'Sea Lettuce', the Algae Studied by UA That Could Prevent Eye Diseases

Researchers from the Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology at the University of Alicante (UA) have made a promising discovery in the field of marine biotechnology. They have identified that an extract from the algae Ulva australis, popularly known as 'southern sea lettuce', possesses antioxidant and cellular proliferative properties that could be used in the development of drugs to prevent and treat neurodegenerative retinal diseases.

Professor Federico López Moya, one of the principal investigators of the study, highlighted the team's surprise at finding metabolites in Ulva algae with significant antioxidant activity. "In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of the extracts, especially on cells associated with diseases that involve oxidative stress in the retina", explains López Moya. This finding opens the door to new therapeutic solutions for neurodegenerative diseases.

Miguel Valverde Urrea, also a researcher in the department, detailed the process of selecting the algae species with antioxidant capacity. "We have conducted a screening in the sea to identify algae species with numerous properties and untapped resources", comments Valverde. Additionally, he emphasizes that 'sea lettuce' offers stable and easily obtainable extracts, making it a sustainable option from an environmental perspective.

The study has involved researchers from the Department of Optics, Pharmacology, and Anatomy at UA, who simulated retinal diseases in the laboratory. By inducing oxidative stress in cells and adding algae extracts, results showed that metabolites not only have proliferative capacity but also provide oxidative protection to cells.

"The results highlight the potential to develop strategies that mitigate diseases associated with photoreceptor loss, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other retinopathies," stated the authors.

The discovery, which has already been patented, aims to establish biotechnological bases for developing strategies to prevent and treat neurodegenerative retinal pathologies. Additionally, using Ulva australis algae extract allows working with an abundant and environmentally friendly natural resource, adding significant value to this scientific advancement.