Isolation and identification of anti-tumor-promoting principles from the fresh-water cyanobacterium Phormidium tenue

Testacosides A-D, glycoglycerolipids produced by Microbacterium testaceum isolated from Tedania brasiliensis

Marine bacteria living in association with marine sponges have proven to be a reliable source of biologically active secondary metabolites. However, no studies have yet reported natural products from Microbacterium testaceum spp. We herein report the isolation of a M. testaceum strain from the sponge Tedania brasiliensis. Molecular networking analysis of bioactive pre-fractionated extracts from culture media of M. testaceum enabled the discovery of testacosides A-D. Analysis of spectroscopic data and chemical derivatizations allowed the identification of testacosides A-D as glycoglycerolipids bearing a 1-[α-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-(α-mannopyranosyl)]-glycerol moiety connected to 12-methyltetradecanoic acid for testacoside A (1), 14-methylpentadecanoic acid for testacoside B (2), and 14-methylhexadecanoic acid for testacosides C (3) and D (4). The absolute configuration of the monosaccharide residues was determined by 1H-NMR analysis of the respective diastereomeric thiazolidine derivatives. This is the first report of natural products isolated from cultures of M. testaceum. KEY POINTS: • The first report of metabolites produced by Microbacterium testaceum. • 1-[α-Glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-(α-mannopyranosyl)]-glycerol lipids isolated and identified. • Microbacterium testaceum strain isolated from the sponge Tedania brasiliensis.

Glyceroglycolipids in marine algae: A review of their pharmacological activity

Glyceroglycolipids are major metabolites of marine algae and have a wide range of applications in medicine, cosmetics, and chemistry research fields. They are located on the cell surface membranes. Together with glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans, known as the glycocalyx, they play critical roles in multiple cellular functions and signal transduction and have several biological properties such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, anti-viral activity, and anti-tumor immunity. This article focused on the sources and pharmacological effects of glyceroglycolipids, which are naturally present in various marine algae, including planktonic algae and benthic algae, with the aim to highlight the promising potential of glyceroglycolipids in clinical treatment.

Cyanobacterial metabolites as novel drug candidates in corona viral therapies: A review

Most of the medical and nonmedical research labs, all around the world, are racing against time to produce an effective vaccine or an antiviral medicine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Conventional medicines and novel nano‐materials including chemical and herbal‐based compounds are all into positive trials toward coronaviruses and other pandemic infections. Among them, natural immune boosters have attracted physicians because of their longevity and reliability for fewer side effects. This is a review article with a detailed picture of an unexplored antiviral source with maximum potency in curing viral infections. Cyanobacteriae have been known for centuries and are rich in secondary metabolites of proteins, biopeptides, and polysaccharides for prominent antiviral action against chest infections. But detailed exploratory research is required to purify, scale‐up, and commercialize the pharmacologically active agents from these drug reserves.

Galactosyldiacylglycerols: From a Photosynthesis-Associated Apparatus to Structure-Defined In Vitro Assembling

Being ubiquitously present in plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria and as the major constituents of thylakoid membranes, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) make up approximately 52 and 26%, respectively, of chloroplast lipids. Thylakoid membranes harbor the photosynthetic complexes and numerous essential biochemical pathways where MGDG and DGDG play a central role in facilitating photosynthesis light reaction, maintaining chloroplast morphology, and responding to abiotic stresses. Furthermore, these galactolipids are also bioactive compounds with antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory activities and important nutritional value. These characteristics are strictly dependent upon their fatty acyl chain length, olefinic nature, and stereoconfiguration. However, their application potentials are practically untapped, largely as a result of the fact that their availability in large quantity and high purity (structured galactolipids) is challenging. In addition to laborious extraction from natural sources, in vitro assembling of these molecules could be a promising alternative. Thus, this review updates the latest advances in elucidating biosynthesis paths of MGDG and DGDG and related enzyme systems, which present invaluable inspiration to design approaches for a retrosynthesis of galactolipids. More critically, this work summarizes recent developments in the biological and enzymatic syntheses of galactolipids, especially the strategic scenarios for the construction of in vitro enzymatic and/or chemoenzymatic synthesis routes. Protein engineering of enzymes involved in the synthesis of MGDG and DGDG to improve their properties is highlighted, and the applications of galactolipids in foods and medicine are also discussed.

Marine algal antagonists targeting 3CL protease and spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2: a computational approach for anti-COVID-19 drug discovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely destructed human life worldwide, with no suitable treatment until now. SARS-CoV-2 virus is unprecedented, resistance against number of therapeutics and spreading rapidly with high mortality, which warrants the need to discover new effective drugs to combat this situation. This current study is undertaken to explore the antiviral potential of marine algal compounds to inhibit the viral entry and its multiplication using computational analysis. Among the proven drug discovery targets of SARS-CoV-2, spike glycoprotein and 3-chymotrypsin-like protease are responsible for the virus attachment and viral genome replication in the host cell. In this study, the above-mentioned drug targets were docked with marine algal compounds (sulfated polysaccharides, polysaccharide derivatives and polyphenols) using molecular docking tools (AutoDockTools). The obtained results indicate that κ-carrageenan, laminarin, eckol, trifucol and β-D-galactose are the top-ranking compounds showing better docking scores with SARS-CoV-2 targets, than the current experimental COVID-19 antiviral drugs like dexamethasone, remdesivir, favipiravir and MIV-150. Further, molecular dynamic simulation, ADMET and density functional theory calculations were evaluated to substantiate the findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on in silico analysis of aforesaid algal metabolites against SARS-CoV-2 targets. This study concludes that these metabolites can be curative for COVID-19 in the hour of need after further validations in in vitro and in vivo testings.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Quantitative monitoring of galactolipid hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 using thin layer chromatography and thymol-sulfuric acid derivatization

Galactolipids are the most abundant lipids on earth where they are mainly found in photosynthetic membranes of plant, algae, and cyanobacteria. Pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (PLRP2) is an enzyme with galactolipase activity allowing mammals, especially herbivores, to digest this important source of fatty acids. We present a method for the quantitative analysis of galactolipids and galactosylated products resulting from their digestion by guinea pig PLRP2 (GPLRP2), using thin-layer-chromatography (TLC), thymol-sulfuric acid as derivatization reagent and scanning densitometry for detection. Thymol-sulfuric acid reagent has been used for the colorimetric detection of carbohydrates. It is shown here that the derivatization of galactosyl group from galactolipids by this reagent is not affected by the bound acyl glycerol, acyl chains length and number of galactose residues in the polar head. This allowed quantifying simultaneously the initial substrate and all galactosylated products generated upon the hydrolysis of monogalactosyl di-octanoylglycerol (C8-MGDG) by GPLRP2 using a single calibration with C8-MGDG as reference standard. The reaction products, monogalactosyl monooctanoyl glycerol (C8-MGMG) and monogalactosyl glycerol (MGG), were identified and quantified, MGG being recovered from the aqueous phase and analyzed by a separate TLC analysis. This method is therefore suitable to quantify the products resulting from the release of both fatty acids present in MGDG and thereby shows that PLRP2 can contribute to the complete digestion of galactolipids and further intestinal absorption of their fatty acids.

Enhanced Production of Photosynthetic Pigments and Various Metabolites and Lipids in the Cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 7338 Culture in the Presence of Exogenous Glucose

Synechocystis strains are cyanobacteria that can produce useful biomaterials for biofuel and pharmaceutical resources. In this study, the effects of exogenous glucose (5-mM) on cell growth, photosynthetic pigments, metabolites, and lipids in Synechocystis sp. PCC 7338 (referred to as Synechocystis 7338) were investigated. Exogenous glucose increased cell growth on days 9 and 18. The highest production (mg/L) of chlorophyll a (34.66), phycocyanin (84.94), allophycocyanin (34.28), and phycoerythrin (6.90) was observed on day 18 in Synechocystis 7338 culture under 5-mM glucose. Alterations in metabolic and lipidomic profiles under 5-mM glucose were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) and nanoelectrospray ionization-MS. The highest production (relative intensity/L) of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycerol-3-phosphate, linolenic acid, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) 16:0/18:1, MGDG 16:0/20:2, MGDG 18:1/18:2, neophytadiene, oleic acid, phosphatidylglycerol (PG) 16:0/16:0, and PG 16:0/17:2 was achieved on day 9. The highest production of pyroglutamic acid and sucrose was observed on day 18. We suggest that the addition of exogenous glucose to Synechocystis 7338 culture could be an efficient strategy for improving growth of cells and production of photosynthetic pigments, metabolites, and intact lipid species for industrial applications.

Isolation and purification of glycoglycerolipids to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) is the most abundant type of glycoglycerolipid found in the plant cell membrane and mostly in the chloroplast thylakoid membrane. The amphiphilic nature of MGDG is attractive in pharmaceutical fields for interaction with other biological molecules and hence exerting therapeutic anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of cyanobacteria derived MGDG to inhibit breast cancer cell growth. MGDG was extracted from a cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 followed by a subsequent fractionation by column chromatographic technique. The purity and molecular structure of MGDG were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis. The presence of MGDG in the extracted fraction was further confirmed and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anti-proliferation activity of the extracted MGDG molecule was tested against BT-474 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. The in vitro study showed that MGDG extracted from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 induced apoptosis in (70 ± 8) % of BT-474 (p < 0.001) and (58 ± 5) % of MDA-MB-231 cells (p < 0.001) using ~ 60 and 200 ng/ml of concentrations, respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC₅₀ of MGDG extracted from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 were (27.2 ± 7.6) and (150 ± 70) ng/ml in BT-474 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. Quantification of caspase-3/7 activity using flow cytometry showed (3.0 ± 0.4) and (2.1 ± 0.04)-fold (p < 0.001) higher protein expressions in the MGDG treated BT-474 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively than untreated controls conferring to the caspase-dependent apoptosis. The MGDG did not show any significant cytotoxic side effects in human dermal fibroblasts cells. A commercially available MGDG control did not induce any apoptotic cell death in cancer cells substantiating the potential of the MGDG extracted from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 for the treatment of breast cancer cells through the apoptosis-mediated pathway.

Glyceroglycolipid Metabolism Regulations under Phosphate Starvation Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942

Glyceroglycolipids, abundant in cyanobacteria's photosynthetic membranes, present bioactivities and pharmacological activities, and can be widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Environmental factors could alter the contents and compositions of cyanobacteria glyceroglycolipids, but the regulation mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the glyceroglycolipids contents and the transcriptome in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 were analyzed under phosphate starvation. Under phosphate starvation, the decrease of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and increases of digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG) and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG) led to a decrease in the MGDG/DGDG ratio, from 4:1 to 5:3, after 12 days of cultivation. However, UDP-sulfoquinovose synthase gene sqdB, and the SQDG synthase gene sqdX, were down-regulated, and the decreased MGDG/DGDG ratio was later increased back to 2:1 after 15 days of cultivation, suggesting the regulation of glyceroglycolipids on day 12 was based on the MGDG/DGDG ratio maintaining glyceroglycolipid homeostasis. There are 12 differentially expressed transcriptional regulators that could be potential candidates related to glyceroglycolipid regulation, according to the transcriptome analysis. The transcriptome analysis also suggested post-transcriptional or post-translational regulations in glyceroglycolipid synthesis. This study provides further insights into glyceroglycolipid metabolism, as well as the scientific basis for glyceroglycolipid synthesis optimization and cyanobacteria glyceroglycolipids utilization via metabolic engineering.

In vitro antibacterial activity of MGDG-palmitoyl from Oscillatoria acuminata NTAPC05 against extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria pose a big challenge in clinical practices, warranting a new therapeutic strategy. In this study, methanol extract of the marine cyanobacterium Oscillatoria acuminata NTAPC05 was fractionated under bioassay guidance and the fractions were tested against three well-characterized ESBL-producing bacteria Escherichia coli U655, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia B929 and Enterobacter asburiae B938. Out of the four HPLC fractions, fraction 2 showed bactericidal activity against all the three ESBL producers much more efficiently (MIC 100 μg ml^-1) than the fourth-generation cephalosporin (MIC >125 μg ml^-1). The active fraction was subjected to time-kill test at concentrations of 1/2 × MIC, 1 × MIC and 2 × MIC, and the results substantiated the bactericidal property of the fraction against the ESBL producers. Spectral analysis revealed monogalactosyldiacylglycerol containing a palmitoyl (MGDG-palmitoyl), being reported for the first time, as the active fraction, and its bactericidal property against ESBL producers was determined. The active fraction appears to damage the bacterial membrane leading to lysis of the cell, as revealed in confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis, that was confirmed in scanning electron microscopic analysis. Cytotoxicity assay revealed the O. acuminata compound to be safe to a normal cell line HEK293 (human embryonic kidney cell). The in silico analysis of MGDG-palmitoyl revealed two successive H-bonding interactions with Leu198 of TEM1 β-lactamase. Taken together, the MGDG-palmitoyl from O. acuminata NTAPC05 offers potential to develop analogs as a therapeutic for bacteremia caused by ESBL producers.

Total synthesis and structure-activity relationship of glycoglycerolipids from marine organisms

Glycoglycerolipids occur widely in natural products, especially in the marine species. Glycoglycerolipids have been shown to possess a variety of bioactivities. This paper will review the different methodologies and strategies for the synthesis of biological glycoglycerolipids and their analogs for bioactivity assay. In addition, the bioactivities and structure-activity relationship of the glycoglycerolipids are also briefly outlined.

Telomerase inhibitors from cyanobacteria: isolation and synthesis of sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols from Microcystis aeruguinosa PCC 7806

By using the Telospot assay, 27 different extracts of cyanobacteria were evaluated for telomerase inhibition. All extracts showed varying, but significant activity. We selected Microcystis aeruguinosa PCC 7806 to identify the active compound and a bioassay guided fractionation led us to isolate mixtures of sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols (SQDGs), which were identified by 2D NMR and MS/MS experiments. Pure SQDG derivatives were then synthesized. The IC(50) values of pure synthetic sulfoquinovosyl dipalmitoylglycerol and the monopalmitoylated derivative against telomerase were determined to be 17 and 40 μM, respectively. A structure-activity relationship study allowed the identification of compounds with modified lipophilic acyl groups that display improved activity.

Cytotoxicity in L929 fibroblasts and inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 Kupka by estuarine cyanobacteria extracts

The cyanobacteria are known to be a rich source of metabolites with a variety of biological activities in different biological systems. In the present work, the bioactivity of aqueous and organic (methanolic and hexane) crude extracts of cyanobacteria isolated from estuarine ecosystems was studied using different bioassays. The assessment of DNA damage on the SOS gene repair region of mutant PQ37 strain of Escherichia coli was performed. Antiviral activity was evaluated against influenza virus, HRV-2, CVB3 and HSV-1 viruses using crystal violet dye uptake on HeLa, MDCK and GMK cell lines. Cytotoxicity evaluation was performed with L929 fibroblasts by MTT assay. Of a total of 18 cyanobacterial isolates studied, only the crude methanolic extract of LEGE 06078 proved to be genotoxic (IF > 1.5) in a dose-dependent manner and other four were putative candidates to induce DNA damage. Furthermore, the crude aqueous extract of LEGE 07085 showed anti- herpes type 1 activity (IC50 = 174.10 μg dry extract mL(-1)) while not presenting any cytotoxic activity against GMK cell lines. Of the 54 cyanobacterial extracts tested, only the crude methanolic and hexane ones showed impair on metabolic activity of L929 fibroblasts after long exposure (48-72 h). The inhibition of HSV-1 and the strong cytotoxicity against L929 cells observed emphasizes the importance of evaluating the impact of those estuarine cyanobacteria on aquatic ecosystem and on human health. The data also point out their potential application in HSV-1 treatment and pharmacological interest.

Pressurized fluid extraction of bioactive compounds from Phormidium species

In the search for new functional ingredients with potential use in the food industry, extracts of unknown species of microalgae, such as Phormidium species have been studied. Three solvents of different polarities (i.e., hexane, ethanol, and water) have been used to obtain pressurized liquid extracts with different compositions. Moreover, extractions were performed at four different extraction temperatures (50, 100, 150, and 200 degrees C) with 20 min as extraction time. Antioxidant activity of the extracts has been measured by the TEAC assay. In general, hexane and ethanol extracts showed a higher antioxidant capacity that was mainly attributed to carotenoid compounds, as the TEAC value trend seems to be similar to the carotenoid content of the extracts. On the other hand, the high antioxidant activity of the 200 degrees C water extracts is likely related to the presence of Maillard reaction compounds produced by thermal degradation of the sample. beta-Carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin were identified in 150 degrees C ethanol extracts. Four different microbial species ( Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger) were used to screen the potential antimicrobial activity of the Phormidium sp. extracts. The most sensitive microorganism was the yeast, C. albicans, whereas the fungus, A. niger, was the most resistant. In general, no drastic differences were found for solvents and temperatures tested, showing a very diverse nature of the compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity of these microalgae. In ethanol extracts, antimicrobial activity could be mainly attributed to the presence of terpenes (i.e., beta-ionone, neophytadiene) and fatty acids (i.e., palmitoleic and linoleic acids) in the samples. Toxicity studies carried out with the extracts evaluated in the present work showed a cellular toxicity lower than those of other cyanobacteria such as Spirulina plantensis.

Novel galactolipids from the leaves of Ipomoea batatas L.: characterization by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry

Sixteen novel and ten known galactolipids have been isolated and characterized from the leaves of Ipomoea batatas L. (sweet potato) using an analytical method based on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Using this technique, the structures and regiochemistries of the fatty acyl groups and the positions of the double bonds on the acyl chains were determined. Sugar moieties were identified by analysis of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The positions of the double bonds of polyunsaturated fatty acids were confirmed, and in some cases their geometries determined, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This is the first report of galactolipids in the leaves of sweet potato.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis and antimicrobial activity evaluation of monogalactosyl diglycerides

Monogalactosyl diglycerides with medium to long fatty acid acyl chains, were prepared and examined for antimicrobial activity against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. The study of their in vitro antimicrobial activity confirms the significant activity of some monogalactosyl diacylglycerol analogues and establishes for the galactose series that the 1,2-disubstitution and the octanoyl chain are the proper structural features for the maximum activity.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis and in vitro studies on the hydrolysis of antimicrobial monoglycosyl diglycerides by pancreatic lipase

Monoglucosyl and monogalactosyl diglycerides (MGDGs) with medium-long length acyl chains, identified as active components in Euphorbiaceae, were synthesized. They were examined for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. MGDGs with two octanoyl groups at both 1- and 2-positions showed the most potent activity. The stereoselectivity of pancreatic lipase was investigated in vitro where the preference for the 1 position in MGDGs is strictly related to the length of the acyl chains.

Cyclic and branched acyl chain galactoglycerolipids and their effect on anti-tumor-promoting activity

Fifteen new galactoglycerolipid analogues, in which one or two branched, alicyclic or aromatic acyl chains are linked to 2-O-beta-D-galactosylglycerol (6'-position or 1,6' positions), were prepared and tested for their anti-tumor-promoting activity using a short-term in vitro assay for Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation. All compounds were active in inhibiting the EBV activation promoted by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), the branched compounds resulting in the most active glycoglycerolipid analogues of the series. The branched 2-O-[6-O-(3-methylbutanoyl)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol (1a) and the structurally related alicyclic 2-O-[6-O-(2-cyclohexylethanoyl)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol (1d), when tested in an in vivo two-stage carcinogenesis test, exhibited inhibitory effects on mouse skin tumor promotion.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis and antimicrobial activity evaluation of monoglucosyl diglycerides

Monoglucosyl diglycerides with medium-long length fatty acid acyl chains were prepared and examined for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The study of their in vitro antimicrobial activity confirms the significant activity of some monoglucosyl diacylglycerol analogues and establishes for the glucose series that the 1,2-disubstitution and the octanoyl chain are the proper structural features for the maximum activity.

Synthesis of 2(R),3-dihydroxypropyl and 2(R),3(R)-dihydroxybutyl β-d-fructopyranosides and some derivatives

The synthesis of 2(R),3-dihydroxypropyl and 2(R),3(R)-dihydroxybutyl beta-d-fructopyranosides, and some derivatives, employing Sharpless-type catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation procedures is described. Some aspects of the reactions, including stereoselectivities and chemical evidence for the assigned stereochemistry of the main products are reported.

Bioactive hydroxyphenylpyrrole-dicarboxylic acids from a new marine Halomonas sp.: Production and structure elucidation

The new marine Halomonas sp. strain GWS-BW-H8hM (DSM 17996) was found to produce 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenylpyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (HPPD-1) and 3,4-bis(4'-hydroxy- phenyl)pyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (HPPD-2). In initial cultivations using marine broth, only low contents of these compounds have been isolated. Improving the conditions and growing the strain on artificial seawater supplemented with tryptone 10 g l(-1), yeast extract 5 g l(-1), L-tyrosine 0.6 g l(-1), glycine 1 g l(-1), and glucose 6 g l(-1), the growth-associated HPPD-1 and HPPD-2 production of a 40-l batch cultivation reached the amounts of 47 mg l(-1) and 116 mg l(-1), respectively, after 65 h. Both compounds showed potent anti-tumor-promoting activities.

Inhibitory effect of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, extracted from spinach using supercritical CO2, on mammalian DNA polymerase activity

We investigated the effective extraction of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) from dried spinach (Spinacia oleracea) using supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) with a modifier/entrainer. The yield of MGDG in the SC-CO(2) extract was not influenced by increasing temperature at a constant pressure, although the total extract yield was decreased. The total extract yield and MGDG yield in the extract from commercially purchased spinach (unknown subspecies), were greatly influenced by lower pressure. In a modifier (i.e., ethanol) concentration range of 2.5-20%, both the extract and MGDG yield increased as the ethanol concentration rose. The highest total extract yield (69.5 mg/g of spinach) and a good MGDG yield (16.3 mg/g of spinach) were obtained at 80 degrees C, 25 MPa, and 20% ethanol. The highest MGDG concentration (76.0% in the extract) was obtained at 80 degrees C, 25 MPa, and 2.5% ethanol, although the total extract yield under these conditions was low (5.2 mg/g of spinach). The optimal conditions for the extraction of MGDG were 80 degrees C, 20 MPa, and 10% ethanol. Of the 11 subspecies of spinach tested under these conditions, "Ujyou" had the highest concentration of MGDG. The total extract yield and MGDG concentration of Ujyou were 20.4 mg of the extract/g of spinach and 70.5%, respectively. The concentration of MGDG was higher in the SC-CO(2) extract than in the extract obtained using solvents such as methanol and n-hexane. The extract of Ujyou, which was the optimal subspecies for the extraction of MGDG, inhibited the activity of calf DNA polymerase alpha with IC(50) values of 145 microg/mL but was not effective against DNA polymerase beta.

Selective in vivo anti-inflammatory action of the galactolipid monogalactosyldiacylglycerol

The thermophilic blue-green alga ETS-05 colonises the therapeutic thermal muds of Abano and Montegrotto, Italy. Following the isolation, purification and identification of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and phosphatidylglycerol from ETS-05, we here examine their in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. MGDG, DGDG and SQDG inhibit croton-oil-induced ear oedema in the mouse in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition by MGDG is greater than that of the reference drug, betamethasone 17,21-dipropionate, and is largely abrogated following acyl group saturation. SQDG is the least potent of these glycoglycerolipids, and shows an early transient effect. In the in vivo carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in the mouse, the inhibitory effects are again dose dependent, with an enhanced efficacy of MGDG over DGDG, SQDG and the reference drug, indomethacin. These compounds are all less toxic than indomethacin. The selective and enhanced inhibitory effects of MGDG over DGDG indicate the mechanisms behind these in vivo anti-inflammatory actions.

Toxic potential of five freshwater Phormidium species (Cyanoprokaryota)

Among the Cyanoprokaryota (blue-green algae), the genus Phormidium has thus far rarely been studied with respect to toxin production and potentially resulting human and environmental health effects. We here show that five previously unexplored freshwater species of this genus (Ph. bijugatum, Ph. molle, Ph. papyraceum, Ph. uncinatum, Ph. autumnale) are indeed capable of producing bioactive compounds. Phormidium extracts caused weight loss as well as neuro/hepatotoxic symptoms in mice, and in the case of Ph. bijugatum even death. Very low levels of saxitoxins and microcystins, as confirmed by ELISA, were insufficient to explain this toxicity and the differing toxic potencies of the Phormidium species. Qualitative HPLC analyses confirmed different substance patterns and in the future could aid in the separation of fractions for more detailed substance characterisation. The results in vivo were confirmed in vitro using cells of human, mouse and fish. The fish cells responded least sensitive but proved useful in studying the temperature dependence of the toxicity by the Phormidium samples. Further, the human cells were more sensitive than the mouse cells thus suggesting that the former may be a more appropriate choice for studying the impact of Phormidium to man. Among the human cells, two cancer cell lines were more responsive to one of the samples than a normal cell line, thereby indicating a potential anti-tumour activity. Thus, the five freshwater Phormidium species should be considered in environmental risk assessment but as well, as a source of therapeutic agents.

Anti-tumor-promoting activity of simple models of galactoglycerolipids with branched and unsaturated acyl chains

Six new galactoglycerolipid analogs, in which one or two 4-methylpentanoyl or trans-2-butenoyl groups are linked to the 2-O-beta-D-galactosylglycerol skeleton, were tested for their anti-tumor-promoting activity using a short-term in vitro assay for Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation. All these compounds were more active than their linear or saturated reference compounds in inhibiting the EBV activation promoted by the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), the diester 1-O-(4-methylpentanoyl)-2-O-[6-O-(4-methylpentanoyl)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol resulting the most active glycoglycerolipid analog till now tested. Four compounds (three butenoates and one 4-methylpentanoate), when tested in the in vivo two-stage carcinogenesis test, exhibited also inhibitory effects on mouse skin tumor promotion.

GROWTH INHIBITION AND INDUCTION OF DIFFERENTIATION AND APOPTOSIS MEDIATED BY SODIUM BUTYRATE IN CACO-2 CELLS WITH ALGAL GLYCOLIPIDS

Glycolipids should have potential effects as antitumor agents. However, very few studies have examined this property of digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG) and sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG) on colon cancer cells. Cell viability was determined every 24 h with sodium 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2, 4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium dye reduction assay up to 72 h. Alkaline phosphatase activity was measured for assessing cell differentiation. Apoptosis was tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. Growth of Caco-2 cells was inhibited apparently at 48 h after addition of SQDG and at 72 h with DGDG. Alkaline phosphatase activity of Caco-2 cells obviously increased in combination with DGDG or SQDG and sodium butyrate (NaBT) at 72 h, indicating that DGDG and SQDG enhanced cell differentiation induced with NaBT. An increased enrichment factor was found when the cell was treated in combination with DGDG or SQDG and NaBT. These results strongly suggest that DGDG and SQDG should be considered as the leading compounds of potentially useful colon cancer chemotherapy agents when NaBT is combined.

Synthesis of digalactosyl diacylglycerols and their structure–inhibitory activity on human lanosterol synthase

Digalactosyl and monogalactocyl diacylglycerols (DGDG and MGDG), which were identified as anti-hyperlipemia active components in Colocasia esculenta (Taro), were synthesized. The inhibitory activity of DGDG, MGDG and related compounds on human lanosterol synthase was evaluated as anti-hyperlipemic activity. DGDG with two myristoyl groups at both sn-1 and sn-2 positions and with an oleoyl group at the sn-1 position showed the most potent activity.

RCM-Based Synthesis of a Variety of β-C-Glycosides and Their in Vitro Anti-Solid Tumor Activity

The synthesis of a number of biologically relevant C-glycosides has been carried out through the use of an esterification-ring-closing metathesis (RCM) strategy. The required acid precursors were readily prepared via a number of standard chemical transformations followed by dehydrative coupling of these acids with several olefin alcohols 1 to yield the precursor esters 3 in excellent yield. Methylenation of the esters 3 was followed by RCM and in situ hydroboration-oxidation of the formed glycals to furnish the protected beta-C-glycosides 6 in good overall yield. Several examples were converted to the corresponding C-glycoglycerolipids 17 and subsequently screened against solid-tumor cell lines for in vitro differential cytotoxicity.

An antiinflammatory galactolipid from rose hip (Rosa canina) that inhibits chemotaxis of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro

The galactolipid (2S)-1,2-di-O-[(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoyl]-3-O-beta-d-galactopyranosyl glycerol (1) isolated from dried and milled fruits of Rosa canina by bioassay-guided fractionation is an antiinflammatory agent with inhibitory effects on chemotaxis of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro. The inhibition of cell migration is not related to toxicity. The presence of 1 in rose hips may explain the clinically observed antiinflammatory properties of rose hip herbal remedies.