Cytoprotective effects of fucoidan, an algae-derived polysaccharide on 5-fluorouracil-treated dendritic cells

Fucoidan's Molecular Targets: A Comprehensive Review of Its Unique and Multiple Targets Accounting for Promising Bioactivities Supported by In Silico Studies

Fucoidan is a class of multifunctional polysaccharides derived from marine organisms. Its unique and diversified physicochemical and chemical properties have qualified them for potential and promising pharmacological uses in human diseases, including inflammation, tumors, immunity disorders, kidney diseases, and diabetes. Physicochemical and chemical properties are the main contributors to these bioactivities. The previous literature has attributed such activities to its ability to target key enzymes and receptors involved in potential disease pathways, either directly or indirectly, where the anionic sulfate ester groups are mainly involved in these interactions. These findings also confirm the advantageous pharmacological uses of sulfated versus non-sulfated polysaccharides. The current review shall highlight the molecular targets of fucoidans, especially enzymes, and the subsequent responses via either the upregulation or downregulation of mediators' expression in various tissue abnormalities. In addition, in silico studies will be applied to support the previous findings and show the significant contributors. The current review may help in understanding the molecular mechanisms of fucoidan. Also, the findings of this review may be utilized in the design of specific oligomers inspired by fucoidan with the purpose of treating life-threatening human diseases effectively.

Applications of algae to obtain healthier meat products: A critical review on nutrients, acceptability and quality

Meat constitutes one the main protein sources worldwide. However, ethical and health concerns have limited its consumption over the last years. To overcome this negative impact, new ingredients from natural sources are being applied to meat products to obtain healthier proteinaceous meat products. Algae is a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, essential amino acids, and vitamins, which can nutritionally enrich several foods. On this basis, algae have been applied to meat products as a functional ingredient to obtain healthier meat-based products. This paper mainly reviews the bioactive compounds in algae and their application in meat products. The bioactive ingredients present in algae can give meat products functional properties such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, antigenotoxic, resulting in healthier foods. At the same time, algae addition to foods can also contribute to delay microbial spoilage extending shelf-life. Additionally, other algae-based applications such as for packaging materials for meat products are being explored. However, consumers' acceptance for new products (particularly in Western countries), namely those containing algae, not only depends on their knowledge, but also on their eating habits. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the nutritional properties of algae-containing meat products to overcome the gap between new meat products and traditional products, so that healthier algae-containing meat can occupy a significant place in the market.

The role of algal fucoidans in potential anti-allergic therapeutics

Allergic diseases are among the commonest causes of chronic ill-health and are rapidly rising the prevalence and complexity. Although the current drugs are efficacy for treatment of allergic diseases, however the extensive clinical use of these drugs has led to the diverse and undesirable side effects. Thus, the extensive studies of alternative anti-allergic agents from natural products are essential for a long-term purpose. Marine environment covers a huge source of extremely potential secondary metabolites for drug discovery. Among them, fucoidans from brown seaweeds have been evidenced to possess various biological activities and health benefit effects. Notably, a great deal of interest has been expressed regarding anti-allergic activity of fucoidans. Consequently, this contribution presents an overview of potential anti-allergic therapeutics of fucoidans from brown seaweeds to emphasize its functions in prevention as well as treatment of allergic diseases.

Marine oligosaccharides originated from seaweeds: Source, preparation, structure, physiological activity and applications

Marine polysaccharides originated from seaweeds, including agar, alginate, carrageenan, and fucoidan, possess various kinds of physiological activities and have been widely used in food, agricultural and medical areas. However, the application has been greatly limited by their poor solubility and low bioavailability. Thus marine oligosaccharides, as the degradation products of those polysaccharides, have drawn increasing attentions due to their obvious biological activities, good solubility and excellent bioavailability. This review will summarize the recent advances on the source, molecular structure and physiological activity of marine oligosaccharides, emphasizing their application as functional food additives. Furthermore, the relationship between the structure and the physiological activity of marine oligosaccharides is also elucidated and highlighted. The review concludes with an outlook toward potential applications for preparing the functional oligosaccharides in food biotechnology and agriculture fields.

Protective Effects of Fucoidan against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Damage in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Simple Summary

High levels of production in intensive farming systems make domestic animals like piglets particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, which is detrimental to intestinal homeostasis and function. It is of paramount importance to identify effective and reliable nutrients to counteract oxidative damage to the porcine intestinal epithelium, especially with the recent phasing out of the use of antibiotics in China. This study indicates that fucoidan could ameliorate hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in porcine intestinal epithelial cells, primarily owing to the action of fucoidan to facilitate nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 signals and cellular antioxidant responses. These findings may provide useful implications for practical swine production.

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fucoidan in ameliorating hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress to porcine intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-1). The cell viability test was initially performed to screen out appropriate concentrations of H₂O₂ and fucoidan. After that, cells were exposed to H₂O₂ in the presence or absence of pre-incubation with fucoidan. Hydrogen peroxide increased the apoptotic and necrotic rate, boosted reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and disturbed the transcriptional expression of genes associated with antioxidant defense and apoptosis in IPEC-1 cells. Pre-incubation with fucoidan inhibited the increases in necrosis and ROS accumulation induced by H₂O₂. Consistently, in the H₂O₂-treated IPEC-1 cells, fucoidan normalized the content of reduced glutathione as well as the mRNA abundance of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 and superoxide dismutase 1 while it prevented the overproduction of malondialdehyde. Moreover, H₂O₂ stimulated the translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 to the nucleus of IPEC-1 cells, but this increase was further promoted by fucoidan pre-treatment. The results suggest that fucoidan is effective in protecting IPEC-1 cells against oxidative damage induced by H₂O₂, which may help in developing appropriate strategies for maintaining the intestinal health of young piglets.

Thermoresponsive Supramolecular Chemotherapy by "V"-Shaped Armed β-Cyclodextrin Star Polymer to Overcome Drug Resistance

Pump mediated drug efflux is the key reason to result in the failure of chemotherapy. Herein, a novel star polymer β-CD-v-(PEG-β-PNIPAAm)₇ consisting of a β-CD core, grafted with thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in the multiple "V"-shaped arms is designed and further fabricated into supramolecular nanocarriers for drug resistant cancer therapy. The star polymer could encapsulate chemotherapeutics between β-cyclodextrin and anti-cancer drug via inclusion complex (IC). Furthermore, the temperature induced chain association of PNIPAAm segments facilitated the IC to form supramolecular nanoparticles at 37 °C, whereas the presence of PEG impart great stability to the self-assemblies. When incubated with MDR-1 membrane pump regulated drug resistant tumor cells, much higher and faster cellular uptake of the supramolecular nanoparticles were detected, and the enhanced intracellular retention of drugs could lead to significant inhibition of cell growth. Further in vivo evaluation showed high therapeutic efficacy in suppressing drug resistant tumor growth without a significant impact on the normal functions of main organs. This work signifies thermo-responsive supramolecular chemotherapy is promising in combating pump mediated drug resistance in both in vitro and in vivo models, which may be encouraging for the advanced drug delivery platform design to overcome drug resistant cancer.

New utilization of Polygonum multiflorum polysaccharide as macromolecular carrier of 5-fluorouracil for controlled release and immunoprotection

WPMP-2 is an acid polysaccharide isolated from Polygonum multiflorum, which demonstrated excellent immunomodulatory activity. In order to reduce immunosuppression of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), WPMP-2 was utilized as a macromolecular carrier to conjugate the 5-Fu derivatives 5-fluorouracil-1-acetic acid (5-FUAC) through ester bond. The conjugate showed controlled drug release behaviour in vitro at 37°C in phosphate buffer (pH7.4), and only 5-FUAC was detected in the media. The cytotoxicity test in vitro showed that the conjugate exhibited different cytotoxicity to HepG-2 and HT-29 cells. In addition, immunization study in vivo illustrated that the conjugate displayed immunoprotective effect by mitigating inhibition and damage effects of 5-Fu on secretion of cytokines, proliferation of splenocytes, and phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages. It was indicated that the conjugation of 5-Fu and WPMP-2 could be a potential double effective drug delivery system.

Recent Advances in Marine Algae Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structure, and Activities

Marine algae have attracted a great deal of interest as excellent sources of nutrients. Polysaccharides are the main components in marine algae, hence a great deal of attention has been directed at isolation and characterization of marine algae polysaccharides because of their numerous health benefits. In this review, extraction and purification approaches and chemico-physical properties of marine algae polysaccharides (MAPs) are summarized. The biological activities, which include immunomodulatory, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic, are also discussed. Additionally, structure-function relationships are analyzed and summarized. MAPs' biological activities are closely correlated with their monosaccharide composition, molecular weights, linkage types, and chain conformation. In order to promote further exploitation and utilization of polysaccharides from marine algae for functional food and pharmaceutical areas, high efficiency, and low-cost polysaccharide extraction and purification methods, quality control, structure-function activity relationships, and specific mechanisms of MAPs activation need to be extensively investigated.

In Vivo Chemoprotective Activity of Bovine Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract in Mouse Bone Marrow Cells against Damage Induced by 5-Fluorouracil

Chemotherapy treatments induce a number of side effects, such as leukopenia neutropenia, peripheral erythropenia, and thrombocytopenia, affecting the quality of life for cancer patients. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is wieldy used as myeloablative model in mice. The bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract (bDLE) or IMMUNEPOTENT CRP® (ICRP) is an immunomodulatory compound that has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. In order to investigate the chemoprotection effect of ICRP on bone marrow cells in 5-FU treated mice, total bone marrow (BM) cell count, bone marrow colony forming units-granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM), cell cycle, immunophenotypification, ROS/superoxide and Nrf2 by flow cytometry, and histological and hematological analyses were performed. Our results demonstrated that ICRP increased BM cell count and CFU-GM number, arrested BM cells in G0/G1 phase, increased the percentage of leukocyte, granulocytic, and erythroid populations, reduced ROS/superoxide formation and Nrf2 activation, and also improved hematological levels and weight gain in 5-FU treated mice. These results suggest that ICRP has a chemoprotective effect against 5-FU in BM cells that can be used in cancer patients.

Looking Beyond the Terrestrial: The Potential of Seaweed Derived Bioactives to Treat Non-Communicable Diseases

Seaweeds are a large and diverse group of marine organisms that are commonly found in the maritime regions of the world. They are an excellent source of biologically active secondary metabolites and have been shown to exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. Several Asian cultures have a strong tradition of using different varieties of seaweed extensively in cooking as well as in herbal medicines preparations. As such, seaweeds have been used to treat a wide variety of health conditions such as cancer, digestive problems, and renal disorders. Today, increasing numbers of people are adopting a "westernised lifestyle" characterised by low levels of physical exercise and excessive calorific and saturated fat intake. This has led to an increase in numbers of chronic Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus, being reported. Recently, NCDs have replaced communicable infectious diseases as the number one cause of human mortality. Current medical treatments for NCDs rely mainly on drugs that have been obtained from the terrestrial regions of the world, with the oceans and seas remaining largely an untapped reservoir for exploration. This review focuses on the potential of using seaweed derived bioactives including polysaccharides, antioxidants and fatty acids, amongst others, to treat chronic NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

A review of the components of brown seaweeds as potential candidates in cancer therapy

Brown seaweeds have opened new opportunities for the development of novel anticancer agents due to their diverse structural composition and mode of action.

Activation and Inhibition of ATM by Phytochemicals: Awakening and Sleeping the Guardian Angel Naturally

Double-stranded breaks (DSBs) are cytotoxic DNA lesions caused by oxygen radicals, ionizing radiation, and radiomimetic chemicals. Increasing understanding of DNA damage signaling has provided an ever-expanding list of modulators reported to orchestrate DNA damage repair and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is the master regulator and main transducer of the DSB response. Increasingly, it is being realized that DNA damage response is a synchronized and branched network that functionalizes different molecular cascades to activate special checkpoints, thus temporarily arresting progression of the cell cycle while damage is being assessed and processed. It is noteworthy that both nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics have revolutionized the field of molecular biology and rapidly accumulating experimental evidence has started to shed light on biological activities of a wide range of phytochemicals reported to modulate cell cycle, DNA repair, cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis as evidenced by cell-based studies. In this review, we have attempted to provide an overview of DNA damage signaling, how ATM signaling regulates tumor necrosis factors-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced intracellular network. We also illuminate on how resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, curcumin, jaceosidin, cucurbitacin, apigenin, genistein, and others trigger activation of ATM in different cancer cells as well as agents for ATM inactivation. Understanding the interplay of TRAIL-induced intracellular signaling and ATM modulation of downstream effectors is very important. This holds particularly for a reconceptualization of the apparently paradoxical roles and therapeutically targetable for enhancing the response to DNA damage-inducing therapy.

The novel strain Fusarium proliferatum LE1 (RCAM02409) produces α-L-fucosidase and arylsulfatase during the growth on fucoidan

Enzymes capable of modifying the sulfated polymeric molecule of fucoidan are mainly produced by different groups of marine organisms: invertebrates, bacteria, and also some fungi. We have discovered and identified a new strain of filamentous fungus Fusarium proliferatum LE1 (deposition number in Russian Collection of Agricultural Microorganisms is RCAM02409), which is a potential producer of fucoidan-degrading enzymes. The strain LE1 (RCAM02409) was identified on the basis of morphological characteristics and analysis of ITS sequences of ribosomal DNA. During submerged cultivation of F. proliferatum LE1 in the nutrient medium containing natural fucoidan sources (the mixture of brown algae Laminaria digitata and Fucus vesiculosus), enzymic activities of α-L-fucosidase and arylsulfatase were inducible. These enzymes hydrolyzed model substrates, para-nitrophenyl α-L-fucopyranoside and para-nitrophenyl sulfate, respectively. However, the α-L-fucosidase is appeared to be a secreted enzyme while the arylsulfatase was an intracellular one. No detectable fucoidanase activity was found during F. proliferatum LE1 growth in submerged culture or in a static one. Comparative screening for fucoidanase/arylsulfatase/α-L-fucosidase activities among several related Fusarium strains showed a uniqueness of F. proliferatum LE1 to produce arylsulfatase and α-L-fucosidase enzymes. Apart them, the strain was shown to produce other glycoside hydrolyses.

Evaluation of adjuvant effects of fucoidan for improving vaccine efficacy

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed, including Fucus vesiculosus. This compound is known to have immunostimulatory effects on various types of immune cells including macrophages and dendritic cells. A recent study described the application of fucoidan as a vaccine adjuvant. Vaccination is regarded as the most efficient prophylactic method for preventing harmful or epidemic diseases. To increase vaccine efficacy, effective adjuvants are needed. In the present study, we determined whether fucoidan can function as an adjuvant using vaccine antigens. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that fucoidan increases the expression of the activation markers major histocompatibility complex class II, cluster of differentiation (CD)25, and CD69 in spleen cells. In combination with Bordetella bronchiseptica antigen, fucoidan increased the viability and tumor necrosis factor-α production of spleen cells. Furthermore, fucoidan increased the in vivo production of antigen-specific antibodies in mice inoculated with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antigen. Overall, this study has provided valuable information about the use of fucoidan as a vaccine adjuvant.

Fucoidan extracted from Fucus evanescens prevents endotoxin-induced damage in a mouse model of endotoxemia

An important problem of treating patients with endotoxemia is to find drugs to reduce the negative effects of endotoxin on the organism. We tested fucoidan (sulfated polysaccharide) from the brown alga Fucus evanescens as a potential drug in a mouse model of endotoxemia inducted by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The survival time of mice injected with LPS increased under fucoidan treatment compared with the group of mice injected with LPS only. The preventive administration of fucoidan to mice with endotoxemia resulted in inhibition of increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-6), as well as decreasing of the processes of hypercoagulability. The parenteral or per os administration of fucoidan resulted in decreasing the degree of microcirculatory disorders and secondary dystrophic-destructive changes in parenchymal organs of mice with endotoxemia. Taken together, these results demonstrate that fucoidan prevents endotoxin-induced damage in a mouse model of endotoxemia and increases the mice's resistance to LPS.

Anticancer and cancer preventive properties of marine polysaccharides: some results and prospects

Many marine-derived polysaccharides and their analogues have been reported as showing anticancer and cancer preventive properties. These compounds demonstrate interesting activities and special modes of action, differing from each other in both structure and toxicity profile. Herein, literature data concerning anticancer and cancer preventive marine polysaccharides are reviewed. The structural diversity, the biological activities, and the molecular mechanisms of their action are discussed.

Enhanced antitumor and reduced toxicity effect of Schisanreae polysaccharide in 5-Fu treated Heps-bearing mice

Previous study indicated that the refined polysaccharide from Schisandra could improve the CTX-induced inhibition of T and B lymphocytes proliferation. Accordingly, the enhanced antitumor and reduced toxicity effects of a low molecular weight purified polysaccharide from Schisandra (SCPP11) were investigated in 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) treated Heps-bearing mice. The results revealed that the SCPP11 (oral administration) exhibited a significant enhanced effect of antitumor activity when combined with 5-Fu. Moreover, a increased effect was also observed in boosting immunity functions when the Heps-bearing mice receiving SCPP11 combination with 5-Fu administration, including increased in thymus indexes and enhancing serum IL-2 and TNF-α secretion. In addition, SCPP11 could ameliorate the hematological and biochemical parameters changes induced by 5-Fu to normal level, and reduce the formation of MDA and enhance the activities of SOD in liver to against 5-Fu induced free radical damage. The above results suggested that the SCPP11 combined with 5-Fu presented enhanced effects on antitumor activity and the SCPP11 could attenuate the 5-Fu-induced toxicity effect. It could serve as a new and promising adjuvant for chemotherapy drugs.

Anticancer polysaccharides from natural resources: a review of recent research

Taking into account the rising trend of the incidence of cancers of various organs, effective therapies are urgently needed to control human malignancies. However, almost all of the chemotherapy drugs currently on the market cause serious side effects. Fortunately, several previous studies have shown that some non-toxic biological macromolecules, including polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes, possess anti-cancer activities or can increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy drugs. Based on these encouraging observations, a great deal of effort has been focused on discovering anti-cancer polysaccharides and complexes for the development of effective therapeutics for various human cancers. This review focuses on the advancements in the anti-cancer efficacy of various natural polysaccharides and polysaccharide complexes in the past 5 years. Most polysaccharides were tested using model systems, while several involved clinical trials.