Abstract
Abstract
Seaweeds reportedly contain anti-inflammatory compounds; however, little is known
about the therapeutic potential of
Macrocystis pyrifera
. This study
investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of a methanol:chloroform extract,
chromatographic fractions, and fatty acids identified from
M. pyrifera
(Linnaeus) C. Agardh. In human THP-1 monocytes stimulated with the Toll-like
receptor 2 agonist lipoteichoic acid, the extract decreased mRNA and protein
levels of interleukin-1
β
, interleukin-8, and monocyte
chemoattractant protein-1 to varied degrees at nontoxic concentrations. The
greatest anti-inflammatory effects were elicited when the extract was applied
between 6 h prior to, and 6 h after, the stimuli. Reduced levels
of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling
proteins were observed in extract-treated cells, with a significant decrease in
the myeloid differentiation factor 88 protein abundance relative to stimulated
THP-1 cells. Chromatographic fractionation of the extract yielded 40 fractions,
of which fraction F25 exhibited the greatest inhibition of monocyte
chemoattractant protein-1 production in activated THP-1 cells. Fatty acids
abundant within the extract and F25 were identified then tested, individually
and in combination, for their anti-inflammatory effects. Myristic acid,
palmitoleic acid, and
α
-linolenic acid, but not the fatty acid
combination, inhibited lipoteichoic acid-stimulated monocyte chemoattractant
protein-1 production without compromising THP-1 cell viability. These findings
indicate that the fatty acid-rich extract and fraction from
M. pyrifera
provide anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects that may be beneficial for
use as a therapeutic.