Extracts of the seaweed Sargassum macrocarpum inhibit the CpG-induced inflammatory response by attenuating the NF-κB pathway

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory effects of extracts of the seaweed Sargassum macrocarpum (SME) in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and dendritic cells (BMDCs) were investigated. Primary BMDMs and BMDCs were used for cytokine production and western blot analysis. SME (0–50 μg/mL) pre-treatment resulted in a strong inhibitory effect against interleukin (IL)-12 p40, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in CpG-stimulated BMDMs and BMDCs. SME pre-treatment caused a strong inhibitory effect against NF-κB activation, as evaluated using degradation of IκBα and the NF-κB reporter gene assay. SME has significant anti-inflammatory properties and warrants further study regarding potential use as a medicinal food.