Marine Animal Molecules for the Inhibition of Cytotoxicity and Inflammation in an In Vitro Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by β-amyloid (Aβ) and Tau protein accumulation, leading to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal death. Currently, no effective treatment is available. This study evaluated secretions from marine invertebrates Echinometra lucunter (EL), Zoanthus sociatus (ZS), Exaiptasia diaphana (ED), Palythoa caribaeorum (PC), Tubastraea tagusensis (TT) and Eudendrium carneum (EC) for potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in cellular models of AD. Methods: Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT and fluorescence assays. IL-6 release was measured using a cytometric bead array, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by DCFH-DA labeling followed by flow cytometry. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS. Results: ED, EC, EL, PC, and ZS secretions reversed Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, while EC and ZS were protective in cocultures. ED, EL, PC, and TT reduced IL-6 release, and ZS lowered ROS production. TT and ZS enhanced antioxidant activity in treated groups, while ED, PC, and ZS showed antioxidant potential by the DPPH assay. Conclusions: The findings suggest anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of the evaluated marine invertebrates’ secretions, with ZS likely exerting its effects through antioxidant mechanisms. These results contribute to the search for novel therapeutic strategies for AD.