Fucoxanthin Exerts Cytoprotective Effects against Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Oxidative Damage in L02 Cells

Fucoxanthin ameliorates ulcerative colitis by maintaining the epithelial barrier via blocking JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The clinical efficacies of Ulcerative colitis (UC) are far from satisfactory. Fucoxanthin (FUC) is a marine carotenoid that is abundant in seaweed and microalgae. It has been reported that FUC can possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, its mechanism and role in UC is yet to be clarified. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of FUC extracted from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutm on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) -induced colitis.

METHODS

Animal UC model was induced by DSS and cellular model was established by TNF-α. Immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence were used to assess the inflammatory responses and epithelial barrier in vivo and in vitro models.

RESULTS

The results showed that FUC attenuates DSS-induced colitis by ameliorating the epithelial mucosal barrier. Moreover, FUC possessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on NCM460 cells. JAK/STAT activator RO8191 could reverse these changes.

CONCLUSION

FUC exerted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, and served as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of UC.

Chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of Arthrospira sp., Thalassiosira sp., and Raphidonema sp

Microalgae are emerging as valuable sources of bioactive compounds. This study evaluates hexane extracts from Thalassiosira sp. and Raphidonema sp., and Arthrospira sp., for their bioactive potential. Saturated fatty acids predominated in Arthrospira sp. and Thalassiosira sp. while Raphidonema was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Carotenoids, such as carotenes and xanthophylls, were abundant in Arthrospira sp., while Thalassiosira sp. contained chlorophylls and fucoxanthin derivatives, and Raphidonema sp. showed high levels of chlorophylls and xanthophylls. Antioxidant assays revealed up to 70 % radical scavenging activity, 60 % iron chelation, and up to 67 (μM) ferric-reducing power. Dose-dependent protective effects were observed in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and HepG2 cells, with viability improvements up to 50 %, indicating their potential as antioxidant-rich ingredients for functional foods, promoting health and disease prevention. This study enhances our understanding of Thalassiosira sp. and Raphidonema sp. while underscoring the promising applications of microalgae extracts in functional foods.

Brown algae biomass for fucoxanthin, fucoidan and alginate; update review on structure, biosynthesis, biological activities and extraction valorisation

Natural compounds promoting human health are the main focus of research nowadays. Fucoxanthin, fucoidan and alginate are such bioactive compounds that are extracted from marine brown algae. Extracting these 3 compounds through successive extraction enhances the commercial value of the brown algae biomass. There are studies on successive extraction of fucoidan and alginate but not with fucoxanthin which displays various biological bioactivities. Alginate, a polysaccharide presents 45 % in the cell wall of brown algae. Fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide proved showing various bioactivities. These bioproducts yield are vary depending on the species. Dictyota species recorded high fucoxanthin content of 7 %. Ascophyllum nodosum was found with high fucoidan of 16.08 % by direct extraction. Maximum alginate of 45.79 % was recorded from the brown alga Sargassum cymosum and by successive extraction 44 % was recorded from Ecklonia radiata. Fucoxanthin exits in two isomers as trans and cis forms. Based on linkage, fucoidan structure is found in 3 forms as 1,3- or 1,4- or alternating 1,3- and 1,4-linked fucose in the polysaccharide residues. Fucoidan composition varys depending on the degree of sulphation, composition of monosaccharides and location of collection. In alginate, its property relies on the mannuronic acid and guluronic acid composition. Biosynthesis of these 3 compounds is not much explored. Keeping this view which signify sequential extraction towards biomass valorisation, fucoxanthin, fucoidan and alginate extracted from the brown algae species focusing yield, extraction, characterisation, biosynthesis and biological activities were compiled and critically analysed and discussed in this review.

Fucoxanthin diminishes oxidative stress damage in human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 pathway

Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) have therapeutic potential in various clinical contexts due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. However, with increasing age or extensive in vitro culture, their viability and function are gradually lost, thus restricting their therapeutic application. The primary cause of this deterioration is oxidative injury from free radicals. Therefore, enhancing cell viability and restoring cellular repair mechanisms of PL-MSCs in an oxidative stress environment are crucial in this context. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid derived from brown seaweed, demonstrates antioxidant activity by increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes and lowering the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to determine whether fucoxanthin protects PL-MSCs from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress. After characterization, PL-MSCs were co-treated with fucoxanthin and H2O2 for 24 h (co-treatment) or pre-treated with fucoxanthin for 24 h followed by H2O2 for 24 h (pre-treatment). The effects of fucoxanthin on cell viability and proliferation were examined using an MTT assay. The expression of antioxidant enzymes, PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 and intracellular ROS production were investigated in fucoxanthin-treated PL-MSCs compared to the untreated group. The gene expression and involvement of specific pathways in the cytoprotective effect of fucoxanthin were investigated by high-throughput NanoString nCounter analysis. The results demonstrated that co-treatment and pre-treatment with fucoxanthin restored the viability and proliferative capacity of PL-MSCs. Fucoxanthin treatment increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes in PL-MSCs cultured under oxidative stress conditions and decreased intracellular ROS accumulation. Markedly, fucoxanthin treatment could restore PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 expression in H2O2-treated PL-MSCs. High-throughput analysis revealed up-regulation of genes involved in cell survival pathways, including cell cycle and proliferation, DNA damage repair pathways, and down-regulation of genes in apoptosis and autophagy pathways. This study demonstrated that fucoxanthin protects and rescues PL-MSCs from oxidative stress damage through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 pathway. Our data provide the supporting evidence for the use of fucoxanthin as an antioxidant cytoprotective agent to improve the viability and proliferation capacity of PL-MSCs both in vitro and in vivo required to increase the effectiveness of MSC expansion for therapeutic applications.

Dietary Protective Potential of Fucoxanthin as an Active Food Component on Neurological Disorders

The prevalence of neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular, and psychiatric diseases and other neurological disorders has increased dramatically worldwide. Fucoxanthin is an algal pigment with many biological functions, and there is rising evidence that fucoxanthin plays a preventive and therapeutic role in neurological disorders. This review focuses on the metabolism, bioavailability, and blood-brain barrier penetration of fucoxanthin. Furthermore, the neuroprotective potential of fucoxanthin in neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and psychiatric diseases as well as other neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and brain tumors by acting on multiple targets will be summarized. The multiple targets include regulating apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress, activating the autophagy pathway, inhibiting Aβ aggregation, improving dopamine secretion, reducing α-synuclein aggregation, attenuating neuroinflammation, modulating gut microbiota, and activating brain-derived neurotrophic factor, etc. Additionally, we look forward to brain-targeted oral transport systems due to the low bioavailability and blood-brain barrier permeability of fucoxanthin. We also propose exploring the systemic mechanisms of fucoxanthin metabolism and transport through the gut-brain process and envision new therapeutic targets for fucoxanthin to act on the central nervous system. Finally, we propose dietary fucoxanthin delivery interventions to achieve preventive effects on neurological disorders. This review provides a reference for the application of fucoxanthin in the neural field.

Delivery systems for fucoxanthin: Research progress, applications and future prospects

Fucoxanthin is a special kind of keto-carotenoid found only in algae. The unique structure of fucoxanthin endows it with extraordinary biological activities, which are of great significance to improve food quality and enhance human health. However, due to its highly unsaturated structure, fucoxanthin also suffers from some limitations, such as instability, poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Therefore, although its content is relatively abundant, its applications in the food industry are extremely scarce. In recent years, there have been many reports on the preparation and characterization of delivery systems for fucoxanthin. These well-designed delivery systems can efficaciously alleviate the instability of fucoxanthin under adverse conditions, thereby improving its oral bioavailability. Thus, this review emphatically summarizes the delivery systems that are widely used to encapsulate, protect and release fucoxanthin. Besides, the influence of delivery systems on the absorption of fucoxanthin by intestinal epithelial cells is highlighted. The applications and future development trends of delivery systems for fucoxanthin are also discussed. The extraction of fucoxanthin, development of novel delivery systems, sensory evaluation and toxicity studies, and industrial production may be promising research directions in the future. Overall, this review provides guidance for the development of fucoxanthin-loaded delivery systems.

Advances in Fucoxanthin Research for the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammation-Related Diseases

Owing to its unique structure and properties, fucoxanthin (FX), a carotenoid, has attracted significant attention. There have been numerous studies that demonstrate FX's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-obesity properties against inflammation-related diseases. There is no consensus, however, regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. In this review, we summarize the potential health benefits of FX in inflammatory-related diseases, from the perspective of animal and cellular experiments, to provide insights for future research on FX. Previous work in our lab has demonstrated that FX remarkably decreased LPS-induced inflammation and improved survival in septic mice. Further investigation of the activity of FX against a wide range of diseases will require new approaches to uncover its molecular mechanism. This review will provide an outline of the current state of knowledge regarding FX application in the clinical setting and suggest future directions to implement FX as a therapeutic ingredient in pharmaceutical sciences in order to develop it into a treatment strategy against inflammation-associated disorders.

The landscape of potential health benefits of carotenoids as natural supportive therapeutics in protecting against Coronavirus infection

The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urges researching possibilities for prevention and management of the effects of the virus. Carotenoids are natural phytochemicals of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and may exert potential in aiding in combatting the pandemic. This review presents the direct and indirect evidence of the health benefits of carotenoids and derivatives based on in vitro and in vivo studies, human clinical trials and epidemiological studies and proposes possible mechanisms of action via which carotenoids may have the capacity to protect against COVID-19 effects. The current evidence provides a rationale for considering carotenoids as natural supportive nutrients via antioxidant activities, including scavenging lipid-soluble radicals, reducing hypoxia-associated superoxide by activating antioxidant enzymes, or suppressing enzymes that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Carotenoids may regulate COVID-19 induced over-production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, pro-inflammatory enzymes and adhesion molecules by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) and interleukins-6- Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (IL-6-JAK/STAT) pathways and suppress the polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage. Moreover, carotenoids may modulate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ by acting as agonists to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. They also may potentially block the cellular receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). These activities may reduce the severity of COVID-19 and flu-like diseases. Thus, carotenoid supplementation may aid in combatting the pandemic, as well as seasonal flu. However, further in vitro, in vivo and in particular long-term clinical trials in COVID-19 patients are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.

Effect Biomarkers of the Widespread Antimicrobial Triclosan in a Marine Model Diatom

The present-day COVID-19 pandemic has led to the increasing daily use of antimicrobials worldwide. Triclosan is a manmade disinfectant chemical used in several consumer healthcare products, and thus frequently detected in surface waters. In the present work, we aimed to evaluate the effect of triclosan on diatom cell photophysiology, fatty acid profiles, and oxidative stress biomarkers, using the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a model organism. Several photochemical effects were observed, such as the lower ability of the photosystems to efficiently trap light energy. A severe depletion of fucoxanthin under triclosan application was also evident, pointing to potential use of carotenoid as reactive oxygen species scavengers. It was also observed an evident favouring of the peroxidase activity to detriment of the SOD activity, indicating that superoxide anion is not efficiently metabolized. High triclosan exposure induced high cellular energy allocation, directly linked with an increase in the energy assigned to vital functions, enabling cells to maintain the growth rates upon triclosan exposure. Oxidative stress traits were found to be the most efficient biomarkers as promising tools for triclosan ecotoxicological assessments. Overall, the increasing use of triclosan will lead to significant effects on the diatom photochemical and oxidative stress levels, compromising key roles of diatoms in the marine system.

Fucoxanthin’s Optimization from Undaria pinnatifida Using Conventional Heat Extraction, Bioactivity Assays and In Silico Studies

Brown macroalgae are a potential source of natural pigments. Among them, Undaria pinnatifida is recognized for its high concentration of fucoxanthin (Fx), which is a pigment with a wide range of bioactivities. In this study, three independent parameters were optimized for conventional heat extraction (CHE) to maximize the recovery of Fx from Undaria pinnatifida. Optimal conditions (temperature = 45 °C, solvent = 70%, and time = 61 min) extracted 5.1 mg Fx/g dw. Later, the bioactivities of the Fx-rich extracts (antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective) were assessed using in vitro and in silico approaches. In vitro assays indicated that Fx has a strong antioxidant capacity and even stronger antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. This data was supported in silico where Fx established a high binding affinity to DR, a Staphylococcus aureus protein, through aa ALA-8, LEU-21, and other alkane interactions. Finally, the in vitro enzymatic inhibition of AChE using Fx, was further supported using docking models that displayed Fx as having a high affinity for aa TYR72 and THR 75; therefore, the Fx extraction behavior explored in this work may reduce the costs associated with energy and solvent consumption. Moreover, this paper demonstrates the efficiency of CHE when recovering high amounts of Fx from Undaria pinnatifida. Furthermore, these findings can be applied in different industries.

Producing fucoxanthin from algae - Recent advances in cultivation strategies and downstream processing

Fucoxanthin, a brown-colored pigment from algae, is gaining much attention from industries and researchers recently due to its numerous potential health benefits, including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-obesity functions, and so on. Although current commercial production is mainly from brown macroalgae, microalgae with rapid growth rate and much higher fucoxanthin content demonstrated higher potential as the fucoxanthin producer. Factors such as concentration of nitrogen, iron, silicate as well as light intensity and wavelength play a significant role in fucoxanthin biosynthesis from microalgae. Two-stage cultivation approaches have been proposed to maximize the production of fucoxanthin and other valuable metabolites. Sustainable fucoxanthin production can be achieved by using low-cost substrates as a culture medium in an open pond cultivation system utilizing seawater with nutrient recycling. For downstream processing, the integration of novel "green" solvents with other extraction techniques emerged as a promising extraction technique.

Cancer Chemopreventive Role of Dietary Terpenoids by Modulating Keap1-Nrf2-ARE Signaling System—A Comprehensive Update

ROS, RNS, and carcinogenic metabolites generate excessive oxidative stress, which changes the basal cellular status and leads to epigenetic modification, genomic instability, and initiation of cancer. Epigenetic modification may inhibit tumor-suppressor genes and activate oncogenes, enabling cells to have cancer promoting properties. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that in humans is encoded by the NFE2L2 gene, and is activated in response to cellular stress. It can regulate redox homoeostasis by expressing several cytoprotective enzymes, including NADPH quinine oxidoreductase, heme oxygenase-1, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, etc. There is accumulating evidence supporting the idea that dietary nutraceuticals derived from commonly used fruits, vegetables, and spices have the ability to produce cancer chemopreventive activity by inducing Nrf2-mediated detoxifying enzymes. In this review, we discuss the importance of these nutraceuticals in cancer chemoprevention and summarize the role of dietary terpenoids in this respect. This approach was taken to accumulate the mechanistic function of these terpenoids to develop a comprehensive understanding of their direct and indirect roles in modulating the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling system.

Fucoxanthin alters the apelin-13/APJ pathway in certain organs of γ-irradiated mice

Apelin-13 and APJ are implicated in different key physiological processes. This work aims at exploring the radioprotective effect of fucoxanthin (FX) on γ-radiation (RAD)-induced changes in the apelin-13/APJ pathway, which causes damage in the liver, kidney, lung and spleen of mice. Mice were administered FX (10 mg kg-1 day-1, i.p) and exposed to γ-radiation (2.5 Gy week-1) for four consecutive weeks. The treatment of irradiated mice by FX resulted in a significant amendment in protein expression of the apelin-13/APJ/NF-κB signalling pathway concurrently with reduced hypoxia (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α), suppressed oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde), enhanced antioxidant defence mechanisms (reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase), a modulated inflammatory response [interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-10 and α-7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor) and ameliorated angiogenic regulators [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2), MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1), as well as the tissue damage indicator (lactate dehydrogenase) in organ tissues. In addition, there were significant improvement in serum inflammatory markers tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-10, IL-1β and C-reactive protein compared with irradiated mice. The histopathological investigation of the FX + RAD organ tissues support the biochemical findings where the improvements in the tissues' architecture were obvious when compared with those of RAD. FX was thus shown to have a noticeable radioprotective action mediated through its regulatory effect on the apelin-13/APJ/NF-κB signalling pathway attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that was reflected in different physiological processes. It could be recommended to use FX in cases of radiation exposure to protect normal tissues.

Antioxidant and Signal-Modulating Effects of Brown Seaweed-Derived Compounds against Oxidative Stress-Associated Pathology

The biological and therapeutic properties of seaweeds have already been well known. Several studies showed that among the various natural marine sources of antioxidants, seaweeds have become a potential source of antioxidants because of their bioactive compounds. Most of the metabolic diseases are caused by oxidative stress. It is very well known that antioxidants have a pivotal role in the treatment of those diseases. Recent researches have revealed the potential activity of seaweeds as complementary medicine, which have therapeutic properties for health and disease management. Among the seaweeds, brown seaweeds (Phaeophyta) and their derived bioactive substances showed excellent antioxidant properties than other seaweeds. This review focuses on brown seaweeds and their derived major bioactive compounds such as sulfated polysaccharide, polyphenol, carotenoid, and sterol antioxidant effects and molecular mechanisms in the case of the oxidative stress-originated disease. Antioxidants have a potential role in the modification of stress-induced signaling pathways along with the activation of the oxidative defensive pathways. This review would help to provide the basis for further studies to researchers on the potential antioxidant role in the field of medical health care and future drug development.

Comprehensive investigations for a potential natural prophylaxis-A cellular and murine model for apple cider vinegar against hydrogen peroxide and scopolamine induced oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is the critical marker of neurological complications such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is known to have health benefits due to its antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and high antioxidant properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that regular consumption of ACV would protect against AD-like neurological diseases via inhibition of oxidative stress. Authors have compared the efficacy of ACV with that of Chrysin and Rivastigmine in cellular and animal studies. In the cellular study, oxidative stress was induced in Neuro2A cells (1 × 10⁷ ) via H₂ O₂ (50 μM) treatment. Subsequently, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was performed, and cell viability, SOD, GSH, lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels were measured. Similarly, in the animal study, oxidative stress was introduced in Swiss albino mice (10-11 weeks old, 20-25 g, n = 30) via scopolamine (1 mg/kg). Subsequently, histopathological experiments were performed; cognitive ability, AChE activity, and SOD, GSH, and MDA levels were measured. The in vitro results indicated that ACV (2 μM) provided better protection than Chrysin and Rivstigmine in cell viability. ACV has also performed better in restoring the antioxidants markers (SOD, GSH levels) and reducing MDA and AChE levels. In the in vivo study, test compounds (ACV, Chrysin, and Rivastigmine) improved cognitive impairment, increased the SOD and GSH level, reduced the MDA level and AChE activity, and protected the cortex-hippocampal neurons from degeneration. Here also, ACV (0.7%) showed better neuroprotection than the other two compounds. Therefore, these results supported our hypothesis that moderate consumption of ACV might prove to be beneficial prophylaxis against AD-like neurological diseases.

Unlocking the Health Potential of Microalgae as Sustainable Sources of Bioactive Compounds

Microalgae are known to produce a plethora of compounds derived from the primary and secondary metabolism. Different studies have shown that these compounds may have allelopathic, antimicrobial, and antipredator activities. In addition, in vitro and in vivo screenings have shown that several compounds have interesting bioactivities (such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial) for the possible prevention and treatment of human pathologies. Additionally, the enzymatic pathways responsible for the synthesis of these compounds, and the targets and mechanisms of their action have also been investigated for a few species. However, further research is necessary for their full exploitation and possible pharmaceutical and other industrial applications. Here, we review the current knowledge on the chemical characteristics, biological activities, mechanism of action, and the enzymes involved in the synthesis of microalgal metabolites with potential benefits for human health.

Fucoxanthin Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis via Modulation of MAP Kinase and Nrf2 Signaling

Fucoxanthin (FX), a natural carotenoid present in edible brown seaweed, is known for its therapeutic potential in various diseases, including bone disease. However, its underlying regulatory mechanisms in osteoclastogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of FX on osteoclast differentiation and its regulatory signaling pathway. In vitro studies were performed using osteoclast-like RAW264.7 cells stimulated with the soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand or tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-6. FX treatment significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption ability, and downregulated the expression of osteoclast-specific markers such as nuclear factor of activated T cells 1, dendritic cell-specific seven transmembrane protein, and matrix metallopeptidase 9. Intracellular signaling pathway analysis revealed that FX specifically decreased the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 kinase, and increased the nuclear translocation of phosphonuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Our results suggest that FX regulates the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases and Nrf2. Therefore, FX is a potential therapeutic agent for osteoclast-related skeletal disorders including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Fucoxanthin induced apoptotic cell death in oral squamous carcinoma (KB) cells

Fucoxanthin (Fx) is an active compound commonly found in the many types of seaweed with numerous biological activities. The main goal of this investigation is to explore the effect of Fx against the cell proliferation, apoptotic induction and oxidative stress in the oral squamous (KB) cell line. Cytotoxicity of Fx was determined by MTT assay. The intracellular ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis induction in KB cells were examined through DCFH-DA, Rhodamine-123 and DAPI, and dual staining techniques. Effect of Fx on the antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in the KB cells was studied through the standard procedures. Fx treated KB cells showed morphological changes and reduced cell survival, which is exhibited by the cytotoxic activity of 50 µM/ml (IC50) Fx against the KB cells. The Fx treatment considerably induced the apoptotosis cells (EB/AO) and decreased the MMP (Rh-123) in KB cells. Further, it was pointed out that there was an increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) with decreased antioxidants (CAT, SOD and GSH). These results concluded that Fx has the cytotoxic effect against KB cells and has the potential to induce the apoptosis via increased oxidative stress. Hence, the Fx can be a promising agent for the treatment of oral cancer and it may lead to the development of cancer therapeutics.

Fucoxanthin: A promising compound for human inflammation-related diseases

Fucoxanthin, a natural product of carotenoids, is a potential drug source obtained from marine algae. The special chemical structure of fucoxanthin has equipped it with a variety of biological activities. Several studies have indicated that fucoxanthin has a potential protective effect on a variety of inflammation-related diseases. This mechanism may be related to fucoxanthin's strong antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota regulation. The key molecules that require consideration include nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, Akt serine/threonine kinase/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-dependent protein kinase, cAMP response element binding protein, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator-1α. The study summarizes the recent progress in the research based on the protective effect of fucoxanthin and its related molecular mechanism, in addition to the potential use of fucoxanthin as a promising compound for human inflammation-related diseases.

Nutraceutical characteristics of the brown seaweed carotenoid fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin (Fx), a major carotenoid found in brown seaweed, is known to show a unique and wide variety of biological activities. Upon absorption, Fx is metabolized to fucoxanthinol and amarouciaxanthin, and these metabolites mainly accumulate in visceral white adipose tissue (WAT). As seen in other carotenoids, Fx can quench singlet oxygen and scavenge a wide range of free radicals. The antioxidant activity is related to the neuroprotective, photoprotective, and hepatoprotective effects of Fx. Fx is also reported to show anti-cancer activity through the regulation of several biomolecules and signaling pathways that are involved in either cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or metastasis suppression. Among the biological activities of Fx, anti-obesity is the most well-studied and most promising effect. This effect is primarily based on the upregulation of thermogenesis by uncoupling protein 1 expression and the increase in the metabolic rate induced by mitochondrial activation. In addition, Fx shows anti-diabetic effects by improving insulin resistance and promoting glucose utilization in skeletal muscle.

Purification of fucoxanthin from Sargassum wightii Greville and understanding the inhibition of angiotensin 1-converting enzyme: An in vitro and in silico studies

The isolation and purification of active components from the brown algae Sargassum.wightii is highly limited. In the present study, fucoxanthin was purified from S. wightii using simple methods. Ethyl acetate fraction obtained by Soxhlet extraction contained high concentration of fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin-rich fraction was further subjected to open silica column chromatography and thin layer chromatography to obtain purified fucoxanthin. Purified fucoxanthin showed in vitro antioxidant activity. Fucoxanthin showed inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) with half maximal inhibitory value of 822.64 ± 17.69 μM. Kinetic analysis revealed mixed non-competitive inhibition with inhibitory constant of 600 μM for fucoxanthin against ACE. Molecular docking analysis showed the interaction of fucoxanthin with amino acids and zinc ion present in the active site of the human ACE. Molecular dynamics analysis demonstrated the stability of the fucoxanthin and ACE complex in in silico. These results show that S. wightii may be used as food ingredient to overcome hypertension.

Fucoxanthinol attenuates oxidative stress-induced atrophy and loss in myotubes and reduces the triacylglycerol content in mature adipocytes

The combination of sarcopenia and obesity (i.e., sarcopenic obesity) is more strongly associated with disability and metabolic/cardiovascular diseases than obesity or sarcopenia alone. Therefore, countermeasures that simultaneously suppress fat gain and muscle atrophy to prevent an increase in sarcopenic obesity are warranted. The aim of this study was to investigate the simultaneous effects of fucoxanthinol (FXOH) on fat loss in mature adipocytes and the inhibition of atrophy and loss in myotubes induced by oxidative stress. C2C12 myotubes were treated with FXOH for 24 h and further incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 24 h. The area of myosin heavy chain-positive myotubes and the ROS concentration were measured. Mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with FXOH for 72 h. The triacylglycerol (TG) content and glycerol and fatty acid (FA) release were biochemically measured. The myotube area was smaller in H₂O₂-treated cells than that in control cells. However, FXOH protected against the H₂O₂-induced decreases in myotube area. Further, the ROS concentration was significantly higher in the FXOH-treated cells compared with that in the control cells, although it was significantly lower than that in the H₂O₂-treated cells. On the other hand, in the mature adipocytes, the TG content was significantly decreased by FXOH treatment compared to that in the control. Moreover, FXOH treatment significantly increased glycerol and FA release compared with that of the control. These results suggest that FXOH inhibits H₂O₂-induced atrophy and loss in myotubes and activates lipolysis and decreases the TG content in mature adipocytes. Accordingly, FXOH has the potential to exert anti-sarcopenic obesity effects.

Fucoxanthin-Rich Brown Algae Extract Improves Male Reproductive Function on Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rat Model

Hypogonadism and oxidative stress are occurring commonly in men with diabetes and associated male infertility. This study aimed to investigate the capability of anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of fucoxanthin as well as to evaluate its protective effects on male reproduction in diabetic rats. The RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were used to evaluate the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide for a diabetes model and fed either with three different doses of fucoxanthin (13, 26, and 65 mg/kg) or rosiglitazone (0.571 mg/kg) for four weeks. The fucoxanthin significantly inhibited nitric oxide production and reduced reactive oxygen species level in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In the animal study, fucoxanthin administration improved insulin resistance, restored sperm motility, decreased abnormal sperm number, and inhibited lipid peroxidation. Moreover, it restored GPR54 and SOCS-3 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and recovered luteinizing hormone level, as well as the testosterone level. In conclusion, fucoxanthin not only possessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but also decreased the diabetes signs and symptoms as well as improved spermatogenesis and male reproductive function.

Effects of a polysaccharide-based multi-ingredient supplement on salivary immunity in non-elite marathon runners

BACKGROUND

Extreme exercise may alter the innate immune system. Glycans are involved in several biological processes including immune system regulation. However, limited data regarding the impact of glycan supplementation on immunological parameters after strenuous exercise are available. We aimed to determine the impact of a standardized polysaccharide-based multi-ingredient supplement, Advanced Ambrotose© complex powder (AA) on salivary secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and pro- and anti-inflammatory protein levels before and after a marathon in non-elite runners.

METHODS

Forty-one male marathon runners who completed the 42.195 km of the 2016 Barcelona marathon were randomly assigned to two study groups. Of them, n = 20 (48%) received the AA supplement for 15 days prior the race (AA group) and n = 21 (52%) did not receive any AA supplement (non-AA group). Saliva and blood samples were collected the day before the marathon and two days after the end of the race. Salivary IgA, pro-inflammatory chemokines (Gro-alpha, Gro-beta, MCP-1) and anti-inflammatory proteins (Angiogenin, ACRP, Siglec 5) were determined using commercially ELISA kits in saliva supernatant. Biochemical parameters, including C-reactive protein, cardiac biomarkers, and blood hemogram were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Marathon runners who did not receive the AA supplement experienced a decrease of salivary sIgA and pro-inflammatory chemokines (Gro-alpha and Gro-beta) after the race, while runners with AA supplementation showed lower levels of anti-inflammatory chemokines (Angiogenin). Gro-alpha and Gro-beta salivary levels were lower before the race in the AA group and correlated with blood leukocytes and platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in salivary sIgA and inflammatory chemokines, especially Gro-alfa and Gro-beta, were observed in marathon runners supplemented with AA prior to the race. These findings suggested that AA may have a positive effect on immune response after a strenuous exercise.