Anticoagulant, antioxidant and antitumor activities of heterofucans from the seaweed Dictyopteris delicatula

Marine Biological Macromolecules and Chemically Modified Macromolecules; Potential Anticoagulants

Coagulation is a potential defense mechanism that involves activating a series of zymogens to convert soluble fibrinogen to insoluble fibrin clots to prevent bleeding and hemorrhagic complications. To prevent the extra formation and diffusion of clots, the counterbalance inhibitory mechanism is activated at levels of the coagulation pathway. Contrariwise, this system can evade normal control due to either inherited or acquired defects or aging which leads to unusual clots formation. The abnormal formations and deposition of excess fibrin trigger serious arterial and cardiovascular diseases. Although heparin and heparin-based anticoagulants are a widely prescribed class of anticoagulants, the clinical use of heparin has limitations due to the unpredictable anticoagulation, risk of bleeding, and other complications. Hence, significant interest has been established over the years to investigate alternative therapeutic anticoagulants from natural sources, especially from marine sources with good safety and potency due to their unique chemical structure and biological activity. This review summarizes the coagulation cascade and potential macromolecular anticoagulants derived from marine flora and fauna.

Protective potential of sulfated polysaccharides from tropical seaweeds against alkylating- and oxidizing-induced genotoxicity

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from seaweeds are potential bioactive natural compounds, but their DNA protective activity is poorly explored. This article aimed to evaluate the genotoxic/antigenotoxic potentials of a sulfated heterofucan from brown seaweed Spatoglossum schröederi (Fucan A - FA) and a sulfated galactan from green seaweed Codium isthomocladum (3G4S) using in vitro Comet assay (alkaline and oxidative versions) with HepG2 cells. The antioxidant activity of these SPs was evaluated by total antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging, metal chelating, and antioxidant enzyme activity assays. Both SPs were not genotoxic. FA and 3G4S displayed strong antigenotoxic activity against oxidizing chemical (H₂O₂) but not against alkylating chemical (MMS). The DNA damage reduction after a pre-treatment of 72 h with these SPs was 81.42% to FA and 81.38% to 3G4S. In simultaneous exposure to FA or 3G4S with H₂O₂, HepG2 cells presented 48.04% and 55.41% of DNA damage reduction compared with the control, respectively. The antigenotoxicity of these SPs relates to direct antioxidant activity by blockage of the initiation step of the oxidative chain reaction. Therefore, we conclude that FA and 3G4S could be explored as functional natural compounds with antigenotoxic activity due to their great protection against oxidative DNA damage.

Reptiles as Promising Sources of Medicinal Natural Products for Cancer Therapeutic Drugs

Natural products have historically played an important role as a source of therapeutic drugs for various diseases, and the development of medicinal natural products is still a field with high potential. Although diverse drugs have been developed for incurable diseases for several decades, discovering safe and efficient anticancer drugs remains a formidable challenge. Reptiles, as one source of Asian traditional medicines, are known to possess anticancer properties and have been used for a long time without a clarified scientific background. Recently, it has been reported that extracts, crude peptides, sera, and venom isolated from reptiles could effectively inhibit the survival and proliferation of various cancer cells. In this article, we summarize recent studies applying ingredients derived from reptiles in cancer therapy and discuss the difficulties and prospective development of natural product research.

Textural and Thermal Properties of the Novel Fucoidan/Nano-Oxides Hybrid Materials with Cosmetic, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Potential

The main purpose of the research was to obtain and study hybrid materials based on three different nano-oxides commonly used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries: Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and ZnO, with the natural bioactive polysaccharide fucoidan. Since the mentioned oxides are largely utilized by industry, there is no doubt that the presented studies are important from an environmental point of view. On the basis of the textural studies (dynamic light scattering DLS, low temperature nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction analysis XRD, scanning electron microscopy SEM) it was proved that the properties of the hybrid materials differ from the pure components of the system. Moreover, the advanced thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DSC) combined with the evolved gas analysis using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectrometry were applied to describe the thermal decomposition of fucoidan, oxides and hybrid materials. It was found that the interactions between the polymer and the oxides results in the formation of the hybrid materials due to the functionalization of the nanoparticles surface, and that their thermal stability increased when compared to the pure substrates. Such findings definitely fill the literature void regarding the fucoidan based hybrid materials and help the industrial formulators in the preparation of new products.

Fucoidan and Alginate from the Brown Algae Colpomenia sinuosa and Their Combination with Vitamin C Trigger Apoptosis in Colon Cancer

Brown seaweeds are producers of bioactive molecules which are known to inhibit oncogenic growth. Here, we investigated the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects of two polysaccharides from the brown algae Colpomenia sinuosa, namely fucoidan and alginate, in a panel of cancer cell lines and evaluated their effects when combined with vitamin C. Fucoidan and alginate were isolated from brown algae and characterized by HPLC, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that highly sulfated fucoidans had higher antioxidant and cytotoxic effects than alginate. Human colon cancer cells were the most sensitive to the algal treatments, with fucoidan having an IC50 value (618.9 µg/mL-1) lower than that of alginate (690 µg/mL-1). The production of reactive oxygen species was increased upon treatment of HCT-116 cells with fucoidan and alginate, which suggest that these compounds may trigger cell death via oxidative damage. The combination of fucoidan with vitamin C showed enhanced effects compared to treatment with fucoidan alone, as evidenced by the significant inhibitory effects on HCT-116 colon cancer cell viability. The combination of the algal polysaccharides with vitamin C caused enhanced degeneration in the nuclei of cells, as evidenced by DAPI staining and increased the subG1 population, suggesting the induction of cell death. Together, these results suggest that fucoidan and alginate from the brown algae C. sinuosa are promising anticancer compounds, particularly when used in combination with vitamin C.

Anticancer Effects of Seaweed-Derived Bioactive Compounds

Cancer remains a major life-threatening disease worldwide. The development of anticancer drugs using natural products obtained from marine organisms has been proposed as an alternative approach. Seaweeds are the mainstay of marine ecosystems; therefore, they are highly enriched with diverse bioactive compounds. In the past decade, a vast number of natural compounds, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, and terpenoids, have been isolated from seaweeds. Seaweeds have bioactive compounds that show cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines. These compounds prevent tumor growth by inducing apoptotic cell death and arrest growth by interfering with different kinases and cell cycle pathways. This review discussed the anticancer properties of various bioactive compounds isolated from different types of seaweeds and their therapeutic potential against cancers.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic effects of different extracts of red algae (Laurencia snyderiae) on HT29 cells

Background and purpose

Marine algae are potential renewable and sustainable sources of bioactive natural products which can be utilized in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Experimental approach

Different extracts (methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) of red algae, Laurencia snyderiae, was evaluated for their antioxidant potential, with various antioxidant assessment assays, cytotoxic properties (using MTT colorimetric assay), and phytochemical constituents (total phenolic and flavonoid contents). The GC-MS analyses of the algal methanolic extract and its apoptotic effects on the human colon carcinoma cell line (HT29) were also investigated.

Findings/Results

The total phenolic content in the methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extracts of L. snyderiae was 3.6 ± 0.12, 3.2 ± 0.41, and 3.3 ± 0.35 μg/mg of gallic acid, respectively. Among different algae extracts, chloroform extract showed significantly chelating ability (IC₅₀ = 0.027 mg/mL) and reducing power activity (IC₅₀ = 0.082 mg/mL), while the highest DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 0.058 mg/mL) exhibited in the methanol extract compared to the other extracts. The methanolic extract was found to have a higher cytotoxicity effect on colon carcinoma cells with IC₅₀ 70.2 μg/mL. The viability of the cancer cells was increased with the decrease in the concentration in different extracts. GC-MS analysis of the algal methanolic extract revealed the presence of active antitumor constituents and apoptosis-based cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells through the DNA damage was also confirmed.

Conclusion and implications

Based on these results, the red algae L. snyderiae possesses potent bioactive constituents and can use as additional resources as a natural antioxidant and antitumor agent in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical area.

Functional foods and bioactive ingredients harnessed from the ocean: current status and future perspectives

With an increase in life expectancy and decrease of quality-of-life couple with the high prevalence of diseases, diet is expected to play a key function in sustaining human health. Nutritionists, food technologists and medical experts are working in synergy to cater for the increasing demand of food with associated therapeutic benefits, commonly known as functional food, that may improve well-being and reduce the risk of diseases. Interestingly, the marine ecosystem, due to its abundant and phenomenal biodiversity of marine organisms, constitutes a vital source of a panoply of healthy foods supply for the thriving functional food industry. Marine organisms such as seaweeds, sea cucumbers, sponges, and mollusks amongst others are sources of thousands of biologically active metabolites with antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Given the growing number of research and interest to probe into the therapeutic roles of marine products, this review was designed to provide a comprehensive summary of the therapeutic properties of marine organisms (macroalgae, sea cucumbers and fish among others) which are consumed worldwide, in addition to their potentials and as sources of functional ingredients for developing novel food and fostering wellness. The gap between research development and actual commercialization, and future prospects of marine-based products also summarized to some extent.

Fucoidan from acid-processed Hizikia fusiforme attenuates oxidative damage and regulate apoptosis

We had observed in our previous study that the active fucoidan (JHCF4), isolated from the crude fucoidan in acid-processed Hizikia fusiforme, possessed an anticancer effect. In this study, the antioxidant effect of JHCF4 was evaluated. Among the fractions, JHCF4 showed the highest scavenging activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), alkyl, and hydroxyl radicals, as well as protective effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) in 2, 2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-treated Vero cells. Furthermore, JHCF4 showed a protective activity against AAPH-induced apoptosis, as observed by nuclear staining with Hoechst 33342. Our results showed that JHCF4 can up-regulate Bcl-xL, down-regulate Bax and cleave caspase-3 with increased concentrations in AAPH-induced Vero cells. JHCF4 induced anti-apoptosis via a mitochondria-mediated pathway. Additionally, JHCF4 was selected for further in vivo screening in a zebrafish model, which markedly decreased ROS generation and lipid peroxidation. Thus, JHCF4 showed a potential protective activity against AAPH-induced ROS both in vitro and in the zebrafish model.

Biologically active macromolecules: Extraction strategies, therapeutic potential and biomedical perspective

Marine biome exhibits an immense essence of excellence and enriched with high-value bioactive compounds of therapeutic and biomedical value. During the past several years, an array of biologically active molecules has been extracted/isolated and purified from numerous sources of marine origin with the aid of distinct techniques and methodologies for newer applications. The growing demand for bioactive molecules with unique functionalities in various industrial divisions, such as therapeutic sectors and biomedical, has endorsed the necessity for highly suitable and standardized strategies to extract these bioactive components using a state-of-the-art and inexpensive measures. This is also because many in practice conventional extraction methodologies suffer from processing limitations and low-yield issues. Besides that, other major issues include (i) decrease efficacy, (ii) excessive energy cost, (iii) low yield, (iv) lower cost-effective ratio, (v) minimal selectivity, (vi) low activity, and (vii) stability, etc. In this context, there is an urgent need for new and robust extraction strategies. The synergies of modern extraction techniques with efficient and novel pretreatment approaches, such as the integration of enzymes, accompanied by conventional extraction processes, should be the utmost goal of current research and development studies. The typical effectivity of the extraction techniques mostly relies on these points, i.e., (i) know-how about the source nature and type, (ii) understanding the structural and compositional profile, (iii) influence of the processing factors, (iv) interplay between the extraction conditions and the end-product, (v) understanding the available functional entities, (vi) reaction chemistry of the extract bioactive compounds, and (vii) effective exploitation of the end-product in the marketplace. Marine biome, among numerous naturally occurring sources, has been appeared an immense essence of excellence to isolate an array of biologically active constituents with medicinal values and related point-of-care applications. Herein, we reviewed the salient information covering various therapeutic potential and biomedical perspectives. Following a brief introduction and marine pharmacognosy, an array of high-value biomolecules of marine origin are discussed with suitable examples. From the robust extraction strategies viewpoint, a part of the review focuses on three techniques, i.e., (1) enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), (2) supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), and (3) microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Each technique is further enriched with processing and workflow environment. The later part of the review is mainly focused on the therapeutic and biomedical perspectives of under-reviewed bio-active compounds or biomolecules. The previous and latest research on the anticancer, skin curative, cardio-protective, immunomodulatory and UV-protectant potentialities of marine-derived biologically active entities have been summarized with suitable examples and related pathways illustrations. Finally, the work is wrapped-up with current research challenges, future aspects, and concluding remarks.

The Potential of Seaweeds as a Source of Functional Ingredients of Prebiotic and Antioxidant Value

Two thirds of the world is covered by oceans, whose upper layer is inhabited by algae. This means that there is a large extension to obtain these photoautotrophic organisms. Algae have undergone a boom in recent years, with consequent discoveries and advances in this field. Algae are not only of high ecological value but also of great economic importance. Possible applications of algae are very diverse and include anti-biofilm activity, production of biofuels, bioremediation, as fertilizer, as fish feed, as food or food ingredients, in pharmacology (since they show antioxidant or contraceptive activities), in cosmeceutical formulation, and in such other applications as filters or for obtaining minerals. In this context, algae as food can be of help to maintain or even improve human health, and there is a growing interest in new products called functional foods, which can promote such a healthy state. Therefore, in this search, one of the main areas of research is the extraction and characterization of new natural ingredients with biological activity (e.g., prebiotic and antioxidant) that can contribute to consumers' well-being. The present review shows the results of a bibliographic survey on the chemical composition of macroalgae, together with a critical discussion about their potential as natural sources of new functional ingredients.

Antioxidant Fucoidans Obtained from Tropical Seaweed Protect Pre-Osteoblastic Cells from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Damage

Some antioxidant compounds decrease the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently reduce the deleterious effects of ROS in osteoblasts. Thus, these compounds fight against osteoporosis. Brown seaweeds are a rich source of antioxidant fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (fucans and fucoidans). We obtained six fucoidans (FRFs)-F0.3, F0.5, F0.7, F1.0, F1.5, and F2.1-from Dictyota mertensii by proteolytic digestion followed by sequential acetone precipitation. Except for F0.3, all FRFs showed antioxidant activity in different in vitro tests. In pre- osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-L1) exposed to H2O2-oxidative stress, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were activated, resulting in apoptosis of the cells. We also observed a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The antioxidant FRFs protected the cells from the oxidative damage caused by H2O2, decreasing intracellular ROS and caspase activation, and increasing SOD activity. The most effective protection against damage was provided by F0.7, F1.5, and F2.1. At 0.5 mg/mL, these FRFs also suppressed the H2O2-mediated inhibition of ALP activity. The data indicated that FRFs F0.7, F1.5, and F2.1 from D. mertensii were antioxidants that protected bone tissue from oxidative stress and could represent possible adjuvants for the treatment of bone fragility through counteracting oxidative phenomena.

Marine Natural Products: A Source of Novel Anticancer Drugs

Cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases worldwide. There is an urgent need for new drugs with novel modes of action and thus considerable research has been conducted for new anticancer drugs from natural sources, especially plants, microbes and marine organisms. Marine populations represent reservoirs of novel bioactive metabolites with diverse groups of chemical structures. This review highlights the impact of marine organisms, with particular emphasis on marine plants, algae, bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, sponges and soft corals. Anti-cancer effects of marine natural products in in vitro and in vivo studies were first introduced; their activity in the prevention of tumor formation and the related compound-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicities were tackled. The possible molecular mechanisms behind the biological effects are also presented. The review highlights the diversity of marine organisms, novel chemical structures, and chemical property space. Finally, therapeutic strategies and the present use of marine-derived components, its future direction and limitations are discussed.

Marine Natural Products: A Source of Novel Anticancer Drugs

Cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases worldwide. There is an urgent need for new drugs with novel modes of action and thus considerable research has been conducted for new anticancer drugs from natural sources, especially plants, microbes and marine organisms. Marine populations represent reservoirs of novel bioactive metabolites with diverse groups of chemical structures. This review highlights the impact of marine organisms, with particular emphasis on marine plants, algae, bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, sponges and soft corals. Anti-cancer effects of marine natural products in in vitro and in vivo studies were first introduced; their activity in the prevention of tumor formation and the related compound-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicities were tackled. The possible molecular mechanisms behind the biological effects are also presented. The review highlights the diversity of marine organisms, novel chemical structures, and chemical property space. Finally, therapeutic strategies and the present use of marine-derived components, its future direction and limitations are discussed.

Sulfated polysaccharides of seagrass Halophila ovalis suppresses tumor necrosis factor-α-induced chemokine interleukin-8 secretion in HT-29 cell line

OBJECTIVES:

The present study aims to investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of seagrass Halophila ovalis sulfated polysaccharide on HT-29 cell line.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Monosaccharides composition was identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and the functional groups were analyzed using Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of crude extract and purified fractions was investigated in vitro.

RESULTS:

FT-IR spectra revealed that the presence of different functional groups and the presence of galactose (82.4%), xylose (7.6%), fructose (4.0%), mannose (2.0%), fucose (1.6%), glucose (1.2%), and arabinose (1.0%) was observed using LC-MS. Ho-SP and its fractions showed radical scavenging activity in hydroxyl, 2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay in a dose-dependent manner. Noticeable anti-inflammatory activity of purified fraction Ho FrIV (IC ₅₀= 43.85 μg/ml) was observed in a noncytotoxic range of concentrations and inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion (0.27 ng/ml) in HT-29 cell line.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, the results presented in this study suggest that purified fraction Ho FrIV of Ho-SP could suppress the TNF-α-induced secretion of IL-8 in HT-29 and thus could be used as a promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory candidate with potential benefits.

New Drugs from the Sea: Pro-Apoptotic Activity of Sponges and Algae Derived Compounds

Natural compounds derived from marine organisms exhibit a wide variety of biological activities. Over the last decades, a great interest has been focused on the anti-tumour role of sponges and algae that constitute the major source of these bioactive metabolites. A substantial number of chemically different structures from different species have demonstrated inhibition of tumour growth and progression by inducing apoptosis in several types of human cancer. The molecular mechanisms by which marine natural products activate apoptosis mainly include (1) a dysregulation of the mitochondrial pathway; (2) the activation of caspases; and/or (3) increase of death signals through transmembrane death receptors. This great variety of mechanisms of action may help to overcome the multitude of resistances exhibited by different tumour specimens. Therefore, products from marine organisms and their synthetic derivates might represent promising sources for new anticancer drugs, both as single agents or as co-adjuvants with other chemotherapeutics. This review will focus on some selected bioactive molecules from sponges and algae with pro-apoptotic potential in tumour cells.

Structural characterization and antioxidant activity of water-soluble polysaccharides from the Tunisian brown seaweed Cystoseira compressa

A fucoidan (CCF) and a sodium alginate (CCSA) were extracted and purified from the Tunisian brown seaweed Cystoseira compressa. CCF was a highly sulfated heterogalactofucan composed of α-(1→3), α-(1→4)-linked l-Fucp as main backbone which could be highly branched (31.84%) at O-3 and O-4 positions of α-(1→4)-l-Fucp and α-(1→3)-l-Fucp by terminal monosaccharides and side chains such as terminal α-l-Fucp, terminal β-d-Galp, β-d-Galp-(1→3)-α-l-Fucp and β-d-Galp-(1→4)-α-l-Fucp. The ratio of α-(1→3)/α-(1→4) linkages was estimated at 3.86:1. CCSA was characterized by HPAEC-PAD, GC/MS-EI, ATR-FTIR, and 1H-NMR. The M/G ratio was M/G = 0.77, indicating that CCSA respectively contained 44% and 56% of mannuronic and guluronic acids. The values of FGG, FMM, FGM (or FMG) blocks as well as the parameter η were estimated. The two polysaccharides exhibited effective antioxidant activities by ferrous ion chelation, ferric ion reduction and DPPH radical-scavenging, outlining their potentials as natural additives.

From Marine Origin to Therapeutics: The Antitumor Potential of Marine Algae-Derived Compounds

Marine environment has demonstrated to be an interesting source of compounds with uncommon and unique chemical features on which the molecular modeling and chemical synthesis of new drugs can be based with greater efficacy and specificity for the therapeutics. Cancer is a growing public health threat, and despite the advances in biomedical research and technology, there is an urgent need for the development of new anticancer drugs. In this field, it is estimated that more than 60% of commercially available anticancer drugs are natural biomimetic inspired. Among the marine organisms, algae have revealed to be one of the major sources of new compounds of marine origin, including those exhibiting antitumor and cytotoxic potential. These compounds demonstrated ability to mediate specific inhibitory activities on a number of key cellular processes, including apoptosis pathways, angiogenesis, migration and invasion, in both in vitro and in vivo models, revealing their potential to be used as anticancer drugs. This review will focus on the bioactive molecules from algae with antitumor potential, from their origin to their potential uses, with special emphasis to the alga Sphaerococcus coronopifolius as a producer of cytotoxic compounds.

Commercial Fucoidans from Fucus vesiculosus Can Be Grouped into Antiadipogenic and Adipogenic Agents

Fucus vesiculosus is a brown seaweed used in the treatment of obesity. This seaweed synthesizes various bioactive molecules, one of them being a sulfated polysaccharide known as fucoidan (FF). This polymer can easily be found commercially, and has antiadipogenic and lipolytic activity. Using differential precipitation with acetone, we obtained four fucoidan-rich fractions (F0.5/F0.9/F1.1/F2.0) from FF. These fractions contain different proportions of fucose:glucuronic acid:galactose:xylose:sulfate, and also showed different electrophoretic mobility and antioxidant activity. Using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, we found that all samples had lipolytic action, especially F2.0, which tripled the amount of glycerol in the cellular medium. Moreover, we observed that FF, F1.0, and F2.0 have antiadipogenic activity, as they inhibited the oil red staining by cells at 40%, 40%, and 50%, respectively. In addition, they decreased the expression of key proteins of adipogenic differentiation (C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, and PPARγ). However, F0.5 and F0.9 stimulated the oil red staining at 80% and increased the expression of these proteins. Therefore, these fucoidan fractions have an adipogenic effect. Overall, the data show that F2.0 has great potential to be used as an agent against obesity as it displays better antioxidant, lipolytic and antiadipogenic activities than the other fucoidan fractions that we tested.

Identification and antioxidant activity of synthetic peptides from phycobiliproteins of Pyropia yezoensis

The objective of the present study was to identify peptides, based on active components of the red algae seaweed Pyropia yezoensis, able to inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is associated with aging and oxidative activities. Phycobilin, specific to red algae, covalently binds with water-soluble proteins. There are three types of pigment bound proteins, known as phycobiliproteins (PBPs): Phycoerythrin (PE), phycocyanin (PC) and allophycocyanin (APC). In the present study, PBPs reported previously to have antioxidant activities in P. yezoensis were identified and, based on these data, several peptides were synthesized (PBP 1-13) and their inhibition of ROS generation was examined. The existence of PBPs of each type, PE, PC and APC, was established in P. yezoensis and all were analyzed. In addition, PBP 1-2 and 7-9 peptides from PE were synthesized and showed antioxidant activities in HepG2 cells. In HepG2 cells, treatment with PBP2 reduced hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidative stress and restored the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, phosphorylated nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) was elevated by PBP2 treatment. Overall, these results suggested that Nrf2-SOD pathways may be involved in the PBP2-mediated antioxidant effects. Therefore, from the investigations of P. yezoensis, several candidate peptides were identified with promising antioxidant and, potentially, anti-aging properties.

Structure and anticancer activity of native and modified polysaccharides from brown alga Dictyota dichotoma

The laminaran DdL and fucoidan DdF were obtained from the brown alga Dictyota dichotoma. DdF was a sulfated (28.9%) and acetylated heteropolysaccharide containing fucose, galactose, mannose and glucose (57.9, 20.4, 12.4 and 9.2mol%, respectively). DdL was a 1,3;1,6-β-d-glucan with the main chain built from 1,3-linked glucose residues and single glucose residue in branches at C6 (one branch on three glucose residues of the main chain). Sulfated (43.7%) laminaran DdLs was obtained from DdL by sulfation. It was determined that sulfates occur at C2, C4 and C6 of glucose residues. The anticancer effect of DdF, DdL, and DdLs (200μg/mL) was studied in vitro on colon cancer cells HCT-116, HT-29, and DLD-1. The effect of polysaccharides (40μg/mL) on colony formation of DLD-1 cancer cells after irradiation (4Gy) was investigated first. All polysaccharides showed a synergistic effect with X-ray irradiation against cancer cells, decreasing the amount and size of cancer cells colonies.

Isolation, characterization and bioactive potential of sulfated galactans from Spyridia hypnoides (Bory) Papenfuss

The sulfated galactans (SG) of mass 16 kDa was purified from S.hypnoides through anion exchange and gel permeation chromatography. The biochemical properties of SG including carbohydrate, 3,6 anhydrogalactose, sulfate, uronic acid, moisture, ash, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen contents were estimated. In the purified SG, the presence of major sugars such as galactose and glucose were identified through HPLC and it was further structurally characterised through FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. Anticoagulant activity of SG was estimated as 25.36 & 2.46 IU at 25 μg/ml (aPTT & PT). SG also showed potential dose dependent antioxidant activity against free radicals such as DPPH (56.41% at 2 mg/ml), hydroxyl radicals (65.58% at 3 mg/ml) and superoxide radicals (73.12% at 0.6 mg/ml). The maximum metal chelating and total antioxidant property (76.42%, 66.81%) was exhibited at 1 mg/ml. The results indicate that the SG from red seaweed represents a good source of polysaccharide with significant anticoagulant and antioxidant properties.

Dextran: Influence of Molecular Weight in Antioxidant Properties and Immunomodulatory Potential

Dextrans (α-d-glucans) extracted from Leuconostoc mesenteroides, with molecular weights (MW) of 10 (D10), 40 (D40) and 147 (D147) kDa, were evaluated as antioxidant, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory drugs for the first time. None presented anticoagulant activity. As for the antioxidant and immunomodulatory tests, a specific test showed an increase in the dextran activity that was proportional to the increase in molecular weight. In a different assay, however, activity decreased or showed no correlation to the MW. As an example, the reducing power assay showed that D147 was twice as potent as other dextrans. On the other hand, all three samples showed similar activity (50%) when it came to scavenging the OH radical, whereas only the D10 sample showed sharp activity (50%) when it came to scavenging the superoxide ion. D40 was the single dextran that presented with immunomodulatory features since it stimulated the proliferation (~50%) of murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and decreased the release of nitric oxide (~40%) by the cells, both in the absence and presence of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In addition, D40 showed a greater scavenging activity (50%) for the hydrogen peroxide, which caused it to also be the more potent dextran when it came to inhibiting lipid peroxidation (70%). These points toward dextrans with a 40 kDa weight as being ideal for antioxidant and immunomodulatory use. However, future studies with the D40 and other similarly 40 kDa dextrans are underway to confirm this hypothesis.

Extraction, Characterization and Immunological Activity of Polysaccharides from Rhizoma gastrodiae

A response surface and Box-Behnken design approach was applied to augment polysaccharide extraction from the residue of Rhizoma gastrodiae. Statistical analysis revealed that the linear and quadratic terms for three variables during extraction exhibited obvious effects on extraction yield. The optimum conditions were determined to be a liquid-to-solid ratio of 54 mL/g, an extraction temperature of 74 °C, an extraction time of 66 min, and three extractions. These conditions resulted in a maximum Rhizoma gastrodiae polysaccharide (RGP) extraction yield of 6.11% ± 0.13%. Two homogeneous polysaccharides (RGP-1a and RGP-1b) were obtained using DEAE cellulose-52 and Sephadex G-100 columns. The preliminary characterization of RGP-1a and RGP-1b was performed using HPLC-RID, HPGPC, and FTIR. Tests of the immunological activity in vitro showed that the two polysaccharides could significantly stimulate macrophages to release NO and enhance phagocytosis in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, RGP-1b (200 μg/mL) and LPS (2 μg/mL) had almost the same influence on the NO production and phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 macrophages (p > 0.05). All the data obtained indicate that RGP-1a and RGP-1b have the potential to be developed as a health food.

Induction of G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis pathway in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells by sulfated polysaccharide extracted from Laurencia papillosa

Background

Marine algae consumption is linked to law cancer incidences in countries that traditionally consume marine products. Hence, Phytochemicals are considered as potential chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agents against cancer. We investigated the effects of the algal sulfated polysaccharide extract (ASPE) from the red marine alga L. papillosa on MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line.

Methods

Flow cytometry analysis was performed to study the cell viability, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Changes in the expression of certain genes associated with cell cycle regulation was conducted by PCR real time analyses. Further investigations on apoptotic molecules was performed by ROS measurement and protein profiling.

Results

ASPE at low doses (10 µg/ml), inhibited cell proliferation, and arrested proliferating MDA-MB-231 cells at G1-phase. However, higher doses (50 µg/ml), triggered apoptosis in those cells. The low dose of ASPE also caused up-regulation of Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27 and down-regulation of cyclins D1, D2, and E1 transcripts and their related cyclin dependent kinases: Cdk2, Cdk4, and Cdk6. The higher doses of ASPE initiated a dose-dependent apoptotic death in MDA-MB-231 by induction of Bax transcripts, inhibition of Bcl-2 and cleavage of Caspase-3 protein. Over-generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also observed in MDA-MB-231 treated cells.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that ASPE induces G1-phase arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. ASPE may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

A review of the components of brown seaweeds as potential candidates in cancer therapy

Brown seaweeds have opened new opportunities for the development of novel anticancer agents due to their diverse structural composition and mode of action.

Methanolic extracts from brown seaweeds Dictyota cilliolata and Dictyota menstrualis induce apoptosis in human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells

Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is the second most common female tumor worldwide, surpassed only by breast cancer. Natural products from seaweeds evidencing apoptotic activity have attracted a great deal of attention as new leads for alternative and complementary preventive or therapeutic anticancer agents. Here, methanol extracts from 13 species of tropical seaweeds (Rhodophytas, Phaeophyta and Chlorophyta) collected from the Northeast of Brazil were assessed as apoptosis-inducing agents on human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa). All extracts showed different levels of cytotoxicity against HeLa cells; the most potent were obtained from the brown alga Dictyota cilliolata (MEDC) and Dictyota menstrualis (MEDM). In addition, MEDC and MEDM also inhibits SiHa (cervix carcinoma) cell proliferation. Studies with these two extracts using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy showed that HeLa cells exposed to MEDM and MEDC exhibit morphological and biochemical changes that characterize apoptosis as shown by loss of cell viability, chromatin condensation, phosphatidylserine externalization, and sub-G1 cell cycle phase accumulation, also MEDC induces cell cycle arrest in cell cycle phase S. Moreover, the activation of caspases 3 and 9 by these extracts suggests a mitochondria-dependent apoptosis route. However, other routes cannot be ruled out. Together, these results point out the methanol extracts of the brown algae D. mentrualis and D. cilliolata as potential sources of molecules with antitumor activity.

Proteolysis, NaOH and ultrasound-enhanced extraction of anticoagulant and antioxidant sulfated polysaccharides from the edible seaweed, Gracilaria birdiae

The sulfated polysaccharides (SP) from the edible red seaweed, Gracilaria birdiae, were obtained using five different extraction conditions: Gracilaria birdiae 1 (GB1)-water; GB1s-water/sonication; GB1sp-water/sonication/proteolysis; GB2s-NaOH/sonication; and GB2sp-NaOH/sonication/proteolysis. The yield (g) increased in the following order: GB2sp>GB1sp>GB2s>GB1s>GB1. However, the amount of SP extracted increased in a different way: GB2sp>GB1>GB1sp>GB1s>GB2s. Infrared and electrophoresis analysis showed that all conditions extracted the same SP. In addition, monosaccharide composition showed that ultrasound promotes the extraction of polysaccharides other than SP. In the prothrombin time (PT) test, which evaluates the extrinsic coagulation pathway, none of the samples showed anticoagulant activity. While in the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test, which evaluates the intrinsic coagulation pathway, all samples showed anticoagulant activity, except GB2s. The aPTT activity decreased in the order of GB1sp>GB2sp>GB1>GB1s>GB2s. The total capacity antioxidant (TCA) of the SP was also affected by extraction condition, since GB2s and GB1 showed lower activity in comparison to the other conditions. In conclusion, the conditions of SP extraction influence their biological activities and chemical composition. The data revealed that NaOH/sonication/proteolysis was the best condition to extract anticoagulant and antioxidant SPs from Gracilaria birdiae.

Algal sulfated carrageenan inhibits proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells via apoptosis regulatory genes

Marine algae are prolific sources of sulfated polysaccharides, which may explain the low incidence of certain cancers in countries that traditionally consume marine food. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of non‑skin cancer in females. In this study, extracted sulfated carrageenan (ESC), predominantly consisting of ι‑carrageenan extracted from the red alga Laurencia papillosa, was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The biological effects of the identified extract were investigated and its potential cytotoxic activity was tested against the MDA‑MB‑231 cancer cell line. The biological biometer of the inhibitory concentration of the polysaccharide‑treated MDA‑MB‑231 cells was determined as 50 µM. Treatment with 50 µM ESC inhibited cell proliferation and promptly induced cell death through nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation. Characterization of polysaccharide‑treated MDA‑MB‑231 cell death revealed that induction of apoptosis occurred via the activation of the extrinsic apoptotic caspase‑8 gene. The apoptotic signaling pathway was regulated through caspase‑3, caspase‑9, p53, Bax and Bcl‑2 genes. These findings suggest that ESC may serve as a potential therapeutic agent to target breast cancer via prompting apoptosis.

Optimization of alkaline extraction and bioactivities of polysaccharides from rhizome of Polygonatum odoratum

The present study is to explore the optimal extraction parameters, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of alkaline soluble polysaccharides from rhizome of Polygonatum odoratum. The optimal extraction parameters were determined as the following: NaOH concentration (A) 0.3 M, temperature (B) 80°C, ratio of NaOH to solid (C) 10-fold, and extraction time (D) 4 h, in which ratio of NaOH to solid was a key factor. The order of the factors was ratio of NaOH to solid (fold, C) > extraction temperature (°C, B) > NaOH concentration (M, A) > extraction time (h, D). The monosaccharide compositions of polysaccharides from P. odoratum were rhamnose, mannose, xylose, and arabinose with the molecular ratio of 31.78, 31.89, 11.11, and 1.00, respectively. The reducing power, the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging rate, the hydroxyl radicals scavenging rate, and the inhibition rate to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) peroxidation of the alkaline soluble polysaccharides from P. odoratum at 1 mg/mL were 9.81%, 52.84%, 19.22%, and 19.42% of ascorbic acid at the same concentration, respectively. They also showed antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli.

Fucans from a Tunisian brown seaweed Cystoseira barbata: structural characteristics and antioxidant activity

Sulfated polysaccharides from brown seaweeds are known to be a topic of numerous studies, due to their beneficial biological properties including antioxidant activity. Fucans were isolated from the brown seaweed Cystoseira barbata harvested in Tunisia. ATR-FTIR and (1)H-NMR spectroscopies demonstrated that C. barbata sulfated polysaccharides (CBSPs) consisted mainly of 3-linked-α-l-fucopyranosyl backbone, acetylated and mostly sulfated at C-4. Molar degrees of sulfation and acetylation of CBSPs were 0.79 and 0.27, respectively. Neutral sugars analysis determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that CBSPs were mainly composed of fucose (44.6%) and galactose (34.32%) with few amounts of other sugars such as glucose (7.55%), rhamnose (6.41%), xylose (4.21%) and mannose (2.91%). CBSPs were examined for in vitro antioxidant properties using various antioxidant assays. CBSPs exhibited important DPPH radical-scavenging activity (100% inhibition at a concentration of 1.5mg/ml) and considerable ferric reducing potential (24.62 mg ascorbic acid equivalents). Effective chelating activity and significant protection activity against hydroxyl radical induced DNA breakage were also recorded for CBSPs. However, in the linoleate-β-carotene system, CBSPs exerted moderate antioxidant activity (62% inhibition at a concentration of 1.5mg/ml). Therefore, CBSPs can be used as a potent natural antioxidant in food industry or in the pharmaceutical field.

Evaluation of sulfated polysaccharides from the brown seaweed Dictyopteris justii as antioxidant agents and as inhibitors of the formation of calcium oxalate crystals

Oxalate crystals and other types of crystals are the cause of urolithiasis, and these are related to oxidative stress. The search for new compounds with antioxidant qualities and inhibitors of these crystal formations is therefore necessary. In this study, we extracted four sulfated polysaccharides, a fucoglucoxyloglucuronan (DJ-0.3v), a heterofucan (DJ-0.4v), and two glucans (DJ-0.5v and DJ-1.2v), from the marine alga Dictyopteris justii. The presence of sulfated polysaccharides was confirmed by chemical analysis and FT-IR. All the sulfated polysaccharides presented antioxidant activity under different conditions in some of the in vitro tests and inhibited the formation of calcium oxalate crystals. Fucan DJ-0.4v was the polysaccharide that showed the best antioxidant activity and was one of the best inhibitors of the crystallization of calcium oxalate. Glucan DJ-0.5v was the second most potent inhibitor of the formation of oxalate crystals, as it stabilized dehydrated oxalate crystals (less aggressive form), preventing them from transforming into monohydrate crystals (more aggressive form). The obtained data lead us to propose that these sulfated polysaccharides are promising agents for use in the treatment of urolithiasis.

Evaluation of anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a heterofucan from Dictyota menstrualis

Fucan is a term that defines a family of homo- and hetero-polysaccharides containing sulfated l-fucose in its structure. In this work, a heterofucan (F2.0v) from the seaweed, Dictyota menstrualis, was evaluated as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agent. F2.0v (20.0 mg/kg) inhibits 100% of leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity after chemical stimulation. However, F2.0v does not alter the expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). F2.0v (20.0 mg/kg) has peripheral antinociceptive activity with potency similar to dipyrone. On the other hand, it had no effect on pain response on the hot plate test. Confocal microscopy analysis and flow cytometry showed that F2.0v binds to the surface of leucocytes, which leads us to suggest that the mechanism of action of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive F2.0v is related to its ability to inhibit the migration of leukocytes to the site of tissue injury. In summary, the data show that F2.0v compound has great potential as an antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory, and future studies will be performed to further characterize the mechanism of action of F2.0v.

Antioxidant marine products in cancer chemoprevention

SIGNIFICANCE

Oxidative stress resulting from excessive reactive oxygen/nitrogen/electrophilic species (ROS/RNS/RES) can lead to diseases such as cancer. The health benefits of dietary fruits and vegetables with antioxidant potential have received a great deal of attention. On the other hand, marine botanicals have been less well characterized and still remain as terra incognita.

RECENT ADVANCES

In some parts of the world, appreciable quantities of seaweeds are consumed on a daily basis. Along with current globalization, cuisines using seaweeds are now being used throughout the world, sometimes considered as healthy delicacies. Thus, it is relevant to explore the medicinal and pharmacological properties of seaweeds, as well as the health ramifications of this dietary practice.

CRITICAL ISSUES

We currently review the antioxidant potential of seaweed components such as sulfated polysaccharides, phenolic compounds (phlorotannins and bromophenols), and fucoxanthins. In addition to seaweeds, the chemistry and antioxidant activities of some marine fungi and bacteria are described. Since antioxidants are considered promising cancer chemopreventive agents, the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical aspects of antioxidant marine products are presented, and potential implications are discussed.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Although some data suggest that health benefits are derived from the consumption of marine natural products, further epidemiological or clinical studies are needed to strengthen these observations. In addition, many studies have demonstrated the antioxidant effects of seaweeds with in vitro models, but further characterization of bioavailability is necessary to suggest the significance of these responses. It is also important to define the safety of some seaweeds containing inorganic arsenics.

In vitro antioxidant properties of crude extracts and compounds from brown algae

Research on the bioactives from seaweeds has increased in recent years. Antioxidant activity is one of the most studied, due to the interest of these compounds both as preservatives and protectors against oxidation in food and cosmetics and also due to their health implications, mainly in relation to their potential as functional ingredients. Brown algae present higher antioxidant potential in comparison with red and green families and contain compounds not found in terrestrial sources. In vitro antioxidant chemical methods, used as a first approach to evaluate potential agents to protect from lipid oxidation in foods, confirmed that the brown algae crude extracts, fractions and pure components are comparatively similar or superior to synthetic antioxidants. Particular emphasis on the fucoidan and phlorotannin polymeric fractions is given, considering variations associated with the species, collection area, season, and extraction and purification technologies.

Therapeutic importance of sulfated polysaccharides from seaweeds: updating the recent findings

Seaweeds, being prolific sources of bioactive components have garnered unprecedented interest in recent times. The complex polysaccharides from the brown, red and green seaweeds possess broad spectrum therapeutic properties. Especially, the sulfated polysaccharides, viz. fucans, carrageenans and ulvans have exhibited strong antioxidant, antitumor, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, pulmonary fibrosis anticoagulant/antithrombotic, lipid lowering, antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoan, hyperplasia prevention, gastrointestinal, regenerative and nano medicine applications. Considering the immense biomedical prospects of sulfated polysaccharides, the profound and emerging functional properties published in recent times will be discussed here with experimental evidences. The limitations of the seaweed-derived sulfated polysaccharides in healthcare will be summarized. Strategies to maximize extraction and bioavailability will be pondered.

Freshwater plants synthesize sulfated polysaccharides: heterogalactans from Water Hyacinth (Eicchornia crassipes)

Sulfated polysaccharides (SP) are found mainly in seaweeds and animals. To date, they have only been found in six plants and all inhabit saline environments. Furthermore, there are no reports of SP in freshwater or terrestrial plants. As such, this study investigated the presence of SP in freshwaters Eichhornia crassipes, Egeria densa, Egeria naja, Cabomba caroliniana, Hydrocotyle bonariensis and Nymphaea ampla. Chemical analysis identified sulfate in N. ampla, H. bonariensis and, more specifically, E. crassipes. In addition, chemical analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), as well as agarose gel electrophoresis detected SP in all parts of E. crassipes, primarily in the root (epidermis and vascular bundle). Galactose, glucose and arabinose are the main monosaccharides found in the sulfated polysaccharides from E. crassipes. In activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test, to evaluate the intrinsic coagulation pathway, SP from the root and rhizome prolonged the coagulation time to double the baseline value, with 0.1 mg/mL and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. However, SP from the leaf and petiole showed no anticoagulant activity. Eichornia SP demonstrated promising anticoagulant potential and have been selected for further studies on bioguided fractionation; isolation and characterization of pure polysaccharides from this species. Additionally in vivo experiments are needed and are already underway.

In vitro antioxidant, anticoagulant and antimicrobial activity and in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation by xylan extracted from corn cobs

Xylan is one of most abundant polymer after cellulose. However, its potential has yet to be completely recognized. Corn cobs contain a considerable reservoir of xylan. The aim of this work was to study some of the biological activities of xylan obtained from corn cobs after alkaline extraction enhanced by ultrasonication. Physical chemistry and infrared analyses showed 130 kDa heteroxylan containing mainly xylose:arabinose: galactose:glucose (5.0:1.5:2.0:1.2). Xylan obtained exhibited total antioxidant activity corresponding to 48.5 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent/g of xylan. Furthermore, xylan displayed high ferric chelating activity (70%) at 2 mg/mL. Xylan also showed anticoagulant activity in aPTT test. In antimicrobial assay, the polysaccharide significantly inhibited bacterial growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae. In a test with normal and tumor human cells, after 72 h, only HeLa tumor cell proliferation was inhibited (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner by xylan, reaching saturation at around 2 mg/mL, whereas 3T3 normal cell proliferation was not affected. The results suggest that it has potential clinical applications as antioxidant, anticoagulant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative compounds.