Low-temperature pulverization-specific Sargassum horneri extract accelerates wound healing and attenuates inflammation in a mouse burn model

Abstract

ABSTRACT Burn injuries, affecting local skin disruption as well as inducing systemic inflammatory responses, are presented as a global public health problem. To enhance the effects of burn wound healing, treatment must simultaneously regulate both re-epithelialization and hyperinflammation. Extracts of Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) have shown a potential to enhance skin wound healing through antioxidative properties, immune enhancement, and modulation of inflammatory responses. However, despite its promising application for burn wound healing, specific investigation into S. horneri-derived compounds for enhancing wound healing has not yet been conducted. In this research, we investigated the burn wound-healing effect of the low-temperature pulverization-specific S. horneri extract (LPSHE), which could not be detected using the room-temperature grinding method. In a mouse burn model with third-degree burn injuries, LPSHE accelerated re-epithelialization by promoting the increase in F-actin formation and reduced burn-induced ROS levels. Additionally, LPSHE significantly regulated hyperinflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further investigation into molecular mechanisms using HaCaT keratinocytes also demonstrated beneficial effects on burn wound healing. Taken together, our findings suggested that LPSHE is a promising therapeutic candidate for enhancing burn wound healing. Furthermore, this research underscored the importance of low-temperature pulverization in discovering novel natural compounds from marine organisms.