抄録
Fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid found in edible brown seaweeds, contains the carotenoid end of the polyene chromophore containing an allenic bond and two hydroxyl groups. This unique structure endows anti-obesity effects based on specific molecular mechanisms that have not been established for other carotenoids. Studies have revealed that fucoxanthin induces expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in mitochondria of abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) leading to oxidation of fatty acids and heat production in this site, although UCP1 is usually only found in brown adipose tissue. Since obesity is a pathology with rapidly growing prevalence in most of the world and UCP1 is a key target for ideal therapy, much attention has been paid to the anti-obesity effects of fucoxanthin. Furthermore, this marine carotenoid can improve insulin resistance and decrease blood glucose level through regulation of adipocytokine secretion from abdominal WAT. Another important molecular mechanism for its improvement of glucose utilization is thought to be glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) up-regulation and promotion of its translocation to cell membranes from the cytosol. In the application of fucoxanthin in functional foods and neutraceutical materials, brown seaweed lipids will be a very important source. Although the lipid content of brown seaweeds is less than those of other nutrients, it is rich in biologically active compounds such as fucoxanthin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). For commercial use, a search for lipid-rich seaweed materials is a high priority. Studies on seasonal, regional and species variation in lipid components have shown that several examples collected in the growing stage feature high levels of lipids, fucoxanthin and omega-3 PUFAs.
