Astaxanthin supplementation is associated with a reduction in serum myeloperoxidase levels in subjects with abdominal obesity

Background : Central obesity is a condition characterized by increased abdominal adipose tissue and an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. In subjects with obesity, elevated myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels are observed because of the infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into adipose tissue, leading to increased oxidative stress. This study aimed to assess the effect of astaxanthin supplementation, a compound with strong antioxidant properties, on serum MPO levels in adult subjects with central obesity. Methods : This study is a quasi-experimental study with an open-label, prospective design. A total of 42 subjects with abdominal obesity participated in the study, including 21 subjects who received 4 mg of astaxanthin supplementation per day for 4 weeks and 21 control subjects who did not receive supplementation. Serum MPO levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after the intervention. Results : There was a significant difference in MPO levels before and after treatment among subjects with central obesity who received astaxanthin (median 20.30 [16.16] vs. 17.29 [10.23] pg/mL; p = 0.014), whereas there was no difference in MPO levels before and after the study period among subjects in the control group (median 19.94 [7.17] vs. 17.49 [9.14] pg/mL; p = 0.876). Conclusion : Supplementation with 4 mg of astaxanthin for 4 weeks reduces serum MPO levels in adult subjects with central obesity.