Algae Glaucescens Sargassum enhances the expression of the FGF-7 gene, promoting wound healing

Abstract

Introduction: Wound healing in the skin is a complex process with several cellular and molecular mechanisms. Chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers are extremely difficult with their high frequency of recurrence and infectibility. Current studies have evidenced the potential of seaweed extracts in healing due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regeneration properties. Sargassum Glaucescens , a brown alga, has been found to have the capability to accelerate cell regeneration. This study is intended to determine the specific impacts of Sargassum glaucescens extracts on FGF-7 gene expression, an important gene in wound healing.

Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity of  Sargassum glaucescens extract was determined by the DPPH inhibition assay. Human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cell lines were grown and exposed to various concentrations of the extract. The FGF-7 expression in treated cells was determined by using real-time PCR. HDF fibroblast cell line was developed and the toxicity of the extract was determined by the MTT assay

Results: Sargassum glaucescens extract was found to have high antioxidant activity with low IC50 value of 12 μg/ml. The toxicity of the extract was determined by the MTT assay, which indicated no toxicity. Upregulation of FGF-7 gene expression was achieved by treatment with the extract at 125 μg/ml, which was established by RNA extraction and real-time PCR.

Conclusion: Such findings indicate that the isolated algae of Sargassum glaucescens may be optimized as a drug to enhance wound healing activities