Exploring marine resources against neurological disorders- the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential of the brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata

Oxidative stress is strongly involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson ' s disease (PD). Particularly, an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) released by the cells promotes an oxidative stress condition, which is a main cause of tissue injury leading to nervous system dysfunction. In this work, the antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of different fractions from the brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata are presented and related with their chemical profile. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Neuroprotective capacity was evaluated to prevent neurological cell death mediated by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y cells, and their anti-inflammatory effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages. The ethyl acetate fractions (100 mu g mL(-1)) exhibited significant antioxidant and neuroprotective activities in the in vitro models assayed. Furthermore, two of the most polar fractions obtained with methanol and water also evidenced a significant neuroprotective potential. Bifurcaria bifurcata fractions treatment decreased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and Caspase-3 activity. Regarding the anti-inflammatory potential, five fractions (100 mu g mL(-1)) inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and reduced the interleukin - 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) levels. Mannitol, identified as the major component of the most bioactive fraction, protected SH-SY5Y cells against the 6-OHDA neurotoxicity mediating ROS generation mitigation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage, together with the Caspase-3 activity inhibition. Results suggest that B. bifurcata is a relevant source of neuroprotective agents, with particular interest for preventive therapeutics.

Automated summary

This study found that different fractions of the brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata have significant antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities, with the ethyl acetate fraction showing the best effects. These fractions can reduce ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death, while inhibiting inflammatory responses.