Prebiotic Chondroitin Sulfate Disaccharide Isolated from Chicken Keel Bone Exhibiting Anticancer Potential Against Human Colon Cancer Cells

Enzymatically stable unsaturated hyaluronan-derived oligosaccharides with selective cytostatic properties

Hyaluronan, a linear glycosaminoglycan comprising D-N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid, is the main component of the extracellular matrix. Its influence on cell proliferation, migration, inflammation, signalling, and other functions, depends heavily on its molecular weight and chemical modification. Unsaturated HA oligosaccharides are available in defined length and purity. Their potential therapeutic utility can be further improved by chemical modification, e. g., reduction. No synthesis of such modified oligosaccharides, either stepwise or by hyaluronan cleavage, has been reported yet. Here we show a three-step synthesis (esterification, depolymerization and reduction) of unsaturated even numbered hyaluronan oligosaccharides with carboxylates and the reducing terminus reduced to an alcohol. Particular oligosaccharides were synthesised. The modified oligosaccharides are not cleaved by mammalian or bacterial hyaluronidase and do not affect the growth of mouse and human fibroblasts. Further, MTT and NRU viability tests showed that they inhibit the growth of human colon carcinoma cells HT-29 by 20-50 % in concentrations 500-1000 μg/mL. Interestingly, this effect takes place regardless of CD44 receptor expression and was not observed with unmodified HA oligosaccharides. These compounds could serve as enzymatically stable building blocks for biologically active substances.

Future proofing of chondroitin sulphate production: Importance of sustainability and quality for the end-applications

Chondroitin sulphates (CSs) are the most well-known glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) found in any living organism, from microorganisms to invertebrates and vertebrates (including humans), and provide several health benefits. The applications of CSs are numerous including tissue engineering, osteoarthritis treatment, antiviral, cosmetics, and skincare applications. The current commercial production of CSs mostly uses animal, bovine, porcine, and avian tissues as well as marine organisms, marine mammals, sharks, and other fish. The production process consists of tissue hydrolysis, protein removal, and purification using various methods. Mostly, these are chemical-dependent and are complex, multi-step processes. There is a developing trend for abandonment of harsh extraction chemicals and their substitution with different green-extraction technologies, however, these are still in their infancy. The quality of CSs is the first and foremost requirement for end-applications and is dependent on the extraction and purification methodologies used. The final products will show different bio-functional properties, depending on their origin and production methodology. This is a comprehensive review of the characteristics, properties, uses, sources, and extraction methods of CSs. This review emphasises the need for extraction and purification processes to be environmentally friendly and gentle, followed by product analysis and quality control to ensure the expected bioactivity of CSs.

Identification and structural characterization of a novel chondroitin sulfate-specific carbohydrate-binding module: The first member of a new family, CBM100

Chondroitin sulfate is a biologically and commercially important polysaccharide with a variety of applications. Carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) is an important class of carbohydrate-binding protein, which could be utilized as a promising tool for the applications of polysaccharides. In the present study, an unknown function domain was explored from a putative chondroitin sulfate lyase in PL29 family. Recombinant PhCBM100 demonstrated binding capacity to chondroitin sulfates with Ka values of 2.1 ± 0.2 × 106 M-1 and 6.0 ± 0.1 × 106 M-1 to chondroitin sulfate A and chondroitin sulfate C, respectively. The 1.55 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of PhCBM100 exhibited a β-sandwich fold formed by two antiparallel β-sheets. A binding groove in PhCBM100 interacting with chondroitin sulfate was subsequently identified, and the potential of PhCBM100 for visualization of chondroitin sulfate was evaluated. PhCBM100 is the first characterized chondroitin sulfate-specific CBM. The novelty of PhCBM100 proposed a new CBM family of CBM100.

A Review of Chondroitin Sulfate's Preparation, Properties, Functions, and Applications

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a natural macromolecule polysaccharide that is extensively distributed in a wide variety of organisms. CS is of great interest to researchers due to its many in vitro and in vivo functions. CS production derives from a diverse number of sources, including but not limited to extraction from various animals or fish, bio-synthesis, and fermentation, and its purity and homogeneity can vary greatly. The structural diversity of CS with respect to sulfation and saccharide content endows this molecule with distinct complexity, allowing for functional modification. These multiple functions contribute to the application of CS in medicines, biomaterials, and functional foods. In this article, we discuss the preparation of CS from different sources, the structure of various forms of CS, and its binding to other relevant molecules. Moreover, for the creation of this article, the functions and applications of CS were reviewed, with an emphasis on drug discovery, hydrogel formation, delivery systems, and food supplements. We conclude that analyzing some perspectives on structural modifications and preparation methods could potentially influence future applications of CS in medical and biomaterial research.

Advancement in Therapeutic Intervention of Prebiotic-Based Nanoparticles for Colonic Diseases

Intestinal flora has become a therapeutic target for the intervention of colonic diseases (CDs) with better understanding of the interplay between microbiota and CDs. Depending on unique properties and prominent ability of regulating the intestinal flora, prebiotics can not only achieve a colon-specific drug delivery but also maintain the intestinal homeostasis, thus playing a positive role in the intervention of CDs. Currently, different studies on prebiotic-based nanoparticles have been contrived for colonic drug delivery and have shown great potential in curing various CDs, such as colitis and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, there is a lack of systematic survey on the use of prebiotic nanoparticles for the treatment of CDs. This review aims to generalize the state-of-the-art of prebiotic nanomedicines specific for CDs. The species and function of intestinal flora and various kinds of prebiotics available as well as their regulating effects on intestinal flora were expounded. A variety of prebiotic nanoparticles pertinent to colon-targeted drug delivery systems were illustrated with particular emphasis on their curative activities on CDs. The efficacy and safety of prebiotic-based colonic drug delivery systems (p-CDDs) were also analyzed. In conclusion, the synergy between prebiotic nanoparticles and their cargos may hold promise for the treatment and intervention of CDs.

Advances in Nanofabrication Technology for Nutraceuticals: New Insights and Future Trends

Bioactive components such as polyphenolics, flavonoids, bioactive peptides, pigments, and essential fatty acids were known to ward off some deadliest diseases. Nutraceuticals are those beneficial compounds that may be food or part of food that has come up with medical or health benefits. Nanoencapsulation and nanofabricated delivery systems are an imminent approach in the field of food sciences. The sustainable fabrication of nutraceuticals and biocompatible active components indisputably enhances the food grade and promotes good health. Nanofabricated delivery systems include carbohydrates-based, lipids (solid and liquid), and proteins-based delivery systems. Solid nano-delivery systems include lipid nanoparticles. Liquid nano-delivery systems include nanoliposomes and nanoemulsions. Physicochemical properties of nanoparticles such as size, charge, hydrophobicity, and targeting molecules affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of nano delivery systems. Advance research in toxicity studies is necessary to ensure the safety of the nanofabricated delivery systems, as the safety of nano delivery systems for use in food applications is unknown. Therefore, improved nanotechnology could play a pivotal role in developing functional foods, a contemporary concept assuring the consumers to provide programmed, high-priced, and high-quality research toward nanofabricated delivery systems.

Enzymatic Production of Chondroitin Oligosaccharides and Its Sulfate Derivatives

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) has a wide range of physiological functions and clinical applications. However, the biosynthesis of chondroitin oligosaccharides (o-CHs) and sulfate derivatives with specific length is always challenging. Herein, we report enzymatic strategies for producing homogeneous o-CHs and its sulfate derivatives from microbial sourced chondroitin. Chondroitin disaccharides, tetrasaccharides, hexasaccharides, octasaccharides, and decasaccharides with defined structure were produced by controllably depolymerizing microbial sourced chondroitin with an engineered chondroitinase ABC I. The highest conversion rates of the above corresponding o-CHs were 65.5%, 32.1%, 12.7%, 7.2%, and 16.3%, respectively. A new efficient enzymatic sulfation system that directly initiates from adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and sulfate was developed and improved the sulfation of chondroitin from 8.3% to 85.8% by optimizing the temperature, sulfate and ATP concentration. o-CHs decasaccharide, octasaccharide, hexasaccharide, tetrasaccharide and disaccharide were modified and the corresponding sulfate derivatives with one sulfate group were prepared. The enzymatic approaches constructed here for preparing o-CHs and its sulfate derivatives pave the way for the study of structure-activity relationship and applications.

Association Between Gut Microbiota and Osteoarthritis: A Review of Evidence for Potential Mechanisms and Therapeutics

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial joint disease characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage, which leads to joints pain, disability and reduced quality of life in patients with OA. Interpreting the potential mechanisms underlying OA pathogenesis is crucial to the development of new disease modifying treatments. Although multiple factors contribute to the initiation and progression of OA, gut microbiota has gradually been regarded as an important pathogenic factor in the development of OA. Gut microbiota can be regarded as a multifunctional “organ”, closely related to a series of immune, metabolic and neurological functions. This review summarized research evidences supporting the correlation between gut microbiota and OA, and interpreted the potential mechanisms underlying the correlation from four aspects: immune system, metabolism, gut-brain axis and gut microbiota modulation. Future research should focus on whether there are specific gut microbiota composition or even specific pathogens and the corresponding signaling pathways that contribute to the initiation and progression of OA, and validate the potential of targeting gut microbiota for the treatment of patients with OA.

Natural Biomaterials from Biodiversity for Healthcare Applications

Natural biomaterials originating during the growth cycles of all living organisms have been used for many applications. They span from bioinert to bioactive materials including bioinspired ones. As they exhibit an increasing degree of sophistication, natural biomaterials have proven suitable to address the needs of the healthcare sector. Here the different natural healthcare biomaterials, their biodiversity sources, properties, and promising healthcare applications are reviewed. The variability of their properties as a result of considered species and their habitat is also discussed. Finally, some limitations of natural biomaterials are discussed and possible future developments are provided as more natural biomaterials are yet to be discovered and studied.

Drug Screening Implicates Chondroitin Sulfate as a Potential Longevity Pill

Discovering compounds that promote health during aging ("geroprotectors") is key to the retardation of age-related pathologies and the prevention of chronic age-related diseases. In in-silico and model organisms' lifespan screens, chondroitin sulfate has emerged as a geroprotective compound. Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan attached to extracellular matrix proteins and is naturally produced by our body. Oral supplementation of chondroitin sulfate shows a high tolerance in humans, preferable pharmacokinetics, a positive correlation with healthy human longevity, and efficacy in deceleration of age-related diseases in randomized clinical trials. We have recently shown that chondroitin sulfate supplementation increases the lifespan of C. elegans. Thus, chondroitin sulfate holds the potential to become a geroprotective strategy to promote health during human aging. This review discusses the two major potential mechanisms of action, extracellular matrix homeostasis and inhibition of inflammation, that counteract age-related pathologies upon chondroitin sulfate supplementation.

A Combination of Celecoxib and Glucosamine Sulfate Has Anti-Inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effects: Results from an In Vitro Study on Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes

This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of a combination of celecoxib and prescription-grade glucosamine sulfate (GS) in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes and their possible mechanism of action. Chondrocytes were treated with celecoxib (1.85 µM) and GS (9 µM), alone or in combination with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) and a specific nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor (BAY-11-7082, 1 µM). Gene expression and release of some pro-inflammatory mediators, metalloproteinases (MMPs), and type II collagen (Col2a1) were evaluated by qRT-PCR and ELISA; apoptosis and mitochondrial superoxide anion production were assessed by cytometry; B-cell lymphoma (BCL)2, antioxidant enzymes, and p50 and p65 NF-κB subunits were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Celecoxib and GS alone or co-incubated with IL-1β significantly reduced expression and release of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, prostaglandin (PG)E2, IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and MMPs, while it increased Col2a1, compared to baseline or IL-1β. Both drugs reduced apoptosis and superoxide production; reduced the expression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nuclear factor erythroid; increased BCL2; and limited p50 and p65. Celecoxib and GS combination demonstrated an increased inhibitory effect on IL-1β than that observed by each single treatment. Drugs effects were potentiated by pre-incubation with BAY-11-7082. Our results demonstrated the synergistic effect of celecoxib and GS on OA chondrocyte metabolism, apoptosis, and oxidative stress through the modulation of the NF-κB pathway, supporting their combined use for the treatment of OA.

An Updated Overview on Nanonutraceuticals: Focus on Nanoprebiotics and Nanoprobiotics

Over the last few years, the application of nanotechnology to nutraceuticals has been rapidly growing due to its ability to enhance the bioavailability of the loaded active ingredients, resulting in improved therapeutic/nutraceutical outcomes. The focus of this work is nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics, terms which stand for the loading of a set of compounds (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics) in nanoparticles that work as absorption enhancers in the gastrointestinal tract. In this manuscript, the main features of prebiotics and probiotics are highlighted, together with the discussion of emerging applications of nanotechnologies in their formulation. Current research strategies are also discussed, in particular the promising use of nanofibers for the delivery of probiotics. Synbiotic-based nanoparticles represent an innovative trend within this area of interest. As only few experimental studies on nanoprebiotics and nanoprobiotics are available in the scientific literature, research on this prominent field is needed, covering effectiveness, bioavailability, and safety aspects.

Gut microbiota and osteoarthritis management: An expert consensus of the European society for clinical and economic aspects of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal diseases (ESCEO)

The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) increases not only because of longer life expectancy but also because of the modern lifestyle, in particular physical inactivity and diets low in fiber and rich in sugar and saturated fats, which promote chronic low-grade inflammation and obesity. Adverse alterations of the gut microbiota (GMB) composition, called microbial dysbiosis, may favor metabolic syndrome and inflammaging, two important components of OA onset and evolution. Considering the burden of OA and the need to define preventive and therapeutic interventions targeting the modifiable components of OA, an expert working group was convened by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) to review the potential contribution of GMB to OA. Such a contribution is supported by observational or dietary intervention studies in animal models of OA and in humans. In addition, several well-recognized risk factors of OA interact with GMB. Lastly, GMB is a critical determinant of drug metabolism and bioavailability and may influence the response to OA medications. Further research targeting GMB or its metabolites is needed to move the field of OA from symptomatic management to individualized interventions targeting its pathogenesis.