Comparative Analysis of Inflammatory Capabilities of Combined Astaxanthin and Tocotrienols in A549 and CALU-3 Cells

Abstract

Inflammation, while essential for the immune system, becomes pathological when unregulated, contributing to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, and cancers. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid with unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and tocotrienols, a potent form of vitamin E, have demonstrated promise individually as anti-inflammatory agents. However, their combined effects remain underexplored. This study investigates the synergistic anti-inflammatory capabilities of astaxanthin and tocotrienols in A549 and Calu-3 lung epithelial cell lines, focusing on understanding their interaction and impact on inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO).