ABSTRACT
This study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Sargassum confusum (SCEE). LPS is recognized by TLR4 on the macrophage surface, which activates the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, increasing the expression of inflammatory cytokine like interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The anti-inflammatory effect of SCEE (0, 1, 10, 50 µg/mL) was identified using LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. As a result, it was confirmed that inflammatory factors were suppressed by inhibiting expression of COX-2 and iNOS without any cytotoxicity. In addition, phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and NF-κB p65, transcription factors, were inhibited by SCEE does-dependent manner. These results suggest that SCEE has an anti-inflammatory effect and can be used as a material for health functional foods to prevent inflammatory diseases.
ABSTRACT
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammation associated with skin hypersensitivity caused by environmental factors. The objent of this study was to assess the hot water extracts of Sargassum horneri (SHHWE) on AD. AD was induced by spreading 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on the BALB/c mice. The efficacy of SHHWE was tested by observing the immunoglobulin E (IgE), cytokine, skin clinical severity score and cytokine secretions in concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated splenocytes. The levels of interleukine (IL)-4, IL-5 and IgE, the pro-inflammatory cytokines that are closely related, were notably suppressed in a does-dependent manner by SHHWE, whereas the level of interferon γ (IFN-γ), the atopy-related Th1 cytokine inhibiting the production of Th2 cytokines, was increased. Therefore, these results show that SHHWE has a potent anti-inhibitory effect on AD and is highly valuable for cosmetic development.
