Microalgal Lipid Extracts Have Potential to Modulate the Inflammatory Response: A Critical Review

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and age-associated diseases (AAD) are some of the gravest health concerns worldwide, accounting for up to 70% of total deaths globally. NCD and AAD, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and poor dietary habits. Modulation of the inflammatory status through dietary components is a very appellative approach to fight these diseases and is supported by increasing evidence of natural and dietary components with strong anti-inflammatory activities. The consumption of bioactive lipids has a positive impact on preventing chronic inflammation and consequently NCD and AAD. Thus, new sources of bioactive lipids have been sought out. Microalgae are rich sources of bioactive lipids such as omega-6 and -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and polar lipids with associated anti-inflammatory activity. PUFAs are enzymatically and non-enzymatically catalyzed to oxylipins and have a significant role in anti and pro-resolving inflammatory responses. Therefore, a large and rapidly growing body of research has been conducted in vivo and in vitro, investigating the potential anti-inflammatory activities of microalgae lipids. This review sought to summarize and critically analyze recent evidence of the anti-inflammatory potential of microalgae lipids and their possible use to prevent or mitigate chronic inflammation.

Marine-Derived Compounds Applied in Cardiovascular Diseases: Submerged Medicinal Industry

“…Sardines have shown a potent cardioprotective effect against platelet aggregation or PAF-induced platelet aggregation [ 162 ]. Microalgae are abundant sources of bioactive lipids, including polar lipids and omega-3 and -6 PUFA, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties in CVDs [ 163 ].…”

Applications of lipidomics in marine organisms: progress, challenges and future perspectives

“…In the bioprospecting field, several bioactivities have been associated with macroalga 86,88 and microalga 87 lipids. Some studies have evaluated the bioactivity of lipid extracts from macro and microalgae 89,90 without lipid characterization.…”

Obtaining EPA-rich polar lipids from microalga Nannochloropsis sp. by silica-gel chromatography using non-toxic solvents

“…Polar lipids have been described as potent bioactive compounds, and therefore, the interest in understanding their bioactive mechanisms and the extent of their bioactive potential have increased. Several studies have pointed to PLs and GLs, especially those esterified with n-3 PUFAs, as possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, anti-tumor, anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity [11].…”

“…Thus, for example, the anti-inflammatory properties of bioactive lipids were evaluated using crude extracts from microalgae such as Chlorella vulgaris, Ch. ovalis, Nannochloropsis oculata, N. granulata, N. oceanica, Phaedactylum tricornutum and Amphidinium carterae [11]. Nannochloropsis sp.…”

“…According to Conde et al [11], further investigations are needed to obtain complete knowledge of the mechanism of action of microalgal polar lipids as bioactive compounds and these investigations need isolated compounds. This requires specific food grade and environmentally friendly methods for extracting and separating microalgal polar lipids need to be investigated and employed according to guidelines for oral consumption in order to further support such healthrelated nutraceutical applications of microalgae-derived lipid bioactives.…”