Open AccessAstaxanthin inhibits aldose reductase activity in Psammomys obesus , a model of type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy
Author(s) -
BenlarbiBen Khedher Maha,
Hajri Khouloud,
Dellaa Ahmed,
Baccouche Basma,
Hammoum Imane,
BoudhriouaMihoubi Nourhene,
Dhifi Wissal,
Ben ChaouachaChekir Rafika
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
food science and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.614
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 2048-7177
DOI - 10.1002/fsn3.1259
Subject(s) - aldose reductase , endocrinology , medicine , gerbil , polyol pathway , in vivo , diabetes mellitus , diabetic retinopathy , type 2 diabetes , retinal , astaxanthin , biology , chemistry , biochemistry , carotenoid , microbiology and biotechnology , ischemia
Astaxanthin (ATX) is a marine carotenoid known for its powerful antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo potential inhibitory effect of ATX on the aldose reductase (AR) activity, a key enzyme in the polyol pathway responsible for the pathogenesis of diabetic complications including diabetic retinopathy (DR). The gerbil Psammomys obesus ( P. ob. ), an animal model for type 2 diabetes and DR has been used. The erythrocyte and retinal AR activity of P. ob. individuals were, respectively, assessed monthly and at the 7th month during a 7‐month hypercaloric diet (HD) using a NADPH oxidation method. Meanwhile, the body weight and blood glucose of the gerbils were monitored. After 7 months, P. ob. individuals were fed with ATX (4.8 mg/kg of body weight) once a day for 1 week. The results showed that the HD‐fed animals developed significant obesity and hyperglycemia in comparison with controls. Erythrocyte AR activity showed a progressive and significant increase in the HD‐fed group compared with controls. Retinal AR activity was higher in the 7‐month HD‐fed group compared with controls. Erythrocyte AR activity was markedly decreased after ATX‐treatment in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggested that ATX inhibited the erythrocyte AR activity and could be used for DR prevention and/or early treatment.