Astaxanthin attenuates carrageenan-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in mice brain: possible role of the wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND: Astaxanthin (AST) is a red pigment carotenoid with various pharmacological effects. It exerts powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, there is still limited and sometimes contrasting data regarding the exact mechanism of AST in different inflammation models. OBJECTIVE: signaling pathway is involved in these potential protective effects. METHODS: Thirty-two male mice were randomly divided into four equal groups and pretreated with AST at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses for 14 days before CAR injection. The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of AST were assessed using the hot-plate test. Antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression were evaluated by spectrophotometric analysis and qRT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: genes in the brain. CONCLUSION: signaling pathway.