Ukr.Biochem.J. 2025; Volume 97, Issue 3, May-Jun, pp. 5-12
doi: https://doi.org/10.15407/ubj97.03.005
Astaxanthin as an antioxidant: exploring its potential in prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction
A. A. Badri1*, N. N. Ayu Dewi2, I. A. I. Wahyuniari3
1Master Program in Biomedical Science, Anti-Aging Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia;
2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia;
3Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Indonesia;
*e-mail: ameliabadri940@gmail.com
Received: 03 February 2025; Revised: 21 May 2025;
Accepted: 11 June 2025; Available on-line: 07 July 2025
Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid with a powerful antioxidant activity, high stability and the ability to cross both the blood-brain and the blood-retinal barriers. It demonstrates significant potential in mitigating diseases related to oxidative stress. Mitochondria are the organelles most susceptible to molecular damage caused by oxidative stress, transcriptional pathways regulated by Nrf2 and PGC-1 play the crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial function and biogenesis. In this review the molecular mechanism of astaxanthin influence on Nrf2 and PGC-1α pathways and cellular health are analysed.
Keywords: astaxanthin, mitochondria, Nrf2 and PGC-1 transcriptional pathways, oxidative stress
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