Exploring Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Kappaphycus Alvarezii in High Cholesterol-Induced Zebrafish Larvae: Revealing Cardiovascular Potential.

Abstract

Introduction: The study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Kappaphycus alvarezii by employing zebrafish larvae as a model system.

Materials and methods: The seaweed extract was subjected to phytochemical screening, uncovering the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, proteins, and cardiac glycosides. UV-visible, FTIR, and GC-MS were employed to identify the presence of bioactive compounds. The western blotting method was used to confirm the target proteins.

Results: Analysis through GC-MS revealed the presence of specific organic bioactive compounds, including 4-chlorobuten-3-yne, Methane-D, trichloro, and 1-propanol, 2-(1-methylethoxy), each with distinct retention times. In the group induced with a high-cholesterol diet (HCD), the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST) were elevated, and K. alvarezii treatment successfully reversed this effect. Additionally, the HCD group exhibited upregulation in the protein expression of MMP-9, MMP-13, MPO, IL-6, TNFα, and NFκB due to inflammation, whereas K. alvarezii therapy reversed the inflammatory process in the treated group. These findings indicate the potential of K. alvarezii to counteract inflammatory responses induced by a high-cholesterol diet through modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities and downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers.

Conclusion: Kappaphycus alvarezii shows promise for developing natural sources for antiradicals, food supplements, nutraceuticals, and various functional foods with therapeutic applications.