Marine Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents, 4th Edition

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 5850

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Interests: bioactive natural products; inflammation; oxidative stress; polyphenols; cell migration; autophagy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammation is a physiological reaction triggered by various factors, such as pathogens or injuries. Environmental factors, including food choices, can also lead to so-called "lifestyle diseases", in which chronic inflammation is a key factor.

Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, and others are classified as inflammation-related diseases. The process of chronic inflammation often creates the ideal conditions for triggering a state of oxidative stress, and vice versa. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of oxidants and antioxidant defenses. An excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) or the stimulation of pro-inflammatory agents (including toxic or pathogenic substances) triggers inflammation.

The uncontrolled increase in chronic inflammatory diseases in the last decade has led to an increasingly urgent search for natural compounds with dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in an attempt to develop new, safe, and effective agents as alternatives to conventional drugs. In this regard, marine organisms and their metabolites are at the center of international research aimed toward the discovery of new and biologically active products as the foundation of the future bioeconomy and, above all, promising drugs. Among marine organisms, marine algae, sea cucumbers, fish, marine invertebrates (such as sponges and marine soft corals), crustaceans, and microorganisms (microalgae, fungi, archaea, protozoa, and yeasts) are known producers of natural antioxidants.

Given the widespread and current interest in this topic, we decided to propose Version 4.0 of this Special Issue to continue to collect the most innovative findings regarding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory products from the sea.

This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of the latest experimental in vitro and/or in vivo research highlighting the role of bioactive compounds of marine origin as modulators of inflammation and/or oxidative stress. Articles describing the mechanisms of action and molecular interactions of compounds isolated from marine organisms are particularly encouraged. Papers on individual molecules, as well as crude extracts of marine organisms, will be evaluated. In addition, comprehensive review articles summarizing the literature on marine anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant agents in support of human health will also be considered.

Prof. Dr. Donatella Degl'Innocenti
Dr. Marzia Vasarri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • marine organisms
  • inflammation
  • cytokines
  • antioxidant agents
  • anti-inflammatory gents
  • oxidative stress
  • ROS/RNS
  • NF-κB
  • mitochondrial oxidative
  • drug delivery

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1782 KiB  
Article
Alginate from Ericaria crinita Possesses Antioxidant Activity and Attenuates Systemic Inflammation via Downregulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
by Paolina Lukova, Vesela Kokova, Alexandra Baldzhieva, Marianna Murdjeva, Plamen Katsarov, Cédric Delattre and Elisaveta Apostolova
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(11), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22110482 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 665
Abstract
Alginates are anionic polysaccharides present in the cell walls of brown seaweeds. Various biological activities of alginate and its derivatives have been described. In this study, we assessed the potential of alginate obtained from Ericaria crinita (formerly Cystoseira crinita) to scavenge free [...] Read more.
Alginates are anionic polysaccharides present in the cell walls of brown seaweeds. Various biological activities of alginate and its derivatives have been described. In this study, we assessed the potential of alginate obtained from Ericaria crinita (formerly Cystoseira crinita) to scavenge free radicals and function as a ferric ion reductor. The anti-inflammatory effect on the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 of rats with LPS-induced systemic inflammation after 14 days of treatment was also examined. Ericaria crinita alginate showed antioxidant activities of IC50 = 505 µg/mL (DPPH) and OD700 > 2 (ferric reducing power). A significant decrease in serum levels of IL-1β was observed only in animals treated with the polysaccharide at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw. Both doses of E. crinita alginate (25 and 100 mg/kg bw) significantly reduced the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, but no statistical significance was observed in the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Our findings show the potential of E. crinita alginate to act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It is likely that the exhibited antioxidant ability of the polysaccharide contributes to its antiphlogistic effects. More in-depth studies are needed to fully understand the specific mechanisms and the molecular pathways involved in these activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents, 4th Edition)
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12 pages, 5458 KiB  
Article
Anti-Photoaging Effects of Antioxidant Peptide from Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) in In Vivo and In Vitro Models
by Fengqi Yang, Yang Yang, Dandan Xiao, Poongho Kim, Jihee Lee, You-Jin Jeon and Lei Wang
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(10), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22100471 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1159
Abstract
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to photoaging, which contributes to skin damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an antioxidant peptide (SHP2) purified from seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) alcalase hydrolysate on UVB-irradiated skin damage in [...] Read more.
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to photoaging, which contributes to skin damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an antioxidant peptide (SHP2) purified from seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) alcalase hydrolysate on UVB-irradiated skin damage in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells and a zebrafish model. The data revealed that SHP2 significantly enhanced cell viability by attenuating apoptosis through the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in UVB-stimulated HaCaT cells. Moreover, SHP2 effectively inhibited ROS, improved collagen synthesis, and suppressed the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in UVB-irradiated HDF cells. SHP2 restored the protein levels of HO-1, Nrf2, and SOD, while decreasing Keap1 expression in UVB-treated HDF, indicating stimulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, an in vivo study conducted in zebrafish confirmed that SHP2 inhibited photoaging by reducing cell death through the suppression of ROS generation and lipid peroxidation. Particularly, 200 µg/mL of SHP2 exerted a remarkable anti-photoaging effect on both in vitro and in vivo models. These results demonstrate that SHP2 possesses antioxidant properties and regulates skin photoaging activities, suggesting that SHP2 may have the potential for use in the development of cosmetic products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents, 4th Edition)
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17 pages, 3897 KiB  
Article
Blue Mussel-Derived Bioactive Peptides PIISVYWK (P1) and FSVVPSPK (P2): Promising Agents for Inhibiting Foam Cell Formation and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Diseases
by Chathuri Kaushalya Marasinghe and Jae-Young Je
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(10), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22100466 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a key etiological event in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), strongly linked to the formation of foam cells. This study explored the effects of two blue mussel-derived bioactive peptides (BAPs), PIISVYWK (P1) and FSVVPSPK (P2), on inhibiting foam cell formation [...] Read more.
Atherosclerosis is a key etiological event in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), strongly linked to the formation of foam cells. This study explored the effects of two blue mussel-derived bioactive peptides (BAPs), PIISVYWK (P1) and FSVVPSPK (P2), on inhibiting foam cell formation and mitigating inflammation in oxLDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages. Both peptides significantly suppressed intracellular lipid accumulation and cholesterol levels while promoting cholesterol efflux by downregulating cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and class A1 scavenger receptors (SR-A1) and upregulating ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA-1) and ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 1 (ABCG-1) expressions. The increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) and liver X receptor-alpha (LXR-α) further validated their role in enhancing cholesterol efflux. Additionally, P1 and P2 inhibited foam cell formation in oxLDL-treated human aortic smooth muscle cells and exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), primarily through inhibiting NF-κB activation. Furthermore, P1 and P2 alleviated oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Our findings demonstrate that P1 and P2 have significant potential in reducing foam cell formation and inflammation, both critical factors in atherosclerosis development. These peptides may serve as promising therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of CVDs associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents, 4th Edition)
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21 pages, 6595 KiB  
Article
Proteomics Analysis of the Protective Effect of Polydeoxyribonucleotide Extracted from Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) Sperm in a Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced RAW264.7 Cell Injury Model
by Zhiqiang Shu, Yizhi Ji, Fang Liu, Yuexin Jing, Chunna Jiao, Yue Li, Yunping Zhao, Gongming Wang and Jian Zhang
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(7), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22070325 - 21 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1361
Abstract
Sea cucumber viscera contain various naturally occurring active substances, but they are often underutilized during sea cucumber processing. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is an adenosine A2A receptor agonist that activates the A2A receptor to produce various biological effects. Currently, most studies on the [...] Read more.
Sea cucumber viscera contain various naturally occurring active substances, but they are often underutilized during sea cucumber processing. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is an adenosine A2A receptor agonist that activates the A2A receptor to produce various biological effects. Currently, most studies on the activity of PDRN have focused on its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and tissue repair properties, yet relatively few studies have investigated its antioxidant activity. In this study, we reported for the first time that PDRN was extracted from the sperm of Apostichopus japonicus (AJS-PDRN), and we evaluated its antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. An in vitro injury model was established using H2O2-induced oxidative damage in RAW264.7 cells, and we investigated the protective effect of AJS-PDRN on these cells. Additionally, we explored the potential mechanism by which AJS-PDRN protects RAW264.7 cells from damage using iTRAQ proteomics analysis. The results showed that AJS-PDRN possessed excellent antioxidant activity and could significantly scavenge DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated that AJS-PDRN was cytoprotective and significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of RAW264.7 cells. The results of GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis indicate that the protective effects of AJS-PDRN pretreatment on RAW264.7 cells are primarily achieved through the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, modulation of the extracellular matrix and signal transduction pathways, promotion of membrane repair, and enhancement of cellular antioxidant capacity. The results of a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis indicate that AJS-PDRN reduces cellular oxidative damage by upregulating the expression of intracellular selenoprotein family members. In summary, our findings reveal that AJS-PDRN mitigates H2O2-induced oxidative damage through multiple pathways, underscoring its significant potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents, 4th Edition)
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Review

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27 pages, 7852 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Marine Microorganisms
by Guihua Yang, Miaoping Lin, Kumaravel Kaliaperumal, Yaqi Lu, Xin Qi, Xiaodong Jiang, Xinya Xu, Chenghai Gao, Yonghong Liu and Xiaowei Luo
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(9), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090424 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1275
Abstract
Marine microbial secondary metabolites with diversified structures have been found as promising sources of anti-inflammatory lead compounds. This review summarizes the sources, chemical structures, and pharmacological properties of anti-inflammatory natural products reported from marine microorganisms in the past three years (2021–2023). Approximately 252 [...] Read more.
Marine microbial secondary metabolites with diversified structures have been found as promising sources of anti-inflammatory lead compounds. This review summarizes the sources, chemical structures, and pharmacological properties of anti-inflammatory natural products reported from marine microorganisms in the past three years (2021–2023). Approximately 252 anti-inflammatory compounds, including 129 new ones, were predominantly obtained from marine fungi and they are structurally divided into polyketides (51.2%), terpenoids (21.0%), alkaloids (18.7%), amides or peptides (4.8%), and steroids (4.3%). This review will shed light on the development of marine microbial secondary metabolites as potential anti-inflammatory lead compounds with promising clinical applications in human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents, 4th Edition)
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