Searching for antigenotoxic properties of marine macroalgae dietary supplementation against endogenous and exogenous challenges

Abstract

The functional characterization of marine macroalgae toward their potential to strength genome protection is still scarce. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the antigenotoxic potential of Ulva rigida, Fucus vesiculosus, and Gracilaria species in Drosophila melanogaster following dietary exposure and adopting the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). All macroalgae displayed a genoprotection activity, namely against an exogenous challenge (streptonigrin). The action against subtler endogenous pressures was also noted indicating that supplementation level is a critical factor. Gracilaria species provided ambivalent indications, since 10% of G. vermiculophylla inhibited the egg laying and/or larvae development, while 10% of G. gracilis promoted spontaneous genotoxicity. The effects of U. rigida were modulated (in intensity) by the growing conditions, demonstrating higher genoprotection against streptonigrin-induced damage when grown in an aquaculture-controlled system, while the effectiveness against spontaneous genotoxicity was more apparent in specimens grown under wild conditions. In contrast, F. vesiculosus did not produce significant differences in its potential under varying growing conditions. Overall, these findings shed some light on the macroalgae ability toward genome protection, contributing to the development of algaculture industry, and reinforcing the concept of functional food and its benefits.

The Red Seaweed Grateloupia turuturu Prevents Epidermal Dysplasia in HPV16-Transgenic Mice

“…Hence, comet assay data evidenced the genoprotective potential of G. turuturu in transgenic animals, translated in the ability to reduce GDI levels to one-third compared to the non-supplemented group. In line with these results, other studies with marine macroalgae supplementation (including red seaweeds) in Drosophila melanogaster and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) reported genoprotective effects against endogenous and exogenous challenges [46,47].…”

Dietary Supplementation with the Red Seaweed Porphyra umbilicalis Protects against DNA Damage and Pre-Malignant Dysplastic Skin Lesions in HPV-Transgenic Mice

“…The seaweed may even have DNA protective effects in specific contexts, and the results observed in wild-type and HPV16-transgenic animals deserve further study. Currently, there is only very limited knowledge concerning the DNA protective or damaging effects of seaweeds, and some recent studies in Drosophila melanogaster suggested that some seaweed species may provide protection against different genotoxic insults [43].…”

The w/w + Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) of Drosophila melanogaster for Detecting Antigenotoxic Activity

“…In fact, there are numerous published studies using D. melanogaster in antigenotoxicity analyses, and most of them are using SMARTs, especially with the wing-spot test ( Table 1). Focusing on the w/w + SMART performed for antigenotoxicity testing, there are a few studies evaluating the antigenotoxic potential of lemongrass extracts [32]; fennel plant fruit extracts [33]; red, green and brown seaweeds [3,34]; and thalassotherapy products (containing seaweeds) [35].…”

“…Ferreira and Marques [3] and Marques and Ferreira [34] studied the exposure of D. melanogaster [Oregon-K (OK) strain] to a chronic treatment (from egg to adult eclosion) with media (Formula 4-24 ® Instant Drosophila Medium) supplemented with red, green or brown seaweeds and SN (at 20 μM). Reductions in the number of mutant ommatidia were shown in individuals cotreated with seaweed and SN in relation to the positive control.…”