Neuroprotective Effects of Ecklonia cava in a Chronic Neuroinflammatory Disease Model

Abstract

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism against noxious stimuli, but chronic inflammation can lead to various chronic diseases. Neuroinflammation in the central nervous system plays an important role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenol-rich natural products, such as Ecklonia cava (E. cava), are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can provide treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases by controlling neuroinflammation. We investigated the effects of an E. cava extract on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration under chronic inflammatory conditions. Mice were pretreated with E. cava extract for 19 days and then exposed to E. cava with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 1 week. We monitored pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in the serum, inflammation-related markers, and neurodegenerative markers using Western blotting and qRT-PCR in the mouse cerebrum and hippocampus. E. cava reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the blood and brain of mice with LPS-induced chronic inflammation. We also measured the activity of genes related to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Surprisingly, E. cava decreased the activity of markers associated with inflammation (NF-kB and STAT3) and a neurodegenerative disease marker (glial fibrillary acidic protein, beta-amyloid) in the cerebrum and hippocampus of mice. We suggest that E. cava extract has the potential as a protective agent against neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 Regulates Cellular Stress Responses and Inflammatory Pathways in Chronic Neuroinflammatory Conditions

“…Pgrmc1 inhibition enhances NF-κB signaling and NF-κB-mediated cytokine activation in a mouse model of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury [37]. Furthermore, we reported that the activation of the NF-κB pathway is facilitated by an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn contributes to neuroinflammation, microglial activation, oxidative stress complications, and, ultimately, cell death [66,67]. As expected, we observed that the loss of Pgrmc1 amplified the NF-κB signaling pathway and apoptosis in LPS-mediated inflammation.…”

Algae-Derived Natural Products in Diabetes and Its Complications—Current Advances and Future Prospects

“…These extracts contain phlorotannins, a class of polyphenols known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. E. cava extracts have been shown to protect nerve cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function in diabetic neuropathy [ 111 , 113 ].…”

Preventive Effect of Ecklonia cava Extract on DSS-Induced Colitis by Elevating Intestinal Barrier Function and Improving Pathogenic Inflammation

“…Phlorotannins, including dieckol (DK), eckol, and phlorofucofuroeckol A (PFFA) in E. cava, are known to exhibit many biological potentials against viral infection, diabetic complications, hypertension, and obesity-associated phenomena [23][24][25][26]. These phlorotannins in E. cava suggest that they can be used as a natural good source with potential applications in various diseases [27,28].…”