Therapy with Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate Extracted from Holothuria grisea in Allergic Airway Inflammation Model

Abstract Current therapies for asthma are limited by significant adverse effects, and many patients with severe asthma are still unable to achieve adequate symptom control, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FucCS), a glycosaminoglycan isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria grisea , demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of FucCS in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation. C57BL/6 mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA and then treated intraperitoneally with FucCS (2 mg/kg), dexamethasone (DEXA, 2 mg/kg, positive control), or saline (SAL, vehicle control). Additional control mice received saline (CTRL/SAL) instead of OVA during both sensitization and challenge. Pulmonary function, the extent of peribronchial inflammation, total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue, as well as levels of key inflammatory mediators were assessed. Compared to the OVA/SAL group, treatment with FucCS significantly reduced basal airway resistance, peribronchial inflammation, and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration in lung parenchyma. Furthermore, FucCS therapy attenuated BALF total cellularity and interleukin (IL)-4 levels and reduced IL-5 levels in lung homogenates, with effects comparable to dexamethasone. Neither treatment altered BALF eosinophil percentage. These findings demonstrate a limited, but significant anti-inflammatory effects of FucCS in experimental allergic inflammation and support its further development as a therapeutic candidate.