ROS production in neutrophils from alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated in vivo with astaxanthin

BackgroundAstaxanthin (ASTA) is a carotenoid which has powerful antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties. The present study investigated the effect of daily ASTA intake on oxidative stress and the functional properties of neutrophils from alloxan-induced diabetic rats.MethodsNeutrophils isolated from ASTA-fed rats (30 days, 20 mg ASTA/kg of body weight — BW) induced to diabetes by alloxan treatment (i.p. 75 mg/BW) were assessed by: production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, basal calcium release, oxidative damage (TBARS and carbonyls content), and activities of major antioxidant enzymes.ResultsOur results show that diabetes promotes a significant oxidative stress in neutrophils. The production of superoxide was significantly increased in neutrophils from diabetic rats and treatment with ASTA was not effective in reducing superoxide levels. At the same time, a reduction in the activity of total superoxide dismutase enzyme was observed, which was not restored after treatment with ASTA. At resting conditions, neutrophils have a higher basal production of hydrogen peroxide, which is enhanced following PMA-stimulation. Treatment with ASTA does not restore values to the basal levels. The indicators of oxidative damage to biomolecules showed that diabetic rats significantly increased the lipid and protein damage, but this change was reversed after treatment with ASTA.ConclusionOur results show that diabetes condition promotes a marked oxidative stress in neutrophils and treatment with ASTA for 30 days at a dose of 20 mg/kg of BW partially reverses those deleterious effects.