Fucoxanthin Shields Vero Cells from H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage by Potentially Activating the Nrf2 Signalling Pathway

Background: Traditional herbal medicine has long made use of fucoxanthin, an important pigment present in edible brown seaweed. It is critical for immune system support and the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, both of which are necessary for preserving human health. The purpose of this work is to investigate the protective mechanisms of fucoxanthin in Vero cells against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), with a specific focus on the Nrf2 signalling pathway and mitochondrial integrity. Methods: The sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was used in the study to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of fucoxanthin on Vero cells. It investigated the effects of fucoxanthin on protein-related cytoprotective genes (including Nrf2), intracellular reduced glutathione, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, ROS levels, and cell survival under H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Variations in cell viability, oxidative stress, and ROS levels were also investigated. Results: When Vero cells were treated with 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA), fucoxanthin dramatically decreased the formation of intracellular ROS and increased cell survival. The pigment acted by blocking the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway and stimulating the Nrf2 signalling pathway to successfully alleviate H2O2-induced mitochondrial depolarisation and apoptosis. Fucoxanthin also seems to enhance H2O2 production in the culture medium, suggesting that it serves a dual purpose in enhancing cellular antioxidant responses and counteracting oxidative agents. In conclusion, this novel study shows that fucoxanthin provides Vero cells with a variety of protective and neutralising effects against oxidative stress. We verified that fucoxanthin's complex chemical composition shields human kidney cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage through processes including Nrf2 pathway activation and mitochondrial protection using a special in vitro oxidative stress model. This study creates new opportunities to investigate the therapeutic potential of fucoxanthin in oxidative stress-related illnesses.