title: Neuroprotective mechanisms of astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic role in preserving cognitive function in age and neurodegeneration.
abstract: Astaxanthin (AXT) is a carotenoid with multiple health benefits. It is currently marketed as a health supplement and is well known for its antioxidant capacity. Recent evidence has emerged to suggest a broad range of biological activities. The interest in this compound has increased dramatically over the last few years and many studies are now applying this molecule across many disease models. Results from the current research are beginning to come together to suggest neuroprotective properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects, as well as the potential to promote or maintain neural plasticity. These emergent mechanisms of actions implicate AXT as a promising therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disease. This review will examine and extrapolate from the recent literature to build support for the use of AXT in mitigating neuropathy in normal aging and neurodegenerative disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Bethany
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Grimmig
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Seol-Hee
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nash
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. pbickfor@health.usf.edu.|James A Haley VA Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, USA. pbickfor@health.usf.edu.
authors.forename: Paula C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Bickford
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Douglas Shytle
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000066829:Neuroprotection / Q000187:drug effects*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D024341:Xanthophylls / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D024341:Xanthophylls; C005948:astaxanthine
keywords: Aging; Astaxanthin; Microglial function; Neural plasticity; Neuroprotection