Screening for osteogenic activity in extracts from Irish marine organisms: The potential of Ceramium pallidum

PLoS One. 2018 Nov 28;13(11):e0207303. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207303. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Extracts and compounds derived from marine organisms have reportedly shown some osteogenic potential. As such, these bioactives may aid in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis; helping to address inefficacies with current treatment options. In this study, 72 fractions were tested for their in vitro osteogenic activity using a human foetal osteoblast (hFOB) cell line and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), focusing on their cytotoxic, proliferative and differentiation effects. Extracts dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and ethanol showed no significant osteogenic potential. However, two extracts derived from powder residues (left over from original organic extractions) caused a significant promotion of MSC differentiation. Bioactivity from powder residues derived from the epiphytic red algae Ceramium pallidum is described in detail to highlight its treatment potential. In vitro, C. pallidum was shown to promote MSC differentiation and extracellular matrix mineralisation. In vivo, this extract caused a significant increase in opercular bone growth of zebrafish larvae and a significant increase in bone density of regenerated adult caudal fins. Our findings therefore show the importance of continued screening efforts, particularly of novel extract sources, and the presence of bioactive compounds in C. pallidum extract.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aquatic Organisms / chemistry*
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Fetus / cytology
  • Fetus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Osteoblasts / cytology
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism*
  • Osteogenesis / drug effects*
  • Plant Extracts* / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts* / pharmacology
  • Rhodophyta / chemistry*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts

Grants and funding

Financial support for the Beaufort Marine Biodiscovery Project was received under the Irish Sea Change Strategy and the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation (2006–2013), with the support of the Marine Institute, funded under the Marine Research Sub-Programme of the Irish National Development Plan 2007– 2013. Santander (Bank, UK) contributed scholarship funding to support lab exchange work. This work was also supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) grant EP/M027473/1 ‘Building the Queen’s University Belfast AMR Network.’ The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.