Protective effects of fucoxanthin against ferric nitrilotriacetate-induced oxidative stress in murine hepatic BNL CL.2 cells

Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid that is rich in some seaweed. Although fucoxanthin has been reported to possess radical-scavenging activities in vitro, little is known whether it may protect against iron-induced oxidative stress in cultured cells. In this study, we examined the protection of fucoxanthin against oxidative damage in BNL CL.2 cells induced by ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA). The data show that incubation of BNL CL.2 cells with Fe-NTA for 30 min significantly decreased cell proliferation, whereas pretreatment with fucoxanthin (1-20 μΜ) for 24 h significantly recovered cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, fucoxanthin pretreatment significantly decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage in BNL CL.2 cells incubated with Fe-NTA for 30 min. Moreover, fucoxanthin markedly decreased the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl contents in BNL CL.2 cells induced by Fe-NTA. By contrast, fucoxanthin significantly increased the levels of GSH in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that fucoxanthin at 1-20 μΜ effectively prevents cytotoxicity in BNL CL.2 cells treated with Fe-NTA, and that the protective effect is likely associated with decreased intracellular ROS, TBARS, protein carbonyl contents and increased GSH levels.

► Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid found in Undaria pinatifida and has been reported to possess antioxidant activity. ► Ferric nitrilotriacetate has been demonstrated to accumulate more redox-active iron in hepatocytes. ► Fucoxanthin effectively prevents cytotoxicity in BNL CL.2 cells treated with Fe-NTA. ► The protective effect of fucoxanthin is associated with decreased ROS, TBARS, protein carbonyl contents and increased GSH levels.