The effects of astaxanthin on AMPK/autophagy axis and inflammation in type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid substance with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-diabetic properties. This study was conducted to determine the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on the autophagy pathway and inflammation markers in people with type 2 diabetes. Sixty individuals with type 2 diabetes participated in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. For 12 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to receive either 10 mg astaxanthin supplementation (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30). Before and after the intervention, we analyzed the autophagy-related genes and protein expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as the serum levels of inflammation markers. After 12 weeks' intervention, compared with the placebo, astaxanthin supplementation led to a remarkable elevation in beclin-1, LC3B, Atg-5, and Atg-7 expression. Furthermore, astaxanthin supplementation significantly decreased mTOR gene expression compared with the placebo. Moreover, compared to the placebo, astaxanthin supplementation substantially reduced serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels. Overall, the present research demonstrates that daily supplementation with 10 mg/day astaxanthin might be an effective strategy for improving inflammation and promoting autophagy in PBMCs among type 2 diabetes patients.