Astaxanthin Prevents Oxidative Damage and Cell Apoptosis Under Oxidative Stress Involving the Restoration of Mitochondrial Function

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the factors that result in cell damage and the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Astaxanthin (ASTA), a natural compound known for its potent antioxidant properties, shows the biological activities in anti-apoptosis and antitumor. However, its specific mechanism on mitochondrial function remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of ASTA on regulation in mitochondrial function and cell apoptosis under OS induced by hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). The results demonstrated that ASTA (0.1, 1, 10 μmol/L) protected cells form H 2 O 2 -induced cell damage and apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway. ASTA significantly reduced H 2 O 2 -induced mitochondrial dysfunctions and restored the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, and respiratory capacity. These findings suggest that ASTA's antioxidant properties can benefit neurons by maintaining mitochondrial function and alleviating oxidative damage and cell apoptosis induced by H 2 O 2 . Summary Astaxanthin attenuates the cytotoxicity and oxidative damage induced by oxidative stress. Astaxanthin depresses oxidative stress-induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and restores the mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Astaxanthin inhibits the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis induced by oxidative stress.