Biological effect of astaxanthin on alcohol-induced gut damage inCarassius auratusused as experimental model

Alcohol and its metabolites are responsible for damage both within the gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Alcohol abuse promote intestinal inflammation, that may be the cause of multiple organ dysfunctions and chronic disorders. In this research, the effect of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant with several biological effects, on alcohol damage-induced in the intestine ofCarassius auratus, was investigated. In the fishes exposed to ethanol, an increase of the intestinal epithelium mucous cells and circulating macrophages, with intestinal mucosa disorganization was observed. In contrast, in the fishes treated with astaxanthin intestinal morphology was restored. By immunohistochemical analysis, using alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (alpha-SMA) and Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) antibodies, a reduction of inflammatory states alcohol-induced was evident, with more regular muscularis submucosa and more organized intestinal mucosa without inflammatory cells. The results suggest that astaxanthin treatments can be a good candidate for preventing damage within the gastrointestinal associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Automated summary

Alcohol abuse can cause intestinal inflammation, leading to an increase in intestinal mucous cells and circulating macrophages, while treatment with astaxanthin can restore intestinal morphology. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed a reduction in alcohol-induced inflammation with astaxanthin treatment, suggesting its potential in preventing damage associated with excessive alcohol consumption within the gastrointestinal tract.