LAUSR

Endothelial cell dysfunction (ECD) is a broad term, which implies dysregulation of endothelial cell functions. Several factors contribute to ECD including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, hyperglycemia, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The highly reactive dicarbonyl methylglyoxal (MGO) is mainly formed as byproduct of glycolysis. Therefore, high blood glucose levels result in increased MGO accumulation. Taurine-rich foods are considered to protect against various diseases including vasculopathy and to exert anti-aging effects. Here, we investigated the protective effect of hot water extract of Octopus ocellatus meat (OOM), which contains high amounts of taurine, on MGO-induced cell damage in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and zebrafish embryos. Hot water extract of OOMinhibited MGO-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage, as well as AGEs accumulation. In addition, hot water extract of OOM protected against vascular damage in zebrafish embryos. These results suggest that hot water extract of OOM possesses protective activity against MGO-induced cytotoxicity in both umbilical vein endothelial cells and zebrafish embryos. Therefore, it could be used as a dietary source of an agent for the prevention of vascular diseases.