Potential of natural astaxanthin in alleviating the risk of cytokine storm in COVID-19

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  CS triggered by excessive inflammatory response drives the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

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  ASX inhibits TNFα, IL1β, IL6 via regulation of NF-kB & JAK/STAT; prevents CS & ALI/ARDS.

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  ASX suppresses plasma CRP, iNOS, COX2, PGE2 & ICAM-1; prevents oxidative damages.

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  ASX inhibits NLRP3, HIF1α, activates Nrf2, Sirtuin pathways; exerts antioxidant effect.

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  ASX enhances immune responses, NK cell activity, T- & B- cell population.

Abstract

Host excessive inflammatory immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is thought to underpin the pathogenesis of COVID-19 associated severe pneumonitis and acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Once an immunological complication like cytokine storm occurs, anti-viral based monotherapy alone is not enough. Additional anti-inflammatory treatment is recommended. It must be noted that anti-inflammatory drugs such as JAK inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, TNF-α inhibitors, colchicine, etc., have been either suggested or are under trials for managing cytokine storm in COVID-19 infections. Natural astaxanthin (ASX) has a clinically proven safety profile and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. There is evidence from preclinical studies that supports its preventive actions against ALI/ARDS. Moreover, ASX has a potent PPARs activity. Therefore, it is plausible to speculate that ASX could be considered as a potential adjunctive supplement. Here, we summarize the mounting evidence where ASX is shown to exert protective effect by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. We present reports where ASX is shown to prevent against oxidative damage and attenuate exacerbation of the inflammatory responses by regulating signaling pathways like NF-ĸB, NLRP3 and JAK/STAT. These evidences provide a rationale for considering natural astaxanthin as a therapeutic agent against inflammatory cytokine storm and associated risks in COVID-19 infection and this suggestion requires further validation with clinical studies.