0 Glyconutrients

Background Fucoidan, a water-soluble polysaccharide, exerts anticoagulant and antiviral functions. It was recently reported that fucoidan also exerts an antitumor function. Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. The aim of this study was to investigate anti-tumor,apoptosis and anti-metastasis effects of fucoidan in both cell-based assays and mouse xenograft model, as well as to clarify possible role of m-TOR pathway in the protection. Methods In vitro: Different concentrations of fucoidan were given to act on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines A549 and H1650. The effects of fucoidan on cell proliferation were observed by detecting cyclin expression levels, CCK8 and EDU experiments and cloning experiments. The apoptotic level was detected by flow cytometry and the apoptotic protein level was detected by Westernblot. By detecting the expression of adhesion molecules, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, and Transwell cell invasion and migration experiment, the effect of fucoidan on cell adhesion, invasion and migration was observed. Meanwhile the effect of fucoidan on angiogenesis was observed by detecting the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In vivo experiment: An animal model of NSCLC cell mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor was established to analyze the correlation between the consumption of fucoidan and the size and volume of xenograft tumor through gross observation. Through immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence double staining, ki67 and cell adhesion molecules (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and CD31) and VEGF-A in the tumor were detected, and the correlation between the amount of fucoidan and the above indexes was analyzed. Results Fucoidan inhibited the proliferation and angiogenesis of NSCLC cells via the mTOR pathway and promoted their apoptosis by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Not only that, fucoidan inhibited NSCLC cell invasion via epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT). The mice fed fucoidan exhibited significant reductions in tumor volumes and weights. These indicators (Ki67, VEGF-A,N-cadherin) were decreased and E-cadherin expression was up-regulated in A549 mice that treated with fucoidan. The results showed that fucoidan inhibited tumor proliferation in vivo by affecting the expression of related proteins. Conclusion Fucoidan conveys antitumor effects and our results represent an ideal therapeutic agent for NSCLC.

This in vitro study investigated the antiviral activity of an acidic polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica against enterovirus 71 (EV71) as well as i…

From food to fertilizer, algal derived products are largely employed in assorted industries, including agricultural, biomedical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Among different chemical compositions isolated from algae, polysaccharides are the most ...

Fucoidan is a series of sulfated polysaccharides derived from brown algae, and have reported to have various biological activities. Previously, we demonstrated that fucoidan derived from Cladosiphon okamuranus and Undaria pinnatifida effectively augmented anti-tumor immunity in combination with Agaricus blazei mycelia extract. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of the fucoidan-agaricus mix (FAM) to enhance oral mucosal immune function. Fifteen healthy volunteers (mean age, 41.2 years old; range, 22–56 years old; 8 males, 7 females) ingested 4 capsules each containing 250 mg FAM powder every day for 12 weeks. As a result, the mean of secretory rates of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) tended to be increased by the FAM administration for 4 and 12 weeks as compared with the initial value. The enhanced salivary sIgA secretion was more distinctly observed in subject group whose initial values of salivary sIgA secretory rate were lower than the total average. Furthermore, the intake of FAM led to significant augmentation in the salivary sIgA secretion (by 1.3-fold) in the group of subjects under 40 years of age. On the other hand, concanavalin A-induced blastogenic response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum IgA concentration was not elevated during this trial. Therefore, it was suggested that FAM stimulated functional maturation rather than expansion of B lymphocyte. The intake of FAM did not significantly affect NK cell activities. In addition, the safety of FAM consumption was confirmed because no abnormal findings were observed in general clinical tests. From the results, it was suggested that intake of FAM was useful in augmentation of oral mucosal immune defense via enhancing salivary sIgA production.

Treatment of many inflammatory diseases involves a chronic use of NSAIDs in large doses increasing acute kidney injury risk. This study was designed t…

This paper investigates the performance, combustion and emission characteristics of a direct injection (DI) diesel engine, fueled with alumina ($$\hbox {Al}_{2} \hbox {O} _{3})$$ Al2O3) nanoparticles-dispersed aloe vera diesel blends. The test fuels B10 (90% diesel and 10% aloe vera biodiesel), $$\hbox {B10}+ \hbox {Al}_{2} \hbox {O}_{3}$$ B10+Al2O3 (90% diesel, 10% aloe vera biodiesel and 30 ppm of $$\hbox {Al}_{2} \hbox {O}_{3}$$ Al2O3 nanoparticles), B20 (80% diesel and 20% aloe vera biodiesel) and $$\hbox {B20}+ \hbox {Al}_{2} \hbox {O}_{3}$$ B20+Al2O3 (80% diesel, 20% aloe vera biodiesel and 30 ppm of $$\hbox {Al}_{2} \hbox {O}_{3}$$ Al2O3 nanoparticles) are prepared separately for each aloe vera diesel blends at a dosage of 30 ppm with an aid of an ultrasonicator. The combustion characteristics such as heat release rate and cylinder pressure are investigated using the data acquisition system, while the engine performance features are examined by brake-specific fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency. The levels of engine pollutants are analyzed by unburned hydrocarbon (UBHC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO) and smoke opacity. These investigations disclosed the use of biodiesel blends with $$\hbox {Al}_{2} \hbox {O}_{3}$$ Al2O3 nanoparticles in DI diesel engine with significant amelioration of combustion characteristic and substantial decrement of CO, NO, smoke, UBHC emissions and brake thermal efficiency by 44%, 47%, 37%, 29% and 3%, when compared with the diesel fuel.

Seaweeds are a sustainable source of novel functional ingredients with applicability in pharmaceutics, biotechnology, and food science. The bioactivity of most of these marine compounds has scarcely been studied. The present study overviews the bioactivity of the polysaccharide fucoidan derived from Fucus vesiculosus brown algae as an antimicrobial agent against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. The results obtained in vitro in reference medium reveal a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect of fucoidan against both pathogens, this bioactivity being significantly dependent (p-value ≤ 0.05) on the concentration, 5–1000 μg/mL, temperature, 8–37 °C, and exposure time, 0–12 days. The results were validated in the formulation of a new functional pasteurized apple beverage to be commercialized under refrigeration. Fucoidan added at 25–100 μg/mL was highly effective against both pathogens. These results increase knowledge for the future formulation of new functional beverages that include marine compounds (high content in fibre, high content in protein; prebiotic and antioxidant properties), additionally revealing antimicrobial potential.

Developing bio-multifunctional wound dressings with excellent hemostasis, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, enhanced angiogenesis and hair follicle re…

ReferencePanahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A. Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial. J Tradit Chin Med. 2015;35(6):632-636.

Fucoidan refers to a group of sulphated polysaccharides obtained from brown seaweed, with numerous biological activities. In this study, fucoidan was …

Due to antitumor and antioxidant activities, there has been increasing interest in fucoidans, sulfated polysaccharides, from brown algae. Currently, t…

For a long time, fucoidan has been well known for its pharmacological activities, and recently low molecular weight fucoidan (LMF) has been used in food supplements and pharmaceutical products. In the present study, LMF was extracted from Laminaria japonica by enzyme hydrolysis. The toxicity of LMF in mouse and rat models was determined by many methods, such as total arsenic content, bacterial reverse mutation assay, chromosome aberration assay, and in vivo micronucleus assay. The present findings showed that LMF at 5000 μg/mL exhibited no mutagenicity. It also produced no formatting disruption of red blood cells in vivo. At 2000 mg/kg BW/day there were no toxicological indications. LMF is expected to be used as a safe food supplement.

Hydroactive wound dressings ensure a physiologically moist wound milieu which enhances healing and patient comfort. Polymers like polyurethane, salts of alginic acid, collagen, cellulose and other gelable polysaccharides are commonly used for preparation of hydrogels but have their own limitations. In the present study acacia gum, a natural polysaccharide having known antioxidant and wound healing properties has been blended with polyvinyl alcohol and prepared hydrogel matrix further explored for its wound healing potential. Structural characterization of blended films by FTIR and XRD method showed that polysaccharide gum associated with PVA molecules via acetal bridges and they were amorphous in nature. The gel exhibited free swell capacity of 64 g 0.100 cm−2, which is comparable to the commercially available films recommended for heavily exuding wounds. The GA/PVA blends showed 34% moisture retention (Rh) ability after 24 h and their fluid absorbing (26%) and fluid donation (16%) ability make them suitable for moist and fibrinous wounds. They also exhibited blood compatibility, oxygen permeability, bacterial impermeability, antioxidant activity, iron chelation ability and biodegradability. In vivo healing potential has been evaluated on Swiss albino mice where hydrogel coated wounds showed faster and scar-less wound regeneration. In vitro Povidone-Iodine loading and release studies showed that iodine release followed Fickian diffusion process. Prepared hydrogels are breathable and hydrophilic in nature and are able to maintain appropriate moisture level at wound surface, suitable for acceleration of wound healing process. Based upon the studied properties the designed hydrogels are recommended for dry, necrotic and low exuding wounds.

Yoon Mi Choi, Da Hye Shin, and Chong-Hyeak Kim. AM 2016;46:76-82. https://doi.org/10.9729/AM.2016.46.2.76

A previous study revealed that fucoidan inhibited mast cell degranulation through the upregulation of galectin-9 in blood. The purpose of this study is to elucidate its mechanism using ovalbumin (OVA) induced anaphylaxis model mice (BALB/c, Female, 5-week-old) and mast cell line (RBL-2H3 cells). Oral administration of fucoidan after sensitization with OVA/Al(OH)3 inhibited reduction of rectal temperature induced by activation of mast cells. Fucoidan increased galectin-9 mRNA expression only in colonic epithelial cells. These results suggested that fucoidan could suppress the allergic symptoms in sensitized mice by inducing galectin-9 production from colonic epithelial cells. In addition, to check the influence of galectin 9 on the degranulation of mast cells, RBL-2H3 cell lines were treated directly with recombinant galectin-9. As expected, galectin-9 inhibited degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells pre-bound with IgE. Moreover, the residual amounts of IgE on RBL-2H3 cells were decreased by an addition of galectin-9. It was demonstrated that galectin-9 could remove IgE even if IgE was already bound to mast cells and suppress the mast cells degranulation induced by antigen. This study shows that fucoidan might become an effective therapeutic agent for patients already developed type I allergic diseases.

In this study, we observed that brown seaweed fucoidan inhibited human breast cancer progression by upregulating microRNA (miR)-29c and downregulating miR-17-5p, thereby suppressing their target genes, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM12) and ...

In this study, we observed that brown seaweed fucoidan inhibited human breast cancer progression by upregulating microRNA (miR)-29c and downregulating miR-17-5p, thereby suppressing their target genes, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM12) and ...

Background: Uterine sarcomas and carcinosarcoma are associated with unfavorable prognosis. The regimens that are used in chemotherapy are associated with high incidence of side effects and usually do not significantly increase patients’ survival rates. In this study we investigated the activity and interactions between gemcitabine and fucoidan, the natural compound known for its anti-tumor properties, in human sarcomas and carcinosarcoma cell models. Methods: SK-UT-1, SK-UT1-B (carcinosarcoma), MES-SA (leiomyosarcoma), and ESS-1 (endometrial stromal sarcoma) cell lines were used for the experiments. Cells were incubated in the presence of gemcitabine, fucoidan, and mixtures, after the incubation the MTT tests were performed. In order to assess the interactions between tested compounds isobolographic analysis was performed. Additional assessments of apoptosis and cell cycle were done. Results: Additive effect of combined treatment with gemcitabine and fucoidan was observed in ESS-1 and SK-UT-1 cell line. Although the supra-additive (synergistic) effect noticed in SK-UT-1B cell line. It was not possible to determine the interactions of fucoidan and gemcitabine in MES-SA cell line due to insufficient response to treatment. Addition of fucoidan to gemcitabine enhances its proapoptotic activity, what was observed especially in ESS-1 and SK-UT-1B cell lines. The arrest of cell cycle induced by mixture of gemcitabine and fucoidan, superior comparing gemcitabine alone was observed in SK-UT-1B. Conclusions: Obtained data showed that a combination of fucoidan and gemcitabine in uterine endometrial stromal sarcoma and carcinosarcoma cell lines has additive or even synergistic effect in decreasing cell viability. Furthermore, this drug combination induces apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle. The resistance of uterine leiomyosarcoma cell line, justifies searching for other drugs combinations to improve therapy efficacy.

GA has revealed potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties in haemodialysis patients. Oral digestion of GA (30 g/day) decreased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers among haemodialysis patients. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03214692, registered 11 July 2017 ( …

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during intracellular metabolism or triggered by extrinsic factors can promote neoplastic transformation and malignant microenvironment that mediate tumor development. Oligo-Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from the brown seaweed. Using human THP-1 monocytes and murine Raw264.7 macrophages as well as human HCT116 colorectal cancer cells, primary C6P2-L1 colorectal cancer cells and human MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells, we investigated the effect of Oligo-Fucoidan on inhibiting M2 macrophage differentiation and its therapeutic potential as a supplement in chemotherapy and tumor prevention. We now demonstrate that Oligo-Fucoidan is an antioxidant that suppresses intracellular ROS and mitochondrial superoxide levels in monocytes/macrophages and in aggressive cancer cells. Comparable to ROS inhibitors (DPI and NAC), Oligo-Fucoidan directly induced monocyte polarization toward M1-like macrophages and repolarized M2 macrophages into M1 phenotypes. DPI and Oligo-Fucoidan also cooperatively prevented M2 macrophage invasiveness. Indirectly, M1 polarity was advanced particularly when DPI suppressed ROS generation and supplemented with Oligo-Fucoidan in the cancer cells. Moreover, cisplatin chemoagent polarized monocytes and M0 macrophages toward M2-like phenotypes and Oligo-Fucoidan supplementation reduced these side effects. Furthermore, Oligo-Fucoidan promoted cytotoxicity of cisplatin and antagonized cisplatin effect on cancer cells to prevent M2 macrophage differentiation. More importantly, Oligo-Fucoidan inhibited tumor progression and M2 macrophage infiltration in tumor microenvironment, thus increasing of anti-tumor immunity.

Purpose Fucoidan, a complex, sulfated polysaccharide obtained from brown seaweed, exerted anticancer activity through the down-regulation of β-catenin…

Immunomodulation involves two mechanisms, immunostimulation and immunosuppression. It is a complex mechanism that regulates the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of various diseases affecting the immune system. Immunomodulators can be used as immunostimulators to reduce the side effects of drugs that induce immunosuppression. In this study, we characterized the chemical composition of high molecular weight fucoidan (HMWF) and low molecular weight fucoidan and compared their functions as natural killer (NK) cell-derived immunostimulators in vitro. We also tested the effectiveness of HMWF, which has a relatively high function in vitro, as an immunostimulator in immunosuppressed animal models. In these models, HWMF significantly restored NK cell cytotoxicity and granzyme B release to the control group level. In addition, the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α also increased in the spleen. This study suggests that HMWF acts as an effective immunostimulant under immunosuppressive conditions.

Sulfated polysaccharides and their lower molecular weight oligosaccharide derivatives from marine macroalgae have been shown to possess a variety of biological activities. The present paper will review the recent progress in research on the structural ...

Several types of cancers share cellular and molecular behaviors. Although many chemotherapy drugs have been designed to weaken the defenses of cancer cells, these drugs may also have cytotoxic effects on healthy tissues. Fucoidan, a sulfated fucose-based polysaccharide from brown algae, has gained much attention as an antitumor drug owing to its anticancer effects against multiple cancer types. Among the anticancer mechanisms of fucoidan are cell cycle arrest, apoptosis evocation, and stimulation of cytotoxic natural killer cells and macrophages. Fucoidan also protects against toxicity associated with chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation-induced damage. The synergistic effect of fucoidan with existing anticancer drugs has prompted researchers to explore its therapeutic potential. This review compiles the mechanisms through which fucoidan slows tumor growth, kills cancer cells, and interacts with cancer chemotherapy drugs. The obstacles involved in developing fucoidan as an anticancer agent are also discussed in this review.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02467257. Registered 3rd June 2015.