Application of yeast Candida utilis to ferment Eisenia bicyclis for enhanced antibacterial effect

Anti-obesity effects of a standardized ethanol extract of Eisenia bicyclis by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 cells and HFD-induced mice

Obesity requires treatment to mitigate the potential development of further metabolic disorders, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, tumor growth, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We investigated the anti-obesity effect of a 30% ethanol extract of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell (EEB) on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice. Adipogenesis transcription factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (C/EBPα), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) were ameliorated through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway by EEB treatment in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. EEB attenuated mitotic clonal expansion by upregulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) while downregulating cyclins and CDKs. In HFD-fed mice, EEB significantly decreased the total body weight, fat tissue weight, and fat in the tissue. The protein expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBP-1 was increased in the subcutaneous fat and liver tissues, while EEB decreased the expression levels of these transcription factors. EEB also inhibited lipogenesis by downregulating acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression in the subcutaneous fat and liver tissues. Moreover, the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC was downregulated in the HFD-induced mouse group, whereas the administration of EEB improved AMPK and ACC phosphorylation; thus, EEB treatment may be related to the AMPK pathway. Histological analysis showed that EEB reduced the adipocyte size and fat accumulation in subcutaneous fat and liver tissues, respectively. EEB promotes thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue and improves insulin and leptin levels and blood lipid profiles. Our results suggest that EEB could be used as a potential agent to prevent obesity.

Protective Effect and Mechanisms of Eckol on Chronic Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium in Mice

The use of functional foods and their bioactive components is receiving increasing attention as a complementary and alternative therapy for chronic ulcerative colitis (UC). This study explored the protective effect and mechanisms of Eckol, a seaweed-derived bioactive phlorotannin, on the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced chronic UC in mice. Eckol (0.5-1.0 mg/kg) reduced DSS-enhanced disease activity indexes, and alleviated the shortening of colon length and colonic tissue damage in chronic UC mice. The contents of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were significantly decreased, and the level of anti-inflammatory IL-10 was enhanced in the serum and colonic tissues collected from Eckol-treated mice compared with the DSS controls. Eckol administration significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells and the expression of cleaved Caspase-3, and increased the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/B-cell lymphoma-2- associated X (Bax) ratio in DSS-challenged colons. There were more cluster of differentiation (CD)11c⁺ dendritic cells and CD8⁺ T cells, and less CD4⁺ T cells infiltrated to inflamed colonic tissues in the Eckol-treated groups. Expression of colonic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p65, phosphorylated-signal transducer and activator of transcription (pSTAT)3 was significantly down-regulated by Eckol compared with the DSS-challenged group. In conclusion, our data suggest that Eckol appeared to be a potential functional food ingredient for protection against chronic UC. The anti-colitis mechanisms of Eckol might be attributed to the down-regulation of the TLR4/NF-κB/STAT3 pathway, inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis, as well as its immunoregulatory activity.

Immunity boosting roles of biofunctional compounds available in aquafoods: A review

Aquafoods are diverse and rich in containing various health functional compounds which boost natural immunity. In this manuscript, the contents of biofunctional compounds such as vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments, etc. in various aquafoods like fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, seaweeds etc. are reported. The functional roles of those compounds are also depicted which enhance the immunecompetence and immunomodulation of the consumers. This paper provides an account of the recommended daily dietary intake level of those compounds for human. Those compounds available in aquafoods are recommended as they fight against various infectious diseases by enhancing immunity. Available reports on the bioactive compounds in aquafoods reveal the immunity boosting performances which may offer a new insight into controlling infectious diseases.

Eisenia bicyclis Extract Repairs UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging In Vitro and In Vivo: Photoprotective Effects

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) is a major cause of skin aging. The aim of the present study was to determine the photoprotective effect of a 30% ethanol extract of Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell (EEB) against UVB-induced skin aging. By treating human dermal fibroblasts (Hs68) with EEB after UVB irradiation, we found that EEB had a cytoprotective effect. EEB treatment significantly decreased UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production by suppressing the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling and enhancing the protein expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). EEB was also found to recover the UVB-induced degradation of pro-collagen by upregulating Smad signaling. Moreover, EEB increased the mRNA expression of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin in UVB-irradiated human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT). EEB decreased UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by upregulating glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression via nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in Hs68 cells. In a UVB-induced HR-1 hairless mouse model, the oral administration of EEB mitigated photoaging lesions including wrinkle formation, skin thickness, and skin dryness by downregulating MMP-1 production and upregulating the expression of pro-collagen type I alpha 1 chain (pro-COL1A1). Collectively, our findings revealed that EEB prevents UVB-induced skin damage by regulating MMP-1 and pro-collagen type I production through MAPK/AP-1 and Smad pathways.

Synergistic Antimicrobial Effect of a Seaweed-Probiotic Blend Against Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND)-Causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus

The outbreak of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) has caused great economic losses to the shrimp culture sector. However, the use of antibiotics to fight this disease has resulted in negative impacts on human health and the environment. Thus, the use of natural alternatives to antibiotics may be a better solution. In this study, four Bacillus species obtained from the guts of shrimps (Fenneropenaeus penicillatus and Penaeus monodon) showed antimicrobial activity against the AHPND-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain 3HP using the cross-streaking and agar spot methods. Two of the Bacillus isolates, B2 and BT, also showed good probiotic properties, exhibiting tolerance to bile, good adhesion to shrimp mucus, non-hemolytic, susceptibility to antibiotics and being safe towards hosts. Moreover, a seaweed-probiotic blend (a combination of Bacillus B2 and 20 mg/ml of the red seaweed Gracilaria sp.) exhibited synergistic in vitro inhibition against V. parahaemolyticus strain 3HP, with an observed inhibition zone of 5.0 mm. The broth co-culture experiment results further indicated that the seaweed-probiotic blend inhibited V. parahaemolyticus through competitive exclusion. The in vivo challenge trials also confirmed that this seaweed-probiotic blend significantly reduced the mortality of shrimps post-challenge with the AHPND-causing V. parahaemolyticus strain 3HP (p < 0.05) compared to the negative control (mortality rate = 13.88% vs 72.19%). Thus, this seaweed-probiotic blend may serve as an alternative to antibiotics in controlling the outbreak of AHPND.

Antimicrobial Properties of Actively Purified Secondary Metabolites Isolated from Different Marine Organisms

BACKGROUND

The treatment of infection caused by pathogenic bacteria becomes one of the serious concerns globally. The failure in the treatment was found due to the exhibition of multiple resistance mechanisms against the antimicrobial agents. The emergence of resistant bacterial species has also been observed due to prolong treatment using conventional antibiotics. To combat these problems, several alternative strategies have been employed using biological and chemically synthesized compounds as antibacterial agents. Marine organisms are considered as one of the potential sources for the isolation of bioactive compounds due to the easily available, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.

METHODS

The online search methodology was adapted for the collection of information related to the antimicrobial properties of marine-derived compounds. These compound has been isolated and purified by different purification techniques, and their structure also characterized. Furthermore, the antibacterial activities have been reported by using broth microdilution as well as disc diffusion assays.

RESULTS

The present review paper describes the antimicrobial effect of diverse secondary metabolites which are isolated and purified from the different marine organisms. The structural elucidation of each secondary metabolite has also been done in the present paper, which will help for the in silico designing of the novel and potent antimicrobial compounds.

CONCLUSION

A thorough literature search has been made and summarizes the list of antimicrobial compounds that are isolated from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic marine organisms. The information obtained from the present paper will be helpful for the application of marine compounds as antimicrobial agents against different antibiotic-resistant human pathogenic bacteria.

Characterizing Eckol as a Therapeutic Aid: A Systematic Review

The marine biosphere is a treasure trove of natural bioactive secondary metabolites and the richest source of structurally diverse and unique compounds, such as phlorotannins and halo-compounds, with high therapeutic potential. Eckol is a precursor compound representing the dibenzo-1,4-dioxin class of phlorotannins abundant in the Ecklonia species, which are marine brown algae having a ubiquitous distribution. In search of compounds having biological activity from macro algae during the past three decades, this particular compound has attracted massive attention for its multiple therapeutic properties and health benefits. Although several varieties of marine algae, seaweed, and phlorotannins have already been well scrutinized, eckol deserves a place of its own because of the therapeutic properties it possesses. The relevant information about this particular compound has not yet been collected in one place; therefore, this review focuses on its biological applications, including its potential health benefits and possible applications to restrain diseases leading to good health. The facts compiled in this review could contribute to novel insights into the functions of eckol and potentially enable its use in different uninvestigated fields.

In vitro characterization and in vivo toxicity, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effect of fermented foods; Xeniji™

BACKGROUND

Xeniji, produced by fermenting various types of foods with lactic acid bacteria and yeast, has been commonly consumed as functional food. However, nutrition value, bioactivities and safety of different fermented products maybe varies.

METHODS

Organic acid and antioxidant profiles of Xeniji fermented foods were evaluated. Moreover, oral acute (5 g/kg body weight) and subchronic toxicity (0.1, 1 and 2 g/kg body weight) of Xeniji were tested on mice for 14 days and 30 days, respectively. Mortality, changes of body weight, organ weight and serum liver enzyme level were measured. Liver and spleen of mice from subchronic toxicity study were subjected to antioxidant and immunomodulation quantification.

RESULTS

Xeniji was rich in β-carotene, phytonadione, polyphenol, citric acid and essential amino acids. No mortality and significant changes of body weight and serum liver enzyme level were recorded for both oral acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Antioxidant level in the liver and immunity of Xeniji treated mice were significantly upregulated in dosage dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Xeniji is a fermented functional food that rich in nutrients that enhanced antioxidant and immunity of mice. Xeniji that rich in β-carotene, phytonadione, polyphenol, citric acid and essential amino acids promote antioxidant and immunity in mice without causing toxic effect.

The in vivo hepato-recovery effects of the polyphenol-rich fermented food Xeniji™ on ethanol-induced liver damage

Xeniji that rich in caffeoylquinic acid and sakuranetin promoted recovery of the ethanol induced liver damage.

Antimicrobial Action of Compounds from Marine Seaweed

Seaweed produces metabolites aiding in the protection against different environmental stresses. These compounds show antiviral, antiprotozoal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Macroalgae can be cultured in high volumes and would represent an attractive source of potential compounds useful for unconventional drugs able to control new diseases or multiresistant strains of pathogenic microorganisms. The substances isolated from green, brown and red algae showing potent antimicrobial activity belong to polysaccharides, fatty acids, phlorotannins, pigments, lectins, alkaloids, terpenoids and halogenated compounds. This review presents the major compounds found in macroalga showing antimicrobial activities and their most promising applications.