Gene expression regulating agent

Abstract

An object of the invention is to provide a gene expression regulating agent which includes astaxanthin and/or its ester as an effective ingredient; and a food and drink having an effect of regulating gene expression which includes astaxanthin and/or its ester. Abnormal gene expression due to, for example, oxidative stress can be treated, improved, and/or prevented, and diseases caused by the abnormal gene expression can be treated, improved, and/or prevented. A gene expression regulating agent which includes astaxanthin and/or its ester as an effective ingredient; and a food and drink having an effect of regulating gene expression which includes astaxanthin and/or its ester are provided and are useful for treating, improving, and/or preventing the symptom caused by the abnormal gene expression, that is, excessive expression or suppression of expression.

1 . A method for regulating gene expression, comprising administering at least one of astaxanthin and an ester thereof as an effective ingredient.  
     
     
         2 . A method for regulating cytokine-related gene expression, comprising administering at least one of astaxanthin and an ester thereof as an effective ingredient.  
     
     
         3 . A method for regulating TGF-α-related gene expression, comprising administering at least one of astaxanthin and an ester thereof as an effective ingredient.  
     
     
         4 . A method for regulating collagen-related gene expression, comprising administering at least one of astaxanthin and an ester thereof as an effective ingredient.  
     
     
         5 . A method for regulating the expression of gene related to the increase and decrease of muscle cell and bone cell, comprising administering at least one of astaxanthin and an ester thereof as an effective ingredient.  
     
     
         6 . The method for regulating gene expression according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one of astaxanthin and an ester thereof is administered as an effective ingredient in the form of a food or a drink.  
     
     
         7 . A method for using at least one of astaxanthin and an ester thereof in order to produce a gene expression regulating agent, wherein the gene expression regulating agent comprises at least one of astaxanthin and an ester thereof as an effective ingredient.