Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases; thus, anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant agents that modulate redox balance have become research targets so as to evaluate their molecular mechanisms of action and therapeutic properties. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid of the xanthophyll group, has potent antioxidant properties due to its molecular structure and its arrangement in the plasma membrane, factors that favor the neutralization of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. This carotenoid also has prominent anti‑inflammatory activity, possibly interrelated with its antioxidant effect, and is also involved in the modulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Considering the potential beneficial effects of astaxanthin on cardiovascular health evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies, the aim of the present review was to describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties of this carotenoid in cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. The beneficial properties and safety profile of astaxanthin indicate that this compound may be used for preventing progression or as an adjuvant in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Background: Genitourinary syndrome is a common, chronic condition associated with estrogen deficiency that negatively impacts vaginal health, sexual function, and quality of life in peri- and postmenopausal women. Non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers represent an important therapeutic option for women who cannot or do not wish to use estrogen therapy. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Provagin^®, a hyaluronic acid–based non-hormonal vaginal moisturizer, in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate vaginal dryness. Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, open-label, before-and-after clinical study with sexually active postmenopausal women. Participants applied 3 g of Provagin^® intravaginally every three days for 22 ± 2 days. Clinical assessments were conducted at baseline, 24 and 72 h after first application, and after 6 and 22 days of use. Outcomes included vaginal pH, vaginal microbiota, epithelial integrity, participant-reported symptoms (vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and pruritus), and adverse events. Results: A total of 45 participants completed the study. Vaginal pH remained stable throughout the study period. No clinically relevant changes were observed in vaginal microbiota, except for a significant increase in Lactobacillus spp. counts. Epithelial integrity was preserved at all time points. Significant improvements in participant-reported symptoms were observed as early as 24 h after first use and continued through the study, with mean vaginal dryness scores decreasing by 69.3%. Conclusions: Provagin^® demonstrated a safety profile and was associated with improvements of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), without affecting vaginal pH, microbiota composition, or vaginal epithelial integrity. These findings support the use of Provagin^® as a safe, non-hormonal therapeutic option for postmenopausal women with GSM.