Inhibitory Effect of Sulfated Polysaccharide from Codium edule P.C. Silva Against 2,4-Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)- Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis on Female BALB/c Mice

Sulfated polysaccharide (SP) from Codium species has been reported for its anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of SP from C. edule on allergic responses has not been studied. The study was conducted to determine the effect of SP (F1) from C. edule on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in female BALB/c mice.

F1 was isolated using DEAE Sepharose Gel Chromatography and chemically identified by LC-MS analyses. The effects of F1 on changes in ear thickness, allergic responses, and histology were evaluated. The effects of F1 on the production of inflammatory cytokines IFN- γ and TNF-α in serum were also quantified and compared with standard prednisolone therapy.

F1 was identified as a heteropolysaccharide with β-D-galactans and β-L-arabinans units. F1 was non-toxic at 2000 mg/kg. Administration of F1 in DNFB-challenged mice significantly suppressed the increase in ear thickness, erythema, desquamation, and proliferation of inflammatory cells. F1 significantly decreased the production of inflammatory markers, IFN- γ and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner when compared to the untreated group (p<0.05).

Results suggest that F1 from C. edule is a bioactive sulfated heteropolysaccharide with anti-inflammatory activity and might be a valuable candidate molecule for the treatment of allergic diseases such as ACD.