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Author Spotlight: Exploring Seaweed's Bioactive Compounds for Sustainable Innovations in Industries
Published on: November 21, 2023
Potential Anti-Aging Substances Derived from Seaweeds
Lei Cao1, Sang Gil Lee2, Kwon Taek Lim3
1Institute of Marine Life Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Korea.
Abstract:
Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The exact mechanisms underlying the aging process are not fully elucidated. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that several pathways, such as sirtuin, AMP-activated protein kinase, insulin-like growth factor, autophagy, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 play critical roles in regulating aging. Furthermore, genetic or dietary interventions of these pathways can extend lifespan by delaying the aging process. Seaweeds are a food source rich in many nutrients, including fibers, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds. The health benefits of seaweeds include, but are not limited to, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obese activities. Interestingly, a body of studies shows that some seaweed-derived extracts or isolated compounds, can modulate these aging-regulating pathways or even extend lifespans of various animal models. However, few such studies have been conducted on higher animals or even humans. In this review, we focused on potential anti-aging bioactive substances in seaweeds that have been studied in cells and animals mainly based on their anti-aging cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Insights
Seaweed compounds show promise in delaying aging by targeting key molecular pathways. Further research in humans is needed to confirm these anti-aging benefits.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Molecular Biology
- Nutritional Science
- Marine Biotechnology
Background:
- Aging is a primary risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, with complex underlying mechanisms.
- Key molecular pathways, including sirtuin and autophagy, are implicated in aging regulation.
- Dietary and genetic interventions targeting these pathways can influence lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review seaweed-derived bioactive substances with potential anti-aging properties.
- To explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these substances in aging regulation.
- To summarize findings from studies on cells and animal models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on seaweed bioactives and aging.
- Analysis of research focusing on cellular and molecular anti-aging mechanisms.
- Inclusion of studies conducted on cell cultures and animal models.
Main Results:
- Seaweeds are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Certain seaweed extracts and compounds modulate aging-regulating pathways.
- Studies demonstrate lifespan extension in animal models with seaweed-derived interventions.
Conclusions:
- Seaweed bioactives offer potential for anti-aging interventions by targeting key molecular pathways.
- Evidence from cell and animal studies supports the anti-aging effects of seaweeds.
- More research is required, particularly in higher animals and humans, to validate these findings.
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