Differential effects of Fucus vesiculosus fucoidan on fibroblast and macrophage cell lines inflammatory activation

It is estimated that more than one-third of people aged over 16 reported living with inflammation-related chronic illness. Fucoidan, sulfated polysaccharide, has been proven to modulate immune response and inhibit inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo research. In the present study the effect of commercially available fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus (with purity 97%) on immune response was investigated. Two cell lines, human fibroblasts (HDFa) and mouse macrophages (J774A.1) were used in the study. Cells were activated with pro-inflammatory stimulus (LPS/IFN-gamma or PMA) and treated with fucoidan. Results of NO inhibition assay revealed that fucoidan has anti-inflammatory activity and significantly reduces the level of NO produced by the cells. A significant decrease in secretion of IL-6 from both cell lines was observed. Moreover, fucoidan inhibits IL-12 production by mouse macrophages. The obtained results indicate that fucoidan not only acts as anti-inflammatory compound, but also has immunomodulatory activity. Enhanced secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-8 from macrophages and fibroblasts, respectively, was also noted. The antioxidant activity of fucoidan has also been studied. Fucoidan demonstrates dose-dependent scavenging properties by DPPH assay. Fucoidan's simultaneous ability to reduce inflammation, activate macrophages, and remove free radicals may be used as a tool to fight chronic inflammation disorders. These all contribute to the effective immunoprevention of cancer or other diseases related to the impaired function of the immune cells.