Antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of the extract from the seaweed, Halimeda incrassata (Ellis) Lamouroux, against in vitro and in vivo toxicity induced by methyl-mercury.

A growing body of evidence suggests oxidative stress as part of the toxicity mechanism of methyl-mercury (MeHg) in cell cultures and animal models and so justifies the use of natural antioxidants as therapeutic alternatives. This research examines the effect of an aqueous extract from the marine seaweed Halimeda incrassata (Hi) against the oxidative stress induced by MeHg on in vitro and in vivo models. In GT1-7 mouse hypothalamic cell cultures, the extract of Hi increased cell viability and reduced ROS production after 24-h exposure to MeHgCl. Wistar rats, acutely intoxicated with MeHgCl, had reduced levels of serum and brain thiobarbituric reactive substances when treated with the Hi extract. Similarly, animals exposed to repeated doses of MeHgCl were protected by the seaweed extract from variations in body weight, food consumption and the appearance of neurological effects. This research supports the notion that oxidative stress is directly involved in MeHg intoxication, so that natural antioxidants, particularly those in the extract of Hi, can be useful therapeutic alternatives.