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Review
. 2021 May 11;19(5):267.
doi: 10.3390/md19050267.

Sea Urchin Pigments: Echinochrome A and Its Potential Implication in the Cytokine Storm Syndrome

Tamara Rubilar  1   2 , Elena S Barbieri  2   3 , Ayelén Gazquez  4 , Marisa Avaro  1
Affiliations
Review

Sea Urchin Pigments: Echinochrome A and Its Potential Implication in the Cytokine Storm Syndrome

Tamara Rubilar et al. Mar Drugs. .

Abstract

Background: Echinochrome A (EchA) is a pigment from sea urchins. EchA is a polyhydroxylated 1,4-naphthoquinone that contains several hydroxyl groups appropriate for free-radical scavenging and preventing redox imbalance. EchA is the most studied molecule of this family and is an active principle approved to be used in humans, usually for cardiopathies and glaucoma. EchA is used as a pharmaceutical drug. Methods: A comprehensive literature and patent search review was undertaken using PubMed, as well as Google Scholar and Espacenet search engines to review these areas. Conclusions: In the bloodstream, EchA can mediate cellular responses, act as a radical scavenger, and activate the glutathione pathway. It decreases ROS imbalance, prevents and limits lipid peroxidation, and enhances mitochondrial functions. Most importantly, EchA contributes to the modulation of the immune system. EchA can regulate the generation of regulatory T cells, inhibit pro-inflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 cytokine production, while slightly reducing IL-8, TNF-α, INF-α, and NKT, thus correcting immune imbalance. These characteristics suggest that EchA is a candidate drug to alleviate the cytokine storm syndrome (CSS).

Keywords: cytokine storm syndrome; natural products; pigments; sea urchin; spinochromes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structures of 1,4-polyhydroxylated naphthoquinone derivatives from sea urchins. Created with JSME-Jmol (accessed on 9 September 2020).
Figure 2
Figure 2
EchA mediates cellular responses, acts as a radical scavenger preventing lipid peroxidation, improves mitochondrial activity, and activates the glutathione pathway, diminishing the overall ROS imbalance. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 9 September 2020).
Figure 3
Figure 3
EchA may increase human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DR) in B lymphocytes, increasing antigen processing and presentation. Created with BioRender.com.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Proposed inhibition of NF-κB pathway by EchA through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr). Created with BioRender.com.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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