Modulation of Gut Microbiome Community Mitigates Multiple Sclerosis in a Mouse Model: The Promising Role of Palmaria palmata Alga as a Prebiotic

Abstract

Background: Red marine algae have shown the potential to reduce inflammation, influence microbiota, and provide neuroprotection. Objective: To examine the prebiotic properties of Palmaria palmata aqueous extract (Palmaria p.) and its potential as a neuroprotective agent in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: eighty-eight adult Swiss mice were divided into four male and four female groups, including a control group (distilled water), Palmaria p.-treated group (600 mg/kg b.w.), cuprizone (CPZ)-treated group (mixed chow 0.2%), and a group treated with both CPZ and Palmaria p. The experiment continued for seven weeks. CPZ treatment terminated at the end of the 5th week, with half of the mice sacrificed to assess the demyelination stage. To examine the spontaneous recovery, the rest of the mice continued until the end of week seven. Behavioral (grip strength (GS) and open field tests (OFT)), microbiome, and histological assessments for general morphology of corpus callous (CC) were all conducted at the end of week five and week 7. Results: Palmaria p. can potentially protect against CPZ-induced MS with variable degrees in male and female Swiss mice. This protection was demonstrated through three key findings: (1) increased F/B ratio and expansion of the beneficial Lactobacillus, Proteobacteria, and Bactriodia communities. (2) Protection against the decline in GS induced by CPZ and prevented CPZ-induced anxiety in OFT. (3) Preservation of structural integrity. Conclusions: Because of its propensity to promote microbiota alterations, its antioxidant activity, and its content of −3 fatty acids, Palmaria p. could be a promising option for MS patients and could be beneficial as a potential probiotic for the at-risk groups as a preventive measure against MS.

The role of the “gut microbiota-mitochondria” crosstalk in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

“…An intervention study of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii in 40 MS patients found significant reductions in levels of the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein along with pain intensity and fatigue, as well as significant improvements in terms of the Quality of Life Scale, and the GHQ Somatic and Social Dysfunction subscales in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group ( Asghari et al, 2023 ). Palmaria palmata Alga probiotic intervention in mice in a CPZ model increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, increased the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus, Proteobacteria, and Bactriodia communities, and prevented CPZ-induced grip strength loss and open field test anxiety, as compared to the control group ( Yousof et al, 2023 ). Anti-inflammatory-antioxidant-rich diet and co-supplemented synbiotics intervention in 69 patients with MS significantly reduced Faecal calprotectin levels at 6 months, reduced intestinal inflammation, and improved clinical manifestations in progressive forms of MS compared with the control group ( Moravejolahkami et al, 2023 ).…”

Red Algae Compounds: Potential Neuroprotective Agents for Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…The study delves into the potential of Palmaria palmata (Rhodophyta) (Figure 4) as a prebiotic in mitigating MS through the modulation of the gut microbiome community in a mouse model [106]. Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by the immune system attacking the central nervous system.…”

“…The findings underscore the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and immune function, suggesting that interventions targeting gut microbial communities could offer novel therapeutic avenues for managing autoimmune diseases such as MS. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of prebiotics and highlights the need for further exploration into their mechanisms of action and clinical applications in autoimmune disorders [106]. The study investigates the neuroprotective effects of agaropentaose (hydrolysates of agarose isolated from red algae) against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells.…”

Effect of Post-extraction Ultrasonication on Compositional Features and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts Obtained After Sequential Enzymatic/Alkaline Treatment of the Red Seaweed Palmaria palmata

“…For instance, it was shown that peptides obtained by protein hydrolysis could potentially be used in the formulations of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals as an antidiabetic agent [10]. A recent study even discovered the role of nutrients in the seaweed to make it a promising prebiotic to be potentially used as a neuroprotective agent in multiple sclerosis patients [11].…”