Sonication-assisted water extract of Dendronephthya gigantea exhibits anti-fine dust effects; attenuation of MAPK phosphorylation in macrophages

Air pollution due to fine dust (FD) has become a global concern. Industrial effluents and traffic emissions combined with naturogenic sources influence this issue, which particularly impacts the East Asia region. Health concerns caused by this form of pollution include respiratory disorders. The development of anti-inflammatory agents requires an understanding of the underlying mechanism. This study investigated the impact of FD on RAW 264.7 macrophages and sonication-assisted water extract of soft coral Dendronephthya gigantea (DGE) as a potent anti-fine dust agent. Cytoprotective effects using MTT and NO production inhibition using the Guess assay were assessed. ELISA, western blotting, and RT-qPCR techniques were used to evaluate multiple molecular mediators involved in the inflammatory pathway. It was observed that iNOS, COX-2, and POE2, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (INF-alpha, IL- beta, and IL-6), were downregulated in a dose-dependent manner by DGE treatment. DGE inhibited the inflammatory responses initiated through FD by suppressing MAPK signaling in RAW 264.7 macrophages. This study provides insight into the protective mechanisms against FD, and suggests that D. gigantea could be a valuable, low-cost source of protein for potential use in the cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.