Hair Growth-Promoting Activities of Glycosaminoglycans Extracted from the Tunics of Ascidian (Halocynthia roretzi)

Progress on the mechanism of natural products alleviating androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has become a widespread problem that leads to considerable impairment of the psyche and daily life. The currently approved medications for the treatment of AGA are associated with significant adverse effects, high costs, and prolonged treatment duration. Therefore, natural products are being considered as possible complementary or alternative treatments. This review aims to enhance comprehension of the mechanisms by which natural products treat AGA. To achieve this, pertinent studies were gathered and subjected to analysis. In addition, the therapeutic mechanisms associated with these natural products were organized and summarized. These include the direct modulation of signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and the BMP pathway. Additionally, they exert effects on cytokine secretion, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities, as well as apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, the review briefly discusses the relationship between signaling pathways and autophagy and apoptosis in the context of AGA, systematically presents the mechanisms of action of existing natural products, and analyzes the potential therapeutic targets based on the active components of these products. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the development of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or dietary supplements.

Extraction, Isolation, Characterization, and Biological Activity of Sulfated Polysaccharides Present in Ascidian Viscera Microcosmus exasperatus

Ascidians are marine invertebrates that synthesize sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) within their viscera. Ascidian GAGs are considered analogues of mammalian GAGs and possess great potential as bioactive compounds, presenting antitumoral and anticoagulant activity. Due to its worldwide occurrence and, therefore, being a suitable organism for large-scale mariculture in many marine environments, our main objectives are to study Microcosmus exasperatus GAGs regarding composition, structure, and biological activity. We also aim to develop efficient protocols for sulfated polysaccharides extraction and purification for large-scale production and clinical applications. GAGs derived from M. exasperatus viscera were extracted by proteolytic digestion, purified by ion-exchange liquid chromatography, and characterized by agarose gel electrophoresis and enzymatic treatments. Anticoagulant activity was evaluated by APTT assays. Antitumoral activity was assessed in an in vitro model of tumor cell culture using MTT, clonogenic, and wound healing assays, respectively. Our results show that M. exasperatus presents three distinct polysaccharides; among them, two were identified: a dermatan sulfate and a fucosylated dermatan sulfate. Antitumoral activity was confirmed for the total polysaccharides (TP). While short-term incubation does not affect tumor cell viability at low concentrations, long-term TP incubation decreases LLC tumor cell growth/proliferation at different concentrations. In addition, TP decreased tumor cell migration at different concentrations. In conclusion, we state that M. exasperatus presents great potential as an alternative GAG source, producing compounds with antitumoral properties at low concentrations that do not possess anticoagulant activity and do not enhance other aspects of malignancy, such as tumor cell migration. Our perspectives are to apply these molecules in future preclinical studies for cancer treatment as antitumoral agents to be combined with current treatments to potentiate therapeutic efficacy.

Effect of Marine-Derived Saccharides on Human Skin Fibroblasts and Dermal Papilla Cells

The skin is the largest organ of the human body, composed of a diverse range of cell types, non-cellular components, and an extracellular matrix. With aging, molecules that are part of the extracellular matrix undergo qualitative and quantitative changes and the effects, such as a loss of skin firmness or wrinkles, can be visible. The changes caused by the aging process do not only affect the surface of the skin, but also extend to skin appendages such as hair follicles. In the present study, the ability of marine-derived saccharides, L-fucose and chondroitin sulphate disaccharide, to support skin and hair health and minimize the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic aging was investigated. The potential of the tested samples to prevent adverse changes in the skin and hair through stimulation of natural processes, cellular proliferation, and production of extracellular matrix components collagen, elastin, or glycosaminoglycans was investigated. The tested compounds, L-fucose and chondroitin sulphate disaccharide, supported skin and hair health, especially in terms of anti-aging effects. The obtained results indicate that both ingredients support and promote the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and dermal papilla cells, provide cells with a supply of sulphated disaccharide GAG building blocks, increase ECM molecule production (collagen and elastin) by HDFa, and support the growth phase of the hair cycle (anagen).