Fucoxanthin suppresses OxLDL-induced inflammation via activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling

Objective: To explore the impact of fucoxanthin on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL)-induced stress and inflammation in human endothelial cells and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: HUVECs were treated with OxLDL and/or fucoxanthin for a range of time points and concentrations. We evaluated the effects of fucoxanthin on OxLDL-induced HUVECs using the MTT assay, reactive oxygen species accumulation assay, ELISA, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Results: Fucoxanthin enhanced the cell viability in a dose dependent manner after OxLDL exposure. Furthermore, fucoxanthin pretreatment significantly decreased OxLDL-induced reactive oxygen species production and prevented the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, which led to substantial suppression of pro-inflammatory gene expressions. OxLDL-induced upregulation of interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, cyclooxygenase-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α was significantly reduced by fucoxanthin. Conclusions: Fucoxanthin can inhibit OxLDL-induced vascular inflammation and oxidative stress in HUVECs by targeting Nrf2 signaling pathways.