Characterization of a low-sulfated chondroitin sulfate from the body of Viviparus ater (mollusca gastropoda). Modification of its structure by lead pollution

Plastering the head with crushed snails to treat pediatric hydrocephalus: an ancient therapy with a pharmacological basis

In the Middle Ages, medical therapy for pediatric hydrocephalus was characterized by the application of drying substances to decrease the size of the heads of affected children. A poultice of crushed snails applied to the head was considered to be one of the most powerful therapies for reducing swelling caused by excessive humors. Incunabula (texts printed in Europe before 1501 CE) and Renaissance texts document the extended use of this therapy, which was considered by physicians to be effective and less dangerous than surgical treatment.

Evolution of glycosaminoglycans: Comparative biochemical study

Glycosaminoglycans, a major component of the extracellular matrix molecules in animal tissues, play important roles in various physiological events. Glycosaminoglycans are found in not only vertebrates but also many invertebrates, implying a conserved function in the animal kingdom. Here, we discuss the analysis of glycosaminoglycans in 11 invertebrate phyla focusing on structure as well as physiological functions elucidated in model organisms. Various sulfated structures of heparan sulfate are widely distributed from very primitive organisms to humans, indicating an involvement in fundamental biological processes. By contrast, chondroitin/dermatan sulfate from lower organisms is limited in its structural complexity and often associated with a particular function. The presence of hyaluronic acid outside of vertebrates has been reported only in a mollusk.

A potential role for avocado- and soybean-based nutritional supplements in the management of osteoarthritis: a review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, painful, and debilitating condition that affects approximately 46.4 million individuals in the United States. By 2012, this number is expected to increase to 60 million. In addition, it is the leading cause of activity limitation in adults and represents a widely acknowledged economic burden. Although the ultimate goal is to slow or prevent OA progression, at present, medical management of OA is aimed primarily at controlling symptoms of pain and stiffness and maintaining joint mobility and quality of life. Because of the lack or perceived lack of response to many conventional therapies for OA as well as concerns regarding the long-term administration of drugs (eg, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), oral joint health supplements (OJHSs) have become increasingly popular among patients with OA. This article briefly reviews pertinent molecular mechanisms involved in the development of OA and summarizes available in vitro and in vivo evidence supporting the use of avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) either alone or in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with OA. Basic scientific research studies and a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available high-quality randomized clinical trials indicate that 300 mg of ASU per day (with or without glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) appears to be beneficial for patients with hip or knee OA. There is also some evidence that ASU or ASU/glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate combination products could be used prophylactically in even the earliest stages of OA. Considering concerns regarding inferior-quality OJHSs, consumers and physicians are encouraged to take an evidence-based approach when evaluating OJHSs to identify and recommend safe and effective products that meet label claims when tested independently, and are of the highest quality.

Glycosaminoglycan Composition of the Large Freshwater Mollusc Bivalve Anodonta anodonta

In this paper, glycosaminoglycans from the body of the large freshwater mollusc bivalve Anodonta anodonta were recovered at about 0.6 mg/g of dry tissue, composed of chondroitin sulfate (approximately 38%), nonsulfated chondroitin (about 21%), and heparin (41%). This last polysaccharide was found to consist of a large percentage (approximately 88%) of a fast-moving species possessing a lower molecular mass and sulfate group amount and about 12% of a more sulfated, slow-moving component having a greater molecular mass. The chondroitin sulfate was composed of approximately 28% of the 6-sulfated disaccharide, 46% of the 4-sulfated disaccharide, and about 26% of the nonsulfated disaccharide, with a charge density value of 0.74. Heparin was subjected to the oligosaccharide mapping after treatment with heparinase and then separation of the resulting unsaturated oligosaccharides by SAX-HPLC. A heparin sample from Anodonta anodonta showed a degree of sulfation similar to that of bovine mucosal heparin because of the presence of approximately the same mol % of the trisulfated disaccharide (DeltaUA2S(1-->4)-alpha-D-GlcN2S6S), a slight modification of the other oligosaccharides, and a significant increase of the disaccharide bearing the sulfate group in position 3 of the N-sulfoglucosamine 6-sulfate (-->4)-beta-D-GlcA(1-->4)-alpha-D-GlcN2S3S6S(1-->) part of the ATIII-binding region. However, the anticoagulant activity of mollusc heparin was quite similar to that of pharmaceutical grade heparin. The data obtained again emphasize the heterogeneity of GAGs from molluscs.