Therapeutic Potential of Astaxanthin Against Cadmium-Induced Hepatic Failure: An Experimental Study

Cadmium is a toxic metal that can lead to liver failure in humans and animals. Astaxanthin (ASX) is one of the wellknown xanthophyll carotenoids in food that has remarkable antioxidant properties. Hence, this study investigated theeffect of ASX against cadmium-induced hepatic failure. Twenty-four mice were divided into four groups of six eachand treated intraperitoneally as follows: group 1 (sham) received normal saline and olive oil; group 2 received 10mg/kg/day of ASX; groups 3 and 4 were treated with cadmium (1 mg/kg/day) and ASX (10 mg/kg/day) + cadmium (1mg/kg/day), respectively. After 14 consecutive days, mice were sacrificed and blood and liver samples were isolatedfor histopathological and biochemical experiments. Our findings showed a significant increase in serum alanineaminotransferase level, as a hepatic marker, following cadmium administration (p < 0.05). In this regard, cadmium ledto hepatic leukocyte infiltration, dilated sinusoids, and increased hepatic metallothionein level (p < 0.01). Following theadministration of ASX, a significant improvement was found in the metallothionein level and hepatic enzymes alongsidehistopathologic alterations. The present study revealed that the administration of ASX could prevent cadmium-inducedhepatic failure, which may be related to the antioxidant properties of this carotenoid.