Astaxanthin supplementation as a potential anti-fibrotic agent in peritoneal dialysis rats

Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a recommended treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Continuous exposure to dialysate solution in PD leads to peritoneal fibrosis, which is characterized by changes in morphology and function of the peritoneal membrane. Astaxanthin is considered to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which has a promising anti-fibrosis effect and suppresses peritoneal thickness in peritoneal fibrosis. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of astaxanthin supplementation on histological features among PD model rats, which determined astaxanthin as a potential anti-fibrotic agent for PD. Materials and Methods: This study used a laboratory experimental study with a posttest-only control group design. Thirty-two male rats were divided randomly into four groups. There are two control groups and two treatment groups. Negative (NC), given intraperitoneal (IP) injection of sterilized aquadest, positive control (PC), given dialysate 4.25% injection IP. Treatment group 1 (T1) was given dialysate 4.25% injection IP and astaxanthin 0.216 mg supplementation for 14 days, and treatment group 2 (T2) was given dialysate 4.25% IP and astaxanthin 0.216 mg supplementation for 21 days. The peritoneum tissues were then collected and prepared for histological examination. Results: Astaxanthin supplementation prevents peritoneal fibrosis development in CKD model rats (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the mean fibrosis thickness based on astaxanthin duration (P>0.05). Conclusion: Astaxanthin could reduce fibrotic thickness in PD model rats. This study was relevant to conclude that astaxanthin has a potential antifibrotic agent for PD.