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Published on: July 25, 2022
Ulva conglobata, a marine algae, has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in murine hippocampal and
Da-Qing Jin1, Chol Seung Lim, Jin-Young Sung
1Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute for Brain Science and Technology (IBST), Hanwha CC R&D Center Building, Inje University, 6 Shinsung-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-804, South Korea.
Abstract:
It has been reported that inflammatory processes are associated with the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the treatment of AD using anti-inflammatory agents slows the progress of AD. Marine algae have been utilized in food products as well as in medicine products for a variety of purposes. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of methanol extracts of Ulva conglobata (U. conglobata), a marine algae, on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in the murine hippocampal HT22 cell line and the anti-inflammatory effects on interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)-induced microglial activation in BV2 cells. U. conglobata methanol extracts significantly attenuated the neurotoxicity induced by glutamate in HT22 cells and inhibited nitric oxide production induced by IFN-gamma in BV2 cells. U. conglobata methanol extract treatments were also examined and it was found that they almost completely suppressed the expression of the proinflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These results suggest that U. conglobata possesses therapeutic potential for combating neurodegenerative diseases associated with neuroinflammation.
Insights
Marine algae extracts from Ulva conglobata show promise in protecting brain cells from damage and reducing inflammation, suggesting potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Marine Biotechnology
Background:
- Inflammatory processes are implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Anti-inflammatory treatments have shown potential in slowing AD progression.
- Marine algae are recognized for their diverse medicinal properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Ulva conglobata (U. conglobata) methanol extracts.
- To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of U. conglobata extracts in microglial cells.
Main Methods:
- Tested U. conglobata methanol extracts on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in HT22 cells.
- Assessed anti-inflammatory effects on interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)-induced microglial activation in BV2 cells.
- Measured nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
Main Results:
- U. conglobata extracts significantly reduced glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in HT22 cells.
- Extracts inhibited nitric oxide production in IFN-gamma-stimulated BV2 cells.
- U. conglobata treatment suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-2 and iNOS.
Conclusions:
- Ulva conglobata exhibits significant neuroprotective properties against excitotoxicity.
- The marine alga demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory effects relevant to neuroinflammation.
- U. conglobata holds therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by inflammation.
