Antioxidant, Antiviral, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Lutein-Enriched Extract of Tetraselmis Species.

Microalgae are proposed to have powerful applications for human health in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Tetraselmis species (sp.), which are green microalgae, were identified as a source of broad-spectrum health-promoting biological activities. However, the bioactivity of these species has not been elucidated. We aimed to confirm the antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects of Tetraselmis sp. extract (TEE). TEE showed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities and reduced plaque formation in Vero E6 cells infected with vaccinia virus. TEE treatment also significantly inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and improved cell viability in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. These anti-inflammatory effects were further analyzed in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and the zebrafish model. Further, TEE reduced induced NO synthase expression and proinflammatory cytokine release, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1ß, through MAPKs and NF-κB-dependent mechanisms. Further analysis revealed that TEE increased the survival rate and reduced cell death and NO production in an LPS-stimulated zebrafish model. Further, high-performance liquid chromatography revealed a strong presence of the carotenoid lutein in TEE. Overall, the results suggest that lutein-enriched TEE may be a potent antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agent that could be sustainably utilized in industrial applications.

In Silico Virtual Screening of Marine Aldehyde Derivatives from Seaweeds against SARS-CoV-2.

Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an ongoing global pandemic that poses an unprecedented threat to the global economy and human health. Several potent inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 have been published; however, most of them have failed in clinical trials. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic compounds among aldehyde derivatives from seaweeds as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors using a computer simulation protocol. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME/Tox) properties of the compounds were analyzed using a machine learning algorithm, and the docking simulation of these compounds to the 3C-like protease (Protein Data Bank (PDB) ID: 6LU7) was analyzed using a molecular docking protocol based on the CHARMm algorithm. These compounds exhibited good drug-like properties following the Lipinski and Veber rules. Among the marine aldehyde derivatives, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and 5-bromoprotocatechualdehyde were predicted to have good absorption and solubility levels and non-hepatotoxicity in the ADME/Tox prediction. 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde were predicted to be non-toxic in TOPKAT prediction. In addition, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde was predicted to exhibit interactions with the 3C-like protease, with binding energies of -71.9725 kcal/mol. The computational analyses indicated that 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde could be regarded as potential a SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor.

Sargachromenol Isolated from Sargassum horneri Attenuates Glutamate-Induced Neuronal Cell Death and Oxidative Stress through Inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB and Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Oxidative stress-induced neuronal cell loss is considered to be the major mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, which could be induced by a high concentration of glutamate. In this study, sargachromenol (SC) was isolated from a marine brown seaweed Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) and its neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells were investigated. An MTT assay was applied to assess the cytotoxicity of the SC, and the efficacies of SC were determined by flow cytometry, an analysis of ROS production, quantitative Real-Time PCR, and the Western blot assay. Our results showed that the pretreatment of SC reduced glutamate-induced apoptosis in HT22 cells via inhibiting the sub-G1 population, DNA fragmentation, and nuclear condensation, as well as up-regulating anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) and down-regulating apoptotic proteins (Bax, p53, cleaved-PARP, caspase-3, caspase-9, and cytochrome c). Additionally, SC attenuated glutamate-induced oxidative stress by suppressing mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs;ERK, JNK, and p38) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling (IκBα and NF-κB p65), while activating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling (Nrf2; HO-1, and NQO-1). Our results suggest that SC could be used as a pharmacological candidate for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

DJ-1 deficiency impairs synaptic vesicle endocytosis and reavailability at nerve terminals.

Mutations in DJ-1 (PARK7) are a known cause of early-onset autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD). Accumulating evidence indicates that abnormalities of synaptic vesicle trafficking underlie the pathophysiological mechanism of PD. In the present study, we explored whether DJ-1 is involved in CNS synaptic function. DJ-1 deficiency impaired synaptic vesicle endocytosis and reavailability without inducing structural alterations in synapses. Familial mutants of DJ-1 (M26I, E64D, and L166P) were unable to rescue defective endocytosis of synaptic vesicles, whereas WT DJ-1 expression completely restored endocytic function in DJ-1 KO neurons. The defective synaptic endocytosis shown in DJ-1 KO neurons may be attributable to alterations in membrane cholesterol level. Thus, DJ-1 appears essential for synaptic vesicle endocytosis and reavailability, and impairment of this function by familial mutants of DJ-1 may be related to the pathogenesis of PD.

Combination of PD98059 and TGF-ß1 Efficiently Differentiates Human Urine-Derived Stem Cells into Smooth Muscle Cells.

Pluripotent adult stem cells have potential applications in cell therapy and tissue engineering. Urine-derived stem cells (UDSCs) differentiate into various cell types. Here, we attempted to differentiate human UDSCs (hUDSCs) into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) using transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) and/or PD98059, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor. Both quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and proteins for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), calponin (CNN1), and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC), which are specific markers for SMCs, increased on day 9 after differentiation and again on day 14. The differentiated cells from human UDSCs (hUDSCs) with a combination of TGF-ß1 and PD98059 showed the highest expression of SMC marker proteins. Immunocytochemical staining performed to assess the molecular expression revealed CNN and α-SMA colocalizing in the cytoplasm. The cells that differentiated from hUDSCs with a combination of TGF-ß1 and PD98059 showed the strongest expression for CNN1, α-SMA, and SM-MHC. Functional testing of the differentiated cells revealed a stronger contractile capacity for the cells differentiated with a combination of PD98059 and TGF-ß1 than those differentiated with a single factor. These results suggest the combination of PD98059 and TGF-ß1 to be a more effective differentiation method and that differentiated SMCs could be used for restoring the functions of the sphincter muscle or bladder.

Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol Attenuates Palmitate-Induced Hepatic Lipogenesis and Inflammation.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common cause of chronic liver disease, encompassing a range of conditions caused by lipid deposition within liver cells, and is also associated with obesity and metabolic diseases. Here, we investigated the protective effects of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), which is a polyphenol isolated from an edible seaweed, Ishige okamurae, on palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in the liver. DPHC treatment repressed palmitate-induced cytotoxicity, triglyceride content, and lipid accumulation. DPHC prevented palmitate-induced mRNA and protein expression of SREBP (sterol regulatory element-binding protein) 1, C/EBP (CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein) α, ChREBP (carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein), and FAS (fatty acid synthase). In addition, palmitate treatment reduced the expression levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin (SIRT)1 proteins, and DPHC treatment rescued this reduction. Moreover, DPHC protected palmitate-induced liver toxicity and lipogenesis, as well as inflammation, and enhanced AMPK and SIRT1 signaling in zebrafish. These results suggest that DPHC possesses protective effects against palmitate-induced toxicity in the liver by preventing lipogenesis and inflammation. DPHC could be used as a potential therapeutic or preventive agent for fatty liver diseases.

Protective Effect of Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol Isolated from Ishige okamurae Against Particulate Matter-Induced Skin Damage by Regulation of NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPKs Signaling Pathways In Vitro in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

Particulate matters (PM), the main contributor to air pollution, have become a serious issue that threatens human's health. Skin is the largest organ in humans, as well as the primary organ exposed to PM. Overexposure of PM induces skin damage. Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), an algal polyphenol with the potential of skin protection, has been isolated from the edible brown seaweed Ishige okamurae. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the protective effect of DPHC against PM (ERM-CZ100)-induced skin damage in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) cells. The results indicated that DPHC significantly and dose-dependently reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in HDF cells. In addition, DPHC significantly induced collagen synthesis and inhibited collagenase activity in ERM-CZ100-stimulated HDF cells. Further study demonstrated that DPHC remarkably reduced the expression of human matrix metalloproteinases through regulation of nuclear factor kappa B, activator protein 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways in ERM-CZ100-stimulated HDF cells. This study suggested that DPHC is a potential candidate to protect skins against PM-induced damage, and it could be used as an ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Direct differentiation of insulin-producing cells from human urine-derived stem cells.

The loss of pancreatic ß-cells is a cause of diabetes. Therefore, replacement of pancreatic ß-cells is a logical strategy for the treatment of diabetes, and the generation of insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from stem cells has been widely investigated as an alternative source for pancreatic ß-cells. Here, we isolated stem cells from human urine and investigated their differentiation potential into IPCs. We checked the expression of surface stem cell markers and stem cell transcription factors, and found that the isolated human urine-derived stem cells (hUDSCs) expressed the stem cell markers CD44, CD90, CD105 and stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA)-4. In addition, these cells expressed octamer binding transcription factor (Oct)4 and vimentin. hUDSCs could differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes, as evidenced by Oil-red O staining and Alizarin Red S-staining of differentiated cells, respectively. When we directly differentiated hUDSCs into IPCs, the differentiated cells expressed mRNA for pancreatic transcription factors such as neurogenin (Ngn)3 and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox (Pdx)1. Differentiated IPCs expressed insulin and glucagon mRNA and protein, and these IPCs also secreted insulin in response to glucose stimulation. In conclusion, we found that hUDSCs can be directly differentiated into IPCs, which secrete insulin in response to glucose.

Taurine-Containing Hot Water Extract of Octopus Ocellatus Meat Prevents Methylglyoxal-Induced Vascular Damage.

Endothelial cell dysfunction (ECD) is a broad term, which implies dysregulation of endothelial cell functions. Several factors contribute to ECD including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The highly reactive dicarbonyl methylglyoxal (MGO) is mainly formed as byproduct of glycolysis. Therefore, high blood glucose levels result in increased MGO accumulation. Taurine-rich foods are considered to protect against various diseases including vasculopathy and to exert anti-aging effects. Here, we investigated the protective effect of hot water extract of Octopus ocellatus meat (OOM), which contains high amounts of taurine, on MGO-induced cell damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and zebrafish embryos. Hot water extract of OOMinhibited MGO-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage, as well as AGEs accumulation. In addition, hot water extract of OOM protected against vascular damage in zebrafish embryos. These results suggest that hot water extract of OOM possesses protective activity against MGO-induced cytotoxicity in both umbilical vein endothelial cells and zebrafish embryos. Therefore, it could be used as a dietary source of an agent for the prevention of vascular diseases.

Taurine-Rich-Containing Hot Water Extract of Loliolus Beka Gray Meat Scavenges Palmitate-Induced Free Radicals and Protects Against DNA Damage in Insulin Secreting ß-Cells.

The loss of pancreatic ß-cells plays a central role in the pathogenesis of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and many studies have been focused on ways to improve glucose homeostasis by preserving, expanding and improving the function of ß-cell. Elevated levels of free fatty acids such as palmitate might contribute to the loss of ß-cells. A marine squid, Loliolus beka has long been used as a food in Korea, China, Japan and Europe due to its tender meat and high taurine content. Here, we investigated the protective effects of a hot water extract of Loliolus beka meat (LBM) against palmitate toxicity in Ins-1 cells, a rat ß-cell line. Treatment with LBM extract protected against palmitate-induced cytotoxicity and scavenged overproduction of nitric oxide, alkyl, and hydroxyl radicals. In addition, LBM extract protected against palmitate-induced DNA damage and ß-cell dysfunction. These findings suggest that LBM protects pancreatic ß-cells from palmitate-induced damage. LBM could be a potential therapeutic functional food for diabetes.

Hot Water Extract of Loliolus beka Meat Attenuates H2O2-Induced Damage in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

Blood vessels become less flexible with senescence; arteries narrow and become less flexible, disturbing blood circulation in aging and other vascular diseases. Mechanistically, vascular senescence plays an important role in the pathogenesis of normal aging and age-related vascular diseases. Vascular senescence also causes vascular dysfunction, resulting in damage to the vessel wall. Vascular aging involves the senescence of endothelial cells. Hydrogen peroxide is widely used to achieve oxidative stress-induced premature senescence. Here, we investigated the protective effects of a hot water extract of Loliolus beka meat (LBM) against H2O2-exposed HUVECs, a human umbilical vein endothelial cells line. The hot water extract of LBM protected cells against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity while reducing the expression of senescence markers, including ß-galactosidase, p53, and p21. In addition, the hot water extract of LBM protected against H2O2-induced DNA damage. These findings suggest that the hot water extract of LBM protects HUVECs from H2O2-induced senescence by preventing cellular damage. LBM serve as a supplement or natural food with benefits against vascular disease.

Protective Effect of Hot Water Extract of Loliolus Beka Gray Meat Against Palmitate-Induced HUVEC Damage.

Endothelial dysfunction is a critical factor in the development of diabetes-mediated cardiovascular complications. Free fatty acids (FFA), such as palmitate, which are elevated in diabetes and obesity, have been shown to mediate endothelial dysfunction, perhaps related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Taurine ameliorates endothelial dysfunction induced by diabetes. However, there has been no reports on the effect of Loliolus beka gray meat extracts, which contain large amounts of taurine. Here, we investigated the protective effect of a hot water extract of Loliolus beka gray meat (LBM), on palmitate-induced cell damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The LBM extract was found to inhibit palmitate-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage. In addition, the LBM extract reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines in HUVEC. These results suggest that the LBM extract protects against palmitate-induced cytotoxicity in HUVECs. Therefore, potential therapeutic and/or inhibitors of vascular disease may be derived from the LBM extract.

A Hepatoprotective Effect of a Hot Water Extract from Loliolus beka Gray Meat Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage in Hepatocytes.

Here, we investigated the hepatoprotective effect of a hot water extract from Loliolus beka gray meat (LBMH) containing plentiful taurine in H2O2-induced oxidative stress in hepatocytes. LBMH potently scavenged the 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and exhibited the good reducing power and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. Also, LBMH improved the cell viability against H2O2-induced hepatic damage in cultured hepatocytes by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, LBMH inhibited apoptosis via a reduction in sub-G1 cell population, as well as inhibition of apoptotic body formation from H2O2-induced oxidative damage in hepatocytes. Moreover, LBMH regulated the expression levels of Bax, a pro-apoptotic molecule and Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic molecule in H2O2-treated hepatocytes. Additionally, pre-treatment with LBMH increased the expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), which is a hepatoprotective enzyme, by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in H2O2-treated hepatocytes. Taken together, LBMH may be useful as a food ingredient for treatment of liver disease by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway.

An Aqueous Extract from Batillus Cornutus Meat Protects Against H2O2-Mediated Cellular Damage via Up-Regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signal Pathway in Chang Cells.

In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of an aqueous extract from Batillus cornutus meat (BM) against cellular oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human hepatocyte, Chang cells. First, we prepared an aqueous extract of BM meat (BMW) showing the highest taurine content among free amino acid contents. BMW led to high antioxidant activity showing 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, good reducing power and an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. Also, BMW improved cell viability that was diminished by H2O2 exposure, as it reduced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Chang cells. In addition, BMW up-regulated the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), compared to H2O2-treated Chang cells lacking BMW. Moreover, BMW induced the expressions of nuclear Nrf2 and cytosolic HO-1 in H2O2-treated Chang cells. Interestingly, the treatment of ZnPP, HO-1 inhibitor, abolished the improvement in cell viability and intracellular ROS generation mediated by BMW treatment. In conclusion, this study suggests that BMW protects hepatocytes against H2O2-mediated cellular oxidative damage via up-regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway.

Radio-Protective Effects of Loliolus beka Gray Meat Consisted of a Plentiful Taurine Against Damages Caused by Gamma Ray Irradiation.

Gamma ray irradiation causes immune suppression, in which oxidative stress reduces cell viability and damages immune cells. In the present study, we investigated whether Loliolus beka gray meat (LBM), which contains large amounts of taurine, protects against damage of murine splenocytes by oxidative stress. An aqueous extract of LBM (LBMW) was prepared, which contained plentiful levels of taurine. LBMW improved cell viability of gamma ray-irradiated murine splenocytes, an effect that was associated with significant reduction in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also showed that the production of nitric oxide (NO) and ROS in gamma ray-irradiated zebrafish embryos, as well as the death of the embryos, were diminished by LBMW. These data suggest that the consumption of taurine-rich foods, such as LBM, may be used in the protection of cells against oxidative stress.

Indole-4-carboxaldehyde Isolated from Seaweed, Sargassum thunbergii, Attenuates Methylglyoxal-Induced Hepatic Inflammation.

Glucose degradation is aberrantly increased in hyperglycemia, which causes various harmful effects on the liver. Glyoxalase-1 (Glo-1) is a ubiquitous cellular enzyme that participates in the detoxification of methylglyoxal (MGO), a cytotoxic byproduct of glycolysis that induces protein modification (advanced glycation end-products, AGEs) and inflammation. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of indole-4-carboxaldehyde (ST-I4C), which was isolated from the edible seaweed Sargassum thunbergii, on MGO-induced inflammation in HepG2 cells, a human hepatocyte cell line. ST-I4C attenuated the MGO-induced expression of inflammatory-related genes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IFN-γ by activating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) without toxicity in HepG2 cells. In addition, ST-I4C reduced the MGO-induced AGE formation and the expression of the receptor for AGE (RAGE). Interestingly, both the mRNA and protein expression levels of Glo-1 increased following ST-I4C treatment, and the decrease in Glo-1 mRNA expression caused by MGO exposure was rescued by ST-I4C pretreatment. These results suggest that ST-I4C shows anti-inflammatory activity against MGO-induced inflammation in human hepatocytes by preventing an increase in the pro-inflammatory gene expression and AGE formation. Therefore, it represents a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of hepatic steatosis.

Palmitate induces nitric oxide production and inflammatory cytokine expression in zebrafish.

Inflammation markers in zebrafish embryos reflect a toxic response that is common to other animal models and humans. Free fatty acids (FFAs) are known to cause damage in various tissues by inducing inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether a FFA (palmitate) induces inflammation in zebrafish embryos. Nitrous oxide (NO) production and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression were increased in palmitate-treated zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), were also increased. Additionally, the mRNA expression of p65 nuclear factor-kB and I-kB-α were significantly increased after palmitate-treatment. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression was observed in palmitate-treated zebrafish embryos as well as pericardial edema. Additionally, mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in zebrafish liver and pancreas fed with palmitate-contained diet. Taken together, these results indicated that palmitate increases pro-inflammatory mediators in zebrafish embryos, suggesting that zebrafish could be an alternative animal model for inflammatory disease including diabetes.

Particulate Matter Induced Adverse Effects on Eye Development in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos.

Particulate matter (PM) can cause human diseases, particularly respiratory diseases. Since eyes are directly exposed to the air, they might be directly adversely affected by PM. Therefore, we determined the toxicity caused to eye development by PM using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. The PM-induced embryo toxicity was dependent on dose and time and caused significant morphological defects, reducing the total body length and the total eye area. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction was confirmed in the PM treatment group, and antioxidant genes (cat and sod2), photoreceptor cell development, pigmentation genes (atoh8, vsx1, and rho), eye-embryogenesis genes (pax6a and pax6b), and eye-lens-development genes (cryaa) were downregulated, while eye-development genes (crybb1) were upregulated. In conclusion, PM had a direct adverse effect on the eyes, and zebrafish embryos can be used as a model to evaluate PM-induced eye toxicity in vivo.

Unveiling the Potential of Ultrasonic-Assisted Ethanol Extract from Sargassum horneri in Inhibiting Tyrosinase Activity and Melanin Production in B16F10 Murine Melanocytes.

BACKGROUNDS: Melanogenesis, regulated by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, occurs in melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. Dysregulation of this process can lead to various skin disorders, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extract (SHUE) from Sargassum horneri (S. horneri), brown seaweed against melanogenesis in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes. METHODS: Firstly, yield and proximate compositional analysis of the samples were conducted. The effect of SHUE on cell viability has been evaluated by using 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. After that, the melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes were examined. Western blot analysis was carried out to investigate the protein expression levels of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2). In addition, the effect of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) on the melanogenesis process was assessed via Western blotting. RESULTS: As per the analysis, SHUE contained the highest average yield on a dry basis at 28.70 ± 3.21%. The findings showed that SHUE reduced the melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes. Additionally, the expression levels of MITF, TRP1, and TRP2 protein were significantly downregulated by SHUE treatment in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes. Moreover, SHUE upregulated the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes. In addition, experiments conducted using the ERK inhibitor (PD98059) revealed that the activity of SHUE depends on the ERK signaling cascade. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that SHUE has an anti-melanogenic effect and can be used as a material in the formulation of cosmetics related to whitening and lightening.

Protective Effect of Sargassum fusiforme Fucoidan against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Damage in In Vitro and In Vivo Models.

Our previous studies have evaluated the bioactivities of a fucoidan isolated from Sargassum fusiforme (SF-F). To further investigate the health benefit of SF-F, in the present study, the protective effect of SF-F against ethanol (EtOH)-induced oxidative damage has been evaluated in in vitro and in vivo models. SF-F effectively improved the viability of EtOH-treated Chang liver cells by suppressing apoptosis. In addition, the in vivo test results indicate that SF-F significantly and dose-dependently increased the survival rate of zebrafish treated with EtOH. Further research results show that this action works through decreasing cell death via reduced lipid peroxidation by scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species in EtOH-stimulated zebrafish. These results indicate that SF-F effectively protected Chang liver cells and zebrafish against EtOH-induced oxidative damage and suggest the potential of SF-F to be used as an ingredient in the functional food industry.