Review Article

Astaxanthin: A Potential Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in Diseases and with Aging

Figure 2

Astaxanthin improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. Schematic representation of the insulin-mediated signaling pathway resulting in the translocation of GLUT4 glucose transporter and glucose uptake. The oxidative stress can lead to insulin resistance by activating various kinases such as JNK, which catalyze the phosphorylation of serine residues in IRS-1 inhibiting its activity and preventing its interaction with the insulin receptor. Furthermore, oxidative stress switches the GLUT4 sorting to the degradation of GLUT4 vesicles. The dietary astaxanthin administration improves insulin sensitivity, IRS-1 activation, Akt phosphorylation, and GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle leading to increased insulin sensitivity and a decrease in blood glucose level.