The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of astaxanthin supplementation on the expression of miR-146a and miR-126 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Int J Clin Pract. 2021 May;75(5):e14022. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.14022. Epub 2021 Feb 2.

Abstract

Background: The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic oxidative stress and inflammation. It is well known that the expression of some miRNAs such as miRNA-146a is upregulated in diabetic and hyperglycaemic patients, whereas circulating miRNA-126 is reduced. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effects of astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on the circulating malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels, and the expression of miR-146a and miR-126 in patients with T2DM.

Methods: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 44 patients with T2DM randomly receiving 8 mg/d of oral AST (n = 22) or placebo (n = 22) for 8 weeks.

Results: We observed that AST supplementation could decrease plasma levels of MDA and IL-6 (P < .05) and decrease the expression level of miR-146a over time (fold change: -1/388) (P < .05).

Conclusion: AST supplementation might be beneficial for improving circulating MDA and IL-6 and the down-regulation of miR-146a. However, future investigations are suggested to confirm these results.

Keywords: IL-6; MDA; Type 2 diabetes; astaxanthin; miR-126; miR-146a.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs*
  • Xanthophylls

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • MIRN126 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Xanthophylls
  • astaxanthine