Identification of Structure-Linked Activity on Bioactive Peptides from Sea Cucumber (Stichopus japonicus): A Compressive In Silico/In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: A sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) is an invertebrate rich in high-quality protein peptides that inhabits the coastal seas around East Asian countries. Such bioactive peptides can be utilized in targeted disease therapies and practical applications in the nutraceutical industry. METHODS: Bioactive peptides were isolated from Stichopus japonicus through ultrafiltration and Sephadex G-10 size exclusion chromatography. The low-molecular-weight fraction (ACSH-III) showed the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. Subsequent purification of ACSH-III resulted in four fractions, of which ACSH-III-F3 and ACSH-III-F4 exhibited significant bioactivity. RESULTS: Peptides identified in these fractions, including Phenylalanine-Proline-Threonine-Tyrosine (FPTY) and Tyrosine-Proline-Serine-Tyrosine-Proline-Serine (YPSYPS), were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS). FPTY demonstrated the most potent antioxidant and antihypertensive activities among these peptides, with IC50 values of 0.11 ± 0.01 mg/mL for hydroxyl radicals and 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/mL for ACE inhibition. Docking simulations revealed strong binding affinities of these peptides to the active site of the ACE, with FPTY displaying interactions similar to those of the synthetic inhibitor lisinopril. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the identified peptides, particularly FPTY, have potential applications as natural antioxidants and functional foods.

Marine Polyphenols in Cardiovascular Health: Unraveling Structure-Activity Relationships, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for significant mortality rates globally that have been raised due to the limitation of the available treatments and prevalence of CVDs. The innovative research and identification of potential preventives for CVDs are essential to alleviate global deaths and complications. The marine environment is a rich source of bioactive substances and provides a unique chemical arsenal against numerous ailments due to its unrivaled biodiversity. Marine polyphenolic compounds (MPCs) are unique because of their structural variety and biologically significant activity. Further, MPCs are well-reported for their valuable biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antioxidant, demonstrating encouraging results in preventing and treating CVDs. Therefore, investigation of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) between MPCs and CVDs provides insights that reveal how the structural components of these compounds affect their effectiveness. Further, comprehending this correlation is essential for advancing medications and nutraceuticals sourced from marine sources, which could transform the strategy for treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of existing research by emphasizing the role of MPCs in CVD treatments and evaluating the SAR between MPCs and CVDs with challenges and future directions.

Role of marine natural products in the development of antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2: potential and prospects.

A novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has surfaced and caused global concern owing to its ferocity. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019; however, it was only discovered at the end of the year and was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Therefore, the development of novel potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and future outbreaks is urgently required. Numerous naturally occurring bioactive substances have been studied in the clinical setting for diverse disorders. The intricate infection and replication mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 offers diverse therapeutic drug targets for developing antiviral medicines by employing natural products that are safer than synthetic compounds. Marine natural products (MNPs) have received increased attention in the development of novel drugs owing to their high diversity and availability. Therefore, this review article investigates the infection and replication mechanisms, including the function of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and structure. Furthermore, we highlighted anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic intervention efforts utilizing MNPs and predicted SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor design. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00215-9.

Exploring the Potential of Crassostrea nippona Hydrolysates as Dietary Supplements for Mitigating Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Cells.

Muscle atrophy is a detrimental and injurious condition that leads to reduced skeletal muscle mass and disruption of protein metabolism. Oyster (Crassostrea nippona) is a famous and commonly consumed shellfish in East Asia and has become a popular dietary choice worldwide. The current investigation evaluated the efficacy of C. nippona against muscle atrophy, which has become a severe health issue. Mammalian skeletal muscles are primarily responsible for efficient metabolism, energy consumption, and body movements. The proteins that regulate muscle hypertrophy and atrophy are involved in muscle growth. C. nippona extracts were enzymatically hydrolyzed using alcalase (AOH), flavourzyme (FOH), and protamex (POH) to evaluate their efficacy in mitigating dexamethasone-induced muscle damage in C2C12 cells in vitro. AOH exhibited notable cell proliferative abilities, promoting dose-dependent myotube formation. These results were further solidified by protein expression analysis. Western blot and gene expression analysis via RT-qPCR demonstrated that AOH downregulated MuRF-1, Atrogin, Smad 2/3, and Foxo-3a, while upregulating myogenin, MyoD, myosin heavy chain expression, and mTOR, key components of the ubiquitin-proteasome and mTOR signaling pathways. Finally, this study suggests that AOH holds promise for alleviating dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 cells in vitro, offering insights for developing functional foods targeting conditions akin to sarcopenia.

In vitro and in vivo immuno-enhancing effect of fucoidan isolated from non-edible brown seaweed Sargassum thunbergii.

Fucoidan has been reported to have various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antitumor and anticoagulant, with various health benefits. However, few studies have been conducted to extract fucoidan from Sargassum thunbergii in terms of its immuno-enhancing activities. This aim of this study was to investigate the immuno-enhancing effect of fucoidan (S3) isolated from Sargassum thunbergii through water extraction and ethanol precipitation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and zebrafish. The results showed that S3 contained a relatively high content of fucose and sulfated polysaccharide. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results show that the characteristic peaks at 845 cm-1 and 1220-1270 cm-1 indicate that S3 contains sulfate groups. In vitro, S3 effectively enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production and phagocytic activity. In addition, the results of the study demonstrated that the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and IL-10 was upregulated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, S3 activates zebrafish immune responses by promoting secretion of NO and activating the NF-κB pathway. Overall, these results suggest that S3 could be used as a functional ingredient added to nutritional supplements and functional foods.

Sulfated Polysaccharides from Seaweeds: A Promising Strategy for Combatting Viral Diseases-A Review.

The limited availability of treatments for many infectious diseases highlights the need for new treatments, particularly for viral infections. Natural compounds from seaweed are attracting increasing attention for the treatment of various viral diseases, and thousands of novel compounds have been isolated for the development of pharmaceutical products. Seaweed is a rich source of natural bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides. The discovery of algal polysaccharides with antiviral activity has significantly increased in the past few decades. Furthermore, unique polysaccharides isolated from seaweeds, such as carrageenan, alginates, fucoidans, galactans, laminarians, and ulvans, have been shown to act against viral infections. The antiviral mechanisms of these agents are based on their inhibition of DNA or RNA synthesis, viral entry, and viral replication. In this article, we review and provide an inclusive description of the antiviral activities of algal polysaccharides. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing polysaccharide-based antiviral therapies, including issues related to drug delivery and formulation. Finally, this review highlights the need for further research for fully understanding the potential of seaweed polysaccharides as a source of antiviral agents and for developing effective treatments for viral diseases.

Exploring the Potential of Olive Flounder Processing By-Products as a Source of Functional Ingredients for Muscle Enhancement.

Olive flounder (OF) is a widely aqua-cultivated and recognized socioeconomic resource in Korea. However, more than 50% of by-products are generated when processing one OF, and there is no proper way to utilize them. With rising awareness and interest in eco-friendly bio-materialization recycling, this research investigates the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis of OF by-products (OFB) to produce functional ingredients. Various enzymatic hydrolysates of OFB (OFBEs) were generated using 11 commercial enzymes. Among them, Prozyme 2000P-assisted OFBE (OFBP) exhibited the highest protein content and yield, as well as low molecularization. The muscle regenerative potential of OFBEs was evaluated using C2C12 myoblasts, revealing that OFBP positively regulated myoblast differentiation. In an in vitro Dex-induced myotube atrophy model, OFBP protected against muscle atrophy and restored myotube differentiation and Dex-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, zebrafish treated with OFBEs showed improved locomotor activity and body weight, with OFBP exhibiting outstanding restoration in the Dex-induced muscle atrophy zebrafish in vivo model. In conclusion, OFBEs, particularly OFBP, produce hydrolysates with enhanced physiological usability and muscle regenerative potential. Further research on its industrial application and mechanistic insights is needed to realize its potential as a high-quality protein food ingredient derived from OF processing by-products.

Fucoidan from Sargassum autumnale Inhibits Potential Inflammatory Responses via NF-κB and MAPK Pathway Suppression in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

Fucoidans are sulfate-rich polysaccharides with a wide variety of beneficial biological activities. The present study aimed to highlight the anti-inflammatory activity of fucoidan from the brown seaweed Sargassum autumnale (SA) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Among the isolated fucoidan fractions, the third fraction (SAF3) showed a superior protective effect on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. SAF3 inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production and expression of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE2) via downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) expression in LPS-induced RAW 26.7 cells. SAF3 treatment decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression in LPS-induced cells. LPS stimulation activated NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades in RAW 264.7 cells, while treatment with SAF3 suppressed them in a concentration-dependent manner. Existing outcomes confirm that SAF3 from S. autumnale possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity and exhibits good potential for application as a functional food ingredient or for the treatment of inflammation-related disorders.

Marine Algal Polyphenols as Skin Protective Agents: Current Status and Future Prospectives.

The skin is the outermost anatomical barrier, which plays a vital role in the maintenance of internal homeostasis and protection against physical, chemical, and biological detractors. Direct contact with various stimuli leads to several physiological changes that are ultimately important for the growth of the cosmetic industry. Due to the consequences of using synthetic compounds in skincare and cosmeceutical-related industries, the pharmaceutical and scientific communities have recently shifted their focus to natural ingredients. The nutrient-rich value of algae, which are some of the most interesting organisms in marine ecosystems, has attracted attention. Secondary metabolites isolated from seaweeds are potential candidates for a wide range of economic applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. An increasing number of studies have focused on polyphenol compounds owing to their promising biological activities against oxidation, inflammation, allergies, cancers, melanogenesis, aging, and wrinkles. This review summarizes the potential evidence of the beneficial properties and future perspectives of using marine macroalgae-derived polyphenolic compounds for advancing the cosmetic industry.

The Role of Seaweed Polysaccharides in Gastrointestinal Health: Protective Effect against Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prominent global public health issue. Anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and biological therapies are currently used as treatments. However, they are often unsuccessful and have negative consequences on human health. Thus, there is a tremendous demand for using natural substances, such as seaweed polysaccharides, to treat IBD's main pathologic treatment targets. The cell walls of marine algae are rich in sulfated polysaccharides, including carrageenan in red algae, ulvan in green algae, and fucoidan in brown algae. These are effective candidates for drug development and functional nutrition products. Algal polysaccharides treat IBD through therapeutic targets, including inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, intestinal epithelial cells, and intestinal microflora. This study aimed to systematically review the potential therapeutic effects of algal polysaccharides on IBD while providing the theoretical basis for a nutritional preventive mechanism for IBD and the restoration of intestinal health. The results suggest that algal polysaccharides have significant potential in complementary IBD therapy and further research is needed for fully understanding their mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications.

Antioxidant potential of hydrolysate-derived seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) peptide: Protective effects against AAPH-induced oxidative damage in vitro and in vivo.

In this study, seahorse peptide (SHP) was isolated from an alcalase-treated hydrolysate from Hippocampus abdominalis and assessed for its antioxidant potential against AAPH-induced oxidative stress damage. AAPH stimulation significantly decreased cell viability and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Vero cells. SHP treatment increased cell viability and remarkably lowered ROS production under AAPH-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, it protected against AAPH-induced apoptotic DNA damage. Western blot analysis demonstrated that SHP treatment remarkably increased the protein expression levels of catalase and SOD in AAPH-induced Vero cells. A zebrafish study revealed that SHP-treated zebrafish embryos resulted in lower cell death, ROS generation, and lipid peroxidation than the AAPH-treated group. These results suggest that SHP is a potent functional antioxidant that could be developed as a natural antioxidant in the food and functional food industries.

Pepsin Hydrolysate from Surimi Industry-Related Olive Flounder Head Byproducts Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and In Vivo Zebrafish Model.

Fish head byproducts derived from surimi processing contribute about 15% of the total body weight, which are beneficial to health because they contain essential nutrients. In this study, olive flounder (OF) was the target species in order to maximize the byproduct utilization. In RAW 264.7 macrophages, the seven hydrolysates from OF head byproducts were examined for their inhibitory potential against inflammation and the oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The pepsin hydrolysate (OFH-PH) demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity via the down-regulation of NO production, with an IC50 value of 299.82 ± 4.18 µg/mL. We evaluated the inhibitory potential of pro-inflammatory cytokines and PGE2 to confirm these findings. Additionally, iNOS and COX-2 protein expressions were confirmed using western blotting. Furthermore, the results from the in vivo zebrafish model demonstrated that OFH-PH decreased the LPS-elevated heart rate, NO production, cell death, and intracellular ROS level, while increasing the survival percentage. Hence, the obtained results of this study serve as a platform for future research and provide insight into the mediation of inflammatory disorders. These results suggest that OFH-PH has the potential to be utilized as a nutraceutical and functional food ingredient.

A Review on Fucoidan Structure, Extraction Techniques, and Its Role as an Immunomodulatory Agent.

Functional ingredients for human health have recently become the focus of research. One such potentially versatile therapeutic component is fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs), referred to as fucoidans. The exploitation of marine brown algae provides a rich source of FCSPs because of their role as a structural component of the cell wall. Fucoidans are characterized by a sulfated fucose backbone. However, the structural characterization of FCSPs is impeded by their structural diversity, molecular weight, and complexity. The extraction and purification conditions significantly influence the yield and structural alterations. Inflammation is the preliminary response to potentially injurious inducements, and it is of the utmost importance for modulation in the proper direction. Improper manipulation and/or continuous stimuli could have detrimental effects in the long run. The web of immune responses mediated through multiple modulatory/cell signaling components can be addressed through functional ingredients, benefiting patients with no side effects. In this review, we attempted to address the involvement of FCSPs in the stimulation/downregulation of immune response cell signaling. The structural complexity and its foremost influential factor, extraction techniques, have also attracted attention, with concise details on the structural implications of bioactivity.

Eckmaxol Isolated from Ecklonia maxima Attenuates Particulate-Matter-Induced Inflammation in MH-S Lung Macrophage.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) originating from industrial processes is a major threat to the environment and health in East Asia. PM can cause asthma, collateral lung tissue damage, oxidative stress, allergic reactions, and inflammation. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of eckmaxol, a phlorotannin isolated from Ecklonia maxima, against PM-induced inflammation in MH-S macrophage cells. It was found that PM induced inflammation in MH-S lung macrophages, which was inhibited by eckmaxol treatment in a dose-dependent manner (21.0−84.12 µM). Eckmaxol attenuated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in PM-induced lung macrophages. Subsequently, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) were downregulated. PM stimulated inflammation in MH-S lung macrophages by activating Toll-like receptors (TLRs), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Eckmaxol exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the activation of TLRs, downstream signaling of NF-κB (p50 and p65), and MAPK pathways, including c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. These findings suggest that eckmaxol may offer substantial therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Polyphenolic Compounds Isolated from Marine Algae Attenuate the Replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the Host Cell through a Multi-Target Approach of 3CLpro and PLpro.

A global health concern has emerged as a response to the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The identification and inhibition of drug targets of SARS-CoV-2 is a decisive obligation of scientists. In addition to the cell entry mechanism, SARS-CoV-2 expresses a complicated replication mechanism that provides excellent drug targets. Papain-like protease (PLpro) and 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) play a vital role in polyprotein processing, producing functional non-structural proteins essential for viral replication and survival in the host cell. Moreover, PLpro is employed by SARS-CoV-2 for reversing host immune responses. Therefore, if some particular compound has the potential to interfere with the proteolytic activities of 3CLpro and PLpro of SARS-CoV-2, it may be effective as a treatment or prophylaxis for COVID-19, reducing viral load, and reinstating innate immune responses. Thus, the present study aims to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 through 3CLpro and PLpro using marine natural products isolated from marine algae that contain numerous beneficial biological activities. Molecular docking analysis was utilized in the present study for the initial screening of selected natural products depending on their 3CLpro and PLpro structures. Based on this approach, Ishophloroglucin A (IPA), Dieckol, Eckmaxol, and Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) were isolated and used to perform in vitro evaluations. IPA presented remarkable inhibitory activity against interesting drug targets. Moreover, Dieckol, Eckmaxol, and DPHC also expressed significant potential as inhibitors. Finally, the results of the present study confirm the potential of IPA, Dieckol, Eckmaxol, and DPHC as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that assesses the use of marine natural products as a multifactorial approach against 3CLpro and PLpro of SARS-CoV-2.

Cosmeceutical Effects of Ishige okamurae Celluclast Extract.

Sulfated polysaccharides extracted from brown algae are unique algal polysaccharides and potential ingredients in the cosmeceutical, functional food, and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the present study evaluated the cosmeceutical effects, including antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammation, and photoprotective activities, of Ishige okamurae Celluclast extract (IOC). The IOC was abundant in sulfated polysaccharides (48.47%), polysaccharides (44.33%), and fucose (43.50%). Moreover, the IOC effectively scavenged free radicals, and its anti-inflammatory properties were confirmed in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages; therefore, the IOC may produce auxiliary effects by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vitro (Vero cells) and in vivo (zebrafish) studies further confirmed that the IOC produced a protective effect against hydrogen-peroxide-induced oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the IOC suppressed intracellular ROS and apoptosis and enhanced HO-1 and SOD-1 expression through transcriptional activation of Nrf2 and downregulation of Keap1 in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the IOC exhibited a potent protective effect against ultraviolet-B-induced skin damage and photoaging. In conclusion, the IOC possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective activities, and can, therefore, be utilized in the cosmeceutical and functional food industries.

Characterization and therapeutic effect of Sargassum coreanum fucoidan that inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages by blocking NF-κB signaling.

Inflammation is a complex host-protective response against harmful stimuli involving macrophage activation that results in secretion of inflammatory mediators, like nitric oxide (NO), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In this study, we evaluated fucoidan isolated using Viscozyme-assisted enzymatic extraction of Sargassum coreanum extract against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and zebrafish model. Among the fucoidan fractions isolated using ion exchange chromatography, SCVF5 showed the highest sulfate and fucose contents based on chemical composition and monosaccharide analysis. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of sulfate esters by the stretching vibrations of the SO peak at 1240 cm-1. SCVF5 showed anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NO and PGE2 generation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by downregulating inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Treatment with SCVF5 suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine production, such as TNF-α, (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 by modulating the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling cascade in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, in vivo results showed that SCVF5 can potentially downregulate LPS-induced toxicity, cell death, and NO production in LPS-induced zebrafish model. Collectively, these results suggest that S. coreanum fucoidan has remarkable anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo and may have potential applications in the functional food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Clionasterol-Rich Fraction of Caulerpa racemosa against Particulate Matter-Induced Skin Damage via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis-Related Signaling Pathway.

The increasing airborne particulate matter (PM) consisting of environmental contaminants such as dust, aerosols, and fibers has become a global concern by causing oxidative stress that leads to apoptosis and skin damage. The current study evaluated the protective effect of Caulerpa racemosa (CR) against PM-induced skin damage using human keratinocytes and a zebrafish model. The clionasterol-rich hexane fraction (CRHF2) of CR exhibited superior protective activity through downregulating intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and mitochondrial ROS levels, as well as the PM-induced increase in apoptotic body formation and upregulation of apoptotic signaling pathway proteins, along with sub-G1 cell accumulation dose-dependently. Furthermore, in vivo results showed that CRHF2 potentially downregulates PM-induced cell death, ROS, and NO production in the zebrafish model. Hence, the results evidenced that the protective effect of CRHF2 is caused by inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in cells. Therefore, C. racemosa has the potential to be used in the development of pharmaceuticals to attenuate PM-induced skin diseases.

Anti-Fine Dust Effect of Fucoidan Extracted from Ecklonia maxima Laves in Macrophages via Inhibiting Inflammatory Signaling Pathways.

Brown seaweeds contain fucoidan, which has numerous biological activities. Here, the anti-fine-dust activity of fucoidan extracted from Ecklonia maxima, an abundant brown seaweed from South Africa, was explored. Fourier transmittance infrared spectroscopy, high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection analysis of the monosaccharide content, and nuclear magnetic resonance were used for the structural characterization of the polysaccharides. The toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were evaluated. The results revealed that E. maxima purified leaf fucoidan fraction 7 (EMLF7), which contained the highest sulfate content, showed the best anti-inflammatory activity by attenuating the TLR-mediated NF-κB/MAPK protein expressions in the particulate matter-stimulated cells. This was solidified by the successful reduction of Prostaglandin E2, NO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. The current findings confirm the anti-inflammatory activity of EMLF7, as well as the potential use of E. maxima as a low-cost fucoidan source due to its abundance. This suggests its further application as a functional ingredient in consumer products.

Sargachromenol Isolated from Sargassum horneri Inhibits Particulate Matter-Induced Inflammation in Macrophages through Toll-like Receptor-Mediated Cell Signaling Pathways.

Sargassum horneri is an invasive brown seaweed that grows along the shallow coastal areas of the Korean peninsula, which are potentially harmful to fisheries and natural habitats in the areas where it is accumulated. Therefore, the author attempted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Sargachromenol isolated from S. horneri against particulate matter (PM)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. PM is a potent inducer of respiratory diseases such as lung dysfunctions and cancers. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory properties of Sargachromenol were validated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blots, and RT-qPCR experiments. According to the results, Sargachromenol significantly downregulated the PM-induced proinflammatory cytokines, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and Nitric Oxide (NO) secretion via blocking downstream activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and MAPKs phosphorylation. Thus, Sargachromenol is a potential candidate for innovation in various fields including pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and functional food.