Abstract:
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.
