Influence of Modified Fucoidan and Related Sulfated Oligosaccharides on Hematopoiesis in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Mice

Structural characterization of Russula griseocarnosa polysaccharide and its improvement on hematopoietic function

The hematopoietic function of a polysaccharide derived from Russula griseocarnosa was demonstrated in K562 cells, and subsequently purified through chromatography to obtain RGP1. RGP1 is a galactan composed of 1,6-α-D-Galp as the main chain, with partial substitutions. A -CH3 substitution was detected at O-3 of 1,6-α-D-Galp. The possible branches at O-2 of 1,6-α-D-Galp was α-L-Fucp. In mice with cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced hematopoietic dysfunction, RGP1 alleviated bone marrow damage and multinucleated giant cell infiltration of the spleen, increased the number of long-term hematopoietic stem cells, and regulated the levels of myeloid cells in the peripheral blood. Furthermore, RGP1 promoted the differentiation of activated T cells and CD4+ T cells without affecting natural killer cells and B cells. Proteomic analysis, detection of cytokines, and western blotting revealed that RGP1 could alleviate hematopoietic dysfunction by promoting the activation of CD4+ T cells and the Janus kinase/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. The present study provides experimental evidence to support the application of RGP1 in CTX-induced hematopoietic dysfunction.

Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfates with Rare Disaccharide Branches from the Sea Cucumbers Psolus peronii and Holothuria nobilis: Structures and Influence on Hematopoiesis

Two fucosylated chondroitin sulfates were isolated from the sea cucumbers Psolus peronii and Holothuria nobilis using a conventional extraction procedure in the presence of papain, followed by anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. Their composition was characterized in terms of quantitative monosaccharide and sulfate content, and structures were mainly elucidated using 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. As revealed by the data of the NMR spectra, both polysaccharides along with the usual fucosyl branches contained rare disaccharide branches α-D-GalNAc4S6R-(1→2)-α-L-Fuc3S4R → attached to O-3 of the GlcA of the backbone (R = H or SO3-). The polysaccharides were studied as stimulators of hematopoiesis in vitro using mice bone marrow cells as the model. The studied polysaccharides were shown to be able to directly stimulate the proliferation of various progenitors of myelocytes and megakaryocytes as well as lymphocytes and mesenchymal cells in vitro. Therefore, the new fucosylated chondroitin sulfates can be regarded as prototype structures for the further design of GMP-compatible synthetic analogs for the development of new-generation hematopoiesis stimulators.

Anti-Cancer Potential of Transiently Transfected HER2-Specific Human Mixed CAR-T and NK Cell Populations in Experimental Models: Initial Studies on Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate Usage for Safer Treatment

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is overexpressed in numerous cancer cell types. Therapeutic antibodies and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) against HER2 were developed to treat human tumors. The major limitation of anti-HER2 CAR-T lymphocyte therapy is attributable to the low HER2 expression in a wide range of normal tissues. Thus, side effects are caused by CAR lymphocyte "on-target off-tumor" reactions. We aimed to develop safer HER2-targeting CAR-based therapy. CAR constructs against HER2 tumor-associated antigen (TAA) for transient expression were delivered into target T and natural killer (NK) cells by an effective and safe non-viral transfection method via nucleofection, excluding the risk of mutations associated with viral transduction. Different in vitro end-point and real-time assays of the CAR lymphocyte antitumor cytotoxicity and in vivo human HER2-positive tumor xenograft mice model proved potent cytotoxic activity of the generated CAR-T-NK cells. Our data suggest transient expression of anti-HER2 CARs in plasmid vectors by human lymphocytes as a safer treatment for HER2-positive human cancers. We also conducted preliminary investigations to elucidate if fucosylated chondroitin sulfate may be used as a possible agent to decrease excessive cytokine production without negative impact on the CAR lymphocyte antitumor effect.

Comparison of anti-tumor activities and underlying mechanisms of glucuronomannan oligosaccharides and its sulfated derivatives on the hepatocarcinoma Huh7.5 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor triggered by various factors such as virus infection and alcohol abuse. Glucuronomannan polysaccharide (Gx) is a subtype of fucoidans that possesses many bioactivities, but its anti-tumor activities in HCC have not been reported. In this paper, the anti-tumor effects of glucuronomannan oligosaccharides (Gx) and its sulfated derivatives (GxSy) on hepatocarcinoma Huh7.5 cells were investigated. The anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis activities, and underlying mechanism of Gx and GxSy on Huh7.5 cells were analyzed and compared by MTT, wound healing, transwell, and western blotting assays, respectively. Results showed that the best anti-proliferation effects were G4S1 and G4S2 among 13 drugs, which were 38.67% and 30.14%, respectively. The cell migration rates were significantly inhibited by G2S1, G4S2, G6S2, and unsulfated Gn. In addition, cell invasion effects treated with G4S1, G4S2, and G6S1 decreased to 48.62%, 36.26%, and 42.86%, respectively. Furthermore, sulfated G4 regulated the expression of (p-) FAK and MAPK pathway, and sulfated G6 down-regulated the MAPK signaling pathway while activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. On the contrary, sulfated G2 and unsulfated Gx had no inhibited effects on the FAK-mTOR pathway. These results indicated that sulfated Gx derivatives have better anti-tumor activities than unsulfated Gx in cell proliferation and metastasis process in vitro, and those properties depend on the sulfation group levels. Moreover, degrees of polymerization of Gx also played a vital role in mechanisms and bioactivities. This finding shows the structure-activity relationship for developing and applying the marine oligosaccharide candidates.

Glycosaminoglycans from the Starfish Lethasterias fusca: Structures and Influence on Hematopoiesis

Crude anionic polysaccharides extracted from the Pacific starfish Lethasterias fusca were purified by anion-exchange chromatography. The main fraction LF, having MW 14.5 kDa and dispersity 1.28 (data of gel-permeation chromatography), was solvolytically desulfated and giving rise to preparation LF-deS with a structure of dermatan core [→3)-β-d-GalNAc-(1→4)-α-l-IdoA-(1→]n, which was identified according to NMR spectroscopy data. Analysis of the NMR spectra of the parent fraction LF led to identification of the main component as dermatan sulfate LF-Derm →3)-β-d-GalNAc4R-(1→4)-α-l-IdoA2R3S-(1→ (where R was SO3 or H), bearing sulfate groups at O-3 or both at O-2 and O-3 of α-l-iduronic acid, as well as at O-4 of some N-acetyl-d-galactosamine residues. The minor signals in NMR spectra of LF were assigned as resonances of heparinoid LF-Hep composed of the fragments →4)-α-d-GlcNS3S6S-(1→4)-α-l-IdoA2S3S-(1→. The 3-O-sulfated and 2,3-di-O-sulfated iduronic acid residues are very unusual for natural glycosaminoglycans, and further studies are needed to elucidate their possible specific influence on the biological activity of the corresponding polysaccharides. To confirm the presence of these units in LF-Derm and LF-Hep, a series of variously sulfated model 3-aminopropyl iduronosides were synthesized and their NMR spectra were compared with those of the polysaccharides. Preparations LF and LF-deS were studied as stimulators of hematopoiesis in vitro. Surprisingly, it was found that both preparations were active in these tests, and hence, the high level of sulfation is not necessary for hematopoiesis stimulation in this particular case.

The Application of Ethnomedicine in Modulating Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Counts

Megakaryocytes (MKs), a kind of functional hematopoietic stem cell, form platelets to maintain platelet balance through cell differentiation and maturation. In recent years, the incidence of blood diseases such as thrombocytopenia has increased, but these diseases cannot be fundamentally solved. The platelets produced by MKs can treat thrombocytopenia-associated diseases in the body, and myeloid differentiation induced by MKs has the potential to improve myelosuppression and erythroleukemia. Currently, ethnomedicine is extensively used in the clinical treatment of blood diseases, and the recent literature has reported that many phytomedicines can improve the disease status through MK differentiation. This paper reviewed the effects of botanical drugs on megakaryocytic differentiation covering the period 1994-2022, and information was obtained from PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar. In conclusions, we summarized the role and molecular mechanism of many typical botanical drugs in promoting megakaryocyte differentiation in vivo, providing evidence as much as possible for botanical drugs treating thrombocytopenia and other related diseases in the future.

Prospects for the Use of Marine Sulfated Fucose-Rich Polysaccharides in Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Symptoms of the new coronavirus infection that appeared in 2019 (COVID-19) range from low fever and fatigue to acute pneumonia and multiple organ failure. The clinical picture of COVID-19 is heterogeneous and involves most physiological systems; therefore, drugs with a wide spectrum of mechanism of action are required. The choice of the treatment strategy for post-COVID-19 syndrome is still a challenge to be resolved. Polysaccharides with a high fucose content derived from seaweed and marine animals can form the basis for the subsequent development of promising agents for the treatment of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome. This class of biopolymers is characterized by a variety of biological activities, including antiviral, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, hemo-stimulating, anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory. Low molecular weight derivatives of these polysaccharides, as well as synthetic oligosaccharides with a sufficient amount and sulfation type may be considered as the most promising compounds due to their better bioavailability, which undoubtedly increases their therapeutic potential.

Fucoidans of Brown Algae: Comparison of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum

Preparations of sulfated polysaccharides obtained from brown algae are known as fucoidans. These biopolymers have attracted considerable attention due to many biological activities which may find practical applications. Two Atlantic representatives of Phaeophyceae, namely, Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum, belonging to the same order Fucales, are popular sources of commercial fucoidans, which often regarded as very similar in chemical composition and biological actions. Nevertheless, these two fucoidan preparations are polysaccharide mixtures which differ considerably in amount and chemical nature of components, and hence, this circumstance should be taken into account in the investigation of their biological properties and structure-activity relationships. In spite of these differences, fractions with carefully characterized structures prepared from both fucoidans may have valuable applications in drug development.

Perspectives for the Use of Fucoidans in Clinical Oncology

Fucoidans are natural sulfated polysaccharides that have a wide range of biological functions and are regarded as promising antitumor agents. The activity of various fucoidans and their derivatives has been demonstrated in vitro on tumor cells of different histogenesis and in experiments on mice with grafted tumors. However, these experimental models showed low levels of antitumor activity and clinical trials did not prove that this class of compounds could serve as antitumor drugs. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, immunostimulating, and anticoagulant properties of fucoidans, as well as their ability to stimulate hematopoiesis during cytostatic-based antitumor therapy, suggest that effective fucoidan-based drugs could be designed for the supportive care and symptomatic therapy of cancer patients. The use of fucoidans in cancer patients after chemotherapy and radiation therapy might promote the rapid improvement of hematopoiesis, while their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticoagulant effects have the potential to improve the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer.

Novel and Promising Strategies for Therapy of Post-Transplant Chronic GVHD

Despite the achievements that have increased viability after the transplantation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells (aHSCT), chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) remains the main cause of late complications and post-transplant deaths. At the moment, therapy alternatives demonstrate limited effectiveness in steroid-refractory illness; in addition, we have no reliable data on the mechanism of this condition. The lack of drugs of choice for the treatment of GVHD underscores the significance of the design of new therapies. Improved understanding of the mechanism of chronic GVHD has secured new therapy goals, and organized diagnostic recommendations and the development of medical tests have ensured a general language and routes for studies in this field. These factors, combined with the rapid development of pharmacology, have helped speed up the search of medicines and medical studies regarding chronic GVHD. At present, we can hope for success in curing this formidable complication. This review summarizes the latest clinical developments in new treatments for chronic GVHD.

Stimulating the Hematopoietic Effect of Simulated Digestive Product of Fucoidan from Sargassum fusiforme on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hematopoietic Damage in Mice and Its Protective Mechanisms Based on Serum Lipidomics

Hematopoietic damage is a serious side effect of cytotoxic drugs, and agents promoting hematopoiesis are quite important for decreasing the death rate in cancer patients. In our previous work, we prepared the simulated digestive product of fucoidan from Sargassum fusiforme, DSFF, and found that DSFF could activate macrophages. However, more investigations are needed to further evaluate whether DSFF could promote hematopoiesis in the chemotherapy process. In this study, the protective effect of DSFF (1.8-7.2 mg/kg, i.p.) on cyclophosphamide-induced hematopoietic damage in mice and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Our results show that DSFF could restore the numbers of white blood cells, neutrophils, and platelets in the peripheral blood, and could also retard bone marrow cell decrease in mice with cyclophosphamide-induced hematopoietic damage. UPLC/Q-Extraction Orbitrap/MS/MS-based lipidomics results reveal 16 potential lipid biomarkers in a serum that responded to hematopoietic damage in mice. Among them, PC (20:1/14:0) and SM (18:0/22:0) were the key lipid molecules through which DSFF exerted protective actions. In a validation experiment, DSFF (6.25-100 μg/mL) could also promote K562 cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. The current findings indicated that DSFF could affect the blood cells and bone marrow cells in vivo and thus showed good potential and application value in alleviating the hematopoietic damage caused by cyclophosphamide.

Chondroitin Sulfate and Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate as Stimulators of Hematopoiesis in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Mice

The immunosuppression and inhibition of hematopoiesis are considered to be reasons for the development of complications after intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Chondroitin sulfate (CS), isolated from the fish Salmo salar, and fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FCS), isolated from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, were studied for their roles as stimulators of hematopoiesis in a model of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice. The recombinant protein r G-CSF was applied as a reference. The studied polysaccharides were shown to stimulate the release of white and red blood cells, as well as platelets from bone marrow in immunosuppressed mice, while r G-CSF was only responsible for the significant increase in the level of leucocytes. The analysis of different populations of leucocytes in blood indicated that r G-CSF mainly stimulated the production of neutrophils, whereas in the cases of the studied saccharides, increases in the levels of monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils were observed. The normalization of the level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the serum and the recovery of cell populations in the spleen were observed in immunosuppressed mice following treatment with the polysaccharides. An increase in the proliferative activity of hematopoietic cells CD34(+)CD45(+) was observed following ex vivo polysaccharide exposure. Further study on related oligosaccharides regarding their potential as promising drugs in the complex prophylaxis and therapy of hematopoiesis inhibition after intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation seems to be warranted.

Undaria pinnatifida Fucoidan-Rich Extract Recovers Immunity of Immunosuppressed Mice

We investigated the immune restoration activity of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan-rich extract in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 80 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide (CP) and orally administered with either drinking water (DW), red ginseng extract (RG), or one of three different doses of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan-rich extract (DSU02 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg). After 14 days, liver, spleen, and whole blood were isolated from each animal. The frequencies of NK and CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were significantly increased in splenocytes isolated from the DSU02 100 mg/kg and DSU02 150 mg/kg groups (NK1.1+, 5.4% or 4.9% vs 3.8%; CD3+, 39.3% or 37.9% vs 32.3%; CD4+, 22% or 20.2% vs 17.4%; CD8+, 12.7% or 11.6% vs 10.1%). NK cytotoxicity was enhanced in the DSU02-fed groups at all doses (CP-treated DW, 93.4%; RG, 107.2%; DSU02 50, 107.3%; DSU02 100, 107.3%; DSU02 150, 107.1%), and the proliferation of T cells (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) was also greater in the DSU02 100 mg/kg and DSU02 150 mg/kg administered groups compared with the unfed group. Plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IgM, and total IgG from the DSU02 150 mg/kg group were also significantly higher compared with the other groups (TNF- α: CP-treated DW - 21.5 pg/ml, DSU02 150 - 47.1 pg/ml; IgM: CP-treated DW - 82.9 ng/ml, DSU02 150 - 110.8 ng/ml; total IgG: CP-treated DW - 114.4 ng/ml, DSU02 150 - 162.7 ng/ml). We suggest that Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan-rich extract could be a promising candidate for a marine natural immune stimulator.

Protective Effect of Royal Jelly against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Spleen and Bone Marrow Damages in Rats

Objective

Despite the effective role of chemotherapy in cancer treatment, several side effects have been reported to date. For instance, Cyclophosphamide (CP) induces deleterious effects on both cancer and normal cells. Royal jelly (RJ) has a lot of beneficial properties, such as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the present study was to examine the protective effect of RJ against CP-induced thrombocytopenia, as well as bone marrow, spleen, and testicular damages in rats.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=8/group); control, CP, RJ (100 mg/kg), RJ (200 mg/kg), RJ (100 mg/kg)+CP, and RJ (200 mg/kg)+CP groups. RJ was administered orally for 14 days. Then, CP at concentrations of 100, 50, and 50 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected at day 15, 16, 17, respectively. The animals were sacrificed three days after the last injection of CP. Hematological parameters, serum levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4), nitric oxide (NO), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured. Also, the pathological analysis of bone marrow, spleen, and testicles was assessed.

Results

CP caused a significant decrease in the number of platelets, white and red blood cells (P<0.001), as well as the levels of FRAP (P<0.01), whereas the serum levels of PF4 and NO were significantly increased. These detrimental alterations were significantly reversed to the baseline upon pretreatment of rats with RJ in the RJ100+CP and RJ200+CP groups (P<0.05). CP caused histological changes in bone marrow, spleen, and testes. Pretreatment with RJ showed noticeable protection against these harmful effects.

Conclusion

RJ prevented CP-induced biochemical and histological damages.

Two different fucosylated chondroitin sulfates: Structural elucidation, stimulating hematopoiesis and immune-enhancing effects

Two fucosylated chondroitin sulfates FCS_hp and FCS_ht were isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria polii and Holothuria tubulosa, respectively. The NMR spectroscopy and HILIC-FTMS methods were applied for their detailed structural characterization. Chemical analysis indicated that the two FCSs all contained a chondroitin sulfate backbone chondroitin sulfate-like core and fucosyl branches of α-L-Fuc2,4S, α-L-Fuc4S or α-L-Fuc3,4S linked to O-3 of glucuronic acid residues. The main branches of FCS_hp and FCS_ht were monofucose, and the small amounts of di-, tri- and tetrafucose with α-1,3-linkage type were also detected. Finally, we investigated the immunomodulatory function of FCS_hp and FCS_ht in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mouse models. The results showed that FCS_hp and FCS_ht had beneficial effects on hematopoietic function recovery in CTX-induced bone marrow suppression mice. Notably, the α-L-Fuc2,4S was more important to the activity than α-L-Fuc3,4S. These results provided basis for developing the drugs to reduce side effects of chemotherapy.

Fucoidan from sea cucumber Holothuria polii: Structural elucidation and stimulation of hematopoietic activity

The structural elucidation of polysaccharides is essential for understanding their structure-bioactivity relationship and related drug development. In this study, fucoidan (Fuc_hp) was extracted and purified from sea cucumber Holothuria polii. Its sulfate content was 39.5 ± 1.4%, and the "weight-average" molecular mass was 103.1 ± 2.8 kDa. The primary structure of Fuc_hp was clarified using a combination of acid degradation, tandem mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis. As a result, Fuc_hp was found to be composed of a tetrafucose repeating unit [→3-α-l-Fucp-1 → 3-α-l-Fucp2(OSO₃^-)-1 → 3-α-l-Fucp2(OSO₃^-)-1 → 3-α-l-Fucp2,4(OSO₃^-)-1→]. The stimulating hematopoiesis was further evaluated in a mouse model induced by cyclophosphamide. Based on these findings, intraperitoneally administered Fuc_hp may accelerate the recovery of white blood cells and neutrophils, in which its activity exceeded that of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). Meanwhile, in the background of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression, treatment with Fuc_hp reduces platelet aggregation caused by CTX, so it might have the effect of reducing the risk of thrombosis. Therefore, Fuc_hp can be exploited as potentially promising stimulator of hematopoiesis in the future.

Therapies from Fucoidan: New Developments

Since our last review in 2015, the study and use of fucoidan has extended in several research areas. Clinical use of fucoidan for the treatment of renal disease has become available and human safety studies have been undertaken on radiolabeled fucoidan for the purpose of imaging thrombi. Fucoidan has been incorporated into an increasing number of commercially available supplements and topical treatments. In addition, new measuring techniques are now available to assess the biologically relevant uptake of fucoidans and to assist in production. Microbiome modulation and anti-pathogenic effects are increasingly promising applications for fucoidans, due to the need for alternative approaches to antibiotic use in the food chain. This review outlines promising new developments in fucoidan research, including potential future therapeutic use.

The immunoregulatory effect of sulfated Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide on chicken bone marrow-derived dendritic cells

Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) was obtained by modern separation technology and sulfated EPP (sEPP) was prepared by sulfation modification. The immunological effects of EPP and sEPP were compared on chicken bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (chBM-DCs). The results showed that the surface marker expression of CD11c and CD80 was increased after chBM-DCs were cultured with three dosage of sEPP, especially in sEPP_M group. Three dosage of sEPP, EPP_L and LPS could significantly enhance the effects of chBM-DCs on the proliferation of allogenic mixed lymphocytes. After chBM-DCs treatment with EPP or sEPP in vitro, the levels of IL-2 of sEPP_H and EPP_M groups were significantly higher than those of LPS group (P < 0.05). All sEPP and EPP groups could enhance the level of IFN-γ and down-regulated the level of IL-4 and IL-10. Results indicated that both sEPP and EPP had immunoregulatory effects on chBM-DCs, sEPP possessed better immunoregulatory effects as compared with EPP.

Biological Activities of Fucoidan and the Factors Mediating Its Therapeutic Effects: A Review of Recent Studies

The marine acid polysaccharide fucoidan has attracted attention from both the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its promising therapeutic effects. Fucoidan is a polysaccharide that mainly consists of L-fucose and sulphate groups. Its excellent biological function is attributed to its unique biological structure. Classical activities include antitumor, antioxidant, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, immunoregulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. More recently, fucoidan has been shown to alleviate metabolic syndrome, protect the gastrointestinal tract, benefit angiogenesis and bone health. This review focuses on the progress in our understanding of the biological activities of fucoidan, highlighting its benefits for the treatment of human disease. We hope that this review can provide some theoretical basis and inspiration for the product development of fucoidan.