Water Extract of Ecklonia cava Protects against Fine Dust (PM(2.5))-Induced Health Damage by Regulating Gut Health

To confirm the therapeutic effect of the water extract from Ecklonia cava (WEE) against PM(2.5) induced systemic health damage, we evaluated gut health with a focus on the microbiota and metabolites. Systemic damage in mice was induced through PM(2.5) exposure for 12 weeks in a whole-body chamber. After exposure for 12 weeks, body weight and food intake decreased, and WEE at 200 mg/kg body weight (mpk) alleviated these metabolic efficiency changes. In addition, PM(2.5) induced changes in the length of the colon and fecal water content. The administration of the WEE at 200 mpk oral dose effectively reduced changes in the colon caused by PM(2.5) exposure. We also attempted to confirm whether the effect of the WEE is mediated via regulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in mice with PM(2.5) induced systemic damage. We examined changes in the fecal microbiota and gut metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and kynurenine metabolites. In the PM(2.5) exposed group, a decrease in the abundance of Lactobacillus (Family: Lactobacillaceae) and an increase in the abundance of Alistipes (Family: Rikenellaceae) were observed, and the administration of the WEE showed a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota. In addition, the WEE effectively increased the levels of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). Furthermore, kynurenic acid (KYNA), which is a critical neuroprotective metabolite in the gut-brain axis, was increased by the administration of the WEE. Our findings suggest that the WEE could be used as a potential therapeutic against PM(2.5) induced health damage by regulating gut function.