Using Sargassum Sp. Extracts to Alleviate Multiple Sclerosis-Like Symptoms

Overview

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a neurodegenerative disease, affects approximately 2.8 million people worldwide. With no cure for MS and treatment being costly and often ineffective, individuals with this condition face limited options. This study investigates the potential of Sargassum, native to the Atlantic Ocean, to act as a treatment for MS by activating the nrf2 pathway using zebrafish embryos as a model organism. To obtain the extract, ethanol extraction was conducted using dried samples of Sargassum, which were soaked in a 70% ethanol solution. Precise extracts were processed using a separatory funnel and rotary evaporation. The experimental design involved an induction of MS-like symptoms at approximately 3dpf, followed by 24-hour before introducing each respective extract. A Collagen and Myelin quantification assay was performed to measure collagen and myelin levels after each treatment. The results indicated that the hexanes group showed the highest levels of collagen and myelin (p < 0.05). A behavioral assay was conducted to analyze how the treatments may have influenced responses to stimuli. The results revealed that the hexanes group was the least impacted by the induction of MS-like symptoms (p< 0.05). An ELISA to measure the protein Heme-oxygenase 1 was performed, a product of the nrf2 pathway, to analyze pathway activity. Results indicated that the nrf2 pathway was most active in the hexanes group (p < 0.05). All parts of the study indicate that the hexanes group had the most significant effect, activating the nrf2 pathway and effectively combating MS-like symptoms.