Fucoxanthin Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress by Activating Nuclear Factor E2-Related Factor 2 in Macrophages
Abstract Objectives Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of fucoxanthin (FCX), a carotenoid present in edible brown seaweeds, have been suggested. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood. The objectives of this study were to determine whether FCX can inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in macrophages. Methods Cytotoxicity of FCX (0–15 μM) was measured in RAW 264.7 macrophage. The effects of the FCX on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine and antioxidant gene expression were determined in RAW 264.7 macrophages by quantitative realtime PCR, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was measured in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage. The antioxidant capacity was also determined by 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity expressed by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Also, a potential role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) axis, a crucial pathway in endogenous antioxidant defense, in the FCX effects was evaluated. Results Cells treated with 5 μM FCX were 90%<viable. LPS significantly increased mRNA levels of interleukin (Il)-6, Il-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (Tnf) as well as TNFα secretion, which were significantly decreased by FCX. Elevated levels of cellular ROS levels by LPS were abolished by FCX with a concomitant increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes. ABTS assay demonstrated that FCX had a stronger free radical scavenging property (57.6 TEAC μM/100 μM). Also, FCX significantly increased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 expression compared to LPS control. LPS increased the nuclear translocation of NRF2, which was further increased by FCX. Interestingly, LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, noticeably decreased the effect of FCX on NRF2 nuclear translocation. Conclusions FCX exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by the activation of NRF2 in LPS-induced macrophages. The increase in NRF2 nuclear translocation is mediated, at least in part, through the PI3K pathway. Funding Sources This study was supported by National Research Foundation of Korea (2019R1A6A3A03032678).