Microalgae as a Nutraceutical Tool to Antagonize the Impairment of Redox Status Induced by SNPs: Implications on Insulin Resistance

Simple Summary Oxidative stress is recognized as one of the pathogenetic mechanisms underpinning insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Although oxidative stress can be elicited by unhealthy dietary patterns rich in long-chain saturated fatty acids and sugars, it may be exacerbated in genetically predisposed individuals carrying single nucleotide polymorphisms which dampen the activity of proteins responsible for maintaining redox balance, that is, the balance between oxygen and nitrogen reactive species production and their detoxification. In light of this, this literature review aims at providing an overview of the potential role of microalgae as a source of nutraceuticals able to improve insulin sensitivity by tackling oxidative stress, particularly in the aforementioned individuals. Microalgae represent a source of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamins, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which are able to counter oxidative stress, by either modulating intracellular pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress or by acting as direct reactive oxygen species scavengers. Thus, microalgae represent a promising tool for precise nutritional interventions to tackle oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. Nevertheless, further studies are warranted to confirm whether their supplementation in genetically predisposed individuals may be sufficient to restore redox balance and counter insulin resistance. Microalgae represent a growing innovative source of nutraceuticals such as carotenoids and phenolic compound which are naturally present within these single-celled organisms or can be induced in response to specific growth conditions. The presence of the unfavourable allelic variant in genes involved in the control of oxidative stress, due to one or more SNPs in gene encoding protein involved in the regulation of redox balance, can lead to pathological conditions such as insulin resistance, which, in turn, is directly involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this review we provide an overview of the main SNPs in antioxidant genes involved in the promotion of insulin resistance with a focus on the potential role of microalgae-derived antioxidant molecules as novel nutritional tools to mitigate oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity.

Automated summary

This article reviews the role of oxidative stress in insulin resistance and explores the potential of microalgae as a source of antioxidants. Microalgae, rich in antioxidants, can alleviate oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity by regulating intracellular pathways or directly scavenging reactive oxygen species. However, further research is needed to determine whether microalgae supplementation in genetically predisposed individuals is sufficient to restore redox balance and counter insulin resistance.