Low molecular weight fucoidan ameliorating the chronic cisplatin-induced delayed gastrointestinal motility in rats

Fucoidan improves intestinal peristaltic function in rats with postoperative ileus

The effect of fucoidan on postoperative ileus (POI) has not been studied. In this study, how fucoidan ameliorates POI in a rat POI model was investigated. The results showed that in the model animals, when the first defecation time was prolonged, the amount of food consumed decreased, the small intestinal propulsion rate dramatically slowed, and the motility index (MI%) of the small intestine decreased. In vitro experiments revealed that the contractile response of small intestinal smooth muscle strips to carbachol (CCh) was reduced. Immunohistochemistry revealed evident macrophage infiltration in the intestinal muscularis. However, after oral pretreatment with fucoidan, the time to first defecation decreased, and food intake, the small intestinal propulsion rate, and MI% of the small intestine increased. Additionally, the contractile response of the intestinal strips to CCh became stronger, and macrophage infiltration decreased. Mechanistically, fucoidan alleviated POI by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects as well as likely through the TrkB/ERK1/2/Akt signalling pathways. When POI occurred, the expression levels of inflammatory factors in the intestines significantly increased while the phosphorylation of TrkB, ERK1/2, and Akt significantly decreased; malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the intestines increased but the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) decreased. In contrast, after pretreatment with fucoidan, the expression levels of inflammatory factors decreased; the phosphorylation levels of TrkB, ERK1/2, and Akt increased; the MDA level decreased; and SOD and GSH levels increased. Thus, fucoidan alleviated POI-induced impairment of rat intestinal motility through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects possibly associated with the TrkB/ERK1/2 and Akt signalling pathways.

From seaweed to healing: the potential of fucoidan in wound therapy

This bibliometric review examines the current state of research on fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide found in brown seaweed species, and its potential for wound healing. The review included 58 studies that investigated fucoidan's effects on wound healing, revealing that it possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could aid in the healing process. Fucoidan was also found to promote cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, essential for wound healing. However, the optimal dosage, treatment duration, safety, and efficacy of fucoidan in various wound types and patient populations still require further investigation. Additionally, advanced wound dressings like hydrogels have garnered significant attention for their potential in wound healing. While this review indicates promise for fucoidan as a natural wound healing compound, it underscores the need for additional clinical trials to determine its optimal use as a commercial therapeutic agent in wound healing.

Surface modification strategies for improved hemocompatibility of polymeric materials: a comprehensive review

Polymeric biomaterials are a widely used class of materials due to their versatile properties. However, as with all other types of materials used for biomaterials, polymers also have to interact with blood. When blood comes into contact with any foreign body, it initiates a cascade which leads to platelet activation and blood coagulation. The implant surface also has to encounter a thromboinflammatory response which makes the implant integrity vulnerable, this leads to blood coagulation on the implant and obstructs it from performing its function. Hence, the surface plays a pivotal role in the design and application of biomaterials. In particular, the surface properties of biomaterials are responsible for biocompatibility with biological systems and hemocompatibility. This review provides a report on recent advances in the field of surface modification approaches for improved hemocompatibility. We focus on the surface properties of polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers. The blood coagulation cascade has been discussed and blood - material surface interactions have also been explained. The interactions of blood proteins and cells with polymeric material surfaces have been discussed. Moreover, the benefits as well as drawbacks of blood coagulation on the implant surface for wound healing purposes have also been studied. Surface modifications implemented by other researchers to enhance as well as prevent blood coagulation have also been analyzed.

Structure-activity relationships of bioactive polysaccharides extracted from macroalgae towards biomedical application: A review

Macroalgae are valuable and structurally diverse sources of bioactive compounds among marine resources. The cell walls of macroalgae are rich in polysaccharides which exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as anticoagulant, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activities. Macroalgae polysaccharides (MPs) have been recognized as one of the most promising candidates in the biomedical field. However, the structure-activity relationships of bioactive polysaccharides extracted from macroalgae are complex and influenced by various factors. A clear understanding of these relationships is indeed critical in developing effective biomedical applications with MPs. In line with these challenges and knowledge gaps, this paper summarized the structural characteristics of marine MPs from different sources and relevant functional and bioactive properties and particularly highlighted those essential effects of the structure-bioactivity relationships presented in biomedical applications. This review not only focused on elucidating a particular action mechanism of MPs, but also intended to identify a novel or potential application of these valued compounds in the biomedical field in terms of their structural characteristics. In the last, the challenges and prospects of MPs in structure-bioactivity elucidation were further discussed and predicted, where they were emphasized on exploring modern biotechnology approaches potentially applied to expand their promising biomedical applications.

Orally administrated fucoidan and its low-molecular-weight derivatives are absorbed differentially to alleviate coagulation and thrombosis

Thrombosis is a serious threat to human health and life. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, could prevent coagulation and thrombus after intravenous administration. However, more efforts are still needed to develop its oral agent. In the present study, the absorption and excretion of fucoidan (90.8 kDa) and its degradation products, Dfuc1 (19.2 kDa) and Dfuc2 (5.5 kDa), were determined by HPLC-MS/MS after acid degradation and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone derivatization, and their anticoagulation and antithrombotic activities were evaluated in vivo after oral administration. Results showed that the maximum concentrations of fucoidan, Dfuc1 and Dfuc2 in rat plasma all achieved at 2 h after oral administration (150 mg/kg), and they were 41.1 ± 10.6 μg/mL, 45.3 ± 18.5 μg/mL and 59.3 ± 13.7 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, fucoidan, Dfuc1 and Dfuc2 could all prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time in vivo from 23.7 ± 2.7 s (blank control) to 25.1 ± 2.6 s, 27.1 ± 1.7 s and 29.4 ± 3.6 s, respectively. Moreover, fucoidan and its degradation products showed similar antithrombotic effect in carrageenan-induced thrombosis mice, and untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that they all markedly regulated the carrageenan-induced metabolite disorders, especially the arachidonic acid metabolism. Thus, the degradation products of fucoidan with lower molecular weights are more attractive for the development of oral antithrombotic agents.

Diosmetin suppresses the progression of ESCC by CDK2/Rb/E2F2/RRM2 pathway and synergies with cisplatin

Cisplatin (CDDP) is the first-line drug in the clinical treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which has severe nephrotoxicity. Diosmetin (DIOS) can protect kidney from oxidative damage, however, its function in ESCC is unknown. This study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of DIOS on ESCC and its combined effect with CDDP. Herein, we found that DIOS significantly inhibited the progression of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the anti-tumor effect of DIOS was not statistically different from that of CDDP. Mechanically, transcriptomics revealed that DIOS inhibited the E2F2/RRM2 signaling pathway. The transcriptional regulation of RRM2 by E2F2 was verified by luciferase assay. Moreover, docking model, CETSA, pull-down assay and CDK2 inhibitor assay confirmed that DIOS directly targeted CDK2, leading to significant suppression of ESCC. Additionally, the patient-derived xenografts (PDX) model showed that the combination of DIOS and CDDP significantly inhibited the growth of ESCC. Importantly, the combined treatment with DIOS and CDDP significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of kidney injury biomarkers KIM-1 and NGAL in renal tissue, as well as the levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and blood uric acid compared to the single treatment with CDDP. In conclusion, DIOS could be an effective drug and a potential chemotherapeutic adjuvant for ESCC treatment. Furthermore, DIOS could reduce the nephrotoxicity of CDDP to some extent.

Dopamine and serotonin alterations by Hizikia fusiformis extracts under in vitro cortical primary neuronal cell cultures

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hizikia fusiformis (HF) is a class of brown seaweeds whose active ingredients exert central nervous system protective effects, such as neuroprotection; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Given that dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5HT) are two major neurotransmitters involved in various psychiatric disorders and neuronal growth in early neurodevelopmental processes, we investigated whether HF extract could modulate the molecular expression associated with DA and 5HT transmission as well as the structural formation of neurons.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In vitro cell cultures were prepared from cerebral cortical neurons obtained from CD-1 mice on embryonic day 14. Cultured cells were treated with 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 μg/mL of HT extract for 24 h, followed by fluorescence immunostaining for DA and 5HT-related receptors and transporters and some neuronal structural formation-associated molecules.

RESULTS

HF extract dose-dependently upregulated the expression levels of selective DA and 5HT receptors, and downregulated the levels of DA and 5HT transporters. Moreover, HF extract increased the neurofilament light chain expression.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that HF may modulate DA and 5HT transmission, thereby affecting neurodevelopment.

Recent research advances in polysaccharides from Undaria pinnatifida: Isolation, structures, bioactivities, and applications

Undaria pinnatifida, one of the most widespread seafood consumed in China and many other nations, has been traditionally utilized as an effective therapeutically active substance for edema, phlegm elimination and diuresis, and detumescence for more than 2000 years. Numerous studies have found that polysaccharides of U. pinnatifida play an indispensable role in the nutritional and medicinal value. The water extraction and alcohol precipitation method are the most used method. More than 40 U. pinnatifida polysaccharides (UPPs) were successfully isolated and purified from U. pinnatifida, whereas only few of them were well characterized. Pharmacological studies have shown that UPPs have high-order structural features and multiple biological activities, including anti-tumor, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulating, antithrombosis, antihypertension, antibacterial, and renoprotection. In addition, the structural characteristics of UPPs are closely related to their biological activity. In this review, the extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics, biological activities, clinical settings, toxicities, structure-activity relationships and industrial application of UPPs are comprehensively summarized. The structural characteristics and biological activities as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of UPPs were also outlined. Furthermore, the clinical settings and structure-activity functions of UPPs were highlighted. Some research perspectives and challenges in the study of UPPs were also proposed.

Preparation of Low-Molecular-Weight Fucoidan with Anticoagulant Activity by Photocatalytic Degradation Method

It is a challenge to degrade sulfated polysaccharides without stripping sulfate groups. In the present study, a photocatalytic method was applied to degrade fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae. The degradation with varying addition amounts of H₂O₂ and TiO₂ were monitored by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC), and fucoidan was efficiently degraded with 5% TiO₂ and 0.95% H₂O₂. A comparison of the chemical compositions of 2 products obtained after 0.5 h and 3 h illumination, DF-0.5 (average Mw 90 kDa) and DF-3 (average Mw 3 kDa), respectively, with those of fucoidan indicates the photocatalytic degradation did not strip the sulfate groups, but reduced the galactose/fucose ratio. Moreover, 12 oligosaccharides in DF-3 were identified by HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ and 10 of them were sulfated. In addition, DF-0.5 showed anticoagulant activity as strong as fucoidan while DF-3 could specifically prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time. All samples exerted inhibition effects on the intrinsic pathway FXII in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, photocatalytic degradation demonstrated the potential to prepare sulfated low-molecular-weight fucoidan with anticoagulant activity.

Effect and Mechanism of Herbal Medicines on Cisplatin-Induced Anorexia

Cisplatin is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent used to treat various types of cancers; however, it can also induce anorexia, which results in reduced food intake, loss of body weight, and lower quality of life. Although drugs such as megestrol acetate and cyproheptadine are used to decrease this severe feeding disorder, they can also induce side effects, such as diarrhea and somnolence, which limit their widespread use. Various types of herbal medicines have long been used to prevent and treat numerous gastrointestinal tract diseases; however, to date, no study has been conducted to analyze and summarize their effects on cisplatin-induced anorexia. In this paper, we analyze 12 animal studies that used either a single herbal medicine extract or mixtures thereof to decrease cisplatin-induced anorexia. Among the herbal medicines, Ginseng Radix was the most used, as it was included in seven studies, whereas both Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Angelicae Gigantis Radix were used in four studies. As for the mechanisms of action, the roles of serotonin and its receptors, cytokines, white blood cells, ghrelin, and leptin were investigated. Based on these results, we suggest that herbal medicines could be considered a useful treatment method for cisplatin-induced anorexia.

Pharmacological Effects of Cisplatin Combination with Natural Products in Cancer Chemotherapy

Cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs, such as carboplatin, ormaplatin, and oxaliplatin, have been widely used to treat a multitude of human cancers. However, a considerable proportion of patients often relapse due to drug resistance and/or toxicity to multiple organs including the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and the cardiovascular, hematologic, and nervous systems. In this study, we sought to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of the science highlighting the use of cisplatin in cancer therapy, with a special emphasis on its molecular mechanisms of action, and treatment modalities including the combination therapy with natural products. Hence, we searched the literature using various scientific databases., such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant sources, to collect and review relevant publications on cisplatin, natural products, combination therapy, uses in cancer treatment, modes of action, and therapeutic strategies. Our search results revealed that new strategic approaches for cancer treatment, including the combination therapy of cisplatin and natural products, have been evaluated with some degree of success. Scientific evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrates that many medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds that are promising candidates for the treatment of human diseases, and therefore represent an excellent source for drug discovery. In preclinical studies, it has been demonstrated that natural products not only enhance the therapeutic activity of cisplatin but also attenuate its chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Many experimental studies have also reported that natural products exert their therapeutic action by triggering apoptosis through modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p53 signal transduction pathways and enhancement of cisplatin chemosensitivity. Furthermore, natural products protect against cisplatin-induced organ toxicity by modulating several gene transcription factors and inducing cell death through apoptosis and/or necrosis. In addition, formulations of cisplatin with polymeric, lipid, inorganic, and carbon-based nano-drug delivery systems have been found to delay drug release, prolong half-life, and reduce systemic toxicity while other formulations, such as nanocapsules, nanogels, and hydrogels, have been reported to enhance cell penetration, target cancer cells, and inhibit tumor progression.

Protective effects of Poria cocos and its components against cisplatin-induced intestinal injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Poria) is a well-known traditional medicinal fungus. It has been considered to possess spleen-invigorating (Jianpi) effects in traditional Chinese medicine, and is used clinically to treat spleen deficiency (Pixu) with symptoms of intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, indigestion, mucositis and weight loss.

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY

To investigate the protective effects of Poria and its three component fractions (Water-soluble polysaccharides, WP; alkali-soluble polysaccharides, AP; triterpene acids, TA) on cisplatin-induced intestinal injury and explore the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were treated with Poria powder (PP), WP, AP and TA by oral gavage respectively for 13 days, and intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg of cisplatin on day 10 to conduct a cisplatin-induced intestinal injury model. Pathological changes of ileum and colon were examined using H&E staining. The composition of gut microbiota and the alteration of host metabolites were characterized by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based untargeted metabolomics analysis.

RESULTS

PP and WP attenuated the cisplatin-induced ileum and colon injury, and WP alleviated the weight loss and reversed the elevation of IL-2, IL-6 in serum. Both PP and WP could mitigate cisplatin-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota, in particular PP and WP decreased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria including Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Ruminococcaceae and Helicobacteraceae, while WP promoted the abundance of probiotics, such as Erysipelotrichaceae and Prevotellaceae. Moreover, WP attenuated the cisplatin-induced alteration of metabolic profiles. The levels of potential biomarkers, including xanthine, L-tyrosine, uridine, hypoxanthine, butyrylcarnitine, lysoPC (18:0), linoleic acid, (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid, D-ribose, thiamine monophosphate, indolelactic acid and plamitic acid, showed significant correlations with intestinal flora.

CONCLUSIONS

PP and WP possess protective effects against cisplatin-induced intestinal injury via potentially regulating the gut microbiota and metabolic profiles.

Exercise and pyridostigmine prevents gastric emptying delay and increase blood pressure and cisplatin-induced baroreflex sensitivity in rats

Cisplatin treatment induces an autonomic dysfunction and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders. Physical exercise as well as pyridostigmine treatment induces improves in the autonomic nervous system. In the current study, we investigated the effect of physical exercise and pyridostigmine treatment on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular changes in cisplatin-treated rats. Rats were divided into groups: Saline (S), Cisplatin (Cis), Exercise (Ex), Cisplatin+Exercise (Cis+Ex), Pyridostigmine (Pyr), and Cisplatin+Pyridostigmine (Cis+Pyr). We induced gastrointestinal dysmotility by administering 3 mg kg-1 of cisplatin once week for 5 weeks. The Ex was swimming (1 h per day/5 days per week for 5 weeks with 5% b.w.). GE was evaluated through the colorimetric method of fractional red phenol recovery 10 min after feeding. Pyr groups received 1.5 mg kg-1, p.o. or concomitant Cis treatment. Moreover, gastric contraction in vitro and hemodynamic parameters such as MAP, HR, and evoked baroreflex sensitivity were assessed, as well as sympathetic and parasympathetic tone and intrinsic heart rate (IHR). Cis decrease GE vs. saline (p<0.05). Cis+Ex or Cis+Pyr prevented (p<0.05) decrease in GE vs. Cis rats. Cis decreased (p<0.05) gastric responsiveness in vitro vs. saline. Cis+Ex or Cis+Pyr prevented this phenomenon. Cis treatment increase MAP and decrease in HR (p<0.05) vs saline. Cis+Ex or Cis+Pyr attenuated (p<0.05) both alterations. Cis increased sympathetic tone and decreased vagal tone and IHR (p<0.05) vs. the saline. Cis+Ex or Cis+Pyr prevented those effects vs. the Cis group. In conclusion, physical exercise and pyridostigmine treatment improves autonomic dysfunction and prevented GE delay and changes in hemodynamic parameters, baroreflex sensitivity, and cardiac autonomic control in cisplatin-treated rats.

Present Status, Limitations and Future Directions of Treatment Strategies Using Fucoidan-Based Therapies in Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urological cancer, with poor prognosis for advanced/metastatic stages. Various intensive treatments, including radical cystectomy, chemotherapy, immune therapy, and radiotherapy are commonly used for these patients. However, these treatments often cause complications and adverse events. Therefore, researchers are exploring the efficacy of natural product-based treatment strategies in BC patients. Fucoidan, derived from marine brown algae, is recognized as a multi-functional and safe substrate, and has been reported to have anti-cancer effects in various types of malignancies. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro studies have reported the protective effects of fucoidan against cancer-related cachexia and chemotherapeutic agent-induced adverse events. In this review, we have introduced the anti-cancer effects of fucoidan extracts in BC and highlighted its molecular mechanisms. We have also shown the anti-cancer effects of fucoidan therapy with conventional chemotherapeutic agents and new treatment strategies using fucoidan-based nanoparticles in various malignancies. Moreover, apart from the improvement of anti-cancer effects by fucoidan, its protective effects against cancer-related disorders and cisplatin-induced toxicities have been introduced. However, the available information is insufficient to conclude the clinical usefulness of fucoidan-based treatments in BC patients. Therefore, we have indicated the aspects that need to be considered regarding fucoidan-based treatments and future directions for the treatment of BC.

Functional Characterization of a New GH107 Endo-α-(1,4)-Fucoidanase from the Marine Bacterium Formosa haliotis

Fucoidans from brown macroalgae are sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides, that have several beneficial biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Controlled enzymatic depolymerization of the fucoidan backbone can help produce homogeneous, defined fucoidan products for structure-function research and pharmaceutical uses. However, only a few endo-fucoidanases have been described. This article reports the genome-based discovery, recombinant expression in Escherichia coli, stabilization, and functional characterization of a new bacterial endo-α-(1,4)-fucoidanase, Fhf1, from Formosa haliotis. Fhf1 catalyzes the cleavage of α-(1,4)-glycosidic linkages in fucoidans built of alternating α-(1,3)-/α-(1,4)-linked l-fucopyranosyl sulfated at C2. The native Fhf1 is 1120 amino acids long and belongs to glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 107. Deletion of the signal peptide and a 470 amino acid long C-terminal stretch led to the recombinant expression of a robust, minimized enzyme, Fhf1Δ470 (71 kDa). Fhf1Δ470 has optimal activity at pH 8, 37-40 °C, can tolerate up to 500 mM NaCl, and requires the presence of divalent cations, either Ca2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ or Ni2+, for maximal activity. This new enzyme has the potential to serve the need for controlled enzymatic fucoidan depolymerization to produce bioactive sulfated fucoidan oligomers.

D-methionine improves cisplatin-induced anorexia and dyspepsia syndrome by attenuating intestinal tryptophan hydroxylase 1 activity and increasing plasma leptin concentration

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin is a widely used antineoplastic drug. However, cisplatin-induced dyspepsia syndromes, including delayed gastric emptying, gastric distension, early satiety, nausea, and vomiting, often force patients to take doses lower than those prescribed or even refuse treatment. D-methionine has an appetite-enhancing effect and alleviates weight loss during cisplatin treatment.

METHODS

This work established a model of anorexia and dyspepsia symptoms with intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) once a week for three cycles. Presupplementation with or without D-methionine (300 mg/kg) was performed. Orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones (ghrelin, leptin, and glucagon-like peptide-1), tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HT_2C and 5-HT₃ ), and hypothalamic feeding-related peptides were measured by immunohistochemistry staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time PCR assay.

KEY RESULTS

Cisplatin administration caused marked decrease in appetite and body weight, promoted adipose and fat tissue atrophy, and delayed gastric emptying and gastric distension, and D-methionine preadministration prior to cisplatin administration significantly ameliorated these side effects. Besides, cisplatin induced an evident increase in serum ghrelin level, TPH1 activity, and 5-HT₃ receptor expression in the intestine and decreased plasma leptin levels and gastric ghrelin mRNA gene expression levels. D-methionine supplementation recovered these changes. The expression of orexigenic neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide and anorexigenic cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript proopiomelanocortin neurons were altered by D-methionine supplementation in cisplatin-induced anorexia rats.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

D-methionine supplementation prevents cisplatin-induced anorexia and dyspepsia syndrome possibly by attenuating intestinal tryptophan hydroxylase 1 activity and increasing plasma leptin concentration. Therefore, D-methionine can be used as an adjuvant therapy for treating cisplatin-induced adverse effects.

D-Methionine Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Muscle Atrophy via Inhibition of Muscle Degradation Pathway

Cisplatin induces anorexia, weight loss, loss of adipose tissue, skeletal muscle atrophy, and serious adverse effects that can cause premature termination of chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to use an animal model to assess cisplatin therapy (3 cycles) with and without d-methionine to investigate its protective effects on cisplatin-induced anorexia and skeletal muscle wasting. Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups and treated as follows: saline as control (group 1), intraperitoneal cisplatin once a week for 3 weeks (group 2), and intraperitoneal cisplatin once a week for 3 weeks plus oral administration of d-methionine (group 3). Tissue somatic index (TSI), gastric emptying index (GEI), and feeding efficiency were measured. Both hepatic lipid metabolism and muscle atrophy-related gene expressions and C2C12 myotubes were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to conduct assessment of bone microarchitecture indices. Pathological changes of the gastric mucosa were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining after euthanizing the animals. d-Methionine increased food intake, weight gain, gastric emptying, and feeding efficiency, as well as decrease stomach contents, after cisplatin injections. Cisplatin caused shortening of myofibers. Cisplatin-induced muscle mass wasting was mediated by the elevation of mRNA expressions of MAFbx and MuRF-1 in ubiquitin ligases in muscle tissue homogenate. The mRNA expressions of MyoD and myogenin, markers of muscle differentiation, declined following cisplatin administration. The administration of d-methionine not only led to significant improvements in myofiber diameter and cross-sectional fiber areas but also reversed muscle atrophy-related gene expression. However, there were no significant changes in stomach histology or microarchitecture of trabecular bone among the study groups. The results indicate that d-methionine has an appetite-enhancing effect and ameliorates cisplatin-induced adipose and muscle tissue loss during cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Cisplatin-induced gastrointestinal toxicity: An update on possible mechanisms and on available gastroprotective strategies

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum [II], CP) is most widely prescribed in chemotherapy and efficaciously treats diverse human cancers, with remission rates > 90% in testicular cancers. However, clinical use of CP is associated with numerous untoward side effects, in particular, at the gastrointestinal level that reduces the therapeutic efficacy of CP and often results in withdrawal of its clinical usage in long term cancer chemotherapy. Substantial strides have been made to identify effective protective strategies against CP-induced nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and ototoxicity. Unfortunately, very limited studies have focused on CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity and advances in developing potent gastroprotective strategies/agents are still lacking. The current article reviews the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of CP, mechanisms underlying CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity and lastly displays the potential approaches including plant-derived agents (phytochemicals) utilized to counteract CP-induced gastrointestinal dysfunction. Furthermore, the gastroprotective agents described in the experimental literature have shown partial protection against CP-induced intestinal damage. This stresses the need to ascertain new information on the underlying mechanism and to discover novel combinatorial strategies for the abrogation of CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.

Protein extracted from Porphyra yezoensis prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by downregulating the MAPK and NF-κB pathways

Acute renal failure is a serious complication of treatment with the anticancer drug cisplatin. Cisplatin exerts a cytotoxic effect on renal cells by inducing apoptosis through activating the tumor suppressor p53, nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) and mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK)/p38 pathways. Effects of protein extracts of the brown seaweed Porphyra yezoensis (P. yezoensis) on cytotoxicity, inflammation and cell proliferation have been reported; however, the effects of P. yezoensis protein (PYP) extract on cisplatin‑induced renal injury have remained elusive. The present study investigated the effects of PYP on cisplatin‑induced nephrotoxicity in the HK2 human proximal tubular epithelial cell line. PYP treatment reduced cisplatin‑induced apoptosis and death of HK2 cells by restoring the B‑cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl‑2 imbalance, cytochrome c release and caspase‑3 activation. In addition, PYP activated the redox‑sensitive transcription factor NF‑κB via stimulating the nuclear translocation of p65 in HK2 cells. PYP also restored renal antioxidant levels and increased the total and nuclear accumulation of NF erythroid 2‑related factor 2 in HK2 cells. PYP markedly attenuated cisplatin‑induced p38, MAPK and c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, treatment with PYP ameliorated cisplatin‑induced renal cell damage by upregulating antioxidant defense mechanisms and downregulating the MAPK and NF‑κB signaling pathways. In addition, mice were divided into three treatment groups (control, cisplatin and PYP + cisplatin) and the effects of PYP were evaluated in a mouse model of cisplatin‑induced acute kidney injury. The concentrations of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine in the PYP + cisplatin group were lower than those in the cisplatin group. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors interleukin‑6 (IL‑6), IL‑1β, tumor necrosis factor‑α and monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1 in the kidney tissues of the PYP + cisplatin group were also lower than those in the cisplatin group. These results suggest that PYP treatment had a preventive effect on nephrotoxicity, specifically by downregulating the MAPK and NF‑κB signaling pathways and the mRNA levels of inflammatory genes.

Oral administration of thymoquinone mitigates the effect of cisplatin on brush border membrane enzymes, energy metabolism and antioxidant system in rat intestine

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent that elicits severe gastrointestinal toxicity. Nigella sativa, a member of family Ranunculaceae, is one of the most revered medicinal plant known for its numerous health benefits. Thymoquinone (TQ), a major bioactive component derived from the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, has been shown to improve gastrointestinal functions in animal models of acute gastric/intestinal injury. In view of this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of TQ on CP induced toxicity in rat intestine and to elucidate the mechanism underlying these effects. Rats were divided into four groups viz. control, CP, TQ and CP+TQ. Animals in CP+TQ and TQ groups were orally administered TQ (1.5mg/kg bwt) with and without a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (6mg/kg bwt) respectively. The effect of TQ was determined on CP induced alterations in the activities of brush border membrane (BBM), carbohydrate metabolism, and antioxidant defense enzymes in rat intestine. TQ administration significantly mitigated CP induced decline in the specific activities of BBM marker enzymes, both in the mucosal homogenates and in the BBM vesicles (BBMV) prepared from intestinal mucosa. Furthermore, TQ administration restored the redox and metabolic status of intestinal mucosal tissue in CP treated rats. The biochemical results were supported by histopathological findings that showed extensive damage to intestine in CP treated rats and markedly preserved intestinal histoarchitecture in CP and TQ co-treated group. The biochemical and histological data suggest a protective effect of TQ against CP-induced gastrointestinal damage. Thus, TQ may have a potential for clinical application to counteract the accompanying gastrointestinal toxicity in CP chemotherapy.

Promoting Wound Healing Using Low Molecular Weight Fucoidan in a Full-Thickness Dermal Excision Rat Model

Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMF) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, we examined the effects of LMF extracted from Undaria pinnatifida on dermal wounds. Five round dermal wounds were created on the dorsal back of rats, and they were then treated topically with distilled water (DW), Madecasol Care™ (MC) or LMF at 200, 100 and 50 mg/mL, twice a day for a week. There were dose-dependent increases in wound contraction in the groups receiving LMF but not in the MC group, compared with the DW. Histopathological examination revealed that LMF treatment accelerated wound healing, which was supported by increases in granular tissue formation on day four post-treatment but a decrease on day seven, accompanied by an evident reduction in inflammatory cells. In the LMF-treated wounds, collagen distribution and angiogenesis were increased in the granular tissue on days four and seven post-treatment. Immunoreactive cells for transforming growth factor-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 or matrix metalloproteinases 9 were also increased, probably due to tissue remodeling. Furthermore, LMF treatment reduced lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant activities. These suggested that LMF promotes dermal wound healing via complex and coordinated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and growth factor-dependent activities.

Fabrication and Cytotoxicity of Fucoidan-Cisplatin Nanoparticles for Macrophage and Tumor Cells

Fucoidan, an anionic, sulfated polysaccharide from brown seaweed, is known to exhibit antitumor and immunomodulatory functions. To develop an immune protection and chemotherapeutic agent, fucoidan-cisplatin nanoparticles (FCNPs) were designed. FCNPs were prepared by mixing cisplatin with fucoidan solution or fucoidan with cisplatin solution, followed by dialysis to remove trace elements. The nanoparticles, comprising 10 mg of fucoidan and 2 mg of cisplatin, which exhibited the highest cisplatin content and loading efficiency during the production process, were named as Fu100Cis20. The cisplatin content, cisplatin loading efficiency, nanoparticle size, and zeta potential of Fu100Cis20 were 18.9% ± 2.7%, 93.3% ± 7.8%, 181.2 ± 21.0 nm, and −67.4 ± 2.3 mV, respectively. Immune protection assay revealed that Fu100Cis20-treated RAW264.7 cells were protected from the cytotoxicity of cisplatin. Furthermore, antitumor assay indicated that Fu100Cis20-treated HCT-8 cells showed stronger cytotoxicity than those treated with cisplatin alone. These results suggested that fucoidan-based nanoparticles exhibited suitable particle size and high drug encapsulation, and that Fu100Cis20 has potential application in both immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Oral administration of Nigella sativa oil ameliorates the effect of cisplatin on brush border membrane enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant system in rat intestine

Cisplatin (CP) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent that induces gastrointestinal toxicity. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has been shown to be beneficial in a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. The present study investigates the possible protective effect of NSO on CP-induced gastrointestinal toxicity. NSO administration (2ml/kg bwt, orally), prior to and following, a single dose CP treatment (6mg/kg bwt. ip), significantly attenuated the CP-induced decrease in brush border membrane (BBM) enzyme activities in intestinal homogenates and BBM vesicles (BBMV). NSO administration also mitigated CP induced alterations in the activities of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes and in the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters in the intestine. The results suggest that NSO by empowering the endogenous antioxidant system improves intestinal redox and metabolic status and restores BBM integrity in CP treated rats. Histopathological studies supported the biochemical findings. Thus, NSO may help prevent the accompanying gastrointestinal dysfunction in CP chemotherapy.

The effect of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae extract on gastro-intestinal motility function

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Flos Lonicerae Japonicae is a well-known herb of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for heat-clearing, detoxification, anti-inflammation, throat pain and gastro-intestinal (GI) disorder. In order to verify the effect of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae on GI disorder, we investigated the prokinetic effect of GC-7101 on GI motility function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GC-7101 is the standardized extract of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae. The contractile action of GC-7101 on feline esophageal smooth muscle cell (ESMC) was evaluated by measuring dispersed cell length. The isometric tension study was performed to investigate the effect of GC-7101 on feline lower esophageal sphincther (LES). The prokinetic effect of GC-7101 was investigated by gastric emptying (GE) and gastro-intestinal transit (GIT) in rats.

RESULTS

GC-7101 produced concentration-dependent contractions in ESMCs. Pretreatment with 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptor blocker (ondansetron and GR113808) inhibited the contractile responses of the GC-7101-induced ESMCs. In isometric tension study, GC-7101 recovered the HCl-induced decreased tone of LES muscle strips. The treatment of GC-7101 enhanced the carbachol-induced contractile responses and the electric field stimulation (EFS)-induced on-contraction. The oral administration of GC-7101 not only significantly accelerated GE and GIT in normal rats but also recovered the delayed GE and GIT, and its effect was more potent than that of conventional prokinetics (e.g., domperidone, a dopamine-receptor antagonist, and mosapride, a 5-HT4-receptor agonist).

CONCLUSION

GC-7101 revealed a prokinetic effect through enhancing the contractile responses of ESMCs, tone increases, enhancing the carbarchol- or EFS-induced contractile responses of LES muscle strips, and the acceleration of GE and GIT. We have identified the significant potential of GC-7101 for the development of new prokinetic drugs through this study.

Therapies from Fucoidan: An Update

Fucoidans are a class of sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides found in brown marine algae and echinoderms. Fucoidans have an attractive array of bioactivities and potential applications including immune modulation, cancer inhibition, and pathogen inhibition. Research into fucoidan has continued to gain pace over the last few years and point towards potential therapeutic or adjunct roles. The source, extraction, characterization and detection of fucoidan is discussed.

Schisandrae Fructus Supplementation Ameliorates Sciatic Neurectomy-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Mice

The objective of this study was to assess the possible beneficial skeletal muscle preserving effects of ethanol extract of Schisandrae Fructus (EESF) on sciatic neurectomy- (NTX-) induced hindlimb muscle atrophy in mice. Here, calf muscle atrophy was induced by unilateral right sciatic NTX. In order to investigate whether administration of EESF prevents or improves sciatic NTX-induced muscle atrophy, EESF was administered orally. Our results indicated that EESF dose-dependently diminished the decreases in markers of muscle mass and activity levels, and the increases in markers of muscle damage and fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokines, and apoptotic events in the gastrocnemius muscle bundles are induced by NTX. Additionally, destruction of gastrocnemius antioxidant defense systems after NTX was dose-dependently protected by treatment with EESF. EESF also upregulated muscle-specific mRNAs involved in muscle protein synthesis but downregulated those involved in protein degradation. The overall effects of 500 mg/kg EESF were similar to those of 50 mg/kg oxymetholone, but it showed more favorable antioxidant effects. The present results suggested that EESF exerts a favorable ameliorating effect on muscle atrophy induced by NTX, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects related to muscle fiber protective effects and via an increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in protein degradation.

The administration of Fructus Schisandrae attenuates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in mice

In the present study, we aimed to determine whether ethanol extracts of Fructus Schisandrae (FS), the dried fruit of Schizandra chinensis Baillon, mitigates the development of dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy. Adult SPF/VAT outbred CrljOri:CD1 (ICR) mice were either treated with dexamethasone to induce muscle atrophy. Some mice were treated with various concentrations of FS or oxymetholone, a 17α-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid. Muscle thickness and weight, calf muscle strength, and serum creatine and creatine kinase (CK) levels were then measured. The administration of FS attenuated the decrease in calf thickness, gastrocnemius muscle thickness, muscle strength and weight, fiber diameter and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in the gastrocnemius muscle bundles which was induced by dexamethasone in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with FS also prevented the dexamethasone-induced increase in serum creatine and creatine kinase levels, histopathological muscle fiber microvacuolation and fibrosis, and the immunoreactivity of muscle fibers for nitrotyrosine, 4-hydroxynonenal, inducible nitric oxide synthase and myostatin. In addition, the destruction of the gastrocnemius antioxidant defense system was also inhibited by the administration of FS in a dose-dependent manner. FS downregulated the mRNA expression of atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (involved in muscle protein degradation), myostatin (a potent negative regulator of muscle growth) and sirtuin 1 (a representative inhibitor of muscle regeneration), but upregulated the mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt1, adenosine A1 receptor and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4, involved in muscle growth and the activation of protein synthesis. The overall effects of treatment with 500 mg/kg FS were comparable to those observed following treatment with 50 mg/kg oxymetholone. The results from the present study support the hypothesis that FS has a favorable ameliorating effect on muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone, by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on muscle fibers, which may be due to an increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in protein degradation.

Seaweed polysaccharides and their potential biomedical applications

Over the past two decades numerous studies have been reported on seaweeds‐derived polysaccharides for biomedical and biological applications (tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, and biosensor). Alginate, carrageenan, fucoidan, and ulvan are widely used marine derived polysaccharides for biological and biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and availability. The gel forming property of alginate has increased its applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery as an extracellular matrix and delivery vehicle, respectively. Other sulfated polysaccharides such as carrageenan and fucoidan show promising application in tissue engineering due to their capacity of inducing important osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation in stem cells. In this review, we explained the extraction/isolation methods and applications of these seaweed derived polysaccharides as well as their roles in therapeutics, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

Inhibition of UVB-induced skin damage by exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans SM-2001 in hairless mice

Because antioxidants from natural sources may be an effective approach to the treatment and prevention of UV radiation-induced skin damage, the effects of purified exopolymers from Aureobasidium pullulans SM-2001 ('E-AP-SM2001') were evaluated in UVB-induced hairless mice. E-AP-SM2001 consists of 1.7% β-1,3/1,6-glucan, fibrous polysaccharides and other organic materials, such as amino acids, and mono- and di-unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids) and shows anti-osteoporotic and immunomodulatory effects, through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Hairless mice were treated topically with vehicle, E-AP-SM2001 stock and two and four times diluted solutions once per day for 15 weeks against UVB irradiation (three times per week at 0.18 J/cm(2) ). The following parameters were evaluated in skin samples: myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10], endogenous antioxidant content (glutathione, GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide anion production; matrix metalloproteases (MMP-1, -9 and -13), GSH reductase and Nox2 (gp91phox) mRNA levels, and immunoreactivity for nitrotyrosine (NT), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), caspase-3, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Photoageing was induced by UVB irradiation through ROS-mediated inflammation, which was related to the depletion of endogenous antioxidants, activation of MMPs and keratinocyte apoptosis. Topical treatment with all three doses of E-AP-SM2001 and 5 nm myricetin attenuated the UV-induced depletion of GSH, activation of MMPs, production of IL-1β, the decrease in IL-10 and keratinocyte apoptosis. In this study, E-AP-SM2001 showed potent inhibitory effects against UVB-induced skin photoageing. Thus, E-AP-SM2001 may be useful as a functional ingredient in cosmetics, especially as a protective agent against UVB-induced skin photoageing.

Serotonin regulates innate immune responses of colon epithelial cells through Nox2-derived reactive oxygen species

Changes in serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) content in the gut of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and animal models of colitis suggest an important role of 5-HT in the pathogenesis of IBD. In this study, we examined the role and mechanism of action of 5-HT in the inflammatory response of colon epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In colon epithelial cells (CCD 841, HT-29, Caco-2), direct application of 5-HT induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and monocyte-epithelial adhesion, an initial event of inflammation, which were blocked not only by 5-HT receptor antagonists (tropisetron, RS39604, and SB269970), antioxidants (ascorbic acid, apocynin), and various inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (DPI), CREB (KG-501), and NF-κB (PDTC), but also by transfection with Nox2 siRNA. Nox2-derived production of ROS corresponded with the rapid and brief activation of Rac. In addition, 5-HT induced Nox2, p67(phox), and Duox2 without altering the level of Nox1 or Duox1 in colon epithelial cells, and silencing of Nox2 suppressed 5-HT-induced Duox2 increase. 5-HT also induced an increase in the expression of MCP-1, IL-8, and ICAM-1 and a decrease in E-cadherin expression. Exogenous application of 5-HT to rat colon through the rectum caused a minimal level of inflammation, which was demonstrated by histological examination, MPO activity, and inflammatory cytokine induction. However, 5-HT combined with a low dose of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), the level of which caused a minimal level of colitis, exaggerated colon inflammation accompanied by much more enhanced induction of inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1, indicating that colon epithelial cells directly exposed to 5-HT are primed toward inflammation. In the colon at the lesion site, treatment with 5-HT resulted in an increase in the level of epithelial Nox2 but not of constitutively expressed Nox1, which is the opposite result of TNBS treatment. Furthermore, 5-HT treatment of Nox2-knockout mice did not induce colon inflammation, in contrast to 5-HT-treated wild-type mice. The results demonstrate that colon epithelial cells directly exposed to 5-HT are primed for inflammatory reactions, which is an important innate immune response, and the underlying mechanism for the priming is associated with Nox2-activated signaling pathways, including ERK/p38 MAPK, NF-κB, and CREB.