Effect of Fucoidan on Chemotherapy Efficacy via MAPK Pathway Modulation in Cervical Cancer

Abstract

Fucoidan derived from Fucus vesiculosus has been traditionally recognized for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties; however, its potential to enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy in cervical cancer remains unclear. The present study investigated the anticancer effects of fucoidan and its combinatory activity with paclitaxel and carboplatin in TC-1 mouse cervical cancer cells and a syngeneic mouse model. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, and modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway was examined by Western blot analysis. Fucoidan significantly inhibited TC-1 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC₅₀ value of 15.81 μg/mL. Treatment with fucoidan reduced the phosphorylation levels of ERK and p38 MAPK, indicating suppression of MAPK pathway activation. In vivo, fucoidan administration markedly suppressed tumor growth compared with the control group. Furthermore, combined treatment with fucoidan and chemotherapeutic agents enhanced antitumor efficacy and attenuated MAPK activation relative to chemotherapy alone. These findings suggest that fucoidan exerts potent anticancer effects and may improve the therapeutic outcome of standard chemotherapy by modulating MAPK-mediated resistance mechanisms. Fucoidan may therefore serve as a promising low-toxicity adjunctive agent for the treatment of cervical cancer.