Uptake and anti-inflammatory effects of liposomal astaxanthin on endothelial cells tracked by Raman and fluorescence imaging

Astaxanthin (AXT) is a lipophilic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory natural pigment whose cellular uptake and bioavailability could be improved via liposomal encapsulation. Endothelial cells (EC) line the lumen of all blood vessels and are tasked with multiple roles toward maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction is linked to the development of many diseases and is closely interconnected with oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. The uptake of free and liposomal AXT into EC was investigated using Raman and fluorescence microscopies. AXT was either encapsulated in neutral or cationic liposomes. Enhanced uptake and anti-inflammatory effects of liposomal AXT were observed. The anti-inflammatory effects of liposomal AXT were especially prominent in reducing EC lipid unsaturation, lowering numbers of lipid droplets (LDs), and decreasing intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) overexpression, which is considered a well-known marker for endothelial inflammation. These findings highlight the benefits of AXT liposomal encapsulation on EC and the applicability of Raman imaging to investigate such effects.

Automated summary

The cellular uptake and bioavailability of anti-inflammatory antioxidant astaxanthin (AXT) can be improved via liposomal encapsulation. Endothelial cells (EC), which line blood vessels, play important roles in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. Dysfunction of EC is associated with various diseases and is closely related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Liposomal encapsulation of AXT showed enhanced uptake and anti-inflammatory effects, especially in reducing lipid unsaturation, lipid droplets, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) overexpression in EC.