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The escalation of fine particulate matter (PM) air pollution has recently become a global concern. Evidence is fast accumulating on PM exposure-related skin damage. The present study explored the therapeutic potentials of fucoidan purified from Sargassum natans against damaging effects of PM exposure on human HaCaT keratinocytes. Fucoidan (SNF7) was purified from S. natans by an enzyme-assisted extraction and purified by anion exchange chromatography. SNF7 (≈50 kDa) was identified as a fucoidan containing 70.97% fucose and 36.41 ± 0.59% of sulfate. Treatment of fine dust from Beijing, China (CFD) increased intracellular ROS levels in HaCaT cells triggering DNA damage and apoptosis. Treatment of SNF7 dose-dependently attenuated CFD-induced surge of intracellular ROS levels in keratinocytes by increasing antioxidant defense enzymes. Moreover, SNF7 chelated metal ions Pb2+, Ba2+, Sr2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, and Ca2+ coming from CFD. The results substantiated the potential therapeutic effects of SNF7 against CFD-induced oxidative stress. Further studies could promote SNF7's use as an active ingredient in cosmetics. Unlabelled Image • Fucoidans are renowned for reducing cellular oxidative stress. • The untapped alga Sargassum natans is highly abundant along the west coast of Sri Lanka. • A low molecular weight fucoidan (SNF7) was purified and characterized from S. natans. • SNF7 reduced fine dust-induced ROS generation and protected keratinocytes against apoptosis. • Effects might contribute to the enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate matter (PM) air pollution has gradually become a widespread problem in East Asia. PM may cause unfamiliar inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and pulmonary tissue damage, and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms is required in order to develop effective anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, fine dust collected from Beijing, China (CPM) (size < PM13 with majority < PM2.5) was evaluated for its oxidative stress- and inflammation-inducing effects, which cause cell damage, in A459 human lung epithelial cells. Oxidative stress was marked by an increase in intracellular ROS levels and the production of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Upon induction of oxidative stress, a marked increase was observed in the expression of key inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and PGE 2 and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 via NF-kB and MAPK pathways. Cellular damage was marked by a reduction in viability, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, formation of apoptotic and necrotic bodies, accumulation of sub-G1 phase cells, and DNA damage. Apoptosis was found to be mediated via the activation of caspases through the mitochondria-mediated pathway. Fucosterol, purified from the brown alga Sargassum binderi (Sonder ex J. Agardh) by bio-assay-guided fractionation and purification, exhibited potential therapeutic effects against CPM-induced detrimental effects. Further studies could focus on developing fucosterol, in forms such as steroidal inhalers, against PM-induced pulmonary tissue inflammation. fx1 • Fine dust air pollution is a major reason of pulmonary complications in East Asia. • Dust particles induce oxidative stress and inflammation damaging the lung epithelial cells. • Fucosterol suppressed the dust induced cell damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. • Fucosterol may have beneficial effects in alleviating adverse respiratory effects of air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]