Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Exopolysaccharides from Porphyridium Purpureum

Oxidative stress results from an imbalance between the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses, posing a threat to cellular integrity and survival. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of exopolysaccharides (EPS) derived from Porphyridium purpureum to modulate antioxidant activity and inflammatory responses in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells and macrophages under oxidative stress and inflammatory stimulation.

EPS were used at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL in eluates. Modulation of the inflammatory response was evaluated in the ATCC mouse BALB/c J774.2 macrophage cell line, while the antioxidant activity was assessed in HEK cells. Cytotoxicity assays, as well as the expression and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were analyzed. In addition, the expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, and NF-κB were measured, using β-actin as a housekeeping gene.

The EPS derived from Porphyridium purpureum significantly inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and NF-κB, while enhancing the gene expression and enzymatic activity of SOD and CAT under normal and oxidative stress conditions.

These findings demonstrate the potential of EPS to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance antioxidant defenses. This contributes to maintaining homeostasis in inflamed tissues and promoting wound healing.