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Neuroprotective mechanisms of astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic role in preserving cognitive function in age and neurodegeneration

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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.

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Author’s contributions

BG, SHK, KN, PCB, and RDS contributed to the writing and revision of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 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

    Bethany Grimmig, Seol-Hee Kim, Paula C. Bickford & R. Douglas Shytle

  2. Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Kevin Nash

  3. James A Haley VA Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, USA

    Paula C. Bickford

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  1. Bethany Grimmig
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  2. Seol-Hee Kim
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  3. Kevin Nash
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  4. Paula C. Bickford
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  5. R. Douglas Shytle
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Correspondence to Paula C. Bickford.

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Conflict of interest

PCB is a member of the scientific advisory board for Nutrex, Hawaii; RDS was awarded funding from manufactures of AXT supplements.

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Grant support: VA MRS grants I01BX003421; I01BX000231 (PCB); NIH R01AG044919 (PCB).

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Bethany Grimmig and Seol-Hee Kim contributed equally to this work

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Grimmig, B., Kim, SH., Nash, K. et al. Neuroprotective mechanisms of astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic role in preserving cognitive function in age and neurodegeneration. GeroScience 39, 19–32 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-017-9958-x

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