Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of astaxanthin on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human submandibular gland cells

Reactive oxygen species （ROS） have recently been reported to be one of the elements involved in the pathogenesis of decreased saliva secretion. In addition to the endogenous anti-oxidant systems pre-existing in vivo, exogenous anti-oxidants have attracted attention in the defense against ROS. Astaxanthin （AX） is a type of natural carotenoid, is widely distributed in various organisms, and has strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study conducted on human submandibular gland cells, namely, cell lines derived from human salivary glands, we examined the in vitro effects of AX on H2O2-induced oxidative stress-related disorders. Our findings showed that the prophylactic addition of 10 μM AX significantly decreased the levels of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and interleukins-6 and 8, as well inhibited the decrease in cell proliferation and apoptosis. In conclusion, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of AX protect salivary gland cells from oxidative stress-induced disorders.