Astaxanthin Modulates Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes via Regulation of microRNAs, Lysophosphatidylcholine, and α-Hydroxybutyrate.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid compound that has several beneficial qualities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antidiabetic effects. This study examined the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammation-related microRNAs, lysophosphatidylcholine, and α-hydroxybutyrate in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Fifty people with Type 2 diabetes volunteered in a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Subjects were randomly determined to consume either 10 mg of astaxanthin (n = 25) or a placebo (n = 25) for 12 weeks. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to assess the expression of inflammation-related microRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells both before and after the intervention, and we employed ELISA to ascertain the serum levels of lysophosphatidylcholine and α-hydroxybutyrate. After 12 weeks of supplementation, in comparison with placebo, astaxanthin supplementation resulted in a noteworthy decrease (p < 0.05) in hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-34a, and hsa-miR-155 expression. In addition, astaxanthin supplementation substantially decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of lysophosphatidylcholine and α-hydroxybutyrate compared with the placebo. These changes suggest that astaxanthin may contribute to the modulation of inflammatory processes and the enhancement of metabolic homeostasis. Moreover, relative to the placebo, astaxanthin supplementation considerably diminished serum plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio levels. In conclusion, the current investigation indicates that astaxanthin supplementation at a dosage of 10 mg per day might be a useful strategy for ameliorating inflammation-related diabetic complications and insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes patients. Considering the potential role of microRNAs in regulating inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in Type 2 diabetes, these findings suggest that astaxanthin supplementation may modulate inflammation-related microRNAs and metabolic markers, potentially contributing to the management of inflammatory processes and metabolic dysregulation in Type 2 diabetes. Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20190305042939N1.