Untargeted metabolomic of HepG2 cells under the effect of Fucus vesiculosus aqueous extract

RATIONALE Fucus vesiculosus has been described with potential to develop functional foods containing bioactive compounds against various diseases. However more studies are needed to better understand its functioning and its previous reported bioactivities, mainly at the molecular level. METHODS An untargeted metabolomic study was performed to analyse HepG2 cells exposed to F. vesiculosus aqueous extract, rich in phlorotannins and peptides, during 24h. This study was carried out by using liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). RESULTS This metabolomic study showed significantly changes in HepG2 metabolites in the presence of the extract standing out the increased intensity of different fatty acid amides (Oleamide, (Z)-eicos-11-enamide, Linoleamide, Palmitamide, Dodecanamide and Stearamide). This group of metabolites is reported in the bibliography with anticancer and hypocholesterolemic activity, bioactivities also described for F. vesiculosus. The extract induced, likewise, the expression of glutathione indicating its antioxidant effect. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the potential of the compounds present in the F. vesiculosus aqueous extract for the development of natural drugs, nutraceuticals, or dietary supplements, justified at molecular level by changes in cell metabolites related to anticancer and hypocholesterolemic activity. The results here described, using an untarget metabolomic approach, may contribute to a better understanding of the algae behaviour, when used as food, in the health promoting effect.