Water Extract of Ecklonia cava Protects against Fine Dust (PM_2.5)-Induced Health Damage by Regulating Gut Health

Abstract

To confirm the therapeutic effect of the water extract from Ecklonia cava (WEE) against PM 2.5 induced systemic health damage, we evaluated gut health with a focus on the microbiota and metabolites. Systemic damage in mice was induced through PM 2.5 exposure for 12 weeks in a whole-body chamber. After exposure for 12 weeks, body weight and food intake decreased, and WEE at 200 mg/kg body weight (mpk) alleviated these metabolic efficiency changes. In addition, PM 2.5 induced changes in the length of the colon and fecal water content. The administration of the WEE at 200 mpk oral dose effectively reduced changes in the colon caused by PM 2.5 exposure. We also attempted to confirm whether the effect of the WEE is mediated via regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in mice with PM 2.5 induced systemic damage. We examined changes in the fecal microbiota and gut metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and kynurenine metabolites. In the PM 2.5 exposed group, a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus (Family: Lactobacillaceae) and an increase in the abundance of Alistipes (Family: Rikenellaceae) were observed, and the administration of the WEE showed a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota. In addition, the WEE effectively increased the levels of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). Furthermore, kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is a critical neuroprotective metabolite in the gut-brain axis, was increased by the administration of the WEE. Our findings suggest that the WEE could be used as a potential therapeutic against PM 2.5 induced health damage by regulating gut function.

Codium fragile Suppresses PM2.5-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction by Regulating Gut–Brain Axis via TLR-4/MyD88 Pathway

“…The gut and brain are connected through two-way communication called the gut–brain axis [ 12 , 91 ]. Gut microbiome balance and the gut health of hosts have been found to affect the brain through the gut–brain axis [ 92 ].…”

“…Furthermore, these changes in the gut microbiome cause neuronal inflammation and apoptosis through dysfunction of the gut–brain axis, causing cognitive impairment such as that found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [ 10 , 11 ]. Absorption of PM 2.5 changes the abundance of the gut microbiome and the content of kynurenine metabolites that act as neuronal protection in the gut–brain axis [ 12 ]. Ultimately, damage to the gut–brain axis caused by PM 2.5 can further worsen cognitive dysfunction.…”

Composition of Flatbreads Prepared from Blue, Red, Yellow, and White Corn Flours Supplemented with Edible Ecklonia cava Algae: Relationship to Health Benefits

“…Li et al [39] found that administering the E. cava component dieckol to the inner ear of rats prevented ototoxic hearing loss, suggesting that the procedure may be a safe and effective method to prevent drug-induced hearing loss. Park et al [40] reported that a water extract of E. cava acts as a potential therapeutic agent against fine dust induced health damage in mice by regulating gut function of the microbiota and Kim et al [41] provides evidence for the use of phlorotannin against constipation in rats.…”