Algal fucoidan: structural and size-dependent bioactivities and their perspectives

Progress of nanomaterials in the treatment of thrombus

Thrombus has long been the major contributor of death and disability because it can cause adverse effects to varying degrees on the body, resulting in vascular blockage, embolism, heart valve deformation, widespread bleeding, etc. However, clinically, conventional thrombolytic drug treatments have hemorrhagic complication risks and easy to miss the best time of treatment window. Thus, it is an urgent need to investigate newly alternative treatment strategies that can reduce adverse effects and improve treatment effectiveness. Drugs based on nanomaterials act as a new biomedical strategy and promising tools, and have already been investigated for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in thrombus therapy. Recent studies have some encouraging progress. In the present review, we primarily concern with the latest developments in the areas of nanomedicines targeting thrombosis therapy. We present the thrombus' formation, characteristics, and biomarkers for diagnosis, overview recent emerging nanomedicine strategies for thrombus therapy, and focus on the future design directions, challenges, and prospects in the nanomedicine application in thrombus therapy.

Conventional extraction of fucoidan from Irish brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus followed by ultrasound-assisted depolymerization

Fucoidan has attracted considerable attention from scientists and pharmaceutical companies due to its antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and health-enhancing properties. However, the extraction of fucoidan from seaweeds often involves the use of harsh chemicals, which necessitates the search for alternative solvents. Additionally, the high viscosity and low cell permeability of high molecular weight (Mw) fucoidan can limit its effectiveness in drug action, while lower Mw fractions exhibit increased biological activity and are also utilized as dietary supplements. The study aimed to (1) extract fucoidan from the seaweed Fucus vesiculosus (FV) using an environmentally friendly solvent and compare it with the most commonly used extraction solvent, hydrochloric acid, and (2) assess the impact of ultrasound-assisted depolymerization on reducing the molecular weight of the fucoidan extracts and examine the cytotoxic effect of different molecular weight fractions. The findings indicated that the green depolymerization solvent, in conjunction with a brief ultrasound treatment, effectively reduced the molecular weight. Moreover, a significant decrease in cell viability was observed in selected samples, indicating potential anticancer properties. As a result, ultrasound was determined to be an effective method for depolymerizing crude fucoidan from Fucus Vesiculosus seaweed.

Novel Fucoidan Pharmaceutical Formulations and Their Potential Application in Oncology-A Review

Fucoidan belongs to the family of marine sulfated, L-fucose-rich polysaccharides found in the cell wall matrix of various brown algae species. In the last few years, sulfated polysaccharides have attracted the attention of researchers due to their broad biological activities such as anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anticancer and antiproliferative effects. Recently the application of fucoidan in the field of pharmaceutical technology has been widely investigated. Due to its low toxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability, fucoidan plays an important role as a drug carrier for the formulation of various drug delivery systems, especially as a biopolymer with anticancer activity, used for targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics in oncology. Furthermore, the presence of sulfate residues with negative charge in its structure enables fucoidan to form ionic complexes with oppositely charged molecules, providing relatively easy structure-forming properties in combination with other polymers. The aim of the present study was to overview essential fucoidan characteristics, related to its application in the development of pharmaceutical formulations as a single drug carrier or in combinations with other polymers. Special focus was placed on micro- and nanosized drug delivery systems with polysaccharides and their application in the field of oncology.

Impact of Enzymatically Extracted High Molecular Weight Fucoidan on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endothelial Activation and Leukocyte Adhesion

The endothelial cell lining creates an interface between circulating blood and adjoining tissue and forms one of the most critical barriers and targets for therapeutical intervention. Recent studies suggest that fucoidans, sulfated and fucose-rich polysaccharides from brown seaweed, show multiple promising biological effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. However, their biological activity is determined by chemical characteristics such as molecular weight, sulfation degree, and molecular structure, which vary depending on the source, species, and harvesting and isolation method. In this study, we investigated the impact of high molecular weight (HMW) fucoidan extract on endothelial cell activation and interaction with primary monocytes (MNCs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Gentle enzyme-assisted extraction combined with fractionation by ion exchange chromatography resulted in well-defined and pure fucoidan fractions. FE_F3, with a molecular weight ranging from 110 to 800 kDa and a sulfate content of 39%, was chosen for further investigation of its anti-inflammatory potential. We observed that along with higher purity of fucoidan fractions, the inflammatory response in endothelial mono- and co-cultures with MNCs was reduced in a dose-dependent manner when testing two different concentrations. This was demonstrated by a decrease in IL-6 and ICAM-1 on gene and protein levels and a reduced gene expression of TLR-4, GSK3β and NF-kB. Expression of selectins and, consequently, the adhesion of monocytes to the endothelial monolayer was reduced after fucoidan treatment. These data indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of fucoidans increases with their purity and suggest that fucoidans might be useful in limiting the inflammatory response of endothelial cells in cases of LPS-induced bacterial infection.

Purification and Characterization of the Enzyme Fucoidanase from Cobetia amphilecti Utilizing Fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida

Fucoidanase is an unstable enzyme with high specificity that requires a large about of time to screen it from microorganisms. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysis was used to produce low-molecular-weight fucoidan from microorganisms via the degradation of high-molecular-weight fucoidan without damage to the sulfate esterification structure of oligosaccharide. The microbial strain HN-25 was isolated from sea mud and was made to undergo mutagenicity under ultraviolet light. Fucoidanase was extracted via ultrasonication and its enzymatic activity was improved via optimization of the ultrasonic conditions. The enzymatic properties and degradation efficiency of fucoidanase were characterized. The microbial strain HN-25 is a Gram-negative aerobic and rod-shaped-cell bacterium, and therefore was identified as Cobetia amphilecti via 16s rDNA. The results proved that fucoidanase is a hydrolytic enzyme with a molecular weight of 35 kDa and with high activity and stability at 30 °C and pH 8.0. The activity of fucoidanase was significantly enhanced by sodium and calcium ions and inhibited by a copper ion and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA). There was a significant decrease in the molecular weight of fucoidan after enzymatic hydrolysis. The low-molecular-weight fuicodan was divided into four fractions, mainly concentrated at F3 (20~10 kDa) and F4 (≤6 kDa). These consequences suggest that fucoidanase obtained from Cobetia amphilecti is stable and efficient and could be a good tool in the production of bioactive compounds.

Water-Soluble Saccharina latissima Polysaccharides and Relation of Their Structural Characteristics with In Vitro Immunostimulatory and Hypocholesterolemic Activities

Brown macroalgae are an important source of polysaccharides, mainly fucose-containing sulphated polysaccharides (FCSPs), associated with several biological activities. However, the structural diversity and structure-function relationships for their bioactivities are still undisclosed. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize the chemical structure of water-soluble Saccharina latissima polysaccharides and evaluate their immunostimulatory and hypocholesterolemic activities, helping to pinpoint a structure-activity relationship. Alginate, laminarans (F1, neutral glucose-rich polysaccharides), and two fractions (F2 and F3) of FCSPs (negatively charged) were studied. Whereas F2 is rich in uronic acids (45 mol%) and fucose (29 mol%), F3 is rich in fucose (59 mol%) and galactose (21 mol%). These two fractions of FCSPs showed immunostimulatory activity on B lymphocytes, which could be associated with the presence of sulphate groups. Only F2 exhibited a significant effect in reductions in in vitro cholesterol's bioaccessibility attributed to the sequestration of bile salts. Therefore, S. latissima FCSPs were shown to have potential as immunostimulatory and hypocholesterolemic functional ingredients, where their content in uronic acids and sulphation seem to be relevant for the bioactive and healthy properties.

Photosynthetic Pigment and Carbohydrate Profiling of Fucus vesiculosus from an Iberian Coastal Lagoon

Fucus vesiculosus is a brown seaweed with applications in the food, pharmaceutic, and cosmetic industries. Among its most valuable bioactive compounds are the pigment fucoxanthin and polysaccharides (e.g., fucoidans). In this study, we profiled the photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates of F. vesiculosus from six locations along the Ílhavo Channel in the Iberian coastal lagoon of Ria de Aveiro, Portugal. Photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm), pigment, and carbohydrate concentrations were similar between locations, despite differences in environmental factors, such as salinity and periods of exposure to desiccation. Concentration of total carbohydrates (neutral sugars + uronic acids) averaged 418 mg g^-1 dw. Fucose was the second most abundant neutral sugar, with an average concentration of 60.7 mg g^-1 dw, indicating a high content of fucoidans. Photosynthetic pigments included chlorophylls a and c, β,β-carotene, and the xanthophylls fucoxanthin, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Concentrations of fucoxanthin were higher than those reported for most brown macroalgae, averaging 0.58 mg g^-1 dw (65% of total carotenoids). This study indicates that F. vesiculosus from Ria de Aveiro is a valuable macroalgal resource for aquaculture companies operating in the region, with considerable potential to yield high-value bioactive compounds.

Metabolic reconstruction of the near complete microbiome of the model sponge Ianthella basta

Many marine sponges host highly diverse microbiomes that contribute to various aspects of host health. Although the putative function of individual groups of sponge symbionts has been increasingly described, the extreme diversity has generally precluded in-depth characterization of entire microbiomes, including identification of syntrophic partnerships. The Indo-Pacific sponge Ianthella basta is emerging as a model organism for symbiosis research, hosting only three dominant symbionts: a Thaumarchaeotum, a Gammaproteobacterium, and an Alphaproteobacterium and a range of other low abundance or transitory taxa. Here, we retrieved metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) representing >90% of I. basta's microbial community, facilitating the metabolic reconstruction of the sponge's near complete microbiome. Through this analysis, we identified metabolic complementarity between microbes, including vitamin sharing, described the importance of low abundance symbionts, and characterized a novel microbe-host attachment mechanism in the Alphaproteobacterium. We further identified putative viral sequences, highlighting the role viruses can play in maintaining symbioses in I. basta through the horizontal transfer of eukaryotic-like proteins, and complemented this data with metaproteomics to identify active metabolic pathways in bacteria, archaea, and viruses. This data provide the framework to adopt I. basta as a model organism for studying host-microbe interactions and provide a basis for in-depth physiological experiments.

Otoprotective Effects of Fucoidan Reduce Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity in Mouse Cochlear UB/OC-2 Cells

Cisplatin is a widely used standard chemotherapy for various cancers. However, cisplatin treatment is associated with severe ototoxicity. Fucoidan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide mainly derived from brown seaweeds, and it shows multiple bioactivities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. Despite evidence of the antioxidant effects of fucoidan, research on its otoprotective effects remains limited. Therefore, the present study investigated the otoprotective effects of fucoidan in vitro using the mouse cochlear cell line UB/OC-2 to develop new strategies to attenuate cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. We quantified the cell membrane potential and analyzed regulators and cascade proteins in the apoptotic pathway. Mouse cochlear UB/OC-2 cells were pre-treated with fucoidan before cisplatin exposure. The effects on cochlear hair cell viability, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis-related proteins were determined via flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, and fluorescence staining. Fucoidan treatment reduced cisplatin-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited mitochondrial dysfunction, and successfully protected hair cells from apoptosis. Furthermore, fucoidan exerted antioxidant effects against oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 pathway. Therefore, we suggest that fucoidan may represent a potential therapeutic agent for developing a new otoprotective strategy.

Fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus: Evaluation of the Impact of the Sulphate Content on Nanoparticle Production and Cell Toxicity

The composition of seaweeds is complex, with vitamins, phenolic compounds, minerals, and polysaccharides being some of the factions comprising their structure. The main polysaccharide in brown seaweeds is fucoidan, and several biological activities have been associated with its structure. Chitosan is another marine biopolymer that is very popular in the biomedical field, owing to its suitable features for formulating drug delivery systems and, particularly, particulate systems. In this work, the ability of fucoidan to produce nanoparticles was evaluated, testing different amounts of a polymer and using chitosan as a counterion. Nanoparticles of 200-300 nm were obtained when fucoidan prevailed in the formulation, which also resulted in negatively charged nanoparticles. Adjusting the pH of the reaction media to 4 did not affect the physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles. The IC50 of fucoidan was determined, in both HCT-116 and A549 cells, to be around 160 µg/mL, whereas it raised to 675-100 µg/mL when nanoparticles (fucoidan/chitosan = 2/1, w/w) were tested. These marine materials (fucoidan and chitosan) provided features suitable to formulate polymeric nanoparticles to use in biomedical applications.

Seaweed-Derived Sulfated Polysaccharides; The New Age Chemopreventives: A Comprehensive Review

Seaweed-derived bioactive compounds are regularly employed to treat human diseases. Sulfated polysaccharides are potent chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive medications since it has been discovered. They have exhibited anti-cancer properties by enhancing immunity and driving apoptosis. Through dynamic modulation of critical intracellular signalling pathways, such as control of ROS generation and preservation of essential cell survival and death processes, sulfated polysaccharides' antioxidant and immunomodulatory potentials contribute to their disease-preventive effectiveness. Sulfated polysaccharides provide low cytotoxicity and good efficacy therapeutic outcomes via dynamic modulation of apoptosis in cancer. Understanding how sulfated polysaccharides affect human cancer cells and their molecular involvement in cell death pathways will showcase a new way of chemoprevention. In this review, the significance of apoptosis and autophagy-modulating sulfated polysaccharides has been emphasized, as well as the future direction of enhanced nano-formulation for greater clinical efficacy. Moreover, this review focuses on the recent findings about the possible mechanisms of chemotherapeutic use of sulfated polysaccharides, their potential as anti-cancer drugs, and proposed mechanisms of action to drive apoptosis in diverse malignancies. Because of their unique physicochemical and biological properties, sulfated polysaccharides are ideal for their bioactive ingredients, which can improve function and application in disease. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the physicochemical properties and functionalities of sulfated polysaccharides and the use of sulfated polysaccharide-based delivery systems in functional cancer. Furthermore, the preclinical and clinical trials will reveal the drug's efficacy in cancer.

Mechanisms of Microbial Plant Protection and Control of Plant Viruses

Plant viral diseases are major constraints causing significant yield losses worldwide in agricultural and horticultural crops. The commonly used methods cannot eliminate viral load in infected plants. Many unconventional methods are presently being employed to prevent viral infection; however, every time, these methods are not found promising. As a result, it is critical to identify the most promising and sustainable management strategies for economically important plant viral diseases. The genetic makeup of 90 percent of viral diseases constitutes a single-stranded RNA; the most promising way for management of any RNA viruses is through use ribonucleases. The scope of involving beneficial microbial organisms in the integrated management of viral diseases is of the utmost importance and is highly imperative. This review highlights the importance of prokaryotic plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria/endophytic bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungal organisms, as well as their possible mechanisms for suppressing viral infection in plants via cross-protection, ISR, and the accumulation of defensive enzymes, phenolic compounds, lipopeptides, protease, and RNase activity against plant virus infection.

Inhibitory Effect of Biotransformed-Fucoidan on the Differentiation of Osteoclasts Induced by Receptor for Activation of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand

Bone homeostasis is regulated by constant remodeling through osteogenesis by osteoblasts and osteolysis by osteoclasts and osteoporosis can be provoked when this balance is broken. Present pharmaceutical treatments for osteoporosis have harmful side effects and thus, our goal was to develop therapeutics from intrisincally safe natural products. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide extracted from many species of brown seaweed, with valuable pharmaceutical activities. To intensify the effect of fucoidan on bone homeostasis, we hydrolyzed fucoidan using AMG, Pectinex and Viscozyme. Of these, fucoidan biotransformed by Pectinex (Fu/Pec) powerfully inhibited the induction of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in osteoclasts differentiated from bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) by the receptor for activation of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). To investigate potential of lower molecular weight fucoidan it was separated into >300 kDa, 50-300 kDa, and <50 kDa Fu/Pec fractions by ultrafiltration system. The effects of these fractions on TRAP and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were then examined in differentiated osteoclasts and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, respectively. Interestingly, 50-300 kDa Fu/Pec suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclasts differentiation from BMMs but did not synergistically enhance osteoblasts differentiation induced by osteogenic agents. In addition, this fraction inhibited the expressions of NFATc1, TRAP, OSCAR, and RANK, which are all key transcriptional factors involved in osteoclast differentiation, and those of Src, c-Fos and Mitf, as determined by RT-PCR. In conclusion, enzymatically low-molecularized 50-300 kDa Fu/Pec suppressed TRAP by downregulating RANKL-related signaling, contributing to the inhibition of osteoclasts differentiation, and represented a potential means of inducing bone remodeling in the background of osteoporosis.

Protective effects of fucoidan against kidney diseases: Pharmacological insights and future perspectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern that costs millions of lives worldwide. Natural products are consistently being explored for the development of novel therapeutics in the management of CKD. Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide predominantly extracted from brown seaweed, which has multiple pharmacological benefits against various kidney problems, including chronic renal failure and diabetic nephropathy. This review aimed at exploring literature to update the renoprotective effects of fucoidan, to get an understanding of pharmacological mechanisms, and to highlight the recent progress of fucoidan-based therapeutic development. Evidence shows that fucoidan is effective against inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in kidney. Fucoidan targets multiple signaling systems, including Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, ERK and p38 MAPK, TGF-β1, SIRT1, and GLP-1R signaling that are known to be associated with CKD pathobiology. Despite these pharmacological prospects, the application of fucoidan is limited by its larger molecular size. Notably, low molecular weight fucoidan has shown therapeutic promise in some recent studies. However, future research is warranted to translate the outcome of preclinical studies into clinical use in kidney patients.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Fucosylated Glycoproteins Produced by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Under Different Polysaccharide Nutrition Conditions

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, one of the most eminent representative gut commensal Bacteroides species, is able to use the L-fucose in host-derived and dietary polysaccharides to modify its capsular polysaccharides and glycoproteins through a mammalian-like salvage metabolic pathway. This process is essential for the colonization of the bacteria and for symbiosis with the host. However, despite the importance of fucosylated proteins (FGPs) in B. thetaiotaomicron, their types, distribution, and functions remain unclear. In this study, the effects of different polysaccharide (corn starch, mucin, and fucoidan) nutrition conditions on newly synthesized FGPs expressions and fucosylation are investigated using a chemical biological method based on metabolic labeling and bioorthogonal reaction. According to the results of label-free quantification, 559 FGPs (205 downregulated and 354 upregulated) are affected by the dietary conditions. Of these differentially expressed proteins, 65 proteins show extremely sensitive to polysaccharide nutrition conditions (FGPs fold change/global protein fold change ≥2.0 or ≤0.5). Specifically, the fucosylation of the chondroitin sulfate ABC enzyme, Sus proteins, and cationic efflux system proteins varies significantly upon the addition of mucin, corn starch, or fucoidan. Moreover, these polysaccharides can trigger an appreciable increase in the fucosylation level of the two-component system and ammonium transport proteins. These results highlight the efficiency of the combined metabolic glycan labeling and bio-orthogonal reaction in enriching the intestinal Bacteroides glycoproteins. Moreover, it emphasizes the sensitivity of Bacteroides fucosylation to polysaccharide nutrition conditions, which allows for the regulation of bacterial growth.

Applying Seaweed Compounds in Cosmetics, Cosmeceuticals and Nutricosmetics

The interest in seaweeds for cosmetic, cosmeceutics, and nutricosmetics is increasing based on the demand for natural ingredients. Seaweeds offer advantages in relation to their renewable character, wide distribution, and the richness and versatility of their valuable bioactive compounds, which can be used as ingredients, as additives, and as active agents in the formulation of skin care products. Bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, are responsible for the biological properties associated with seaweeds. Seaweed fractions can also offer technical features, such as thickening, gelling, emulsifying, texturizing, or moistening to develop cohesive matrices. Furthermore, the possibility of valorizing industrial waste streams and algal blooms makes them an attractive, low cost, raw and renewable material. This review presents an updated summary of the activities of different seaweed compounds and fractions based on scientific and patent literature.

Potential Antiviral Properties of Industrially Important Marine Algal Polysaccharides and Their Significance in Fighting a Future Viral Pandemic

Over the decades, the world has witnessed diverse virus associated pandemics. The significant inhibitory effects of marine sulfated polysaccharides against SARS-CoV-2 shows its therapeutic potential in future biomedical applications and drug development. Algal polysaccharides exhibited significant role in antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidative, antiviral, anticoagulant, antihepatotoxic and immunomodulating activities. Owing to their health benefits, the sulfated polysaccharides from marine algae are a great deal of interest globally. Algal polysaccharides such as agar, alginate, carrageenans, porphyran, fucoidan, laminaran and ulvans are investigated for their nutraceutical potential at different stages of infection processes, structural diversity, complexity and mechanism of action. In this review, we focus on the recent antiviral studies of the marine algae-based polysaccharides and their potential towards antiviral medicines.

Metabolic regulation mechanism of fucoidan via intestinal microecology in diseases

The intestinal microecology is an extremely complex ecosystem consisting of gut microbiota, intestinal mucosa and the intestinal immune system. The intestinal microecology performs several important functions and is considered to be an essential 'organ' because it plays an important role in regulating human metabolism. Fucoidan contains a large amount of fucose and galactose residues, as well as various other neutral and acidic monosaccharides. Fucoidan particularly effects tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity by repairing intestinal mucosal damage and improving the intestinal microecological environment. It has been proposed that fucoidan could be used as a prebiotic agent for pharmaceutical and functional foods. In this review, we elucidate the potential mechanisms of the metabolic regulation of fucoidan with respect to the intestinal microecology of diseases. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

A comparative study of the effects of different fucoidans on cefoperazone-induced gut microbiota disturbance and intestinal inflammation

Antibiotic abuse can lead to gut microbiota disturbance and intestinal inflammation, which in turn may lead to serious inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic syndromes. To investigate the effect of fucoidan on alleviation of the side effects of antibiotics and its structure-activity relationship, we compared the effects of two fucoidan fractions with medium and low molecular weights (MF and LF) from Laminaria japonica on microbiota dysbiosis, colonic inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage in a cefoperazone-induced intestinal injury mouse model. Our results showed that oral administration of 200 mg kg-1 LF (Mw = 1.13 kDa) and MF (Mw = 26.7 kDa) together with 100 mg kg-1 cefoperazone for 10 days could significantly alleviate weight loss, colon shortening and enlargement, mucosal structural damage in the small intestine, cecum and colon induced by cefoperazone in mice. Meanwhile, LF and MF also significantly suppressed the overproduction of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 in the colon; however, LF can restore the decrease in the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the small intestine and the decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 in the cecum induced by cefoperazone in mice. We found that the molecular weight of fucoidan plays an important role in the regulation of the gut microbiota in antibiotic-treated mice. Interestingly, fucoidans with different molecular weights resulted in quite different caecal microbiota communities. MF exhibited a much better effect on the restoration of the gut microbiota community richness and diversity and the beneficial bacterium Muribaculaceae. However, LF resulted in the dominance of bacteria including Staphylococcus in cefoperazone treated mice, without an increase in the community richness and diversity of caecal microbiota. In the LF and MF treated mice, an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria, Muribaculaceae, Acinetobacter_lwoffii and Alloprevotella, and a decrease in the abundance of harmful bacteria, e.g., Parasutterella, Helicobacter and Enterococcus were also observed. Considering the negative effect of LF on the gut microbiota, MF with a molecular weight of 26.7 kDa seemed to be a more suitable choice of prebiotics for patients receiving cefoperazone treatment.

Thrombus-targeted nanoparticles for thrombin-triggered thrombolysis and local inflammatory microenvironment regulation

Thrombus related diseases seriously threaten human's health and life. The drawbacks of thrombolytic drugs, such as poor targeting ability and unexpected bleeding complications limit their clinical application. Thus, targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs at local thrombus sites to achieve efficient thrombolysis is an urgent event to be resolved. Herein, we developed an intelligent system MnO₂/uPA@pep-Fuco for precise thrombolysis and thrombus inflammatory microenvironment remodeling. MnO₂/uPA@pep-Fuco exhibited an excellent thrombus targeting ability via the high affinity of fucoidan (Fuco) for P-selectin overexpressed by activated platelets. And then pep-Fuco modified onto the surface of mesopore could be removed to release urokinase (uPA) locally under the high level of thrombin microenvironment in thrombus site. Meanwhile, due to the catalase-like activity of MnO₂ nanoplatform, MnO₂/uPA@pep-Fuco could regulate the inflammatory thrombus microenvironment by eliminating hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), so as to achieve a collaborative thrombolysis therapy. In ferric chloride (FeCl₃)-induced carotid thrombus models, MnO₂/uPA@pep-Fuco specifically targeted to the obstructive artery (3.43 times that of the normal artery) and significantly decreased the percentage of thrombus closure (5.99 ± 5.07%), demonstrating the superior thrombolysis ability. In addition, the significantly reduced tail bleeding time suggested MnO₂/uPA@pep-Fuco might possess a low risk of bleeding complications.

Anti-Photoaging and Potential Skin Health Benefits of Seaweeds

The skin health benefits of seaweeds have been known since time immemorial. They are known as potential renewable sources of bioactive metabolites that have unique structural and functional features compared to their terrestrial counterparts. In addition, to the consciousness of green, eco-friendly, and natural skincare and cosmetics products, their extracts and bioactive compounds such as fucoidan, laminarin, carrageenan, fucoxanthin, and mycosporine like amino acids (MAAs) have proven useful in the skincare and cosmetic industries. These bioactive compounds have shown potential anti-photoaging properties. Furthermore, some of these bioactive compounds have been clinically tested and currently available in the market. In this contribution, the recent studies on anti-photoaging properties of extracts and bioactive compounds derived from seaweeds were described and discussed.

Antibacterial Properties of Fucoidans from the Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus L. of the Barents Sea

Fucoidans, sulfated polysaccharides found in cell walls of brown algae, are considered as a promising antimicrobial component for various applications in medicine and the food industry. In this study, we compare the antibacterial properties of two fractions of fucoidan from the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus gathered in the littoral of the Barents Sea and sampled at different stages of purification. The crude fraction of fucoidan was isolated from algae by extraction with aqueous ethanol and sonication. The purified fraction was obtained by additional treatment of the crude fraction with a solution of calcium chloride. The structural features of both fractions were characterized in detail and their antibacterial effects against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were compared by photometry, acridine orange staining assay, and atomic force microscopy. Fucoidan inhibited growth in all of the above microorganisms, showing a bacteriostatic effect with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) in the range between 4 and 6 mg/mL, with E. coli being the most sensitive to both fractions. Changes in the chemical composition after treatment of the crude fraction with a solution of calcium chloride led to a decrease in the content of sulfates and uronic acids and diminished antibacterial activity.

Fucoidans as Potential Therapeutics for Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Current Evidence from In Vitro Research

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the major reason for blindness in the industrialized world with limited treatment options. Important pathogenic pathways in AMD include oxidative stress and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion. Due to their bioactivities, fucoidans have recently been suggested as potential therapeutics. This review gives an overview of the recent developments in this field. Recent studies have characterized several fucoidans from different species, with different molecular characteristics and different extraction methods, in regard to their ability to reduce oxidative stress and inhibit VEGF in AMD-relevant in vitro systems. As shown in these studies, fucoidans exhibit a species dependency in their bioactivity. Additionally, molecular properties such as molecular weight and fucose content are important issues. Fucoidans from Saccharina latissima and Laminaria hyperborea were identified as the most promising candidates for further development. Further research is warranted to establish fucoidans as potential therapeutics for AMD.

Progress in Modern Marine Biomaterials Research

The growing demand for new, sophisticated, multifunctional materials has brought natural structural composites into focus, since they underwent a substantial optimization during long evolutionary selection pressure and adaptation processes. Marine biological materials are the most important sources of both inspiration for biomimetics and of raw materials for practical applications in technology and biomedicine. The use of marine natural products as multifunctional biomaterials is currently undergoing a renaissance in the modern materials science. The diversity of marine biomaterials, their forms and fields of application are highlighted in this review. We will discuss the challenges, solutions, and future directions of modern marine biomaterialogy using a thorough analysis of scientific sources over the past ten years.

Fucoidan Characterization: Determination of Purity and Physicochemical and Chemical Properties

Fucoidans are marine sulfated biopolysaccharides that have heterogenous and complicated chemical structures. Various sugar monomers, glycosidic linkages, molecular masses, branching sites, and sulfate ester pattern and content are involved within their backbones. Additionally, sources, downstream processes, and geographical and seasonal factors show potential effects on fucoidan structural characteristics. These characteristics are documented to be highly related to fucoidan potential activities. Therefore, numerous chemical qualitative and quantitative determinations and structural elucidation methods are conducted to characterize fucoidans regarding their physicochemical and chemical features. Characterization of fucoidan polymers is considered a bottleneck for further biological and industrial applications. Consequently, the obtained results may be related to different activities, which could be improved afterward by further functional modifications. The current article highlights the different spectrometric and nonspectrometric methods applied for the characterization of native fucoidans, including degree of purity, sugar monomeric composition, sulfation pattern and content, molecular mass, and glycosidic linkages.

Potential Anti-Aging Substances Derived from Seaweeds

Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The exact mechanisms underlying the aging process are not fully elucidated. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that several pathways, such as sirtuin, AMP-activated protein kinase, insulin-like growth factor, autophagy, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 play critical roles in regulating aging. Furthermore, genetic or dietary interventions of these pathways can extend lifespan by delaying the aging process. Seaweeds are a food source rich in many nutrients, including fibers, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds. The health benefits of seaweeds include, but are not limited to, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obese activities. Interestingly, a body of studies shows that some seaweed-derived extracts or isolated compounds, can modulate these aging-regulating pathways or even extend lifespans of various animal models. However, few such studies have been conducted on higher animals or even humans. In this review, we focused on potential anti-aging bioactive substances in seaweeds that have been studied in cells and animals mainly based on their anti-aging cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Sargassum fusiforme Fucoidan Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Insulin Resistance Associated with the Improvement of Hepatic Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota Profile

Sargassum fusiforme fucoidan (SFF) exhibits diverse biological activities. Insulin resistance (IR) implicated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become an epidemic health issue worldwide. In this study, we investigated whether SFF can improve insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Our present data showed that SFF significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and IR index along with improved glucose tolerance. Impaired phosphorylation of Akt was also restored by SFF. Furthermore, SFF decreased the levels of MDA and 4-HNE-modified protein and increased GSH/GSSG ratio as well as elevated antioxidant enzymes and activated Nrf2 signaling. SFF also increased the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota in the obese mice, as well as improved intestinal integrity and inflammation. Our findings suggested that SFF ameliorated HFD-induced IR through activating the Nrf2 pathway, remodeling gut microbiota, and reducing intestinal inflammation, thus providing a novel perspective into the treatment strategy on metabolic disease.

Multifunctional role of fucoidan, sulfated polysaccharides in human health and disease: A journey under the sea in pursuit of potent therapeutic agents

Fucoidan is a complex polysaccharide (molecular weight 10,000-100,000 Da) derived from brown algae which comprises of L-fucose and sulfate groups have potential as therapeutic diligences against several human diseases. The fucoidan has expanded a widespread range of pharmacological properties as an anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory, anti-adhesive, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiviral and anti-neurodegenerative agents owing to their diverse chemical conformation and potent antioxidant activity. The antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of the fucoidan contribute towards their disease preventive potency through dynamic modulation of key intracellular signalling pathways, regulation of ROS accumulation, and maintenance of principal cell survival and death pathways. Additionally, it also reduces cancer-associated cachexia. Despite the wide range of therapeutic potency, the fucoidan is heavily regarded as an unexplored plethora of druggable entities in the current situation. The isolation, screening, biological application, pre-clinical, and clinical assessment along with large scale cost-effective production remain a foremost task to be assessed. Moreover, the chemical synthesis of the present bioactive drug with confirmational rearrangement for enhanced availability and bioactivity also need tenacious investigation. Hence, in the present review, we give attention to the source of isolation of fucoidan, their principle strategic deployment in disease prevention, and the mechanistic investigation of how it works to combat different diseases that can be used for future therapeutic intervention.

Chitosan oligosaccharide combined with running benefited the immune status of rats

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) degraded by chitosan, is an easily accessible and biocompatible natural molecule, which can facilitate the immune system. Running is one of the most effective forms of exercise. Persistence in running can effectively improve the body's resistance against pathogens. However, whether the combination of COS and running could benefit immune status still remains to be elucidated. We used Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to explore the combinatory effect of COS and running. The organs and blood of the rats were collected after four weeks and the organ body mass index, biochemical and blood routine examination, cytokines, and T cells in the spleen and blood were detected and analyzed. In the group intragastric administration of COS only, the level of blood lactate dehydrogenase was increased, while the blood creatinine, red blood cells, lymphocytes, and serum TNF were decreased. Furthermore, COS combined with running promoted the development of spleen and lung, the level of lymphocytes, T cell and CD8⁺ T cell ratio in the blood, and serum TNF level. At the same time, the level of lactate dehydrogenase, serum IL-2, and T cell ratio in spleen were decreased. Therefore, our study indicated that COS combined with running could improve the immune status of rats.

Genome-wide analysis of the Saccharina japonica sulfotransferase genes and their transcriptional profiles during whole developmental periods and under abiotic stresses

BACKGROUND

As a unique sulfated polysaccharide, fucoidan is an important component of cell wall in brown seaweeds. Its biochemical properties are determined by the positions and quantity of sulfate groups. Sulfotransferases (STs) catalyze the sulfation process, which transfer the sulfuryl groups to carbohydrate backbones and are crucial for fucoidan biosynthesis. Nevertheless, the structures and functions of STs in brown seaweeds are rarely investigated.

RESULTS

There are a total of 44 ST genes identified from our genome and transcriptome analysis of Saccharina japonica, which were located in the 17 scaffolds and 11 contigs. The S. japonica ST genes have abundant introns and alternative splicing sites, and five tandem duplicated gene clusters were identified. Generally, the ST genes could be classified into five groups (Group I ~ V) based on phylogenetic analysis. Accordingly, the ST proteins, which were encoded by genes within the same group, contained similar conserved motifs. Members of the S. japonica ST gene family show various expression patterns in different tissues and developmental stages. Transcriptional profiles indicate that the transcriptional levels of more than half of the ST genes are higher in kelp basal blades than in distal blades. Except for ST5 and ST28, most ST genes are down-regulated with the kelp development stages. The expression levels of nine ST genes were detected by real-time quantitative PCR, which demonstrates that they responded to low salinity and drought stresses.

CONCLUSIONS

Various characteristics of the STs allow the feasibilities of S. japonica to synthesize fucoidans with different sulfate groups. This enables the kelp the potential to adapt to the costal environments and meet the needs of S. japonica growth.

Northern Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa): A Potential Candidate for Functional Food, Nutraceutical, and Pharmaceutical Sector

Sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) is the most abundant and widely distributed species in the cold waters of North Atlantic Ocean. C. frondosa contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, mainly collagen, cerebrosides, glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate, saponins, phenols, and mucopolysaccharides, which demonstrate unique biological and pharmacological properties. In particular, the body wall of this marine invertebrate is the major edible part and contains most of the active constituents, mainly polysaccharides and collagen, which exhibit numerous biological activities, including anticancer, anti-hypertensive, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-coagulation, antimicrobial, antioxidation, and anti- osteoclastogenic properties. In particular, triterpene glycosides (frondoside A and other) are the most researched group of compounds due to their potential anticancer activity. This review summarizes the latest information on C. frondosa, mainly geographical distribution, landings specific to Canadian coastlines, processing, commercial products, trade market, bioactive compounds, and potential health benefits in the context of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model to assess fucoidan bioactivity preventing Helicobacter pylori infection

Currently, Helicobacter pylori is the unique biological carcinogenic agent. The search for antimicrobial alternatives to antibiotics against this pathogen has been categorized as a priority due to the drastic failure associated with current applied antibiotic therapy. The present study assessed the bioactive antimicrobial capability of fucoidan ("Generally Recognized as Safe" approval - European Commission December 2017) from different species of Phaeophyceae algae (Fucus vesiculosus, Undaria pinnatifida, Macrocystis pyrifera) against H. pylori. All the studied fucoidans showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects at the studied concentrations [5-100] μg ml-1 and exposure times [0-7 days]. The most effective anti-H. pylori fucoidan was validated in Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model. C. elegans feed was supplemented with Undaria pinnatifida [0-100] μg ml-1 fucoidan, resulting in a significant improvement in lifespan, lowered H. pylori concentration in the digestive tract, and increased egg-laying pattern. New research lines proposing this compound as an active agent in nutraceutical and preventive novel therapies should be opened.

Is the transformation of fucoidans in human body possible?

Fucoidans are a group of homo-and hetero-polysaccharides, which necessarily contains residues of sulfated α-L-fucose. Fucoidans are found only in brown algae. These polysaccharides exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activity and have a great therapeutic potential. Enzymes capable of catalyzing the degradation of fucoidans are absent in the mammalian enzyme system. The question arises: is the transformation of fucoidan in mammals, particularly in human possible? Studies in vivo (in situ) and in vitro have demonstrated that high molecular weight fucoidans are absorbed across rat intestinal epithelial cells, accumulated by liver macrophages, and characterized by low levels in blood and urine. Using the example of the Okinawa Prefecture (Japan) residents, it was shown that Cladosiphon okamuranus alga is digested and the fucoidan contained in this alga is absorbed in the human body.

Degraded fucoidan fractions and β-1,3-glucan sulfates inhibit CXCL12-induced Erk1/2 activation and chemotaxis in Burkitt lymphoma cells

Fucoidans are natural polysaccharides with pronounced antitumoral activities. Their modes of action include the antagonization of the chemokine CXCL12, which plays a central role in tumor development and metastasis. However, the usually high molecular mass (M_w) of fucoidans represents an obstacle to their medical application. We therefore investigated two series of degraded fucoidan fractions with regard to their CXCL12 binding and inhibition of CXCL12-induced effects in Raji cells. In addition, semisynthetic β-1,3-glucan sulfates were examined to get more information about the impact of M_w and degree of sulfation (DS). Degradation of the fucoidans from Saccharina latissima (S.l.-SP; 481-77.0 kDa) and Fucus vesiculosus (F.v.-SP; 38.2-20.6 kDa) did not affect the respective binding capacity to CXCL12. Both the M_w independence and the DS dependence were confirmed by the β-1,3-glucan sulfates having significantly higher affinity to CXCL12. The chemokine binding resulted in reduced CXCL12-induced Erk1/2 signaling and chemotaxis of Raji cells which was also independent of the M_w. Solely the oxidatively degraded fucoidan fraction displayed a significantly reduced chemotaxis inhibition. In conclusion, degradation of fucoidans to obtain biopharmaceutically more favorable M_w is possible without impairing their activities targeting CXCL12. Moreover, the β-1,3-glucan sulfates should also be considered as promising candidates for further development.

Production of Active Poly- and Oligosaccharidic Fractions from Ulva sp. by Combining Enzyme-Assisted Extraction (EAE) and Depolymerization

Data on fractionation and depolymerization of the matrix ulvan polysaccharides, and studies on the biological activities on skin cells, are very scarce. In this work, crude ulvans were produced by using EAE (enzyme-assisted extraction) and compared to maceration (an established procedure). After different fractionation procedures-ethanolic precipitation, dialysis, or ammonium sulfate precipitation-the biochemical composition showed that EAE led to an increased content in ulvans. Coupling EAE to sulfate ammonium precipitation led to protein enrichment. Oligosaccharides were obtained by using radical depolymerization by H₂O₂ and ion-exchange resin depolymerization. Sulfate groups were partially cleaved during these chemical treatments. The potential bioactivity of the fractions was assessed using a lipoxygenase inhibition assay for anti-inflammatory activity and a WST-1 assay for human dermal fibroblast viability and proliferation. All ulvans extracts, poly- and oligosaccharidic fractions from EAE, expanded the fibroblast proliferation rate up to 62%. Our research emphasizes the potential use of poly- and oligosaccharidic fractions of Ulva sp. for further development in cosmetic applications.

Sargassum fusiforme fucoidan modifies the gut microbiota during alleviation of streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in mice

Diabetes is a complicated endocrine and metabolic disorder, which has become an epidemic health issue worldwide. Fucoidan is extensively distributed in the brown algae and several marine invertebrates exhibiting diverse biological activities. In the present study, the physicochemical property of Sargassum fusiforme fucoidan (SFF) and its effects on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and gut microbiota were investigated. Diabetes mice not only showed abnormal blood glucose, but also accompanied by multiple symptoms, such as gradual emaciation, decreased body weight, increased food and water intake. Compared with diabetic mice after 6-week treatment, administration of SFF significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose, diet and water intake. Furthermore, SFF attenuated the pathological change in the heart and liver, improved the liver function, and suppressed oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Simultaneously, SFF significantly altered the gut microbiota in the faeces of diabetic mice, decreased the relative abundances of the diabetes-related intestinal bacteria, which is a potential mechanism for relieving the symptoms of diabetes. Therefore, SFF might be considered as one of the promising complementary and alternative medicines for the management of diabetes mellitus in future.

Isolation and purification of fucoidan fraction in Turbinaria ornata from the Maldives; Inflammation inhibitory potential under LPS stimulated conditions in in-vitro and in-vivo models

Fucoidan, referred to as fucose containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSP), is a polymer from brown algae cell wall that is reported to exhibit potential anti-inflammatory activity. In the present study, the fucoidans are extracted from Turbinaria ornata (TO) from the Maldives. The method involves enzyme assisted extraction and is modified in order to improve the effectiveness and purity of final product. Purified fucoidan fraction was identified as F10, and its chemical properties were verified via FTIR, 1H NMR and monosaccharide analysis. Selected inflammatory mediators were studied to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential using RAW 264.7 macrophages. F10 successfully inhibited NO production (IC50 = 30.83 ± 1.02 μg mL-1). F10 dose-dependently down-regulated iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines including PGE2 levels. The in vivo experiments were assisted by zebrafish embryo model. This exhibited reduction in ROS, NO expression levels. To our knowledge, this is the first report to illustrate potential anti-inflammatory activity of FCSPs' extracted from the brown algae T. ornata. Concisely, the results suggest that fucoidan purified from T. ornata increases the macrophage cellular and zebrafish embryo resistance against LPS-induced inflammation. Based on the observations, the fucoidans are promising candidates to be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical sectors.

Effects of Fucoidans from Five Different Brown Algae on Oxidative Stress and VEGF Interference in Ocular Cells

BACKGROUND

Fucoidans are interesting for potential usage in ophthalmology, and especially age-related macular degeneration. However, fucoidans from different species may vary in their effects. Here, we compare fucoidans from five algal species in terms of oxidative stress protection and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) interference in ocular cells.

METHODS

Brown algae (Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus distichus subsp. evanescens, Fucus serratus, Laminaria digitata, Saccharina latissima) were harvested and fucoidans isolated by hot-water extraction. Fucoidans were tested in several concentrations (1, 10, 50, and 100 µg/mL). Effects were measured on a uveal melanoma cell line (OMM-1) (oxidative stress), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line ARPE19 (oxidative stress and VEGF), and primary RPE cells (VEGF). Oxidative stress was induced by H2O2 or tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). Cell viability was investigated with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT or MTS) assay, and VEGF secretion with ELISA. Affinity to VEGF was determined by a competitive binding assay.

RESULTS

All fucoidans protected OMM-1 from oxidative stress. However, in ARPE19, only fucoidan from Saccharina latissima was protective. The affinity to VEGF of all fucoidans was stronger than that of heparin, and all reduced VEGF secretion in ARPE19. In primary RPE, only the fucoidan from Saccharina latissima was effective.

CONCLUSION

Among the fucoidans from five different species, Saccharina latissima displayed the most promising results concerning oxidative stress protection and reduction of VEGF secretion.

Comparison of hydrothermal depolymerization and oligosaccharide profile of fucoidan and fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from Holothuria floridana

To minimize undesired pharmacological activities and improve the bioavailability, the fucoidan and fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FCS) from Holothuria floridana were depolymerized under hydrothermal conditions and the mechanism underlying hydrothermal depolymerization was proposed. Our results demonstrated that fucoidan and FCS from Holothuria floridana were able to be gradually depolymerized without desulfation at 100-121 °C by control of pH at 5-6 to obtain controlled molecular weight. It was the first time to find that pH also plays a key role on the hydrothermal depolymerization of fucoidan and FCS. The monosaccharide composition, FT-IR and NMR analysis showed that the structure of the optimized hydrothermal depolymerized fucoidan and FCS remained almost unchanged. By comparison, FCS was more difficult to be depolymerized than fucoidan under the same hydrothermal condition. The oligosaccharide profile in depolymerized fucoidan and FCS by HILIC-MS analysis further revealed that FCS was depolymerized with preferential cleavage of β-1 → 4 glycosidic linkage and decarboxylation on glucuronic acid during hydrothermal treatment, which was quite different with the random fracture type of fucoidan due to their different structure. These results indicated that hydrothermal depolymerization and action mechanism of fucoidan and FCS from sea cucumber were quite different for their different structure.

The Potential Application of Spring Sargassum glaucescens Extracts in the Moisture-Retention of Keratinocytes and Dermal Fibroblast Regeneration after UVA-Irradiation

Sargassum glaucescens is a marine brown alga with high antioxidant activity. To evaluate the potential application of Sargassum glaucescens extracts (SGE) in skincare, we performed in vitro assays in dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes. The antioxidant activity of SGE was confirmed by the suppression of H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in dermal fibroblasts and in vitro 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. In the wound healing assay, application of 2 mg/ml SGE stimulated the wound closure of CCD-966SK fibroblasts by a 2.95-fold in comparison to the control. Furthermore, treatment with SGE of concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 1 mg/ml promoted CCD-966SK cell regeneration after UVA irradiation. At the molecular level, 1 mg/ml SGE induced expressions of anti-oxidative genes SOD1 (Superoxide dismutase 1) and GPX1 (Glutathione peroxidase 1), and DNA repair regulatory genes XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1) and ERCC6 (Excision repair cross-complementation Group 6) in CCD-966SK cells after UVA irradiation. Therefore, SGE displayed beneficial effects on cell regeneration and the protection of dermal cells against UVA irradiation. In epidermal cells, SGE stimulated the cell proliferation of human primary epidermal keratinocytes. Application of 0.03125 mg/ml SGE induced the expressions of skin barrier-related genes TGM1 (Transglutaminase 1), KRT10 (Keratin 10) and KRT14 in keratinocytes. Meanwhile, SGE induced the gene expression of FLG (Filaggrin), which promoted the production of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) for maintaining the moisture and barrier functions of skin.