Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Marine Bioactive Compounds and Their Potential as Functional Food Ingredients in the Prevention and Treatment of Neuroinflammatory Disorders

Seaweed-derived mixed extracts exhibit immunomodulatory properties on porcine alveolar macrophages

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global concern, prompting for antibiotic alternatives in animal production. Seaweed, abundant in bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, offers a natural substitute to synthetic compounds. Considering this, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory bioactivity of three seaweeds 1:1 combination of Ascophyllum nodosum, Palmaria palmata, and Ulva lactuca. Initially, polyphenol, flavonoid, and total phlorotannin content of the three seaweed species were assessed through colorimetric assays. Subsequently, the anti-inflammatory bioactivity was first evaluated through an inhibition protein precipitation assay and then confirmed in vitro through gene expression assays in LPS-stimulated porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). The evaluation of the bioactive molecules revealed a high content of TPC (1487.67 ± 40.39 and 1763.57 ± 69.01 mg TAE/100 mg of sample, respectively), as well as of TFC (95.68 ± 3.62 and 126.09 ± 7.34 mg CE/100 mg of sample) and TPhC (0.167 ± 0.02 and 0.23 ± 0.01 mg PGE/100 mg) for AN and UL, respectively. The assay for inhibiting protein precipitation disclosed that the extracts combining two algae species (ANUL, ANPP, PPUL) were more effective than the effect exhibited by each single extract. The assessment of anti-inflammatory bioactivity revealed a significant down-regulation of IL-1β and TNF-α in the algae combination extracts. In contrast, TGF-β showed an increasing trend. These findings, along with confirmation of the high content of bioactive molecules, highlight the algae's anti-inflammatory potential, making them suitable as natural alternatives to antibiotics for disease prevention in the livestock sector. Therefore, future research should explore the specific bioactive compounds and validate their efficacy in vivo to confirm their potential use in animal production.

Harnessing marine bioactive compounds: In silico insights into therapeutics for rheumatoid arthritis and major depressive disorder

The quest for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents' increases day by day owing to the increased incidence of drug-resistant infections, chronic diseases, and a need for discovering novel treatments. Conventionally, the sources for molecules of drugs have remained from terrestrial plants and microorganisms, yet the chemical adaptability of marine organisms presents something very unique in chemical terms and remains an uncharted frontier. Marine bioactive compounds-chemicals produced by marine organisms that have positive health impacts on humans-attract particular interest due to their pharmaceutical potential. Marine organisms range from macroalgae (seaweeds), microalgae, and sponges to molluscs, echinoderms, and fish. Each of these categories generates a variety of bioactive compounds that have unique biochemical properties. Many marine-derived compounds have exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, anticancer activity and neuroprotective effects. Despite the enormous potential of marine bioactive compounds in drug discovery, several challenges like Accessibility and Sustainability, Complexity of Marine Compounds, and Regulation and Approval act as bottlenecks in taking them from the lab to the clinic. It is an imperative task to tackle these challenges for a complete development of marine pharmacopoeia. This review emphasizes on the possible application of chemicals emanating from marine sources as lead molecules for the prevention of major depressive disorder and rheumatoid arthritis.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Cutlassfish Head Peptone in RAW 264.7 Macrophages

The rapid growth of the fisheries industry has resulted in numerous by-products, usually called waste, causing environmental and economic challenges. Recent advances in valorization techniques have highlighted the potential of these by-products as sources of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of cutlassfish (Trichiurus lepturus) head peptone (CP) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. CP exhibited significant antioxidant activity, reducing ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity by up to 79.66% and 64.69%, respectively, with a maximum ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value of 224.54 μM. CP enhanced macrophage proliferation (33.3%) and significantly mitigated LPS-induced oxidative and inflammatory responses, reducing nitric oxide (NO) production (60%) and reactive oxygen species levels (49.14%). CP suppressed the expression of inflammatory mediators, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygen-ase-2, and selectively inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Western blot analysis revealed that CP inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, including ERK, JNK, and p38, highlighting its role in modulating upstream inflammatory signaling pathways. CP exhibited significant antioxidant effects, particularly in scavenging ABTS and DPPH radicals, as well as reducing oxidative stress markers and inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated macrophages. These findings suggest its potential not only as a therapeutic agent for conditions related to chronic inflammation, such as cardiovascular diseases and arthritis, but also as a functional ingredient in foods and nutraceuticals aimed at alleviating inflammation-related disorders.

The Advancements of Marine Natural Products in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Study Based on Cell and Animal Experiments

As life expectancy rises and the aging population grows, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a significant global health concern. AD is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with an unclear etiology. Current hypotheses primarily focus on β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation as key pathological processes. Given the limited efficacy of existing therapeutic strategies, there is an urgent need to explore novel treatment options. Marine natural products have garnered significant attention due to their unique chemical structures and diverse bioactivities, demonstrating potential for multi-target interventions in AD. This review systematically summarizes the roles of marine-derived compounds, including polysaccharides, carotenoids, and polyphenols, in modulating Aβ aggregation, mitigating tau protein pathology, and regulating gut-brain axis dysfunction. Furthermore, the challenges of current research are discussed, with an emphasis on improving blood-brain barrier permeability and optimizing drug delivery systems to facilitate clinical translation.

Marine-Derived Polysaccharides and Their Potential Health Benefits in Nutraceutical Applications

Marine-derived polysaccharides have sparked immense interest in the nutraceutical industry as they possess a wide range of bioactivities which are highlighted in this review. These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, gut microbiota regulator, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity. Algae, marine invertebrates, vertebrates, and microorganisms are the main sources of marine polysaccharides, such as alginate, fucoidan, laminarin, carrageenan, chitosan, glycosaminoglycans, and exopolysaccharides. The structure and functional groups of these compounds influence their bioactive properties. Moreover, the functional properties of polysaccharides, such as gelling, thickening, and stabilising capabilities, are also crucial in product development, where they can serve as gluten substitutes in bakery goods and stabilisers in icings, sauces, and yoghurts. The potential of commercial products under development, such as marine polysaccharide supplements, is discussed, along with already commercialised products in the nutraceutical market. This review emphasises the enormous potential of marine-derived polysaccharides as bioactive compounds with health benefits and commercial value.

Nutritional, Antibacterial and Thrombolytic Prospects of Freshwater Paludomas conica Protein Hydrolysate and Its Anti-Inflammatory Potential in LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells

Chronic inflammation and heme-iron overload can result from bacterial hemolysis. Along with the synthetic drugs, numerous traditional and functional food approaches are equally trialed to eradicate the problem. As a prospective new source of dietary protein hydrolysates, freshwater mollusks (Paludomas conica) have recently drawn huge interest from researchers. In this research, protein hydrolysate (PhPC) of Paludomas conica, prepared by the enzyme digestion method, was analyzed for proximate nutritional and minerals contents and deciphered its suppressive effects on inflammatory gene expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The inhibitory action of protein denaturation is also unfolded with established in vitro and in vivo models. Anti-hemolytic, antibacterial, and thrombolytic effects of PhPC were respectively assessed by H2O2-induced hemolysis of RBCs, the disc diffusion method, and the clot lysis method. The proximate nutritional and mineral contents of PhPC revealed it to be an enriched source of nutrients, crude protein, carbohydrates, Calcium, and Magnesium. Heavy metals were found to be within the prescribed limit. The PhPC suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes, including COX-2, iNOS, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1, multifold in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The inhibition concentrations (IC50) of PhPC in the bovine serum albumin denaturation inhibition test and membrane stabilization tests were 431.39 and 285.25 μg/mL, respectively. The PhPC was discerned to be active against Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella dysenteriae; its maximum thrombolytic effect was displayed to be 23.72% ± 2.71%. The findings demonstrate that the nutritionally enriched PhPC could be affirmed as an exciting invertebrate anti-inflammatory agent Extending other biological functions needs to be further characterized with its pure protein or protein products.

Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effect of Ombuin from Rhamnus erythroxylon Pall. Leaves in LPS-Induced BV-2 Microglia by Targeting Src and Suppressing the PI3K-AKT/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

The leaves of Rhamnus erythroxylon Pall. are widely used as tea substitutes in northwest China for their fragrant aroma, anti-irritability, and digestion-enhancing properties. Ombuin, a main flavonoid compound found in the leaves, exhibited notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, its potential role in treating neuroinflammatory-related diseases remains unexplored. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of ombuin and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. According to our findings, ombuin dramatically reduced the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglia. Further analysis, including transcriptomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cellular heat transfer assays, revealed that Src was a direct target of ombuin. Western blot analysis showed that ombuin effectively suppressed Src phosphorylation and inhibited the downstream expressions of p-PI3K p85, p-AKT1, p-IKKα/β, p-IκBα, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Meanwhile, the repression of Src significantly reversed the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of ombuin. Our results identified Src as a direct target of ombuin and implied that ombuin exerted an anti-neuroinflammatory effect by inhibiting Src phosphorylation and suppressing the activation of the PI3K-AKT and NF-κB pathways, which might provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Microalgae-mediated bioremediation: current trends and opportunities-a review

Environmental pollution poses a critical global challenge, and traditional wastewater treatment methods often prove inadequate in addressing the complexity and scale of this issue. On the other hand, microalgae exhibit diverse metabolic capabilities that enable them to remediate a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic contaminants, and excess nutrients. By leveraging the unique metabolic pathways of microalgae, innovative strategies can be developed to effectively remediate polluted environments. Therefore, this review paper highlights the potential of microalgae-mediated bioremediation as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. It also highlights the advantages of utilizing microalgae and algae-bacteria co-cultures for large-scale bioremediation applications, demonstrating impressive biomass production rates and enhanced pollutant removal efficiency. The promising potential of microalgae-mediated bioremediation is emphasized, presenting a viable and innovative alternative to traditional treatment methods in addressing the global challenge of environmental pollution. This review identifies the opportunities and challenges for microalgae-based technology and proposed suggestions for future studies to tackle challenges. The findings of this review advance our understanding of the potential of microalgae-based technology wastewater treatment.

Red Sea Sponge Callyspongia siphonella Extract Induced Growth Inhibition and Apoptosis in Breast MCF-7 and Hepatic HepG-2 Cancer Cell Lines in 2D and 3D Cell Cultures

Introduction

The increasing incidence of cancer diseases necessitates the urgent exploration of new bioactive compounds. One of the trends in drug discovery is marine sponges which is gaining significant support due to the abundant production of natural pharmaceutical compounds obtained from marine ecosystems. This study evaluates the anticancer properties of an organic extract from the Red Sea sponge Callyspongia siphonella (C. siphonella) on HepG-2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.

Methods

C. siphonella was collected, freeze-dried, and extracted using a methanol-dichloromethane mixture. The extract was analyzed via Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Cytotoxic effects were assessed through cell viability assays, apoptosis detection, cell cycle analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential assays, scratch-wound healing assays, and 3D cell culture assays.

Results

Fifteen compounds were identified in the C. siphonella extract. The extract showed moderate cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and HepG-2 cells, with IC50 values of 35.6 ± 6.9 μg/mL and 64.4 ± 8 μg/mL, respectively, after 48 hours of treatment. It induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in MCF-7 cells and the S phase in HepG-2 cells. Apoptosis increased significantly in both cell lines, accompanied by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. The extract inhibited cell migration, with notable reductions after 24 and 48 hours. In 3D cell cultures, the extract had IC50 values of 5.1 ± 2 μg/mL for MCF-7 and 166.4 ± 27 μg/mL for HepG-2 after 7 days of treatment, showing greater potency in MCF-7 spheres compared to HepG-2 spheres.

Discussion and Conclusion

The anticancer activity is attributed to the bioactive compounds. The C. siphonella extract's ability to induce apoptosis, disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential, and arrest the cell cycle highlights its potential as a novel anticancer agent. Additional research is required to investigate the underlying mechanism by which this extract functions as a highly effective anticancer agent.

Research Progress on Sesquiterpene Compounds from Artabotrys Plants of Annonaceae

Artabotrys, a pivotal genus within the Annonaceae family, is renowned for its extensive biological significance and medicinal potential. The genus's sesquiterpene compounds have attracted considerable interest from the scientific community due to their structural complexity and diverse biological activities. These compounds exhibit a range of biological activities, including antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory analgesic, and anti-tumor properties, positioning them as promising candidates for medical applications. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the variety, species, and structural characteristics of sesquiterpene compounds isolated from Artabotrys plants. Furthermore, it delves into their pharmacological activities and underlying mechanisms, offering a comprehensive foundation for future research.

α-Viniferin, a dietary phytochemical, inhibits Monoamine oxidase and alleviates Parkinson's disease associated behavioral deficits in a mice model

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Behavioral complexities worsen over time due to progressive dopaminergic (DArgic) neuronal loss at substantia nigra region of brain. Available treatments typically aim to increase dopamine (DA) levels at striatum. DA is degraded by Monoamine oxidase (MAO), thus dietary phytochemicals with MAO inhibitory properties can contribute to elevate DA levels and reduce the ailment. Characterization of naturally occurring dietary MAO inhibitors is inadequate. Based on available knowledge, we selected different classes of molecules and conducted a screening process to assess their potential as MAO inhibitors. The compounds mostly derived from food sources, broadly belonging to triterpenoids (ursane, oleanane and hopane), alkaloid, polyphenolics, monoterpenoids, alkylbenzene, phenylpropanoid and aromatic alcohol classes. Among all the molecules, highest level of MAO inhibition is offered by α-viniferin, a resveratrol trimer. Cell viability, mitochondrial morphology and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation remained unaltered by 50 μM α-viniferin treatment in-vitro. Toxicity studies in Drosophila showed unchanged gross neuronal morphology, ROS level, motor activity or long-term survival. α-Viniferin inhibited MAO in mice brain and elevated striatal DA levels. PD-related akinesia and cataleptic behavior were attenuated by α-viniferin due to increase in striatal DA. Our study implies that α-viniferin can be used as an adjunct phytotherapeutic agent for mitigating PD-related behavioral deterioration.

Approaches of marine compounds and relevant immune mediators in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Opportunities and challenges

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social skills, language, communication, and behavioral skills, significantly impacting the individual's quality of life. Recently, numerous works have centered on the connections between the immune and central nervous systems and the influence of neuroinflammation on autism symptomatology. Marine natural products are considered as important alternative sources of different types of compounds, including polysaccharides, polyphenols, sterols, carotenoids, terpenoids and, alkaloids. These compounds present anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities, exhibiting a potential for the treatment of many diseases. Although many studies address the marine compounds in the modulation of inflammatory mediators, there is a gap regarding their use in the regulation of the immune system in ASD. Thus, this review aims to provide a better understanding regarding cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and immune responses in ASD, as well as the potential of bioactive marine compounds in the immune regulation in ASD. We expect that this review would contribute to the development of therapeutic alternatives for controlling immune mediators and inflammation in ASD.

Marine phospholipid nanoliposomes: A promising therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel disease: Preparation, safety, and efficacy evaluation

Promising findings have been emerged from studies utilizing n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Introduction of marine phospholipids which combine n3 PUFA with phosphatidylcholine in a nanoliposome formulation offers enhanced pharmacological efficacy due to physical stability, improved bioavailability, and specific targeting to inflamed colitis tissues. In the present study, a marine phospholipid-based nanoliposome formulation was developed and optimized, resulting in nanovesicles of approximately 107.7 ± 1.3 nm in size, 0.18 ± 0.01 PDI, and - 32.03 ± 3.16 mV ZP. The nanoliposomes exhibited spherical vesicles with stable properties upon incubation at SGF as shown by the TEM, DLS, and turbidity measurements over 3 h. MPL nanoliposomes were cytocompatible until the concentration of 500 µg/mL as per MTT assay and taken by macrophages through macropinocytosis and caveolae pathways, and demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. They were also shown to be blood-compatible and safe for administration in healthy mice. In a colitis mouse model, the nanoliposomes displayed preferential distribution in the inflamed gut, delaying the onset of colitis when administered prophylactically. These findings highlight the potential of marine phospholipid nanoliposomes as a promising therapeutic approach for managing inflammatory bowel disease.

Marine Animal Co-Products-How Improving Their Use as Rich Sources of Health-Promoting Lipids Can Foster Sustainability

Marine lipids are recognized for their-health promoting features, mainly for being the primary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and are therefore critical for human nutrition in an age when the global supply for these nutrients is experiencing an unprecedent pressure due to an ever-increasing demand. The seafood industry originates a considerable yield of co-products worldwide that, while already explored for other purposes, remain mostly undervalued as sustainable sources of healthy lipids, often being explored for low-value oil production. These co-products are especially appealing as lipid sources since, besides the well-known nutritional upside of marine animal fat, which is particularly rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, they also have interesting bioactive properties, which may garner them further interest, not only as food, but also for other high-end applications. Besides the added value that these co-products may represent as valuable lipid sources, there is also the obvious ecological upside of reducing seafood industry waste. In this sense, repurposing these bioresources will contribute to a more sustainable use of marine animal food, reducing the strain on already heavily depleted seafood stocks. Therefore, untapping the potential of marine animal co-products as valuable lipid sources aligns with both health and environmental goals by guaranteeing additional sources of healthy lipids and promoting more eco-conscious practices.

Study of marine microorganism metabolites: new resources for bioactive natural products

The marine environment has remained a source of novel biological molecules with diversified applications. The ecological and biological diversity, along with a unique physical environment, have provided the evolutionary advantage to the plant, animals and microbial species thriving in the marine ecosystem. In light of the fact that marine microorganisms frequently interact symbiotically or mutualistically with higher species including corals, fish, sponges, and algae, this paper intends to examine the potential of marine microorganisms as a niche for marine bacteria. This review aims to analyze and summarize modern literature data on the biotechnological potential of marine fungi and bacteria as producers of a wide range of practically valuable products (surfactants, glyco-and lipopeptides, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, and metabolites with different biological activities: antimicrobial, antitumor, and cytotoxic). Hence, the study on bioactive secondary metabolites from marine microorganisms is the need of the hour. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the first time, the data on new resources for obtaining biologically active natural products - metabolites of marine bacteria and fungi - were generalized. The review investigates the various kinds of natural products derived from marine microorganisms, specifically focusing on marine bacteria and fungi as a valuable source for new natural products. It provides a summary of the data regarding the antibacterial, antimalarial, anticarcinogenic, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated by marine microorganisms. There is currently a great need for scientific and applied research on bioactive secondary metabolites of marine microorganisms from the standpoint of human and animal health.

Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols and Other Micronutrients of Marine Origin

Polyphenols are compounds found in various plants and foods, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, researchers have been exploring the therapeutic potential of marine polyphenols and other minor nutrients that are found in algae, fish and crustaceans. These compounds have unique chemical structures and exhibit diverse biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumor action. Due to these properties, marine polyphenols are being investigated as possible therapeutic agents for the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of marine polyphenols and their applications in human health, and also, in marine phenolic classes, the extraction methods, purification techniques and future applications of marine phenolic compounds.

Fatty Acid Composition of Northern Pike from an Arctic River (Northeastern Siberia, Russia)

We assayed the fatty acid composition of muscles of the northern pike Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758 inhabiting the Gyda River, Siberia, Russia using gas-liquid chromatography. Of 43 fatty acids identified in the pike samples, 23 fatty acids accounted for 99.3% of the total content. The most abundant saturated fatty acids (SFA, 31.6%) were palmitic (C16:0, 20.0%) and stearic (C18:0, 7.3%) acids. Among monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 15.1%), oleic acid (C18:1n9, 10.2%) and palmitoleic acid (C16:1, 4.1%) demonstrated the highest levels. The most represented polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 53.3%) were arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6, 7.6%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3, 7.3%), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3, 26.3%). The fatty acid profile of specimens from the Gyda River was different in comparison to profiles found in other pike populations, most likely due to different diets. Pike flesh has good nutrition quality in terms of a low n-6/n-3 ratio (0.36), low atherogenic (0.39), and thrombogenic (0.22) indices, and a high ratio of hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (2.83), and this species can be recommended as a replacement or alternative to other fish sources in traditional diets.