialization trends, and market dynamics of natural microbial AXT, emphasizing the importance of cost-effective production, regulatory compliance, and technological advancements to reduce the market cost of the final product. As demand for natural microbial-based AXT rises, this chapter envisions a future where research, innovation, and collaboration drive sustainable and competitive microbial AXT production, fostering growth in this dynamic market.

Lentinan mitigates pemetrexed chemoresistance by the PI3K/Akt pathway in non-small cell lung cancer

Pemetrexed is a folate analog metabolic inhibitor that is given for therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Drug resistance affects the efficacy of pemetrexed in NSCLC. Lentinan is a polysaccharide extracted from Shiitake mushrooms which has antitumor roles in multiple cancers, including lung cancer. However, the effects of lentinan on pemetrexed resistance in NSCLC remain unclear. In present study, The pemetrexed-resistant NSCLC cells were established and exposed to pemetrexed and lentinan. Oxidative stress was investigated via mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 staining), levels of MDA and SOD.The phosphorylation and total of PI3K and Akt levels were actuated using specific activator 740Y-P and measured through western blot. We observed that Lentinan decreased IC50 of pemetrexed in resistant NSCLC cells. Lentinan aggravated pemetrexed-induced proliferation inhibition of resistant NSCLC cells via reducing PCNA levels. Lentinan exacerbated pemetrexed-triggered oxidative stress through increasing ROS and MDA levels, and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and SOD levels. Lentinan inhibited PI3K/Akt signaling activation in pemetrexed-treated cells. Activated PI3K/Akt pathway using activator 740Y-P reversed the effects of lentinan on pemetrexed-mediated proliferation inhibition and oxidative stress. Our findings uncover that Lentinan mitigates pemetrexed resistance in NSCLC through inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing oxidative stress by suppressing PI3K/Akt signaling.

Astaxanthin reduces inflammation and promotes a chondrogenic phenotype by upregulating SIRT1 in osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of astaxanthin (AST) on mouse osteoarthritis (OA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ATDC5 cell damage and to explore whether SIRT1 protein plays a role.

METHODS

In this study, some mouse OA models were constructed by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT). Imaging, molecular biology and histopathology methods were used to study the effect of AST administration on traumatic OA in mice. In addition, LPS was used to stimulate ATDC5 cells to mimic the inflammatory response of OA. The effects of AST on the cell activity, inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases and collagen type II levels were studied by CCK8 activity assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and protein imprinting. The role of SIRT1 protein was also detected.

RESULTS

In the mouse OA model, the articular surface collapsed, the articular cartilage thickness and cartilage matrix protein abundance were significantly decreased, while the expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases was increased; but AST treatment reversed these effects. Meanwhile, AST pretreatment could partially reverse LPS-induced ATDC5 cell damage and upregulate SIRT1 expression, but this protective effect of AST was attenuated by concurrent administration of the SIRT1 inhibitor Ex527.

CONCLUSION

AST can protect against the early stages of OA by affecting SIRT1 signalling, suggesting that AST might be a potential therapeutic agent for OA treatment.

Carotenoids for lung cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy: Promises and controversies

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of malignancy in the world. Several therapeutical and chemopreventive approaches have been practised to mitigate the disease. The use of phytopigments including carotenoids is a well-known approach. However, some of the prominent clinical trials interrogated the efficacy of carotenoids in lung cancer prevention.

METHODS

A elaborate literature survey have been performed investigating in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reported on the administration of carotenoids for chemoprevention and chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Tobacco consumption, genetic factors, dietary patterns, occupational carcinogens, lung diseases, infection, and sex disparities are some of the prominent factors leading to lung cancer. Significant evidence has been found underlining the efficiency of carotenoids in alleviating cancer. In vitro studies have proven that carotenoids act through PI3K/ AKT/mTOR, ERK-MAPK pathways and induce apoptosis through PPAR, IFNs, RAR, which are p53 intermediators in lung cancer signaling. Animal models and cell lines studies showed promising results, while the outcomes of clinical trials are contradictory and require further verification.

CONCLUSION

The carotenoids exert chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive effects on lung tumors which has been evidenced in numerous investigations. However, further analyses are necessary to the answer the uncertainties raised by several clinical trials.

Recent advances in respiratory diseases: Dietary carotenoids as choice of therapeutics

A group of bioactive, isoprenoid pigments known as carotenoids is mostly present in fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids are essential for the prevention of physiological issues, which makes maintaining excellent health easier. They are effective functional ingredients with potent health-promoting properties that are widely present in our food and linked to a decrease in the prevalence of chronic diseases, including respiratory diseases. Respiratory infections are the primary cause of death and life-threatening conditions globally, wreaking havoc on the global health system. People rely on dietary sources of carotenoids to reduce a plethora of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, asthma, and so on. Carotenoids have received a lot of interest recently in several parts of the world due to their therapeutic potential in altering the pathogenic pathways underlying inflammatory respiratory diseases, which may improve disease control and have beneficial health benefits. This review aimed to provide a thorough understanding of the therapeutic potential of dietary carotenoids in the treatment of respiratory diseases and to identify possible candidates for novel therapeutic development.

The Anticancer Potential of Plant-Derived Nutraceuticals via the Modulation of Gene Expression

Current studies show that approximately one-third of all cancer-related deaths are linked to diet and several cancer forms are preventable with balanced nutrition, due to dietary compounds being able to reverse epigenetic abnormalities. An appropriate diet in cancer patients can lead to changes in gene expression and enhance the efficacy of therapy. It has been demonstrated that nutraceuticals can act as powerful antioxidants at the cellular level as well as anticarcinogenic agents. This review is focused on the best studies on worldwide-available plant-derived nutraceuticals: curcumin, resveratrol, sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, quercetin, astaxanthin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and lycopene. These compounds have an enhanced effect on epigenetic changes such as histone modification via HDAC (histone deacetylase), HAT (histone acetyltransferase) inhibition, DNMT (DNA methyltransferase) inhibition, and non-coding RNA expression. All of these nutraceuticals are reported to positively modulate the epigenome, reducing cancer incidence. Furthermore, the current review addresses the issue of the low bioavailability of nutraceuticals and how to overcome the drawbacks related to their oral administration. Understanding the mechanisms by which nutraceuticals influence gene expression will allow their incorporation into an “epigenetic diet” that could be further capitalized on in the therapy of cancer.

Untapping the protective role of carotenoids against respiratory diseases

BACKGROUND

Recent studies revealed a substantial role of carotenoids to treat respiratory diseases. This review aimed to give an updated overview of the investigational evidence on the preventive properties of carotenoids against respiratory diseases both in vitro and in vivo along with their pathophysiology and mechanisms of action.

HYPOTHESIS

Carotenoids as a potential therapeutic class of bioactive compounds to treat respiratory diseases.

RESULTS

Carotenoids such as β-carotene, lycopene, crocin, bixin, lutein, and astaxanthin show beneficial effects against chronic lung diseases (e.g., asthma, emphysema, fibrosis, COPD, acute lung injury, and lung cancer). Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies also supported the preventive role of carotenoids. These carotenoids showed a beneficial role by activation of the NRF2/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of the NF-кB, MAPK, JAK/STAT-3, and PI3K/AKT pathways. Additionally, epidemiological studies also showed that dietary intake of carotenoids lowers the risk of lung diseases.

CONCLUSION

Carotenoids may be used as drugs or can be given in combination with other drugs to prevent and treat respiratory diseases. Although in vitro and in vivo results are encouraging, further well-conducted randomized clinical trials are required to approve carotenoids as drug candidates.

Health benefits of astaxanthin against age-related diseases of multiple organs: A comprehensive review

Age-related diseases are associated with increased morbidity in the past few decades and the cost associated with the treatment of these age-related diseases exerts a substantial impact on social and health care expenditure. Anti-aging strategies aim to mitigate, delay and reverse aging-associated diseases, thereby improving quality of life and reducing the burden of age-related pathologies. The natural dietary antioxidant supplementation offers substantial pharmacological and therapeutic effects against various disease conditions. Astaxanthin is one such natural carotenoid with superior antioxidant activity than other carotenoids, as well as well as vitamins C and E, and additionally, it is known to exhibit a plethora of pharmacological effects. The present review summarizes the protective molecular mechanisms of actions of astaxanthin on age-related diseases of multiple organs such as Neurodegenerative diseases [Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Status Epilepticus (SE)], Bone Related Diseases [Osteoarthritis (OA) and Osteoporosis], Cancers [Colon cancer, Prostate cancer, Breast cancer, and Lung Cancer], Cardiovascular disorders [Hypertension, Atherosclerosis and Myocardial infarction (MI)], Diabetes associated complications [Diabetic nephropathy (DN), Diabetic neuropathy, and Diabetic retinopathy (DR)], Eye disorders [Age related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye disease (DED), Cataract and Uveitis], Gastric Disorders [Gastritis, Colitis, and Functional dyspepsia], Kidney Disorders [Nephrolithiasis, Renal fibrosis, Renal Ischemia reperfusion (RIR), Acute kidney injury (AKI), and hyperuricemia], Liver Diseases [Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Alcoholic Liver Disease (AFLD), Liver fibrosis, and Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR) Injury], Pulmonary Disorders [Pulmonary Fibrosis, Acute Lung injury (ALI), and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)], Muscle disorders (skeletal muscle atrophy), Skin diseases [Atopic dermatitis (ATD), Skin Photoaging, and Wound healing]. We have also briefly discussed astaxanthin's protective effects on reproductive health.

Nanotechnology-Abetted Astaxanthin Formulations in Multimodel Therapeutic and Biomedical Applications

Astaxanthin (AXT) is one of the most important fat-soluble carotenoids that have abundant and diverse therapeutic applications namely in liver disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer treatment, protection of the nervous system, protection of the skin and eyes against UV radiation, and boosting the immune system. However, due to its intrinsic reactivity, it is chemically unstable, and therefore, the design and production processes for this compound need to be precisely formulated. Nanoencapsulation is widely applied to protect AXT against degradation during digestion and storage, thus improving its physicochemical properties and therapeutic effects. Nanocarriers are delivery systems with many advantages─ease of surface modification, biocompatibility, and targeted drug delivery and release. This review discusses the technological advancement in nanocarriers for the delivery of AXT through the brain, eyes, and skin, with emphasis on the benefits, limitations, and efficiency in practice.

Current developments on the application of microbial carotenoids as an alternative to synthetic pigments

Microbial carotenoids have attracted rising interest from several industries as a sustainable alternative to substitute the synthetic ones. Traditionally, carotenoids available in the market are obtained by the chemical route using nonrenewable sources (petrochemicals), revealing the negative impact on the environment and consumers. The most promising developments in the upstream and downstream processes of microbial carotenoids are reviewed in this work. The use of agro-based raw materials for bioproduction, and alternative solvents such as biosolvents, deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids for the recovery/polishing of microbial carotenoids were also reviewed. The principal advances in the field, regarding the biorefinery and circular economy concepts, were also discussed for a better understanding of the current developments. This review provides comprehensive overview of the hot topics in the field besides an exhaustive analysis of the main advantages/drawbacks and opportunities regarding the implementation of microbial carotenoids in the market.

Perspectives and controversies regarding the use of natural products for the treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality both in men and women and accounts for 18.4% of all cancer‐related deaths. Although advanced therapy methods have been developed, the prognosis of lung cancer patients remains extremely poor. Over the past few decades, clinicians and researchers have found that chemical compounds extracted from natural products may be useful for treating lung cancer. Drug formulations derived from natural compounds, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, have been successfully used as chemotherapeutics for lung cancer. In recent years, hundreds of new natural compounds that can be used to treat lung cancer have been found through basic and sub‐clinical research. However, there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of drugs that have been used in a clinical setting. The probable reasons may include low solubility, limited absorption, unfavorable metabolism, and severe side effects. In this review, we present a summary of the natural compounds that have been proven to be effective for the treatment of lung cancer, as well as an understanding of the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects. We have also highlighted current controversies and have attempted to provide solutions for the clinical translation of these compounds.

The Promising Effects of Astaxanthin on Lung Diseases

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that it is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, whereas other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and asthma are of high prevalence. In the past decade, mounting evidence has suggested a protective role for ASX against lung diseases. This article reviews the potential role of ASX in protecting against lung diseases, including lung cancer. It also summarizes the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ASX protects against pulmonary diseases, including regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor/heme oxygenase-1 pathway, NF-κB signaling, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 signaling, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway, and modulating immune response. Several future directions are proposed in this review. However, most in vitro and in vivo studies have used ASX at concentrations that are not achievable by humans. Also, no clinical trials have been conducted and/or reported. Thus, preclinical studies with ASX treatment within physiological concentrations as well as human studies are required to examine the health benefits of ASX with respect to lung diseases.

Emerging role of phytochemicals in targeting predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic biomarkers of lung cancer

Lung-cancer is the foremost cause of cancer in humans worldwide, of which 80-85% cases are composed of non-small cell lung carcinoma. All treatment decisions depend on the pattern of biomarkers selection to enhance the response to the targeted therapies. Although advanced treatments are available for lung-cancer, the disease treatment remains not adequate. There are several synthetic chemotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of lung cancer. However, due to their toxic effect, survival rate is still 15-18%. Besides, medicinal plants are a huge reservoir of natural products that provide protective effects against lung cancer. Likewise, successful studies of potential phytochemicals in targeting lung-cancer biomarkers have created a novel paradigm for the discovery of potent drugs against lung-cancer. Hence, to defeat severe toxicity and resistance towards the synthetic drugs, detailed studies are required regarding the available phytochemicals and targets responsible for the treatment of lung-cancer. The present review provides a comprehensive information about the lung-cancer biomarkers under the classification of predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic type. Moreover, it discusses and enlists the phytochemicals with mode of action against different biomarkers, effective doses in in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, the limitations associated with usage of phytochemicals as a drug to prevent/cure lung-cancer and the latest techniques employed to overcome such issues.