Inhibition of Adipogenesis by Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) through AMPK Activation in Adipocytes

Multifunctional Microneedle Patch with Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol for Potential Wound Dressing

BACKGROUND

Treatment of skin wounds with diverse pathological characteristics presents significant challenges due to the limited specific and efficacy of current wound healing approaches. Microneedle (MN) patches incorporating bioactive and stimulus materials have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations and integrating bioactive materials with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for advanced wound dressing.

METHODS

We isolated diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) from Ishige okamurae and assessed its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects on macrophages and its antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes. Subsequently, we fabricated polylactic acid (PLA) MN patches containing DPHC at various concentrations (0-0.3%) (PDPHC MN patches) and evaluated their mechanical properties and biological effects using in vitro and in vivo models.

RESUTLS

Our findings demonstrated that DPHC effectively inhibited nitric oxide production in macrophages and exhibited rapid bactericidal activity against C. acnes. The PDPHC MN patches displayed potent antibacterial effects without cytotoxicity. Moreover, in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-stimulated mouse model, the PDPHC MN patches significantly suppressed inflammatory response and cutaneous lichenification.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the PDPHC MN patches holds promise as a multifunctional wound dressing for skin tissue engineering, offering antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory properties to promote wound healing process.

Treatment of obese zebrafish with saringosterol acetate through AMP activated protein kinase pathway

OBJECT

 Edible Brown Seaweed Sargassum fusiforme (Harvey) Setchell, 1931 abbreviated as  Sargassum  fusiforme  was used for folk medical therapy in East Asia countries over five hundred years. Saringosterol acetate (SA) was isolated from  S. fusiforme  in our previous study and indicated various effects. However, anti-obesity activity of SA and its mechanism still unknown.  Method:  The inhibitory effect of SA, isolated from  S. fusiforme , on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was investigated  in   vitro  and in zebrafish model. Cell toxicity, differentiation, signaling pathway, and lipid accumulation of SA treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were determined. The body weight and triglyceride content of diet-induced obese (DIO) adult male zebrafish were measured from 12 to 17 weeks after fertilization.  Result:  SA attenuated the differentiation of cells and reduced lipid accumulation, and triglyceride content in the 3T3-L1 adipocytes. During the differentiation of adipocytes, SA suppressed fat accumulation and decreased the expression of signal factors responsible for adipogenesis. In SA-treated adipocytes, while fatty acid synthetase was downregulated, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was upregulated. Furthermore, SA suppressed body weight and triglyceride content in DIO zebrafish.

CONCLUSION

 SA is a potential therapeutic agent in the management of metabolic disorders, such as obesity.

α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and Anti-Adipogenic Effect of Compounds from Dendrobium delacourii

Chemical investigation of Dendrobium delacourii revealed 11 phenolic compounds, and the structures of these compounds were determined by analysis of their NMR and HR-ESI-MS data. All compounds were investigated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and anti-adipogenic properties. Phoyunnanin E (10) and phoyunnanin C (11) showed the most potent α-glucosidase inhibition by comparing with acarbose, which was used as a positive control. Kinetic study revealed the non-competitive inhibitors against the enzyme. For anti-adipogenic activity, densifloral B (3) showed the strongest inhibition when compared with oxyresveratrol (positive control). In addition, densifloral B might be responsible for the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation via downregulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), which are major transcription factors in adipogenesis.

Therapeutic Potential of Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment

Cardiovascular diseases are closely related to hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Many studies have reported that an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are critical factors that enhance these diseases. Recently, many bioactive compounds isolated from marine seaweeds have been studied for their benefits in improving human health. In particular, several unique bioactive metabolites such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, peptides, carotene, and sterol are the most effective components responsible for these activities. This review summarizes the current in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies related to the protective effects of bioactive compounds isolated from seaweeds against cardiovascular disorders, including anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-obesity effects. Therefore, this present review summarizes these concepts and provides a basis for further in-depth research.

Effects of brown seaweed polyphenols, a class of phlorotannins, on metabolic disorders via regulation of fat function

It is well known that fat dysfunction is the main driver of development of metabolic disorders. Changes in diet and lifestyle are particularly important to reverse the current global rise in obesity-related metabolic disorders. Seaweed has been consumed for thousands of years, and it is rich in bioactive compounds, especially unique polyphenols. The aim of the present review is to summarize the effects of different seaweed polyphenols on fat function in metabolic disorders and the related mechanisms. Seaweed polyphenols activate white adipose tissue to "brown" or "beige" adipose tissue to enhance energy consumption. In addition, the amelioration of fat factor imbalance and inflammatory response is also considered as an important reason for the regulation of lipid function with seaweed polyphenols. The present review provides an important basis for using seaweed polyphenols as potential dietary supplements to prevent metabolic disorders.

Lipid Inhibitory Effect of (-)-loliolide Isolated from Sargassum horneri in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: Inhibitory Mechanism of Adipose-Specific Proteins

Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) is a well-known brown seaweed widely distributed worldwide. Several biological activities of S. horneri have been reported. However, its effects on lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effect of the active compound "(-)-loliolide ((6S,7aR)-6-hydroxy-4,4,7a-trimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-1-benzofuran-2(4H)-one (HTT))" from S. horneri extract on lipid accumulation in differentiated adipocytes. MTT assays demonstrated that (-)-loliolide is not toxic to 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a range of concentrations. (-)-loliolide significantly reduced intracellular lipid accumulation in the differentiated phase of 3T3-L1 adipocytes as shown by Oil Red O staining. Western blot analysis revealed that (-)-loliolide increased the expression of lipolytic protein phospho-hormone-sensitive lipase (p-HSL) and thermogenic protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1). Additionally, (-)-loliolide decreased expression of adipogenic and lipogenic proteins, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These results indicate that (-)-loliolide from S. horneri could suppress lipid accumulation via regulation of antiadipogenic and prolipolytic mechanisms in 3T3-L1 cells. Considering the multifunctional effect of (-)-loliolide, it can be useful as a lipid-lowering agent in the management of patients who suffer from obesity.

Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol Isolated from Ishige okamurae Exerts Vasodilatory Effects via Calcium Signaling and PI3K/Akt/eNOS Pathway

Nitric oxide (NO) is released by endothelial cells in the blood vessel wall to enhance vasodilation. Marine polyphenols are known to have protective effects against vascular dysfunction and hypertension. The present study is the first to investigate how diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) isolated from Ishige okamurae affects calcium levels, resulting in enhanced vasodilation. We examined calcium modulation with the well-known receptors, acetylcholine receptor (AchR) and vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2), which are related to NO formation, and further confirmed the vasodilatory effect of DPHC. We confirmed that DPHC stimulated NO production by increasing calcium levels and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. DPHC affected AchR and VEGFR2 expression, thereby influencing transient calcium intake. Specific antagonists, atropine and SU5416, were used to verify our findings. Furthermore, based on the results of in vivo experiments, we treated Tg(flk:EGFP) transgenic zebrafish with DPHC to confirm its vasodilatory effect. In conclusion, the present study showed that DPHC modulated calcium transit through AchR and VEGFR2, increasing endothelial-dependent NO production. Thus, DPHC, a natural marine component, can efficiently ameliorate cardiovascular diseases by improving vascular function.

Insights into phenolic compounds from microalgae: structural variety and complex beneficial activities from health to nutraceutics

Phenolic compounds (PCs) are a family of secondary metabolites with recognized biological activities making them attractive for the biomedical "red" biotechnology. The development of the eco-sustainable production of natural bioactive metabolites requires using easy cultivable organisms, such as microalgae, which represents one of the most promising sources for biotechnological applications. Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms inhabiting aquatic systems, displaying high levels of biological and functional diversities, and are well-known producers of fatty acids and carotenoids. They are also rich in other families of bioactive molecules e.g. phenolic compounds. Microalgal PCs however are less investigated than other molecular components. This study aims to provide a state-of-art picture of the actual knowledge on microalgal phenolic compounds, reviewing information on the PC content variety and chemodiversity in microalgae, their environmental modulation, and we aim to report discuss data on PC biosynthetic pathways. We report the challenges of promoting microalgae as a relevant source of natural PCs, further enhancing the interests of microalgal "biofactories" for biotechnological applications (i.e. nutraceutical, pharmacological, or cosmeceutical products).

Marine natural products

This review covers the literature published in 2019 for marine natural products (MNPs), with 719 citations (701 for the period January to December 2019) referring to compounds isolated from marine microorganisms and phytoplankton, green, brown and red algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, molluscs, tunicates, echinoderms, mangroves and other intertidal plants and microorganisms. The emphasis is on new compounds (1490 in 440 papers for 2019), together with the relevant biological activities, source organisms and country of origin. Pertinent reviews, biosynthetic studies, first syntheses, and syntheses that led to the revision of structures or stereochemistries, have been included. Methods used to study marine fungi and their chemical diversity have also been discussed.

Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) Isolated from the Brown Alga Ishige okamurae Acts on Inflammatory Myopathy as an Inhibitory Agent of TNF-α

Inflammation affects various organs of the human body, including skeletal muscle. Phlorotannins are natural biologically active substances found in marine brown algae and exhibit anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we focused on the effects of phlorotannins on anti-inflammatory activity and skeletal muscle cell proliferation activity to identify the protective effects on the inflammatory myopathy. First, the five species of marine brown algal extracts dramatically inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells without toxicity at all the concentrations tested. Moreover, the extracts collected from Ishige okamurae (I. okamurae) significantly increased cell proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts compared to the non-treated cells with non-toxicity. In addition, as a result of finding a potential tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor that regulates the signaling pathway of muscle degradation in I. okamurae-derived natural bioactive compounds, Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) is favorably docked to the TNF-α with the lowest binding energy and docking interaction energy value. Moreover, DPHC down-regulated the mRNA expression level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressed the muscle RING-finger protein (MuRF)-1 and Muscle Atrophy F-box (MAFbx)/Atrgoin-1, which are the key protein muscle atrophy via nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) signaling pathways in TNF-α-stimulated C2C12 myotubes. Therefore, it is expected that DPHC isolated from IO would be developed as a TNF-α inhibitor against inflammatory myopathy.

Pharmacological Effects of 1'-Acetoxychavicol Acetate, a Major Constituent in the Rhizomes of Alpinia galanga and Alpinia conchigera

1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) is found in the rhizomes or seeds of Alpinia galanga and Alpinia conchigera, which are used as traditional spices in cooking and traditional medicines in Southeast Asia. ACA possesses numerous medicinal properties. Those include anticancer, antiobesity, antiallergy, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. ACA is also observed to exhibit antidementia activity. Recent studies have demonstrated that combining ACA with other substances results in synergistic anticancer effects. The structural factors that regulate the activity of ACA include (1) the acetyl group at position 1', (2) the acetyl group at position 4, and (3) the unsaturated double bond between positions 2' and 3'. ACA induces the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which regulates the signal transduction pathways, and has an important role in the prevention of diseases, including cancer, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Such findings suggest that AMPK has a central role in different pharmacological functions of ACA, and ACA is useful for the prevention of life-threatening diseases. However, more studies should be performed to evaluate the clinical effects of ACA and to better understand its potential.

Protective effect of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol isolated from Ishige okamurae against UVB-induced damage in vitro in human dermal fibroblasts and in vivo in zebrafish

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation from the sun is the primary environmental factor that causes aging of the skin. Most skin diseases caused by UV are attributed to UVB (280-320 nm). The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), isolated from the marine brown alga, Ishige okamurae, against UVB-induced photodamage using both in vitro and in vivo models. Results indicate that DPHC remarkably inhibited commercial collagenase and elastase activities. It also reduced intracellular levels of ROS, improved cell viability and collagen content in UVB-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (HDF cells). In addition, DPHC significantly inhibited activities of intracellular collagenase and elastase and reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These events occurred through regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in UVB-irradiated HDF cells. Furthermore, DPHC also protected against in vivo photodamage by decreasing cell death through reducing lipid peroxidation and inflammatory response via decreasing ROS levels in UVB-irradiated zebrafish. In conclusion, DPHC has strong in vitro and in vivo photoprotective effects and has the potential to be used as an ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Grateloupia elliptica, a Red Seaweed, in Mice with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity via Suppression of Adipogenic Factors in White Adipose Tissue and Increased Thermogenic Factors in Brown Adipose Tissue

Obesity is a serious metabolic syndrome characterized by high levels of cholesterol, lipids in the blood, and intracellular fat accumulation in adipose tissues. It is known that the suppression of adipogenic protein expression is an effective approach for the treatment of obesity, and regulates fatty acid storage and transportation in adipose tissues. The 60% ethanol extract of Grateloupia elliptica (GEE), a red seaweed from Jeju Island in Korea, was shown to exert anti-adipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 cells and in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. GEE inhibited intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells, and significantly reduced expression of adipogenic proteins. In vivo experiments indicated a significant reduction in body weight, as well as white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, including fatty liver, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and leptin contents. The expression of the adipogenic proteins, SREBP-1 and PPAR-γ, was significantly decreased by GEE, and the expression of the metabolic regulator protein was increased in WAT. The potential of GEE was shown in WAT, with the downregulation of PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α mRNA; in contrast, in brown adipose tissue (BAT), the thermogenic proteins were increased. Collectively, these research findings suggest the potential of GEE as an effective candidate for the treatment of obesity-related issues via functional foods or pharmaceutical agents.

Polyphenol-rich Trapa quadrispinosa pericarp extract ameliorates high-fat diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in mice

In China, Trapa quadrispinosa (also called water caltrop) has long been used as a function food and folk medicine to treat diabetes mellitus for years. In the present study, the extract of T. quadrispinosa pericarp (TQPE) which mainly contains hydrolysable tannins was prepared to investigate the potential therapeutic action in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice induced by high fat-diet (HFD). After the administration of TQPE (15, 30 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks, the increased weight of body and liver were significantly suppressed. TQPE also ameliorated liver lipid deposition and reduced lipids parameters of blood in mice. Moreover, TQPE attenuated oxidative stress and showed a hepatoprotective effect in mice. TQPE was also found to decrease the value of homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. In addition, TQPE administration increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and inhibited sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) in the liver tissue. Meanwhile, TQPE elevated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRs-1) and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. These results reflected that, as a nature product, TQPE is a potential agent for suppressing the process of NAFLD via regulation of the AMPK/SREBP/ACC and IRs-1/Akt pathways.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol Isolated from Brown Alga Ishige okamurae in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) is one of the most abundant bioactive compounds in Ishige okamurae. The previous study suggested that DPHC possesses strong in vitro anti-obesity activity in 3T3-L1 cells. However, the in vivo anti-obesity effect of DPHC has not been determined. The current study explored the effect of DPHC on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice. The results indicated that oral administration of DPHC (25 and 50 mg/kg/day for six weeks) significantly and dose-dependently reduced HFD-induced adiposity and body weight gain. DPHC not only decreased the levels of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leptin, and aspartate transaminase but also increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum of HFD mice. In addition, DPHC significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by reduction of expression levels of the critical enzymes for lipogenesis including SREBP-1c, FABP4, and FAS. Furthermore, DPHC remarkably reduced the adipocyte size, as well as decreased the expression levels of key adipogenic-specific proteins and lipogenic enzymes including PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, FABP4, and FAS, which regulate the lipid metabolism in the epididymal adipose tissue (EAT). Further studies demonstrated that DPHC significantly stimulated the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in both liver and EAT. These results demonstrated that DPHC effectively prevented HFD-induced obesity and suggested that DPHC could be used as a potential therapeutic agent for attenuating obesity and obesity-related diseases.

Separation and Lipid Inhibition Effects of a Novel Decapeptide from Chlorella pyenoidose

A novel lipid inhibition peptide Leu-Leu-Val-Val-Try-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-Arg (PP1) (MW 1274.53 Da) was obtained from Chlorella pyenoidose using enzymatic hydrolysis, gel filtration chromatography, and LC–MS/MS. Its lipid inhibition effects indicated that the synthetic peptide PP1 exhibits a good inhibitory effect against porcine pancreatic lipase (PL) (47.95%) at 200 μg/mL, which could be attributed to its hydrogen binding into catalytic sites of PL (Ser153, Asp177, and His 264) by docking analysis. Furthermore, in 3T3-L1 cells, the synthetic PP1 remarkedly decreased the accumulation of intracellular triacylglycerol (27.9%, 600 μg/mL), which carried a similar consequence as the positive drug simvastatin (24.1%, 10 μM). Western blot revealed that PP1 inhibited the lipid accumulation and fatty acid synthesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in two pathways, primarily: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathway (C/EBPα, SREBP-1c, AMPKα) and AMPK signaling pathway (SREBP-1c, PPARγ, AMPKα). In short, these results support that PP1 can be used as a potential agent against obesity.

Anti-Obesity and Anti-Diabetic Effects of Ishige okamurae

Obesity is associated with several health complications and can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome. Some of its deleterious consequences are related to insulin resistance, which adversely affects blood glucose regulation. At present, there is a growing concern regarding healthy food consumption, owing to awareness about obesity. Seaweeds are well-known for their nutritional benefits. The brown alga Ishige okamurae (IO) has been studied as a dietary supplement and exhibits various biological activities in vitro and in vivo. The bioactive compounds isolated from IO extract are known to possess anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties, elicited via the regulation of lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. This review focuses on IO extract and its bioactive compounds that exhibit therapeutic effects through several cellular mechanisms in obesity and diabetes. The information discussed in the present review may provide evidence to develop nutraceuticals from IO.