Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC 6) inhibition by mangrove-derived fat and fatty acids

Mangroves are rich in various phytochemicals, including fatty acids. This study investigated the effects of fat extracted from <i>Avicennia marina</i> leaves and a selected group of fatty acids from mangrove ecosystems, including those derived from both mangrove flora and fauna, on the inhibition of Histone Deacetylase 6 (HDAC 6). HDAC 6 is a key epigenetic enzyme. Irregularities in its expression and activity are linked to a number of human diseases. Fat extracted demonstrated significant HDAC 6 inhibitory effects. The fatty acids tested showed inhibitory effects on HDAC 6 activity in the order of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) > heptadecanoic acid > <i>α</i>-linoleic acid > oleic acid > oleamide (an amide derived from oleic acid) > myristic acid. I<i>n silico</i> analysis revealed that these fatty acids make hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with key residues in the catalytic domain of HDAC 6. This research supports the potential use of mangrove-derived fat as HDAC 6 inhibitors.