Fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida prevents vascular dysfunction through PI3K/Akt/eNOS-dependent mechanisms in the l-NAME-induced hypertensive rat model

Macroalgae-derived bioactive compounds for functional food and pharmaceutical applications-a critical review

The rising demand for global food resources, combined with an overreliance on land-based agroecosystems, poses a significant challenge for the sustainable production of food products. Macroalgae cultivation is a promising approach to mitigate impending global food insecurities due to several key factors: independence from terrestrial farming, rapid growth rates, unique biochemical makeup, and carbon capture potential. Furthermore, macroalgae are rich in vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber, demonstrating significant potential as sustainable alternatives for enhancing dietary diversity and fulfilling nutritional requirements. This review provides an overview of the nutritional composition and functional properties of commercially cultivated macroalgae species, with emphasis on their viability as value additions to the functional food market. Furthermore, the review discusses the technological aspects of integrating macroalgae into food products, covering both innovative solutions and existing challenges. Macroalgae, beyond being nutritional powerhouses, contain a plethora of bioactive compounds with varied biological activities, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties, making them excellent candidates in developing novel pharmaceuticals. Thus, this review also summarizes the pharmaceutical applications of macroalgae, identifies research gaps and proposes potential strategies for incorporating macroalgae-derived bioactive compounds into therapeutic products.

Current insights and future perspectives of flavonoids: A promising antihypertensive approach

Hypertension, or high blood pressure (BP), is a complex disease influenced by various risk factors. It is characterized by persistent elevation of BP levels, typically exceeding 140/90 mmHg. Endothelial dysfunction and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability play crucial roles in hypertension development. L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an analog of L-arginine, inhibits endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) enzymes, leading to decreased NO production and increased BP. Animal models exposed to L-NAME manifest hypertension, making it a useful design for studying the hypertension condition. Natural products have gained interest as alternative approaches for managing hypertension. Flavonoids, abundant in fruits, vegetables, and other plant sources, have potential cardiovascular benefits, including antihypertensive effects. Flavonoids have been extensively studied in cell cultures, animal models, and, to lesser extent, in human trials to evaluate their effectiveness against L-NAME-induced hypertension. This comprehensive review summarizes the antihypertensive activity of specific flavonoids, including quercetin, luteolin, rutin, troxerutin, apigenin, and chrysin, in L-NAME-induced hypertension models. Flavonoids possess antioxidant properties that mitigate oxidative stress, a major contributor to endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. They enhance endothelial function by promoting NO bioavailability, vasodilation, and the preservation of vascular homeostasis. Flavonoids also modulate vasoactive factors involved in BP regulation, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and endothelin-1. Moreover, they exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, attenuating inflammation-mediated hypertension. This review provides compelling evidence for the antihypertensive potential of flavonoids against L-NAME-induced hypertension. Their multifaceted mechanisms of action suggest their ability to target multiple pathways involved in hypertension development. Nonetheless, the reviewed studies contribute to the evidence supporting the useful of flavonoids for hypertension prevention and treatment. In conclusion, flavonoids represent a promising class of natural compounds for combating hypertension. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource summarizing the current knowledge on the antihypertensive effects of specific flavonoids, facilitating further investigation and guiding the development of novel therapeutic strategies for hypertension management.

Marine Compounds and Age-Related Diseases: The Path from Pre-Clinical Research to Approved Drugs for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes

Ageing represents a main risk factor for several pathologies. Among them, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are predominant in the elderly population and often require prolonged use of multiple drugs due to their chronic nature and the high proportion of co-morbidities. Hence, research is constantly looking for novel, effective molecules to treat CVD and T2DM with minimal side effects. Marine active compounds, holding a great diversity of chemical structures and biological properties, represent interesting therapeutic candidates to treat these age-related diseases. This review summarizes the current state of research on marine compounds for the treatment of CVD and T2DM, from pre-clinical studies to clinical investigations and approved drugs, highlighting the potential of marine compounds in the development of new therapies, together with the limitations in translating pre-clinical results into human application.

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.

Network pharmacology-based approach uncovers the pharmacodynamic components and mechanism of Fructus Tribuli for improving endothelial dysfunction in hypertension

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fructus Tribuli (FT), a traditional Chinese medicinal herbal, has been used for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases for many years and affects vascular endothelial dysfunction (ED) in patients with hypertension.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to demonstrate the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanisms of FT for the treatment of ED.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) to analyze and identify the chemical components of FT. The active components in blood were determined after the oral administration of FT by comparative analysis to blank plasma. Then, based on the active components in vivo, network pharmacology was performed to predict the potential targets of FT in treating ED. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were also performed, and component-target-pathway networks were constructed. Interactions between the major active components and main targets were verified by molecular docking. Moreover, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were divided into the normal, model, valsartan, low-dose FT, medium-dose FT, and high-dose FT experimental groups. In pharmacodynamic verification studies, treatment effects on blood pressure, serum markers (nitric oxide [NO], endothelin-1 [ET-1,], and angiotensin Ⅱ [Ang Ⅱ)]) of ED, and endothelial morphology of the thoracic aorta were evaluated and compared between groups. Finally, the PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot of the thoracic aorta of rats in each group to detect the mRNA expression of PI3K, AKT, and eNOS and the protein expression of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, eNOS, and p-eNOS.

RESULTS

A total of 51 chemical components were identified in FT, and 49 active components were identified in rat plasma. Thirteen major active components, 22 main targets, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were screened by network pharmacology. The animal experiment results showed that FT reduced systolic blood pressure and ET-1 and Ang Ⅱ levels and increased NO levels in SHRs to varying degrees. The therapeutic effects were positively correlated with the oral dose of FT. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining confirmed that FT could alleviate the pathological damage of the vascular endothelium. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed that up-regulated expression of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway could improve ED.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the material basis of FT was comprehensively identified, and the protective effect on ED was confirmed. FT had a treatment effect on ED through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathways. It also played a role by up-regulating the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway.

Evaluation of the effect of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SN001 fermentation on arsenic accumulation and antihypertensive effect of Sargassum horneri in vivo

Sargassum horneri contains water-soluble polysaccharides, which have antihypertensive effects, and arsenic, which is harmful to the human body. Boiling and other treatments are effective in removing arsenic; however, water-soluble polysaccharides are lost during processing. Therefore, a method to remove arsenic and further increase its antihypertensive effect is required. To this end, we investigated fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SN001 in this study. Boiled and fermented S. horneri were administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and blood pressure and arsenic accumulation in organs were observed to simultaneously examine the effects of fermentation on hypertension and arsenic accumulation. The ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition rate, an indicator of antihypertensive effects, showed a maximum at 4 days of fermentation. Consecutive dosing studies using S. horneri, boiled S. horneri, and fermented boiled S. horneri in SHR were conducted. Although the boiled group showed high blood pressure values, the fermented boiled group showed lower blood pressure values than the boiled cohort. The amount of arsenic accumulated in the liver, kidney, and spleen of rats was significantly lower in the boiled and fermented boiled groups than that in the S. horneri group. This confirmed the arsenic removal effect of boiling pretreatment and the in vivo safety of fermented boiled S. horneri. These results suggest that fermentation of arsenic-free S. horneri with L. pentosus SN001 can enhance its antihypertensive effect in vivo. This is the first study to simultaneously examine the antihypertensive effect of fermentation of S. horneri and its effect on the arsenic accumulation in vivo.

Influence of electroacupuncture on ghrelin and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on ghrelin and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (PI3K/Akt/eNOS) signaling pathway in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

METHODS

Eight Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as the healthy blood pressure (BP) control (normal group), and 32 SHRs were randomized into model group, EA group, EA plus ghrelin group (EA + G group), and EA plus PF04628935 group (a potent ghrelin receptor blocker; EA + P group) using a random number table. Rats in the normal group and model group did not receive treatment, but were immobilized for 20 min per day, 5 times a week, for 4 continuous weeks. SHRs in the EA group, EA + G group and EA + P group were immobilized and given EA treatment in 20 min sessions, 5 times per week, for 4 weeks. Additionally, 1 h before EA, SHRs in the EA + G group and EA + P group were intraperitoneally injected with ghrelin or PF04628935, respectively, for 4 weeks. The tail-cuff method was used to measure BP. After the 4-week intervention, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and pathological morphology of the abdominal aorta was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of ghrelin, nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in the serum. Isolated thoracic aortic ring experiment was performed to evaluate vasorelaxation. Western blot was used to measure the expression of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and eNOS proteins in the abdominal aorta. Further, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to measure the relative levels of mRNA expression for PI3K, Akt and eNOS in the abdominal aorta.

RESULTS

EA significantly reduced the systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) (P < 0.05). HE staining showed that EA improved the morphology of the vascular endothelium to some extent. Results of ELISA indicated that higher concentrations of ghrelin and NO, and lower concentrations of ET-1 and TXA2 were presented in the EA group (P < 0.05). The isolated thoracic aortic ring experiment demonstrated that the vasodilation capacity of the thoracic aorta increased in the EA group. Results of Western blot and qRT-PCR showed that EA increased the abundance of PI3K, p-Akt/Akt and eNOS proteins, as well as expression levels of PI3K, Akt and eNOS mRNAs (P < 0.05). In the EA + G group, SBP and DBP decreased (P < 0.05), ghrelin concentrations increased (P < 0.05), and the concentrations of ET-1 and TXA2 decreased (P < 0.05), relative to the EA group. In addition, the levels of PI3K and eNOS proteins, the p-Akt/Akt ratio, and the expression of PI3K, Akt and eNOS mRNAs increased significantly in the EA + G group (P < 0.05), while PF04628935 reversed these effects.

CONCLUSION

EA effectively reduced BP and protected the vascular endothelium, and these effects may be linked to promoting the release of ghrelin and activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

Therapeutic Effect of Fucoidan on Metabolic Diseases: Experimental Data and Clinical Evidence

The rising prevalence of metabolic diseases represents a major challenge to public health worldwide. Therefore, there is a strong need to conduct research on the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies for metabolic disorders. Fucoidan is a fucose-enriched and sulfated polysaccharide extracted from ubiquitous brown seaweed. The antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and hypolipidemic effects of fucoidan have been reported in preclinical research and clinical trials. This study aims to review the mechanisms of action and the experimental and clinical use of different types of fucoidan for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Aortic Stiffness in L-NAME Treated C57Bl/6 Mice Displays a Shift From Early Endothelial Dysfunction to Late-Term Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Dysfunction

Introduction and Aims: Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as a cardiovascular aging hallmark. Administration of nitric oxide synthase blocker N-Ω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) constitutes a well-known small animal model of cardiovascular aging. Despite extensive phenotypic characterization, the exact aortic function changes in L-NAME treated mice are largely unknown. Therefore, this study presents a longitudinal characterization of the aortic reactivity and biomechanical alterations in L-NAME treated C57Bl/6 mice.

Methods and Results: Male C57Bl/6 mice were treated with L-NAME (0.5 mg/ml drinking water) for 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 weeks. Peripheral blood pressure measurement (tail-cuff) and transthoracic echocardiograms were recorded, showing progressive hypertension after 4 weeks of treatment and progressive cardiac hypertrophy after 8–16 weeks of treatment. Aortic stiffness was measured in vivo as aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV, ultrasound) and ex vivo as Peterson modulus (E_p). Aortic reactivity and biomechanics were investigated ex vivo in thoracic aortic rings, mounted isometrically or dynamically-stretched in organ bath set-ups. Aortic stiffening was heightened in L-NAME treated mice after all treatment durations, thereby preceding the development of hypertension and cardiac aging. L-NAME treatment doubled the rate of arterial stiffening compared to control mice, and displayed an attenuation of the elevated aortic stiffness at high distending pressure, possibly due to late-term reduction of medial collagen types I, III, and IV content. Remarkably, endothelial dysfunction, measured by acetylcholine concentration-response stimulation in precontracted aortic rings, was only observed after short-term (1–4 weeks) treatment, followed by restoration of endothelial function which coincided with increased phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (S¹¹⁷⁷). In the late-disease phase (8–16 weeks), vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction developed, including increased contribution of voltage-dependent calcium channels (assessed by inhibition with diltiazem), basal VSMC cytoplasmic calcium loading (assessed by removal of extracellular calcium), and heightened intracellular contractile calcium handling (assessed by measurement of sarcoplasmic reticulum-mediated transient contractions).

Conclusion: Arterial stiffness precedes peripheral hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in chronic L-NAME treated male C57Bl/6 mice. The underlying aortic disease mechanisms underwent a distinct shift from early endothelial dysfunction to late-term VSMC dysfunction, with continued disease progression.

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.

The Potential of Dietary Bioactive Compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction

COVID-19 is an endothelial disease. All the major comorbidities that increase the risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 including old age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, compromised immune system, coronary artery disease or heart failure are associated with dysfunctional endothelium. Genetics and environmental factors (epigenetics) are major risk factors for endothelial dysfunction. Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and poor COVID-19 outcomes and higher risk of mortality. Old age is a non-modifiable risk factor. All other risk factors are modifiable. This review also identifies dietary risk factors for endothelial dysfunction. Potential dietary preventions that address endothelial dysfunction and its sequelae may have an important role in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection severity and are key factors for future research to address. This review presents some dietary bioactives with demonstrated efficacy against dysfunctional endothelial cells. This review also covers dietary bioactives with efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Dietary bioactive compounds that prevent endothelial dysfunction and its sequelae, especially in the gastrointestinal tract, will result in more effective prevention of SARS-CoV-2 variant infection severity and are key factors for future food research to address.

Therapeutic Potential of Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Cardiovascular Disease Treatment

Cardiovascular diseases are closely related to hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. Many studies have reported that an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are critical factors that enhance these diseases. Recently, many bioactive compounds isolated from marine seaweeds have been studied for their benefits in improving human health. In particular, several unique bioactive metabolites such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, peptides, carotene, and sterol are the most effective components responsible for these activities. This review summarizes the current in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies related to the protective effects of bioactive compounds isolated from seaweeds against cardiovascular disorders, including anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-obesity effects. Therefore, this present review summarizes these concepts and provides a basis for further in-depth research.

Hexahydrocurcumin ameliorates hypertensive and vascular remodeling in L-NAME-induced rats

Hexahydrocurcumin (HHC), a major metabolite of curcumin, possesses several biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and cardioprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HHC on high blood pressure, vascular dysfunction, and remodeling induced by N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in rats. Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) received L-NAME (40 mg/kg) via drinking water for seven weeks. HHC at doses of 20, 40 or 80 mg/kg or enalapril 10 mg/kg was orally administered for the last three weeks. Blood pressure was measured weekly. Rats induced with L-NAME showed the development of hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and remodeling as demonstrated by an increase in wall thickness, cross-sectional area, and collagen deposition in the aorta. The overexpression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), phosphorylated-extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), phosphorylated-c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK), phosphorylated-mitogen activated protein kinase p38 (p-p38), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and collagen type 1 was observed in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Increased oxidative stress markers, decreased plasma nitric oxide (NO) levels and the down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in aortic tissues were also found in L-NAME-induced rats. Moreover, L-NAME-induced rats showed enhanced synthetic protein expression in aortic tissues. These alterations were suppressed in hypertensive rats treated with HHC or enalapril. The present study shows that HHC exhibited antihypertensive effects by improving vascular function and ameliorated the development of vascular remodeling. The responsible mechanism may involve antioxidant and anti-inflammation potential.

Seaweed Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS)

AIM

Seaweed contains soluble dietary fibers, potassium, and flavonoids and was recently reported to be inversely associated with the risk of coronary heart disease and mortality from stroke. However, epidemiological evidence on this issue has remained scarce.

METHODS

At the baseline survey of four Japanese communities between 1984 and 2000, we enrolled 6,169 men and women aged 40-79 years who had no history of cardiovascular disease. We assessed their seaweed intake using the data from a 24 h dietary recall survey and categorized the intake into four groups (0, 1-5.5, 5.5-15, and ≥ 15 g/day). We used sex-specific Cox proportional hazards models to examine the association between seaweed intake and risk of cardiovascular disease (stroke, stroke subtypes, and coronary heart disease).

RESULTS

During the 130,248 person-year follow-up, 523 cases of cardiovascular disease occurred: 369 cases of stroke and 154 cases of coronary heart disease. Seaweed intake levels were inversely associated with the risk of total stroke and cerebral infarction among men but not among women. Adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors did not change the associations: the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals; P for trend) for the highest versus lowest categories of seaweed intake were 0.63 (0.42-0.94; 0.01) for total stroke and 0.59 (0.36-0.97; 0.03) for cerebral infarction. No associations were observed between seaweed intake and risks of intraparenchymal hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or coronary heart disease among men or women.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an inverse association between seaweed intake and risk of total stroke, especially that from cerebral infarction, among Japanese men.

Marine Sulfated Polysaccharides: Preventive and Therapeutic Effects on Metabolic Syndrome: A Review

Metabolic syndrome is the pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. With the prevalence of modern lifestyles, the incidence of metabolic syndrome has risen rapidly. In recent years, marine sulfate polysaccharides (MSPs) have shown positive effects in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, and they mainly come from seaweeds and marine animals. MSPs are rich in sulfate and have stronger biological activity compared with terrestrial polysaccharides. MSPs can alleviate metabolic syndrome by regulating glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. In addition, MSPs prevent and treat metabolic syndrome by interacting with gut microbiota. MSPs can be degraded by gut microbes to produce metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and free sulfate and affect the composition of gut microbiota. The difference between MSPs and other polysaccharides lies in the sulfation pattern and sulfate content, therefore, which is very important for anti-metabolic syndrome activity of MSPs. This review summarizes the latest findings on effects of MSPs on metabolic syndrome, mechanisms of MSPs in treatment/prevention of metabolic syndrome, interactions between MSPs and gut microbiota, and the role of sulfate group and sulfation pattern in MSPs activity. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm the potential preventive and therapeutic effects on human body. It may be a better choice to develop new functional foods containing MSPs for dietary intervention in metabolic syndrome.

Fucoidan for cardiovascular application and the factors mediating its activities

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide with various bioactivities. The application of fucoidan in cancer treatment, wound healing, and food industry has been extensively studied. However, the therapeutic value of fucoidan in cardiovascular diseases has been less explored. Increasing number of investigations in the past years have demonstrated the effects of fucoidan on cardiovascular system. In this review, we will focus on the bioactivities related to cardiovascular applications, for example, the modulation functions of fucoidan on coagulation system, inflammation, and vascular cells. Factors mediating those activities will be discussed in detail. Current therapeutic strategies and future opportunities and challenges will be provided to inspire and guide further research.

Anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective activities of traditional Chinese medicine-derived polysaccharides: A review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a leading cause of death in modern society, have become a major public health issue globally. Although numerous approaches have been proposed to reduce morbidity and mortality, the pursuit of pharmaceuticals with more preventive and/or therapeutic value remains a focus of attention. Being a vast treasure trove of natural drug molecules, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of clinical use in the prophylaxis and remedy of CVDs. Increasing lines of preclinical evidence have demonstrated the effectiveness of TCM-derived polysaccharides on hindering the progression of CVDs, e.g. hypertension, myocardial infarction. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are few reviews on the application of TCM-derived polysaccharides in combating CVDs. Hence, we provide an overview of primary literature on the anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective activities of herbal polysaccharides. Additionally, we also discuss the current limitations and propose a new hypothesis about how polysaccharides exert cardiovascular effects based on the metabolism of polysaccharides.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid-salt attenuated high cholesterol/high salt diet induced hypertension in mice

Excessive salt intake induces hypertension, but several gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplements have been shown to reduce blood pressure. GABA-salt, a fermented salt by L. brevis BJ20 containing GABA was prepared through the post-fermentation with refined salt and the fermented GABA extract. We evaluated the effect of GABA-salt on hypertension in a high salt, high cholesterol diet induced mouse model. We analyzed type 1 macrophage (M1) polarization, the expression of M1 related cytokines, GABA receptor expression, endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, and medial thicknesses in mice model. GABA-salt attenuated diet-induced blood pressure increases, M1 polarization, and TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels in mouse aortas, and in salt treated macrophages in vitro. Furthermore, GABA-salt induced higher GABA_B receptor and endothelial NOS (eNOS) and eNOS phosphorylation levels than those observed in salt treated ECs. In addition, GABA-salt attenuated EC dysfunction by decreasing the levels of adhesion molecules (E-selectin, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 [ICAM-1], vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1]) and of von Willebrand Factor and reduced EC death. GABA-salt also reduced diet-induced reductions in the levels of eNOS, phosphorylated eNOS, VSMC proliferation and medial thickening in mouse aortic tissues, and attenuated Endothelin-1 levels in salt treated VSMCs. In summary, GABA-salt reduced high salt, high cholesterol diet induced hypertension in our mouse model by reducing M1 polarization, EC dysfunction, and VSMC proliferation.

Brown Seaweeds for the Management of Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Diseases

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the coexistence of different metabolic disorders which increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, metabolic syndrome leads to a reduction in patients' quality of life as well as to an increase in morbidity and mortality. In the last few decades, it has been demonstrated that seaweeds exert multiple beneficial effects by virtue of their micro- and macronutrient content, which could help in the management of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This review aims to provide an updated overview on the potential of brown seaweeds for the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome and its associated diseases, based on the most recent evidence obtained from in vitro and in vivo preclinical and clinical studies. Owing to their great potential for health benefits, brown seaweeds are successfully used in some nutraceuticals and functional foods for treating metabolic syndrome comorbidities. However, some issues still need to be tackled and deepened to improve the knowledge of their ADME/Tox profile in humans, in particular by finding validated indexes of their absorption and obtaining reliable information on their efficacy and long-term safety.

Fucoidan Isolated from Saccharina japonica Inhibits LPS-Induced Inflammation in Macrophages via Blocking NF-κB, MAPK and JAK-STAT Pathways

Fucoidan has been reported to have a variety of biological activities. However, different algae species, extraction methods, harvesting seasons, and growth regions lead to the structural variation of fucoidan, which would affect the bioactivities of fucoidan. To date, the anti-inflammatory properties and the underlying mechanism of fucoidan from brown alga Saccharina japonica (S. japonica) remain limited. The aims of the present study were to investigate the structure, the anti-inflammatory properties, and the potential molecular mechanisms of fucoidan isolated from S. japonica (SF6) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. SF6 was characterized using high performance liquid gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and observed to be rich in fucose, galactose, and sulfate. Additionally, results showed that SF6 remarkably inhibited LPS-induced production of various inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammation cytokines, including nitric oxide (NO), NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-β (IL-β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). A mechanism study showed that SF6 could effectively inhibit inflammatory responses through blocking LPS-induced inflammation pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and Janus kinase (JAK)-2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1/3 pathways. These results suggested that SF6 has the potential to be developed as an anti-inflammatory agent applied in functional food.

Regulation of PI3k-WNK Pathway by Ethyl Acetate Partition Fraction of Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino in SHR, NRK52e Cells, and IMCD3 Cells

The antihypertensive mechanism was studied of the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol extract (EAPF) of Gardenia jasminoides var. radicans Makino (GJRM). GJRM is a fake product of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis ( G. jasminoides), but in China’s Henan province, the production of GJRM is much more than G. jasminoides’s, but its traditional usage is as a dye. Gardenia jasminoides can be used to reduce blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The chemical compositions of GJRM and G. jasminoides are similar, and we previously confirmed that GJRM can also reduce blood pressure. Here, we report that the EAPF of GJRM could activate the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) pathway in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats, thus increasing the content of nitric oxide and bradykinin in sera and decreasing endothelin-1 content. EAPF can also decrease the levels of with-no-lysine kinase 1 (WNK1) expression, WNK4 and oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), and Na-K-2Cl cotransporter and sodium chloride cotransporters mRNA and phosphorylation. To investigate the antihypertensive effects of the EAPF of GJRM, 5 monoterpenoids isolated from EAPF were studied for their effects on NRK52e and IMCD3 cells. These compounds inhibited the PI3K-WNK signaling pathway to varying degrees under hypotonic conditions; 4-methoxyrehmapicrogenin had the best effect.

LC-MS analysis of Myrica rubra extract and its hypotensive effects via the inhibition of GLUT 1 and activation of the NO/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway

In the area of medicine food homology, Myrica rubra ((Lour.) Siebold & Zucc.) has been used in medicine as an astringent and anti-diarrheal. However, there are few in-depth studies evaluating the antihypertensive chemical components and antihypertensive mechanisms of Myrica rubra. Thus, the aim in this study was to assess the protective effects of an ethanol extract of bayberry (BE) on spontaneous hypertension in rats. In this study, liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) coupled with biochemical assays and western blot have been employed to study the protective effects of BE against hypertension. A total of 28 compounds were identified in BE. According to this study, treatment with BE (2 g kg^-1) resulted in the potent and persistent reduction of high blood pressure, even after drug withdrawal. The results indicate that the mechanisms of action might involve protection against damage to the vascular structure. Bayberry extract could enhance the endothelium-independent vascular function, inhibiting the abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle by inhibition of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT 1) and regulation of nitric oxide (NO)/serine/threonine kinases (Akt)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The results of molecular docking and in vitro research indicated six compounds in BE that might be responsible for the antihypertensive effect attributed to GLUT 1, eNOS and Akt, and further in vivo studies are needed to verify this.

Ecklonia Cava Extract Attenuates Endothelial Cell Dysfunction by Modulation of Inflammation and Brown Adipocyte Function in Perivascular Fat Tissue

It is well known that perivascular fat tissue (PVAT) dysfunction can induce endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction, an event which is related with various cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated whether Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) and pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PPB), one component of ECE, could attenuate EC dysfunction by modulating diet-induced PVAT dysfunction mediated by inflammation and ER stress. A high fat diet (HFD) led to an increase in the number and size of white adipocytes in PVAT; PPB and ECE attenuated those increases. Additionally, ECE and PPB attenuated: (i) an increase in the number of M1 macrophages and the expression level of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), both of which are related to increases in macrophage infiltration and induction of inflammation in PVAT, and (ii) the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6, chemerin) in PVAT which led to vasoconstriction. Furthermore, ECE and PPB: (i) enhanced the expression of adiponectin and IL-10 which had anti-inflammatory and vasodilator effects, (ii) decreased HFD-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and (iii) attenuated the ER stress mediated reduction in sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression. Protective effects against decreased Sirt1 and PPARγ expression led to the restoration of uncoupling protein -1 (UCP-1) expression and the browning process in PVAT. PPB or ECE attenuated endothelial dysfunction by enhancing the pAMPK-PI3K-peNOS pathway and reducing the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1). In conclusion, PPB and ECE attenuated PVAT dysfunction and subsequent endothelial dysfunction by: (i) decreasing inflammation and ER stress, and (ii) modulating brown adipocyte function.

Lancemaside A, a major triterpene saponin of Codonopsis lanceolata enhances regulation of nitric oxide synthesis via eNOS activation

Background

Many studies on the effect of saponin-rich Codonopsis lanceolata as a bioactive source for improving physical health have been performed. C. lanceolata contains triterpenoid saponins, including lancemasides. These saponins are known to be particularly involved in the regulation of blood pressure or hypertension. This study investigated whether lancemaside A (LA), a major triterpenoid saponin from C. lanceolata, regulates nitric oxide (NO) production via the activation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Methods

Upon separation with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, LA was found to be abundant in the n-butanol-soluble portion. For further purification of LA, HPLC was performed to collect fraction, and LA was identified using analysis of LC/MSMS and ¹³C-NMR values. In in vitro, the effects of LA on NO release mechanism in HUVECs were investigated by Griess assay, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR, and Western blotting.

Results

Our results showed that NO production was efficiently improved by treatment with LA in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the LA treatment resulted in extensive recovery of the NO production suppressed by the eNOS inhibitor, L-NAME, compared with that in the control group. Additionally, the level of eNOS mRNA was increased by this treatment in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that LA is an inducer of NO synthesis via eNOS mRNA expression. Also, the study indicated that LA is involved in activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

Conclusion

These results suggested that LA is an inducer of NO synthesis via eNOS mRNA expression. Also, the study indicated that LA is involved in activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. These findings suggest the value of using LA as a component of functional foods and natural pharmaceuticals.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2516-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Potential Usefulness of a Wakame/Carob Functional Snack for the Treatment of Several Aspects of Metabolic Syndrome: From In Vitro to In Vivo Studies

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of functional snacks containing a combination of wakame (W) and carob pod (CP) flours in reducing markers associated with MetS. The mechanisms of action underlying these effects were also evaluated. In vitro approaches were carried out in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with different doses of extracts from W, CP, or a combination of both. Furthermore, an in vivo experiment was conducted in rats with MetS treated with normal-caloric diets containing different snack formulations with combinations of 1/50 (snack A) or 1/5 of wakame/carob (snack B). In vitro experiments results indicated that both W and CP had delipidating effects, but only the latter induced anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive effects. As far as the in vivo study is concerned, snack B was ineffective and snack A showed an anti-hypertensive effect in rats with MetS. The present study shows for the first time the in vitro efficacy of a W and CP combination as an anti-inflammatory, delipidating, and anti-hypertensive tool, and its potential usefulness in treating MetS.

Algal Polysaccharides as Therapeutic Agents for Atherosclerosis

Seaweed-derived polysaccharides including agar and alginate, have found widespread applications in biomedical research and medical therapeutic applications including wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Given the recent increases in the incidence of diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia, there is a pressing need for low cost therapeutics that can economically and effectively slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Marine polysaccharides have been consumed by humans for millennia and are available in large quantities at low cost. Polysaccharides such as fucoidan, laminarin sulfate and ulvan have shown promise in reducing atherosclerosis and its accompanying risk factors in animal models. However, others have been tested in very limited context in scientific studies. In this review, we explore the current state of knowledge for these promising therapeutics and discuss the potential and challenges of using seaweed derived polysaccharides as therapies for atherosclerosis.

Undaria pinnatifida a Rich Marine Reservoir of Nutritional and Pharmacological Potential: Insights into Growth Signaling and Apoptosis Mechanisms in Cancer

Seaweeds are an important part of diet consumed in a different part of the world such as New Zealand, Ireland, Wales, and Asian countries including Korea, China, and Japan. In addition, seaweed is nutritious sources possessing health improving effects and therapeutic potential. Recently, one of the widely eaten seaweed species Undaria pinnatifida (U. pinnatifida) has got much attention because of its pharmacological properties for the prevention of various ailments, including cancer, inflammation, and other diseases. It is rich in all essential amino acids, physiologically significant fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and has a variety of bioactive constituents which include fucoidan, carotenoids, and fucoxanthin. The present study reviews the nutritional aspects, key bioactivities specifically focusing on anticancer potential along with apoptosis and growth signaling mechanisms of U. pinnatifida or its constituents. It exhibited anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo studies in a variety of experimental models. Due to a variety of pharmacological properties of U. pinnatifida can not only fulfilling nutritional necessities, but it can be used for treating, curing and preventing cancer.

A comparison study on polysaccharides extracted from Laminaria japonica using different methods: structural characterization and bile acid-binding capacity

In this study, the structural characterization and bile acid-binding capacity of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LP), obtained by seven different extraction methods, were investigated. The results indicated that extraction methods exhibited significant effects on extraction yield, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and the content of neutral sugar, fucose, uronic acid and sulfate of LP. AFM analysis indicated that LP extracted by different methods exhibited certain different, flexible and worm-like chains with many branches. Rheological measurements showed that the LP, obtained by pressurized hot water extraction and acid assisted extraction, exhibited lower viscosity due to their lower molecular weight, compared to other extracted polysaccharides. The bile acid-binding capacity of acid assisted extracted LP was significantly higher than other LP samples tested, which was probably ascribed to its highly branched structure, low molecular weight, low viscosity and abundant uronic acid and fucose in total monosaccharides. The present study provides scientific evidence and advances in the preparation technology and a method for evaluating hypolipidemic activities of L. japonica polysaccharides.

Roles of miR‑4463 in H2O2‑induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, aneurysm and arteriovenous fistula. A previous study from our lab suggested that microRNA (miR)-4463 may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular disease; however, the roles of oxidative stress in the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of miR-4463 in vascular disease have yet to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-4463 in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the expression levels of miR-4463 in HUVECs treated with various concentrations of H₂O₂. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the percentage of apoptotic cells, and the protein expression levels of the apoptotic markers cleaved (C)-caspase3, poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) were determined using western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that the apoptotic rate of HUVECs was increased following treatment with H₂O₂ in a concentration-dependent manner, and the expression of miR-4463 was also upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Following transfection with miR-4463 mimics, the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species were increased in HUVECs, with a corresponding increase in the apoptotic rate. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression levels of C-caspase3, PARP1 and Bax were upregulated, whereas the levels of Bcl-2 and XIAP were downregulated. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that the upregulation of miR-4463 may enhance H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and promote apoptosis in HUVECs in vitro.

Research Progress on Signaling Pathway-Associated Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Cells

Studying the mechanisms of oxidative stress in endothelial cells is vital to the discovery of novel drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. This article reviews the progress within the field of the role of oxidative responses in the physiology and growth of endothelial cells and emphasizes the effects of several main signal pathways involved in the oxidative stress of endothelial cells. Herein, we aim to provide scientific direction that can serve as a basis for researchers specializing in the signaling pathway of oxidative stress.