Heliyon · 5 authors, 1 centre
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This preclinical study tested the anti-inflammatory effects of fucoidan from brown algae on primary porcine retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Fucoidan reduced inflammation and barrier dysfunction induced specifically by the TLR-3 agonist Poly I:C, but not by other inflammatory stimuli.
The study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus (FV) in primary porcine RPE cells, a model for human RPE. Inflammation was induced using various stimuli including the TLR-3 agonist Poly I:C. FV fucoidan did not affect cell viability. It significantly reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 induced by Poly I:C, and ameliorated the associated reduction in barrier function (TEER). FV fucoidan also prevented the reduction in expression of proteins CD59 and RPE65 induced by LPS and TNF-α. However, it did not improve inflammation-induced reduction in phagocytic activity. The effects were highly stimulus-specific, primarily targeting TLR-3-mediated pathways. Limitations include the use of an in vitro porcine cell model, requiring further in vivo validation. The findings suggest FV fucoidan has targeted anti-inflammatory properties relevant to age-related macular degeneration.
