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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for reducing muscle atrophy in a subject having muscle atrophy, comprising administering to the subject at least one of the group consisting of isolated astaxanthin and an ester thereof as an effective ingredient. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the group consisting of astaxanthin and an ester thereof is administered as an effective ingredient in the form of a food or a drink.