Marine-derived polysaccharides target the canonical nf-κb pathway to attenuate inflammation

Abstract

Conventional anti-inflammatory therapies provide symptomatic relief but are often constrained by adverse effects and reduced long-term efficacy. As a result, there is a growing interest towards the development of natural compounds as safer alternatives. Marine-derived polysaccharides are known for the biocompatibility, low toxicity and immunomodulatory properties. Our earlier study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the polysaccharide fractions extracted from the marine bivalves. The fractions were isolated from Saccostrea cucullata (SCP), Perna viridis (PVP), Perna indica (PIP) and Geloina erosa (GEP). All of them exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity in formalin induced paw oedema model in mice. In the present study, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these polysaccharides were investigated using RTqPCR analysis. The reference drug used was indomethacin at the dose of 10 mg/kg. Formalin induction led to pronounced upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Among the four polysaccharides, GEP markedly downregulated NF-κB along with its downstream mediators TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2. PVP, PIP, and SCP also demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory effects, although their activities were comparatively less pronounced. Taken together, these findings suggest that the polysaccharide derived from marine bivalves have potent anti-inflammatory efficacy mediated through modulation of multiple molecular targets within the canonical NF-κB signalling pathway.