Astaxanthin and mitochondria

[cjbrooksjc]

Interesting couple of finds:

Actually, we should probably have an entire post segment on "Mitochondria".

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First, mitos and astaxanthin:

**http://www.naturalnews.com/026309.html

Here is an excerpt:

Mitochondria are the cellular furnaces in which food is turned into energy in the form of ATP. During this process, oxygen is released, producing several oxygen-derived free radicals that play an important role in various diseases. Oxidative stress leading to mitochondrial dysfunction is a critical factor for many diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative and lifestyle-related diseases. Scientists in Japan recently found that astaxanthin decreased induced oxidative stress and protected cultured cells from free radicals. Moreover, astaxanthin helped maintain a higher mitochondria membrane potential and stimulated respiration, allowing for the production of increased levels of cellular energy. The researchers then investigated how astaxanthin stimulated and interacted with mitochondria when it is stressed. They found that astaxanthin improved the ability of the mitochondria to remain in a reduced state and maintain its functional integrity under oxidative challenge. (Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry, May)

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And, on a more startling note... another bit of mitochondrial info:

**http://sideoff.blogspot.com/2009/05/what-causes-cancer-lovelock-tells-us.html

Brooks