Abstract
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.
