Work

Fucoidan from Pearsonothuria graeffei alleviates dyslipidemia in ApoE−/− mice by regulating reverse cholesterol transport and promoting bile acid synthesis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background The fucoidan extracted from sea cucumber Pearsonothuria graeffei (Fuc- Pg ) has beneficial anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, suggesting its potential anti-atherosclerotic properties. Methods ApoE −/− mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Fuc- Pg (20 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage once daily. Results The results indicated that Fuc- Pg intervention reduced aortic plaques, suppressed systemic inflammation, and alleviated dyslipidemia in ApoE −/− mice. Mechanistically, Fuc- Pg reduced lipid absorption by decreasing CD36 and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) expression levels in the small intestine, enhanced reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) by increasing hepatic LDLR and ABCG5, and facilitated bile acid synthesis by increasing CYP7A1 and CYP27A1 expression. Increased fecal lipid and hepatic bile acid levels further confirmed that Fuc- Pg exerted preventive effects in ApoE −/− mice by reducing lipid absorption. Conclusion Fuc- Pg alleviated atherosclerosis by modulating cholesterol metabolism and reducing lipid absorption. This study elucidates the nutritional application of fucoidan as a functional food ingredient and explores its potential mechanism.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1974149