Article

Partial characterization and anti-tumor activity of an acidic polysaccharide from Gracilaria lemaneiformis

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Abstract

An acidic polysaccharide (GLSPs) with carbohydrate content of 72.06% and sulfate content of 6.13% was isolated from Gracilaria lemaneiformis. FTIR analysis of GLSPs showed that two typical absorptions appeared at 1259 and 804 cm−1 were assigned to SO and COS bonds stretching respectively. HPGPC showed the molecular weight of GLSPs was mainly distributed at 1.37 × 106 Da. GC analysis showed GLSPs was chiefly composed of galactose, and contained a small amount of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose and mannose. Moreover, the anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects of GLSPs were evaluated in ICR mice transplanted H22 hepatoma cells. It was shown that GLSPs significantly inhibited the growth of tumor, promoted splenocytes proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis, and increased the level of IL-2 and CD8+ T cells in blood of tumor-bearing mice. The results suggested that GLSPs displayed remarkable anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities, and it may provide a potential material of healthy food and clinical medicines.

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... These analytical methods provide detailed insights into the molecular structure of GLP, which is crucial for understanding their biological activities. GLP are primarily sulfated galactans, known for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and intestinal effects [10][11][12]. Understanding these structural features is essential for utilizing the therapeutic potential of GLP. ...
... Acid solutions, such as citric acid (pH 2.0) at a solidto-liquid ratio of 1:50 (w/v) at 100°C for 3 h, are also used in extraction [17]. Additionally, alkali solutions are employed; semi-dried pieces of G. lemaneiformis are soaked in alkali solution (0.3 mol/L NaOH) at 25°C for 2 h before being extracted with cold water three times, each extraction lasting for 2 h [12]. The heat in the extraction process facilitates the breakdown of cell walls and the extracting polysaccharides into the water. ...
... This process involves adding ethanol to an aqueous solution of crude polysaccharide extract, resulting in the precipitation of polysaccharides while smaller molecules and impurities remain dissolved in the ethanol-water mixture [40,41]. 5 Researchers typically adjust the ethanol concentration to between 30% and 80% to isolate GLP fractions [12,42]. However, ethanol precipitation has limitations, including the potential coprecipitation of low molecular weight impurities, which reduces the overall purity of the final product and necessitates additional purification steps [43,44]. ...
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Gracilaria lamaneiformis, a red seaweed, is an abundant source of bioactive polysaccharides with significant health-promoting properties. Nevertheless, the broad application of G. lamaneiformis in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors remains constrained due to the absence of comprehensive data. This review provides a detailed examination of the preparation methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities of G. lamaneiformis polysaccharides (GLP). We explore both conventional and advanced extraction techniques, highlighting the efficiency and yield improvements achieved through methods such as microwave-, ultrasonic-, and enzyme-assisted extraction. The structural elucidation of GLP using modern analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, is discussed, providing comprehensive insights into their molecular composition and configuration. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the diverse biological activities of GLP, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and gut microbiota modulation properties. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of GLP and suggests future research directions to fully harness their health benefits.
... The effect of pH on the immobilized and free laccase activity was determined with the oxidation of ABTS at the pH level of 3-8 at 25 • C. The immobilized enzymes were incubated, before introducing ABTS, in the buffer (pH 5.5) at 30 • C for 5 min (Fan et al., 2012;Sathishkumar et al., 2014). The effect of thermal stability of the immobilized and free enzyme was investigated by pre-incubating in phosphate buffers [100 mM] at 60 • C, pH 5.5 for 120 min, and the enzyme activity was determined every 20 min (Lin et al., 2017;Song et al., 2019). ...
... The experiments were carried out in triplicate. The structural stability and the kinetic effect of the immobilized and free enzymes were analyzed (Fan et al., 2012;Jasni et al., 2017). ...
... The CA/CHI/PEO ENFs presented an exothermic peak near 300 • C. It could be due to the chain deacetylation and to decompositions, depolymerization, and to the formation of 1,6-anhy-droglucose, in the main chain (Abdul Khalil et al., 2016;Almeida et al., 2010). Generally, polysaccharides have a great affinity for water, although molecules show irregular structures when they become solid (Fan et al., 2012). The thermal properties of cellulose acetate and chitosan are dependent on the degree of acetylation, average molecular weight, and crystallinity. ...
... Reference Protein (%) 0.28-21 Fan et al., 2012;Jin et al., 2017;Kang et al., 2017;Wen et al., 2006;Wu et al., 2017;Zhou et al., 2010) Fat (%) 0.8-0.87 Carbohydrate (%) 7.4-98.7 Dietary fiber (%) 9.2 Ash (%) 1.7-20.8 ...
... The content of sulfurated polysaccharide was on a scale of 0.45% to 22.16%. The difference in yield of polysaccharide may be connected with the extraction temperature, time, solid-liquid ratio or other factors Fan, Wang, Song, Chen, Teng, & Liu, 2012;Li et al., 2008;Liao et al., 2015;Liu et al., 2016;Xu et al., 2018;Zhang et al., 2020). ...
... The content of polysaccharide and the sulfate group of galactose was lower than other methods, and the antioxidant activity and other physiological activities were reduced (Ibrahim et al., 2017). For example, Fan et al. (2012) extracted agar polysaccharide from Gracilaria lemaneiformis by NaOH, and the yield was only 2.06% ( Table 2). As shown in Table 2, GLP was extracted by the modified alkaline method, and the yield of polysaccharide was 25.4-25.8%, ...
Article
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Gracilaria lemaneiformis is a kind of edible economic red algae, which is rich in polysaccharide, phycobiliprotein, pigments, minerals and other nutrients and functional components. Polysaccharide is one of the main active components of Gracilaria lemaneiformis, which has been reported to present various physiological bioactivities, including regulation of glycolipid metabolism, immune, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities. This paper aims to provide a brief summary of extraction, purification, structural characteristics, and physiological activities of Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharide (GLP). This article is able to provide theoretical basis for the future research and exploitation of GLP, and improve its potential development to promote the healthy and sustainable processing and high value utilization industry of Gracilaria lemaneiformis.
... Acid solutions, such as citric acid (pH 2.0) at a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:50 (w/v) at 100 • C for 3 h, are also used in extraction [17]. Additionally, alkali solutions are employed; semi-dried pieces of G. lemaneiformis are soaked in alkali solution (0.3 mol/L NaOH) at 25 • C for 2 h before being extracted with cold water three times, each extraction lasting for 2 h [12]. The heat in the extraction process facilitates the breakdown of cell walls and the extracting polysaccharides into the water. ...
... This process involves adding ethanol to an aqueous solution of crude polysaccharide extract, resulting in the precipitation of polysaccharides while smaller molecules and impurities remain dissolved in the ethanol-water mixture [41,42]. Researchers typically adjust the ethanol concentration to between 30% and 80% to isolate GLP fractions [12,43]. However, ethanol precipitation has limitations, including the potential co-precipitation of low molecular weight impurities, which reduces the overall purity of the final product and necessitates additional purification steps [44,45]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Gracilaria lamaneiformis, a red seaweed, is an abundant source of bioactive polysaccharides with significant health-promoting properties. Nevertheless, the broad application of G. lamaneiformis in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors remains constrained due to the absence of comprehensive data. This review provides a detailed examination of the preparation methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities of G. lamaneiformis polysaccharides (GLPs). We explore both conventional and advanced extraction techniques, highlighting the efficiency and yield improvements achieved through methods such as microwave-, ultrasonic-, and enzyme-assisted extraction. The structural elucidation of GLPs using modern analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, is discussed, providing comprehensive insights into their molecular composition and configuration. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the diverse biological activities of GLPs, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and gut microbiota modulation properties. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of GLPs and suggests future research directions to fully harness their health benefits.
... Polysaccharides show immunomodulatory and antitumour activities in Gracilariaceae species. For example, polysaccharides in Gracilaria rubra (Di et al. 2017) and Gracilaria lemaneiformis (Fan et al. 2012) can regulate the immune system and enhance anticancer effects in the body. Therefore, these species have potential development value in cancer prevention and adjuvant therapy (Di et al. 2017;Fan et al. 2012). ...
... For example, polysaccharides in Gracilaria rubra (Di et al. 2017) and Gracilaria lemaneiformis (Fan et al. 2012) can regulate the immune system and enhance anticancer effects in the body. Therefore, these species have potential development value in cancer prevention and adjuvant therapy (Di et al. 2017;Fan et al. 2012). Second, some species in Gracilariaceae show a good adsorption capacity and can purify the water of enclosed aquaculture water bodies to improve water quality (Abreu et al. 2011;Poblete et al. 2018;Mawi et al. 2020). ...
Article
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Gracilariaceae is a group of marine large red algae and main source of agar with important economic and ecological value. The codon usage patterns of chloroplast genomes in 36 species from Graciliaceae show that GC range from 0.284 to 0.335, the average GC3 range from 0.135 to 0.243 and the value of ENC range from 35.098 to 42.327, which indicates these genomes are rich in AT and prefer to use codons ending with AT in these species. Nc plot, PR2 plot, neutrality plot analyses and correlation analysis indicate that these biases may be caused by multiple factors, such as natural selection and mutation pressure, but prolonged natural selection is the main driving force influencing codon usage preference. The cluster analysis and phylogenetic analysis show that the differentiation relationship of them is different and indicate that codons with weak or unbiased preferences may also play an irreplaceable role in these species’ evolution. In addition, we identified 26 common high-frequency codons and 8–18 optimal codons all ending in A/U in these 36 species. Our results will not only contribute to carrying out transgenic work in Gracilariaceae species to maximize the protein yield in the future, but also lay a theoretical foundation for further exploring systematic classification of them.
... Gracilaria lemaneiformis macroalgae belong to the phylum Rhodophyta, palatable commercial red algae abundant in polysaccharides with assorted functional bioactivities [17]. Currently, G. lemaneiformis is typically grown for its ability to produce food-grade polysaccharides with decent physical characteristics and hypoglycemic, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects [18,19]. Wen et al. [20] found that the polysaccharide from G. lemaneiformis (GLP) can stimulate the immunity and expression of antioxidant-related genes in mice. ...
... Wen et al. [20] found that the polysaccharide from G. lemaneiformis (GLP) can stimulate the immunity and expression of antioxidant-related genes in mice. Studies on ICR mice transplanted H22 hepatoma cells demonstrated the role of GLP in improving immunity by proliferating CD8 + cells and interleukin-2 (IL-2) [18]. Sun et al. [21] confirmed that GLP could alleviate mouse lipid and glucose metabolism disorders. ...
Article
The dietary supplementation of red seaweed-derived polysaccharides has been shown to be beneficial to fish and shellfish aquaculture. However, the function of red seaweed (Gracilaria lemaneiformis)-extracted polysaccharide (GLP) on the health status of rabbitfish (Siganus canaliculatus) is still unknown. This study explored the influences of GLP on growth performance, antioxidant activity, and immunity of rabbitfish. Herein, the fish were fed commercial pelleted feed incorporated with the diverse amount of GLP: 0 (control), 0.10 (GLP0.10), and 0.15 g kg-1 (GLP0.15) for 60 days. The results demonstrated that dietary GLP0.15 significantly elevated FBW and WG, while feed utilization efficiency improved (reduced feed conversion ratio and increased protein efficiency ratio) upon GLP0.10 treatment, regarding the control (P < 0.05). Also, dietary administration of GLP0.15 suggestively improved the serum acid phosphatase and lysozyme activity as well as hepatic total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity. In contrast, GLP0.15decreased the serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malonaldehyde activity when compared to the control (P<0.05). Moreover, the lipase (36.08 and 16.46 U/mgprot in GLP0.10 and GLP0.15, respectively) and amylase (0.43 and 0.23 U/mgprot in GLP0.10 and GLP0.15, respectively) activity recorded the maximum values than the control (8.61 and 0.13 U/mgprot, respectively).Further, the intestinal morphometry was developed (such as increased villus length, width, and area) in the fish fed with a GLP-supplemented diet compared to the control. The KEGG pathway analysis unveiled that several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in control vs. GLP0.10 and control vs. GLP0.15 were associated with metabolic or immune-associated pathways like antigen processing and presentation, phagosome, complement and coagulation cascades, and platelet activation. The DEGs, namely C3, f5, fgb, MHC1, and cfb, were evaluated in control vs. GLP0.10 and C3 and MHC1 in control vs. GLP0.15, suggesting their possible contributions to GLP-regulated immunity. Additionally, the cumulative mortality of rabbitfish after the Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge was lower in both GLP0.10 (8.88%) and GLP0.15 (11.11%) than in control (33.33%) (P<0.05). Thus, these findings direct the potential use of GLP as an immunostimulant and growth promoter in rabbitfish aquaculture.
... With IC50 value of 48.2 ug/ml, phycoerythrin induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in SW480 cells with decreased level of GRP78, NPM1, MTHSP75, Ezrin, Annexin A2 and increased level of HSP60, which demonstrates that G. lemaniformis derived phycoerythrin has antitumor activity [92]. Beside these, bunch of reports suggests the anticancer role of G. lemaniformis seaweed [93][94][95]. ...
... Antidiabetic activity: Polysaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis can improve both specific and nonspecific cellular immune responses through immune-regulatory pathway [93][94][95]. G. lemaniformis extract also possesses antidiabetic properties. In alloxan-induced diabetic model mice, it was reported that 21 days consecutive administration of the seaweed extract significantly lowers the blood glucose level by inhibiting alfa-glucosidase activity. ...
Article
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Ocean covers about one-third of the earth and is considered as a vital natural resource. Seaweeds accompany a large areas of the ocean coastal area, which are considered as among the primary producers. Many seaweeds have food values and so many indigenous populations relay on them as their nutrient source. Besides, seaweeds are also rich in many bioactive compounds having pharmacological significance. Seaweeds contain higher number of proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides and so on. Gracilariopsis lemaniformis is a red sea alga and is also rich in bioactive compounds having medicinal values. In this review article, we focused on the pharmacological importance of this species based on recent updates of literature survey and we discussed here about its antimicrobial, antitumor, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, which would demand its therapeutic relevance for future drug development.
... G. lemaneiformis is a kind of economic red algae, rich in polysaccharide, phycobiliprotein, pigment, mineral and other nutrients and active components, which plays essential roles in hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-bacteria, anti-cancer and other physiological activities (Chen, Xie, Yang, Liao, & Yu 2010;Chen et al., 2021;Fan, Wang, Song, Chen, Teng, & Liu, 2012;Huang et al., 2019;Huang et al., 2020;Long et al., 2021a;Sun et al., 2018;Wang et al., 2019). Li et al. (2020) revealed that G. lemaneiformis polysaccharide observably regulated the lipid metabolism and accelerated free fatty acid oxidation. ...
... The sharp peak at 1070 cm − 1 was assigned to stretching vibration of glyosidic linkage C-O-H. Weak absorptions at 935 and 887 cm − 1 due to C -O vibration of 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose and β-Dglucopyranose, revealing the existence of 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose and glucose (Chen et al, 2010;Fan et al, 2012;Liao et al., 2015). FT-IR spectrum analysis revealed that the strength of carbonyl group and sulfate group enhanced after degradation, which may be related to the breakage of glyosidic bonds of polysaccharide via free radicals produced by H 2 O 2 and Vc. ...
Article
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This research aimed to analyze structural characterization and hypolipidemic activity in vitro of G. lemaneiformis polysaccharide (GLP) and its degradation products. The results presented that the content of galacturonic acid declined and glucuronic acid level enhanced, average particle size decreased from 99.9 μm to 25.7 μm, and color brightness of polysaccharide strengthened after degraded by H2O2-Vc. There was no significant change in thermal stability of polysaccharide before and after degradation. It was observed in AFM analysis, polysaccharide changed to smaller, delicacy and dispersion after degradation. As seen in FT-IR, H2O2-Vc degradation never change the structure of polysaccharide. Polysaccharide and its degradation products showed a significant inhibition effect on pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase in a dose-dependent manner, which presented the mixed type of competitive and non-competitive for pancreatic lipase, and non-competitive for cholesterol esterase, respectively. The fluorescence quenching type was static on pancreatic lipase and dynamic on cholesterol esterase.
... Li et al. [4] got 59% total sugar content, illustrating that the polysaccharide obtained by acid extraction has more impurities. Moreover, the carbohydrate content was 72.06% extracted with cold water [6]. In the present experiment, the total sugar content of GLP obtained by hot water extraction was relatively high, compared with other methods, and the content did not decrease after degradation. ...
... The protein of GLP attained by hot citric acid extraction was 1.47% [29]. Moreover, the protein content of GLP was 0.7% (enzyme extraction) [27], 1.6% (acid extraction) [4], 0.28% (extracted with cold water) [6]. From the above analysis, it can be seen that GLP obtained by other methods contain a small amount of protein, which can be removed with the method in this experiment. ...
Article
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Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharide (GLP) exhibits good physiological activities, and it is more beneficial as it is degraded. After its degradation by hydrogen peroxide combined with vitamin C (H2O2-Vc) and optimized by Box–Behnken Design (BBD), a new product of GLP-HV will be generated. While using GLP as control, two products of GLP-H (H2O2-treated) and GLP-V (Vc-treated) were also produced. These products chemical characteristics (total sugar content, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, UV spectrum, morphological structure, and hypolipidemic activity in vitro) were assessed. The results showed that the optimal conditions for H2O2-Vc degradation were as follows: H2O2-Vc concentration was 18.7 mM, reaction time was 0.5 h, and reaction temperature was 56 °C. The total sugar content of GLP and its degradation products (GLP-HV, GLP-H and GLP-V) were more than 97%, and their monosaccharides are mainly glucose and galactose. The SEM analysis demonstrated that H2O2-Vc made the structure loose and broken. Moreover, GLP, GLP-HV, GLP-H, and GLP-V had significantly inhibition effect on α-glucosidase, and their IC50 value were 3.957, 0.265, 1.651, and 1.923 mg/mL, respectively. GLP-HV had the best inhibition effect on α-glucosidase in a dose-dependent manner, which was the mixed type of competitive and non-competitive. It had a certain quenching effect on fluorescence of α-glucosidase, which may be dynamic quenching. Keywords: Gracilaria lemaneiformis; polysaccharide; degradation optimization; chemical characteristics; hypolipidemic activity; α-glucosidase
... These findings suggested that GP90 has an immune-promoting effect, which is consistent with the findings of previous studies indicating the immunomodulatory activity of G. lemaneiformis polysaccharide. 22 However, when GP90 was combined with cisplatin, there was a significant decrease in the expression of IL-6, IL-1⊎ and TNF-⊍ (P < 0.05), particularly for IL-1⊎ and TNF-⊍, which were not significantly different from those in the model group. Recent studies have shown that cisplatin can activate GABA transporter proteins 1 and 3 and trigger specific proinflammatory cytokines. ...
Article
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BACKGROUND Our preliminary research revealed that the polysaccharide GP90 from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis enhanced the antitumor effect of cisplatin, indicating that GP90 may increase the chemotherapeutic sensitivity. However, it is still necessary to fully understand whether GP90 can also improve the intestinal barrier dysfunction and systemic inflammation induced by cisplatin. RESULTS GP90 has been demonstrated to inhibit the excessive release of nitirc oxide, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, GP90 effectively ameliorated the decrease in the serum CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T‐cell ratio induced by cisplatin and significantly reduced the increase in the inflammatory cytokines, CD4⁺Foxp3⁺, CD4⁺granzyme B⁺ and CD4⁺TNF‐α induced by cisplatin. Furthermore, when combined with cisplatin, GP90 increases the protein expression levels of mucin‐2 and zonula occludens‐1 in the mouse small intestine. Additionally, GP90 combined with cisplatin has a modulatory effect on the intestinal microbiota by elevating the Firmicutes‐to‐Bacteroidetes ratio and the relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms (Lachnospiraceae bacterium), at the same time as reducing the abundance of cisplatin specific Bacteroides acidifaciens and elevating the content of butyric acid and isobutyric acid. CONCLUSION Collectively, these findings indicate that GP90 potentially mitigates inflammation and protects the intestinal barrier in tumor‐bearing organisms undergoing chemotherapy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
... In addition, MLO 2-2 was detected of O-H stretching vibration at 3287 cm -1 and 3715 cm -1 . The absorbance at approximately 1700 cm -1 wasascribed to the asymmetrical COO-stretching vibration, indicating the presence of uronic acid in MLO 2-2 [24] , which was consistent with the result of monosaccharide composition. Additionally, the peak at 1579 cm -1 maybe attributed to C=O stretching vibration of carboxyl group of reducing terminals. ...
... Current research focuses on the extraction, structural characterization, and biological activity evaluation of active polysaccharides from GL. These polysaccharides exhibit antioxidant [13], anti-aging [15], and anti-tumor properties [16], as well as anti-allergic activity [17], and have shown promise in colitis treatment [18], gut microbiota balance [19,20], and blood glucose-lipid regulation [21,22]. However, a significant amount of residue is generated after extraction, necessitating further processing. ...
Article
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In this study, a Gracilaria lemaneiformis slurry (GLS) was prepared using low-energy mechanical shearing. The resulting GLS, which was rich in polysaccharides, was utilized as an effective stabilizer for oil-in-water emulsions. The microstructures and stability of the resulting emulsions were controlled by adjusting the emulsion formulations, including Gracilaria lemaneiformis (GL) mass concentration and oil volume fraction (φ). The optimized GL mass concentration and φ conditions yielded high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) with gel-like textures. Moreover, the presence of exogenous Ca2+ resulted in bridging structures in the emulsions, enhancing their viscoelasticity and forming a robust physical barrier against droplet coalescence. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of the GLS as an emulsifier for stabilizing high internal phase emulsions. Notably, this method relies solely on physical processes, aligning with the desirability of avoiding chemical additives, particularly in the food industry.
... Polysaccharides are one of the major functional components of G. lemaneiformis and mainly comprise 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose and D-galactose (Long et al., 2021a). G. lemaneiformis polysaccharides (GLPs) possess various biological activities, including hypoglycemic (Sun et al., 2018), 2 antioxidant (Wu et al., 2017), antiviral (Fan et al., 2012), antiinflammatory (Gong et al., 2021), gut microbiota-modulating (Zhang et al., 2020), and immunomodulatory (Ren et al., 2017) activities. Xuan et al. (2013) report that dietary supplementation with G. lemaneiformis enhances the growth performance and health of juvenile black sea bream. ...
Article
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This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides (GLPs) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 320 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were individually weighed and randomly assigned to four groups of eight replicate cages (10 broilers per cage). Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 mg/kg GLPs. Compared to that of the control group, dietary supplementation with 2,000 mg/kg GLPs linearly increased the average daily weight gain during days 0-42 (P < 0.05) and linearly decreased the feed to gain ratio during days 1–21 and 22–42 (P < 0.05). Broilers fed GLP-supplemented diets showed linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic (P < 0.05) increases in serum superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities in the liver, whereas GLP supplementation decreased serum and liver malondialdehyde concentrations (P < 0.05). A linear increase in serum catalase activity was observed following supplementation with 2,000 or 4,000 mg/kg GLPs (P < 0.05). Broilers fed GLP-supplemented diets showed linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic (P < 0.05) increases in serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and interferon-γ concentrations (P < 0.05), and a trend towards linear improvement in IL-4 levels (P = 0.089). Dietary GLP supplementation increased the Lactobacillus spp. population compared to that of the control group (P < 0.05) and 2,000 and 4,000 mg/kg of GLPs nearly decreased the population of E. coli in the cecum (P = 0.056). Therefore, dietary GLP supplementation may improve broiler growth performance by altering antioxidant capacity, immune function, and the gut microbiota composition. Considering the effects of different doses of GLP on the above parameters, 2,000 mg/kg of GLPs was identified as the best dose.
... It is not only the raw materials of agar used in industry, but also a marine food for human and abalone (Xu et al., 2017;Du et al., 2018). In addition, it contains a variety of active ingredients such as polysaccharides which have positive effects on anticancer and antioxidant (Fan et al., 2012;Jiang et al., 2014;Gu et al., 2017;Jin et al., 2017). By 2021, G. lemaneiformis has become the second largest economic seaweed with regards to annual biomass output in China (Li et al., 2023). ...
... 29 Fan et al. showed that acidic GPs significantly suppressed the proliferation of tumor in ICR mice transplanted with H22 hepatoma cells by increasing both specific and nonspecific cellular immune responses. 33 In this study it has been found for the first time that GPs combined with CP could induce ferroptosis in the tumor tissue and sensitize the antitumor effect of CP in C26 tumor bearing-mice (Fig. 6). Transcriptomic results from tumor tissues showed that GP90 regulated the differential expression of genes related to ferroptosis in mice with CP chemotherapy. ...
Article
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Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death caused by iron-mediated lipid peroxidation, has become a potential strategy to overcome drug resistance and improve the efficacy of traditional cancer treatments. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with the combination of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis polysaccharides and cisplatin (CP) potentiated the antitumor activity in a Colon-26 carcinoma tumor-bearing mouse model by ferroptosis activation. The G. lemaneiformis polysaccharide GP90 was mainly composed of (1→3) linked 4-O-sulfate-β-D-galactose and (1→4) linked 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactose with a molecular weight of 12.45 kDa. Compared with the CP group, the combination of GP90 and CP significantly suppressed tumor growth. Based on the transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of tumor tissue, GP90 enhanced the antitumor effect of CP by promoting ferroptosis and regulating ferroptosis-related metabolic pathways. Moreover, the accumulation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and down-regulation of the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) were verified by immunohistochemistry staining. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis showed that positive immunoregulatory pathways were significantly enriched in the GP90 and CP combination group. Our results indicate that GP90 potentiates chemotherapy sensitivity by targeting the transferrin receptor and SLC7A11/Gpx4 pathway to induce ferroptosis, which might be a useful therapeutic target in colorectal cancer patients.
... The polysaccharides from the Gracilaria lemaneiformis induced splenocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis, and tumour inhibition. Mice with H22 hepatoma cell transplants had higher levels of IL-2 and CD8+ T lymphocytes in their blood [107]. A sulfated polysaccharide from C. feldmannii showed anti-cancer efficacy in Swiss mice in vitro and in vivo. ...
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Simple Summary Sulfated polysaccharides are powerful chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents that have anti-cancer properties by increasing immunity and driving apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. Sulfated polysaccharides have significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory potentials, which contribute to their disease-preventive effectiveness with low cytotoxicity and good efficacy therapeutic outcomes in cancer via dynamic apoptosis modulation. Furthermore, it can be used as a dietary supplement or as an adjuvant treatment for cancer. Abstract Seaweed-derived bioactive compounds are regularly employed to treat human diseases. Sulfated polysaccharides are potent chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive medications since it has been discovered. They have exhibited anti-cancer properties by enhancing immunity and driving apoptosis. Through dynamic modulation of critical intracellular signalling pathways, such as control of ROS generation and preservation of essential cell survival and death processes, sulfated polysaccharides’ antioxidant and immunomodulatory potentials contribute to their disease-preventive effectiveness. Sulfated polysaccharides provide low cytotoxicity and good efficacy therapeutic outcomes via dynamic modulation of apoptosis in cancer. Understanding how sulfated polysaccharides affect human cancer cells and their molecular involvement in cell death pathways will showcase a new way of chemoprevention. In this review, the significance of apoptosis and autophagy-modulating sulfated polysaccharides has been emphasized, as well as the future direction of enhanced nano-formulation for greater clinical efficacy. Moreover, this review focuses on the recent findings about the possible mechanisms of chemotherapeutic use of sulfated polysaccharides, their potential as anti-cancer drugs, and proposed mechanisms of action to drive apoptosis in diverse malignancies. Because of their unique physicochemical and biological properties, sulfated polysaccharides are ideal for their bioactive ingredients, which can improve function and application in disease. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the physicochemical properties and functionalities of sulfated polysaccharides and the use of sulfated polysaccharide-based delivery systems in functional cancer. Furthermore, the preclinical and clinical trials will reveal the drug’s efficacy in cancer.
... 20 The weak peak at 1409.73 cm −1 is attributed to the shear vibration of C H. 21 The absorption peaks at 1235.51 cm −1 and 787.47 cm −1 may be assigned to S O and C-O-S bond stretching, respectively. 22 This phenomenon may be a result of the presence of glucosinolates (similar to GRP in BSE). Moreover, the strong characteristic absorptions at 1039.38 cm −1 and 989.44 cm −1 indicated the existence of pyranoside and C O vibrations of 3,6-anhydro-⊍-L-galactose. 21 The monosaccharide compositions of BSE were observed to be relatively simple. ...
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BACKGROUND Broccoli has received widespread attention because of its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study aimed to explore the composition of broccoli seed extract (BSE) and its effect on colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). RESULTS BSE mainly comprises glucoraphanin and polysaccharides composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose and mannose. Animal experiments suggested that BSE intervention effectively reversed body weight loss, suppressed the levels of proinflammatory interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β, and elevated the levels of anti‐inflammatory interleukin‐10 and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione in DSS‐induced colitis mice. According to histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis of colon tissue, BSE intervention may repair the intestinal barrier by upregulating mRNA levels and the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin‐1, occludin and zonula occludens‐1). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (MS) analysis demonstrated that cecal short‐chain fatty acids in mice with BSE administration were significantly increased compared with the model group. Sulforaphane and sulforaphane‐N‐acetylcysteine were only detected in BSE group mice by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐MS analysis. In addition, BSE intervention evidently increased the abundance of Alistipeds, Coriobacteriaceae UCG‐002 and Bifidobacterium and decreased the abundance of Escheichia‐Shinella, Lachnospiraceae others, Parabacteroides, Ruminococcaceae others and Turicibacter, which possibly promoted carbohydrate metabolism and short‐chain fatty acid production. CONCLUSION The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of BSE on colitis and found that BSE, as a novel food ingredient, has great potential for the improvement of colitis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
... Sulfated PS derived from Gracilaria lemaneiformis inhibited tumor growth, promoted splenocyte proliferation, and macrophage phagocytosis. They increased the amount of IL-2 and CD8+ T lymphocytes in blood in mice with transplanted H22 hepatoma cells (Fan et al., 2012). In Swiss mice, a sulfated PS (polysaccharide) derived from Champia feldmannii showed anti-cancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. ...
Article
Seaweeds are high in bioactive chemicals frequently used to treat human illnesses. Porphyran is a polysaccharide found in the red seaweeds of the genus Porphyra. Porphyran has been discovered to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory activity, and anti-cancer effects via boosting immunity and targeting important apoptotic molecules, making them potential chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive drugs. Polysaccharide-mediated dynamic control of apoptosis and autophagy in cancer has been a viable treatment with low cytotoxicity with high efficacy. Thus, comprehending the influence of porphyran on human health and their molecular mechanisms would open up a new paradigm in cancer therapies. Also, the importance of apoptotic/autophagy modulating porphyran in cancer therapy has been highlighted as the future direction of improved nano-formulation for improved clinical efficacy. This review focuses on the current research into porphyran's anti-cancer efficacy and putative mechanisms of action through apoptosis and autophagy in various cancers, as well as its potential chemotherapeutic treatment in near future.
... Moreover, polysaccharides from seaweed are deeply studied for applications in advanced biomedical fields as biocompatible, natural polymer materials [91], and as bioactive agents with several biological properties [92]. Polysaccharides from different species of Gracilaria have been tested for their immunomodulatory [93], antiviral [94,95], antiproliferative [96], anti-protozoan [97] antioxidant and anticoagulant [98] activities. ...
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For centuries, macroalgae, or seaweeds, have been a significant part of East Asian diets. In Europe, seaweeds are not considered traditional foods, even though they are increasingly popular in Western diets in human food applications. In this study, a biological processing method based on semi-solid fermentation was optimized for the treatment of the seaweed Gracilaria gracilis. For the first time, selected lactic acid bacteria and non-conventional coagulase-negative staphylococci were used as starter preparations for driving a bio-processing and bio-stabilization of raw macroalga material to obtain new seaweed-based food prototypes for human consumption. Definite food safety and process hygiene criteria were identified and successfully applied. The obtained fermented products did not show any presence of pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms, thereby indicating safety and good shelf life. Lactobacillus acidophilus-treated seaweeds revealed higher α-amylase, protease, lipase, endo-cellulase, and endo-xylanase activity than in the untreated sample. This fermented sample showed a balanced n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio. SBM-11 (Lactobacillus sakei, Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus xylosus) and PROMIX 1 (Staphylococcus xylosus) treated samples showed fatty acid compositions that were considered of good nutritional quality and contained relevant amounts of isoprenoids (vitamin E and A). All the starters improved the nutritional value of the seaweeds by significantly reducing the insoluble indigestible fractions. Preliminary data were obtained on the cytocompatibility of G. gracilis fermented products by in vitro tests. This approach served as a valid strategy for the easy bio-stabilization of this valuable but perishable food resource and could boost its employment for newly designed seaweed-based food products.
... Sulphated polysaccharide, derived from Gracilaria lemaneiformis, showed exceptional anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activity against transplanted H22 hepatoma cells in mice. Tumor growth was significantly slowed, splenocyte proliferation was boosted, macrophage phagocytosis was increased, and the number of IL-2 and CD8+ T cells in the blood increased [105]. The antiproliferative effect of κ-and λ-carrageenan extract from the red seaweed Laurencia papillosa has been demonstrated in vitro with human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 [106]. ...
Article
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The use of seaweed for therapeutic purposes is ancient, but only in the last decade, with advanced technologies, has it been possible to extract seaweed’s bioactive compounds and test their potential properties. Algal metabolites possess nutritional properties, but they also exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities, which allow them to be involved in several pharmaceutical applications. Seaweeds have been incorporated since ancient times into diets as a whole food. With the isolation of particular seaweed compounds, it would be possible to develop new types of food with therapeutically properties. Polysaccharides make up the majority of seaweed biomass, which has triggered an increase in interest in using seaweed for commercial purposes, particularly in the production of agar, carrageenan, and alginate. The bio-properties of polysaccharides are strictly dependent to their chemical characteristics and structure, which varies depending on the species, their life cycles, and other biotic and abiotic factors. Through this review, techniques for seaweed polysaccharides extraction are reported, with studies addressing the advantages for human health from the incorporation of algal compounds as dietary supplements and food additives.
... Fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida (Phaeophyceae) sporophyll increased survival in P-388 tumor-bearing mice, which was linked to the enhancement of natural killer (NK) lymphocyte activity and increased interferon-gamma production by T cells [29]. Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis (formerly Gracilaria lemaneiformis) (Rhodophyta) sulfated polysaccharides prevented tumor growth; increased CD8 + T cells, splenocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis [63,64]. ...
Article
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Marine seaweeds are important sources of drugs with several pharmacological characteristics. The present study aims to evaluate the antitumor and antitumor immunological potentials of the extracts from the brown alga Padinapavonica and the red alga Janiarubens, inhibiting the Egyptian marine coasts. Hep-G2 cell lines were used for assessment of the antitumor efficacy of Padinapavonica and Janiarubens extracts in vitro, while Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were applied to gain more antitumor immunity and antitumor insights of P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts in vivo. In vitro antitumor potentials of P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts were analyzed against human liver cancer Hep-G2 cells by MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. In vivo antitumor immunological potentials of P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts at low, high, and prophylactic doses were analyzed by blood counting and flow cytometry in mice challenged with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. In vitro results revealed that P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts caused significant decreases in the number and viability of Hep-G2 cells in a dose-dependent manner as compared to untreated Hep-G2 cells or Cisplatin®-treated Hep-G2 cells. In vivo findings showed that P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts at low, high, and prophylactic doses significantly reduced the number and viability of EAC tumor cells accompanied by increases in EAC apoptosis compared to naïve EAC mouse. Additionally, P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts at low and prophylactic doses remarkably increased both the total WBC count and the relative numbers of lymphocytes and decreased the relative numbers of neutrophils and monocytes. Flow cytometric analysis showed that P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts at the treatment and the prophylactic doses resulted in a significant increase in the phenotypic expressions of CD4⁺ T, CD8⁺ T, and CD335 cells compared to naïve EAC mouse. Overall, both extracts P.pavonica and J.rubens possess potential antitumor and antitumor immunological effects with less toxicity, opening new approaches for further studies of the chemical and biological mechanisms behind these effects.
... Fucoidan from Undaria pinnati da sporophyll increased survival in P-388 tumor-bearing mice, which was linked to the enhancement of natural killer (NK) lymphocyte activity and increased interferon-gamma production by T cells (Maruyama et al., 2003). Gracilaria lemaneiformis Sulfated polysaccharides prevented tumor growth; increased CD8 + T cells, splenocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis (Fan et al. 2012;Gesheva et al., 2014). ...
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Marine seaweeds are important sources of drugs with several pharmacological characteristics.The present study aims to evaluate the antitumor and antitumor immunological potentials of the extracts from Padina pavonia and Jania rubens inhibiting the Egyptian marine coasts. Hep-G2 cell lines used for assessment of the antitumor efficacy of Padina pavonia and Jania rubens extracts in vitro , while Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were applied to gain more antitumor immunity and antitumor insights of P. pavonia and J.rubens extracts in vivo . In vitro antitumor potentials of P. pavonia and J. rubens extracts were analyzed against human liver cancer Hep-G2 cells by MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. In vivo antitumor immunological potentials of P. pavonia and J. rubens extracts at low, high, and prophylactic doses were analyzed by blood counting and flow cytometry in mice challenged with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. In vitro results revealed that P. pavonia and J. rubens extracts caused significant decreases in the number and viability of Hep-G2 cells in a dose-dependent manner as compared to untreated Hep-G2 cells or Cisplatin®-treated Hep-G2 cells. In vivo findings showed that P. pavonia and J. rubens extracts at low, high, and prophylactic doses significantly reduced the number and viability of EAC tumor cells accompanied by increases in EAC apoptosis compared to naïve EAC mouse. Additionally, P. pavonia and J. rubens extracts at low and prophylactic doses remarkably increased both the total WBC count and the relative numbers of lymphocytes and decreased the relative numbers of neutrophils and monocytes. Flow cytometric analysis showed that P. pavonia and J. rubens extracts at the treatment and the prophylactic doses resulted in a significant increase in the phenotypic expressions of CD4 ⁺ T, CD8 ⁺ T, and CD335 cells compared to naïve EAC mouse. Overall, both extracts P. pavonia and J. rubens possess potential antitumor and antitumor immunological effects with less toxicity, opening new approaches for further studies of the chemical and biological mechanisms behind these effects.
... Therefore, it is especially important for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Up to now, the main treatment method for colorectal cancer is surgery combined with either chemotherapy or radiotherapy; however, it closely links with severe side effects and is toxic to normal cells [4,5]. Because unhealthy diet is one of the main pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, dietary intervention with natural anti-cancer products, such as lentinan, may become an attractive strategy with low side effects and better clinical efficacy for patients [6][7][8]. ...
Article
We have obtained an exopolysaccharide (YL-11 EPS) produced by Lactobacillus fermentum YL-11 isolated from fermented milk and confirmed that it can effectively inhibit colon cancer HT-29 cells proliferation in vitro. The aim of this study is to study anti-colon cancer effect in vivo and its possible mechanisms. Animal assays indicated YL-11 EPS treatment significantly suppressed the growth of HT-29 tumor xenograft without exhibiting obvious negative effects on normal cells. Cell experiments demonstrated YL-11 EPS treatment up regulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and induced the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and improved the expression of cleaved caspases-3 and cleaved PARP proteins, and finally induced HT-29 cells apoptosis, suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial pathway. Moreover, YL-11 EPS can block the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and arrest the cell cycle in G1-phase to exert its anti-colon cancer activity. Overall, YL-11 EPS can be explored as a potential nutraceutical to prevent colorectal cancer.
... The total carbohydrate and reducing carbohydrate content in BCP were measured with phenol-sulfuric acid and 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method with D-glucose as the standard [24]. Using the bovine serum albumin standard, the protein content in BCP was measured with the Coomassie brilliant blue (G-250) method [25]. The content of uronic acid in BCP was determined by the carbazole-sulfuric acid method with galacturonic acid as the standard [26]. ...
Article
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This study explored the preliminary structural characteristics and in vivo anti-tumor activity of an acidic water-soluble polysaccharide (BCP) separated purified from Bupleurum chinense DC root. The preliminary structural characterization of BCP was established using UV, HPGPC, FT-IR, IC, NMR, SEM, and Congo red. The results showed BCP as an acidic polysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 2.01 × 103 kDa. Furthermore, we showed that BCP consists of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid (with a molar ratio of 0.063:0.788:0.841:1:0.196) in both α- and β-type configurations. Using the H22 tumor-bearing mouse model, we assessed the anti-tumor activity of BCP in vivo. The results revealed the inhibitory effects of BCP on H22 tumor growth and the protective actions against tissue damage of thymus and spleen in mice. In addition, the JC-1 FITC-AnnexinV/PI staining and cell cycle analysis have collectively shown that BCP is sufficient to induce apoptosis and of H22 hepatocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of BCP on tumor growth was likely attributable to the S phase arrest. Overall, our study presented significant anti-liver cancer profiles of BCP and its promising therapeutic potential as a safe and effective anti-tumor natural agent.
... Its prevalence and incidence have been raising in the past decades and have been a public health issue around the world (Ananthakrishnan, 2015). Although the IBD pathogenesis is not fully understood, recent evidence suggests that proven that G. lemaneiformis polysaccharide (GLP) has antiinflammatory, antioxidation, blood lipid reduction, antidiabetic, wound healing, and metabolic syndrome regulating activities (Fan et al., 2012;Ren et al., 2017;Veeraperumal et al., 2020). Therefore, GLP has the potential to serve as an ingredient of function food for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. ...
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Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharide (GLP) has varieties of antioxidation, however, the therapeutic effects of GLP on ulcerative colitis (UC) and the potential mechanisms involved are still incomplete. In the study, the analysis of the ζ-potential, thermal, and morphology properties demonstrated that GLP was a negatively charged polymer, and had great thermostability and irregular network. Moreover, the GLP treatment has the effects of reducing the severity of colitis caused by dextran sulfate sodium by alleviating the colon damage of mice, and increasing the amount of short-chain fatty acids in the intestines, alleviating histopathological inflammation. The sequencing results and α-diversity analysis showed that GLP could improve biodiversity, restore the abundance of Bacteroidetes, and decrease the proportion of Firmicutes. The level of CCL-25 and CCR-9 were inhibited, CD40 and TGF-β1 were increased. In summary, GLP has potentiality to be utilized as a hopeful functional food to the UC patients.
... The infrared spectra of ACAPP and ALAPP are shown in Fig. 2. The absorption bands in the spectrum of ACAPP were similar to those of ALAPP. The intense bands at 3441 cm −1 (ACAPP) and 3439 cm −1 (ALAPP) in the IR spectra are due to the hydroxyl stretching vibrations of the polysaccharides and are expected to be broad (Fan et al., 2012). The bands at 2930 cm −1 (ACAPP) and 2922 cm −1 (ALAPP) correspond to C-H stretching vibrations , while those at~1740 cm −1 and 1600 cm −1 are due to ester carbonyl (COOR) and carboxylate ion (COO − ) stretching vibrations (Gnanasambandam & Proctor, 2000;Singthong et al., 2004). ...
Article
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The anti‐fatigue effects and structure‐activity relationship of apple polysaccharides (APPs), the active components in apple pomace, remain unknown. We examined the effects of different extraction methods on polysaccharide structures and anti‐fatigue activities. Additionally, the structural and biochemical properties of APPs prepared under acidic (ACAPP) or alkaline (ALAPP) conditions, were characterised. ACAPP and ALAPP were acidic heteropolysaccharides primarily comprising arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucose, xylose and galacturonic acid. The molecular weights of ACAPP and ALAPP were 110 kDa and 89.6 kDa, respectively. ALAPP had more branched chains than ACAPP and showed stronger free radical‐scavenging and anti‐fatigue properties. The anti‐fatigue properties of APPs correlated with their anti‐oxidant activities and were exerted through eliminating free radicals and mediating an oxidative balance. The stronger anti‐fatigue activity of ALAPP is probably related to its structural characteristics. Collectively, our study provides a fundamental basis for the development and use of APPs in medicine and functional foods.
... The treatment of colorectal cancer mainly involves surgical resection of the tumor, combined with anticancer drugs or radiation therapy (7). However, these interventions lead to adverse effects such as reduced immunity, normal cells toxicity, genetic damage, and hair loss (8). Accordingly, various studies have been conducted on new bioactive substances with anticancer effects that have been developed by considering the efficacy of harmless natural substances to reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy and to selectively suppress the growth and proliferation of cancer cells through various mechanisms (9,10). ...
Article
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Scaphium affine ethanol extracts (SAE) is a species that has been shown to contain various physiological effects; however, its anticancer effects have yet to be revealed. We qualitatively evaluated β-sitosterol in SAE through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The cytotoxicity in HCT116 and HT29 colorectal cancer cells and CCD841 normal colon cells was confirmed through WST-1 assays. Selective cytotoxicity was observed in colorectal cancer cells, with greater cytotoxicity demonstrated in the HCT116 cell line. As such, the HCT116 colorectal cell line was selected for subsequent experiments. After HCT116 cells were treated with SAE, it was confirmed that the apoptosis rate was increased in a SAE dose-dependent manner through Annexin V assay. SAE further showed dose-dependent suppression of invasion through invasion assays. Anoikis induction through the EGFR/Akt pathway in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells was confirmed by Western blotting. The tumor suppressive effects of SAE was assessed in vivo using a xenograft model of human HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. As a result, we confirmed that SAE decreased tumor size in a dose-dependent manner and that p-EGFR and cleaved-caspase 3 in tumors were also regulated in a dose-dependent manner. This study showed that SAE, by containing β-sitosterol with proven anticancer effects, induces anoikis through the EGFR/Akt pathway in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.
... The contents of sulfate group and uronic acid in GLPs and degradation products were determined with the barium sulfate turbidimetry method described by Lloyd et al. (1961) [54] and mhydroxybiphenyl colorimetry method described by Blumenkrantz and Asboe-Hansen (1973) [55] with minor modification. The molecular weights of polysaccharides were analyzed through high-performance gel permeation chromatography [56]. Samples containing dextran with different molecular weights (1152, 11,600, 23,800, 48,600, 80,900, 148,000, 273,000, and 409,800 Da) were used as the standard samples for determining the purity and relative molecular weights of GLP and degradation products. ...
Article
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Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis polysaccharides (GLP) were degraded using pectinase, glucoamylase, cellulase, xylanase, and β-dextranase into low-molecular-weight polysaccharides, namely, GPP, GGP, GCP, GXP, and GDP, respectively, and their antioxidant capacities were investigated. The degraded GLPs showed higher antioxidant activities than natural GLP, and GDP exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. After the optimization of degradation conditions through single-factor and orthogonal optimization experiments, four polysaccharide fractions (GDP1, GDP2, GDP3, and GDP4) with high antioxidant abilities (hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, reduction capacity, and total antioxidant capacity) were obtained. Their cytoprotective activities against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in human fetal lung fibroblast 1 (HFL1) cells were examined. Results suggested that GDP pretreatment can significantly improve cell viability, reduce reactive oxygen species and malonaldehyde levels, improve antioxidant enzyme activity and mitochondria membrane potential, and alleviate oxidative damage in HFL1 cells. Thus, the enzyme degradation of GLP with β-dextranase can significantly improve its antioxidant activity, and GDP might be a suitable source of natural antioxidants.
... serra) is traditional edible red algae from China's southeast coastal area and is the primary raw material for producing carrageenan [20]. The sulfated galactan is a vital bioactive substance in E. serra, and approximately 90% of the linear backbone is composed of alternating 3-linked β-D-galactopyranos and 4-linked α-D-galactopyranos residues [21]. Previous research found that the depolymerized sulfated polysaccharide from E. serra (DESP) inhibited the growth and adhesion of ETEC K88, but not probiotics [22], while it may be therapeutic to bacterial diarrhea. ...
Article
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In this work, the preventive effect of depolymerized sulfated polysaccharides from Eucheuma serra (DESP) on bacterial diarrhea by regulating intestinal flora was investigated in vivo. Based on the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-infected mouse diarrhea model, DESP at doses ranging from 50 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg alleviated weight loss and decreased the diarrhea rate and diarrhea index. Serological tests showed that the levels of inflammation-related factors were effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the repaired intestinal mucosa was verified by morphology and pathological tissue section observations. Compared with the model group, the richness and diversity of the intestinal flora in the DESP group increased according to the 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing of the gut microbiota. Specifically, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria increased, and Proteobacteria decreased after DESP administration. At the family level, DESP effectively improved the abundance of Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, and Lachnospiraceae, while significantly inhibiting the growth of Enterobacteriaceae. Therefore, the antimicrobial diarrhea function of DESP may be related to the regulation of intestinal microbiota.
... These bands are typical characteristic peaks of polysaccharides. The bands at 1641 cm −1 and 1418 cm −1 showed the presence of carbonyl group stretching vibration and CeH bending vibration, respectively, which indicated uronic acid is present in LPIIa (Cai, Zou, Liang, & Luan, 2018;Fan et al., 2012). The absorption at 1317 cm -1 and 1227 cm -1 was due to symmetrical and non-symmetrical CH 3 bending vibrations, which indicated the presence of rhamnose (J. ...
... Polysaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis (a kind of edible seaweed), have widely been reported to possess various bioactivities, including immunomodulatory , antitumor (Fan et al., 2012), anti-food allergic (Liu et al., 2016) and regulatory effects in cholesterol metabolism (Huang et al., 2019). In addition, our previous research found polysaccharides obtained from Gracilaria lemaneiformis (SP) could promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria from gut microbiota with the increasing of short-chain fatty acids in vitro (Han et al., 2020), where particularly butyric acid could be important substrates for maintaining the health of colonic epithelium (Morrison & Preston, 2016). ...
Article
This study explored the preventive effects of polysaccharide extracted from Gracilaria Lemaneiformis in mice with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). FT-IR spectrum showed that SP was a typical sulphated polysaccharide (SP), which contained high content of S element in energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) analysis. SP was mainly composed of (1 → 3)-linked glycosidic bonds. Our results showed that SP could improve physical conditions of mice via alleviating weight loss and appetite suppression. Besides, SP could decrease the content of endotoxin (ET), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and the activity of myeloperoxidase in serum. Meanwhile, SP also suppressed the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in colon tissue. These indicators showed that SP had ameliorated colitis symptoms. Furthermore, histological analysis indicated that SP could maintain healthy colonic microstructure including crypt, goblet cell and mucosal muscularis. Meanwhile, immunohistochemical results showed that tight junction proteins, including Claudin-1, ZO-1, and mucin (MUC-2) were promoted in colon with SP treatment. In conclusion, SP could enhance intestinal barrier, protect colonic microstructure and attenuate DSS-induced colonic injuries in mice, which suggested that SP could be a potentially functional component against colitis.
... However, amounts of solid residues and lipid constituents are destroyed and discarded as wastes during the production of agar [17,18], which not only wastes resources but also pollutes the environment. Most research on this seaweed have merely focused on its nutritional ingredients, chlorophyll compositions, and polysaccharide components [19,20], while few studies have been reported to utilize the agar production wastes of G. lemaneiformis as raw materials for lipid extraction. The lipids of G. lemaneiformis have been reported to exhibit tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity [21], suggesting that these lipids could be useful in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries [22]. ...
Article
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During the agar production of the red seaweed Gracilaria lemaneiformis, amounts of lipid constituents are destroyed and discarded as wastes, which can be utilized as sustainable alternative feedstocks for lipid production. Herein, a green ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method using ethanol as an extraction solvent was carried out for the enrichment of lipids from the wastes. Meanwhile, the UAE-influenced conditions were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), and the maximum yield (0.71 wt%) of lipids was obtained, which was higher than that of the conventional Soxhlet extraction (CSE) (0.44 wt%). The composition of fatty acids in lipids was analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization and mass spectroscopic detection (GC-FID/MS), respectively. The major fatty acid compositions were palmitic acid (59.20–63.25%), oleic acid (1.85–9.43%), and arachidonic acid (9.44–15.12%), while the free fatty acid (FFA) content of the UAE (94.67%) was higher than that of the CSE (73.12%). Moreover, the proportions of unsaturated fatty acids in the UAE were monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (10.94%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (18.20%), both of which were much higher than those in CSE. In addition, the enrichment of lipids by UAE displayed superior antioxidant activities in the DPPH (IC50 = 18.65 mg/L), hydroxyl (IC50 = 13.68 mg/L), and superoxide (IC50 = 210.12 mg/L) radical scavenging assays. From the perspective of waste resource utilization and biorefinery, the green UAE technique could be potential for the enrichment of lipids from agar production wastes of G. lemaneiformis without compromising its quality, which may be useful in the algal development.
Article
Angelica gigas (A. gigas) is traditional medicinal herb that mainly exists in Korea and northeastern China. There have been relatively few studies conducted thus far on its polysaccharides and their bioactivities. We purified and described a novel water-soluble polysaccharide derived from A. gigas and investigated its immunoenhancing properties. The basic components of crude and purified polysaccharides (F1 and F2) were total sugar (41.07 % - 70.55 %), protein (1.12–10.33 %), sulfate (2.9–5.5 %), and uronic acids (0.5–31.05 %) in total content. Our results demonstrated that the crude and fractions' molecular weights (Mw) varied from 42.2 to 285.2 × 103 g/mol. As the most effective polysaccharide, F2 significantly stimulated RAW264.7 cells to release nitric oxide (NO) and express several cytokines. Furthermore, F2 increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-ɣ), natural killer cytotoxicity receptors (NKp44), and granzyme-B in NK-92 cells and enhanced the cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cells. In our experiments, we found that F2 stimulated RAW264.7 cells and NK-92 cells via MAPK and NF-κB pathways. The monosaccharide and methylation analysis of the high immunostimulant F2 polysaccharide findings revealed that the polysaccharide was primarily composed of 1 → 4, 1 → 6, 1 → 3, 6, 1 → 3 and 1 → 3, 4, 6 galactopyranose residues, 1 → 3 arabinofuranose residues, 1 → 4 glucopyranose residues. These results demonstrated that the F2 polysaccharide of A. gigas which possesses potential immunostimulatory attributes, could be used to create a novel functional food.
Article
Grifola frondosa polysaccharide-protein complex (G. frondosa PPC) is a polymer which consists of polysaccharides and proteins/peptides linked by covalent bonds. In our previous ex vivo research, it has been demonstrated that a cold-water extracted G. frondosa PPC has stronger antitumor activity than a G. frondosa PPC extracted from boiling water. The main purpose of the current study was to further evaluate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma and gut microbiota regulation effects of two PPCs isolated from G. frondosa at 4 °C (GFG-4) and 100 °C (GFG-100) in vivo. The results exhibited that GFG-4 remarkably upregulated the expression of related proteins in TLR4-NF-κB and apoptosis pathway, thereby inhibiting the development of H22 tumors. Additionally, GFG-4 increased the abundance of norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Bacillus and reduced the abundance of Lactobacillus. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis suggested that GFG-4 promoted SCFAs production, particularly butyric acid. Conclusively, the present experiments revealed GFG-4 has the potential of anti-hepatocellular carcinoma growth via activating TLR4-NF-κB pathway and regulating gut microbiota. Therefore, G. frondosa PPCs could be considered as safe and effective natural ingredient for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study also provides a theoretical foundation for the regulation of gut microbiota by G. frondosa PPCs.
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Gracilaria lemaneiformis is a source of several bioactive natural products in China. Previously, we obtained Saccharomyces cerevisiae JJ4 and Lactobacillus paracasei paracasei RP38, that reduced the fishy odor of G. lemaneiformis. However, the associated deodorization mechanisms remain unclear. Here, G. lemaneiformis was fermented using single strain JJ4, single strain RP38, and both strains together. Dynamic changes in volatile aroma substances during fermentation were measured using HS-SPME-GC/MS. We found that the unpleasant aromas of raw G. lemaneiformis were primarily due to 3-octanone, cyclooctanol, and 1-methylcycloheptanol. Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria and yeast could reduce the substances associated with unpleasant aromas. The potentially characteristic aromatic substances consumed and produced by the different strains were determined using Opls-da and Spearman’s correlations with VIP value > 1 and |r| > 0.6. These results help to clarify the metabolic mechanisms by which different microbes reduce the fishy smell of G. lemaneiformis.
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β-Glucans affect the immune system and have antitumor activity; therefore, they are being investigated as immunomodulators and chemotherapeutic adjuvants. In this study, we investigated a specific β-glucan, exopolysaccharide (EPS-1) derived from Aureobasidium pullulans (CGMCC 20363), to investigate its impact on the efficacy of rituximab against diffuse large B cell lymphoma (SU-DHL-8 cells) in vitro and in vivo. The results show that compared to rituximab alone, EPS-1 enhanced the inhibition of SU-DHL-8, had antitumor effects in vivo, and improved the response of the immune system of the host. RNA sequencing results reveal that EPS-1 had a chemotactic effect on T cells through the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and recruited immune cells into tumor tissues. EPS-1 also played an antitumor role through the mitochondrial and death receptor Fas-related apoptotic pathways. In summary, EPS-1 may be an effective adjuvant to treat diffuse large B cell lymphoma in combination with rituximab.
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Numerous polysaccharides isolated from plants have been used to augment traditional drugs in the treatment of cancer. In order to explore the influence to hepatocellular carcinoma, a novel cold water-soluble polysaccharide was separated from Rhodiola rosea L. root (RLP) and then its structure and anti-cancer activities were tested. The chemical compositions and high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) results indicated that RLP was an acid heteropolysaccharide with the molecular weight of about 1.15×10⁶ Da. Furthermore, ion chromatography (IC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resoance (NMR) further indicated that RLP was main composed of →2,4)-α-Rha(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, α-D-Glu, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, β-D-Man and →4)-α-GalpA-(1→. In vivo antitumor activities of RLP were carried out by using H22 tumor-bearing mice model. The results shown that RLP (100 and 300 mg/kg) could inhibit tumor growth of H22 cells from 23.59 % to 45.52 % and protect thymuses and spleen without damage. In addition, according to cell cycle, AV-FITC/PI and JC-1, RLP could induce dose-dependent apoptosis of H22 cells via S phase arrested which was through a mitochondrial related pathway. Our data indicated that RLP has a broader application prospect in anti-tumor preparations.
Article
A microwave-assisted extraction procedure for the crude Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides (SMPs) obtained from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge was optimized. Four independent variables were studied: microwave power, extraction time, solvent-to-solid ratio, and concentration of ethanol, with optimal settings of 1200 W, 12 min, 38, and 86 %, respectively. The SMPs were successively purified by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephadex G-100 chromatography to produce a novel polysaccharide termed SMP1. The SMP1 was composed of glucose, galactose, and fructose in a molar ratio of 1:1.67:1.12 with an average molecular weight of 6087 Da. Pharmacological studies showed that SMP1 protected from OGD/R-induced ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PC12 cells. Our research systematically indicated that polysaccharide could inhibit ferroptosis to alleviate oxidative stress injury, which laid the foundation for the future clinical application of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide.
Article
Under a simple redox system of selenite and ascorbic acid, we used Gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides (GLPs) as a stabilizer and dispersing agent to generate well-dispersed and stable selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The size, stability, morphology and physicochemical properties of GLPs-SeNPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric (TG). The results showed that orange-red, amorphous, zero-valent and spherical GLPs-SeNPs with mean diameter of approximately 92.5 nm were successfully prepared, which exhibited good storage stability at 4 °C and remaining highly stable at different ion strengths and pH. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) and superoxide anion radical (O2•−) radical scavenging ability of GLPs-SeNPs were higher than those of bare SeNPs, GLPs and sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), and could reach 103.41%, 94.23%, 86% at a concentration of 1.5 mg/mL, respectively. Besides, GLPs-SeNPs also showed higher inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In vitro cytotoxicity assay and hemolysis activity examinations indicated that GLPs-SeNPs have excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, the GLPs-SeNPs might be used as a potential antioxidant agent and antidiabetic agent for food and medical applications.
Article
A novel Angelica dahurica polysaccharide (ADP) with Mw of 6.09 × 10³ Da was isolated. The contents of total sugar and uronic acid in ADP were 91.04% and 12.69%. The structure characteristics indicated that ADP was an acidic polysaccharide consisting of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid (0.09: 0.61: 1.88: 1: 0.14: 0.63: 0.03). Moreover, there were →3)-Manp-(1→, →4, 6)-Galp-(1→, →4)-Galp-(1→, →3)-Glcp-(1→, →5)-Araf-(1→, →2)-Galp-(1→ in ADP with relative molar ratios of 0.32:0.57:0.29:0.95:0.71:0.26. In vivo experiments suggested that ADP significantly inhibited the tumor growth of mice, increased the activities of spleen lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, improved the cytokine level (IL-2 and TNF-α) and the proportions of lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood. The tumor cell progression was arrested in the G1 phase, and the apoptosis rate of tumor cells were 7.54% and 19.32% at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, which was consistent with the results of pathological observation. In summary, the study might provide a theoretical basis for the application on functional foods containing Angelica dahurica polysaccharides.
Article
Background It is reported that natural glucan has many physiological and biological activities based on its special chemical structure. Scope and approach However, the structure-activity relationship of natural glucan is still unclear. This review discussed the extraction, activities and chemical properties of natural glucans. Key findings and conclusions Natural glucan has many powerful biological activities. Natural glucan is considered as a new type of natural medicine, which has significant pharmacological effects compared with common drugs. The market demand and the lack of research and development at home and abroad provide a good opportunity for the deep development and utilization of glucan. With the improvement of preparation technology and the innovation of separation and purification technology, glucan will be more and more widely used in the field of food industry.
Chapter
Polysaccharides are a major family of biopolymers that are found in natural sources, for example, animals, plants, algae, and microorganisms. They have diverse functional properties and play an essential part in sustaining life. Polysaccharides are well-known for their nutritional benefits and incontrovertible effects on immunity, digestibility, and detoxification in the human body. Moreover, polysaccharides are inexpensive biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. This chapter provides an introduction to polysaccharides—their chemical structures, classification, and applications in foods, medicine, and environment.
Article
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and one of the most important public health problems in the world. And every year, millions of new cancers and hundreds of thousands of cancer-related deaths are reported worldwide. In recent decades, a number of biologically active polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes have been isolated from plants, lichen, algae, yeast, fungi and mushroom, and due to their antitumor and immunomodulatory properties, these compounds have received considerable attention. Overall, the two key mechanisms by which polysaccharides act on tumor cells are direct action (inhibition of cancer cell growth and induction of programmed cell death/apoptosis) and indirect action (stimulation of immunity). Immunosuppressive effects are recognizable in both cancer patients and tumor bearing animals, suggesting that the immune system plays an important role in the immune surveillance of cancer cells. Thus, enhancement of the host immune response has been evaluated as a possible way of inhibiting tumor growth without damaging the host. In addition to their therapeutic and prophylactic properties, the polysaccharides are effective and less toxic than chemotherapy. The anticancer activity and immunomodulatory effects of most polysaccharides have shown the promising and real potential for the benefits of human health.
Article
Cerebral ischemia, a common cerebrovascular disease, is one of the great threats to human health. Nowadays, many drugs used in the treatment of cerebral ischemia such as clot busting drugs, antiplatelet drugs, and neuroprotective drugs have limits. It is urgent finding new effective treatments for the patients. Researches have confirmed that many kinds of polysaccharides from natural resources possess therapeutic effects on cerebral ischemia, but are still lack of a comprehensively understanding. In this paper, based on the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemic injury, we summarize the latest discoveries and advancements of 29 kinds of polysaccharides, focusing on their ameliorating effects on cerebral ischemia and the underlying mechanisms. Several mechanisms are involved, mainly including antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory activities, regulating neuron apoptosis, as well as resisting nitrosative stress injury. Besides, polysaccharides show protective effects through certain signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, PARP-1/AIF, JNK3/c-Jun/Fas-L, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. The main goal of this mini-review is to emphasize the important roles of polysaccharides in attenuating cerebral ischemic injury through the elucidation of mechanisms.
Chapter
The recent explorations in the field of carbohydrate chemistry have unveiled a wide array of plant based bioactive oligosaccharides and polysaccharides which are potential candidates against cancer, diabetes, influenza, tumor, inflammation, thrombosis, infection etc. Due to strong binding abilities, hydrophilic nature and conformational flexibility, these polymers exhibit biological activities, either by illustrating the effect themselves or by inducing effects via complex reaction cascades. Some of the important plant derived carbohydrate based drugs include Lentinan, Krestin, Dextrose, Mannitol, Fucoidan, Schizophyllan, etc. Polysaccharides are also used as food fibre, excipients, bioadhesives, etc. in pharmaceuticals. Further, polysaccharides facilitate meticulous drug delivery of non-carbohydrate molecules. Intriguingly, the growing range of saccharide based drugs and their diverse industrial applications necessitate knowledge of their primary structure, a critical prerequisite to better understanding of the mechanism of polysaccharide activity as well as efficient commercial utilization of these natural polymers. The chapter discusses recent advancements in oligosaccharides and polysaccharides based drugs and future perspectives.
Chapter
Seaweed is one of nature's most diverse marine biomasses, exhibiting extraordinary biochemical components, which are exploited and traded globally. It has been domesticated as human food for decades, and some of its components are excellent sources of biopolymers widely used in the industry. Some seaweed components exhibit valuable functional properties including nutritional and health benefits, biologically active compounds, and physicochemical qualities. Their potential application transcends various industries such as functional foods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, medicine, renewable fuel, biodegradable packaging, bioremediation, and cosmetics. This chapter explores up-to-date research and innovations of these priceless natural gifts, centralizing toward the technologies in converting them into highly valuable products that cater to various global issues and problems. Its utilization embraces a better quality of life by improving health and disease prevention, food, renewable energy sources, and environmental issues. Thus, seaweeds are expected to create the next revolution in marine aquaculture for the betterment of mankind.
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Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine optimum extraction conditions for yield, gelling temperature, melting temperature and apparent viscosity of native agar from the red alga Hydropuntia cornea. Two independent variables were selected during extraction, temperature (80, 90 and 100 degrees C) and time (2, 3 and 4 h). The extraction procedure using 100 degrees C and 3 h produced the greatest yield (43.3%), the greatest gelling temperature (32 degrees C) and the greatest melting temperature (78 degrees C). The extraction using 65 degrees C and 4 h produced the optimum statistical apparent viscosity (80.73 cPs), though agar yield under these conditions had low quality for industrial purposes. Temperature and time do not affect melting temperature, but do play an important role in gelling temperature. From the independent variables studied, extraction temperature is most important in producing an increase in yield, and time is the only variable that contributes significantly to increasing viscosity. Most of the physicochemical properties found in the native agar from H. cornea extracted at 100 degrees C/3 h were similar to commercial samples. These findings suggest the feasibility of using this colloid in spreads and soft-texture food products.
Article
The present contribution deals with one pot method for synthesis of silver nanoparticles through green route using sulfated polysaccharide isolated from marine red algae (Porphyra vietnamensis). The obtained silver nanoparticles showed surface plasmon resonance centered at 404nm with average particle size measured to be 13±3nm. FTIR spectra revealed the involvement of sulfate moiety of polysaccharide for reduction of silver nitrate. The capping of anionic polysaccharide on the surface of nanoparticles was confirmed by zeta potential measurement (−35.05mV) and is responsible for the electrostatic stability. The silver nanoparticles were highly stable at wide range of pH (2–10) and electrolyte concentration (up to 10−2M of NaCl). The dose dependent effect of synthesized silver nanoparticles revealed strong antibacterial activity against gram negative bacteria as compared to gram positive bacteria.
Article
In this study four acidic polysaccharides (BRP-1, BRP-2, BPR-3 and BRP-4) were isolated from the aerial part of Basella rubra L. Sugar composition and methylation analyses indicated that both BRP-2 and BRP-4 were native pectins containing dominant homogalacturonan regions and minor ramified rhamnogalacturonan type I regions branched with arabinogalactan type II neutral side chains. They exhibited antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 by interfering with absorption and penetration of virus to host cells. The most abundant component, BRP-4, showed a high therapeutic efficacy in the mouse model infected intravaginally with herpes simplex virus type 2. Moreover, orally administered BRP-4 resulted in moderate therapeutic efficacy in the mice infected intranasally with influenza A virus, and was shown to stimulate the production of neutralizing antibody and the secretion of mucosal IgA in influenza virus-infected mice.
Article
The response surface methodology was employed to study the extraction of acidic polysaccharides from the stem of Ephedra sinica Stapf. The quantitative effects of extraction temperature, time, number and ratio of water to raw material on yield of ephedra acidic polysaccharides were investigated with Box–Behnken design. The experimental data were fitted to three second-order polynomial equations using multiple regression analysis and also analyzed using the appropriate statistical methods. By solving the regression equation and analyzing 3-D plots, the optimum condition was at extraction temperature 100°C, time 3.5h, numbers 4 and ratio of water to raw material 13.6. Under these conditions, the experimental extraction yield, polysaccharide yield and uronic acid yield were 49.47mg/g, 33.25mg/g, and 22.08mg/g, which were in good agreement with the predicted values. Ephedra acidic polysaccharide exhibited excellent anti-complement activity in vitro, indicating it could be a potential anti-complement therapeutic agent.
Article
Ultrasonic-aid extraction (UAE) was applied to the extraction of polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum and then the crude polysaccharides were purified by filtration, DEAE cellulose-52 chromatography and Sephadex G-100 size-exclusion chromatography in that order. Two main fractions, GP-1 and GP-2, were obtained through the extraction and purification steps. The characterizations, such as molecular weight, monosaccharides composition, ultraviolet spectrum and infrared spectrum of the two fractions were analyzed in this study. Furthermore, the influence of G. lucidum polysaccharides fractions upon activation of macrophage cell (RAW 264.7) and antitumor activities to the human breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) in vitro were evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The results indicated that GP-1 and GP-2 can increase the proliferation and pinocytic activity of macrophage significantly and play an inhibited effect on the cancer cell, moreover, the antitumor activity of the GP-1 and GP-2 increased with the participation of the antitumor factors induced from macrophage by polysaccharides fractions.
Article
Crude exopolysaccharides (LCP) were isolated from skim milk fermented by Lactobacillus casei LC2W and fractionated into three fractions (LCP1, LCP2 and LCP3) with the ratios of 35.74%, 12.61% and 33.34% (w/w) based on LCP, respectively. The molecular weight, polydispersity, intrinsic viscosity and radius of gyration of three fractions were determined by high-performance size exclusion chromatography, and monosaccharide compositions were analyzed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography. The antihypertensive effects of exopolysaccharides were evaluated using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR were randomized into four groups (eight rats per group) and fed with the test samples (LCP1, LCP2 and LCP3) at the daily dosage of 15mgkg−1 (body weight) and saline for 7 days. The results showed only LCP1 could decrease significantly the systolic blood pressure of SHR (P
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This work reports the effects of a sulfated polysaccharide (SP-Sf), isolated from the seaweed Solieria filiformis and characterized by Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), on nociception and inflammation. Male Swiss mice were pretreated with SP-Sf 30 min before receiving an injection of 0.8% acetic acid, 1% formalin or 30 min prior to a thermal stimulus. We observed that SP-Sf (1, 3 or 9 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes. SP-Sf also reduced the second phase of the formalin test and did not cause a significant antinociceptive effect in the hot plate test, suggesting that its antinociceptive action occurs through a peripheral mechanism. SP-Sf (1, 3 or 9 mg/kg) did not show a significant anti-inflammatory effect in Wistar rats when administrated by the systemic route 1 h before testing using carrageenan or dextran. Finally, SP-Sf (9 mg/kg) did not show significant signs of toxicity when administrated in mice.Highlights► SP-Sf showed antinociceptive action through a peripheral mechanism. ► SP-Sf did not show a significant anti-inflammatory effect. ► SP-Sf did not show significant signs of toxicity when administrated in mice. ► The FT-IR spectra of SP-Sf (F I) showed characteristic of κ-carrageenan.
Article
In order to develop new anticoagulants as potential heparin alternatives, two pullulans with different molecular weight (MW) were used as starting polymers for the partial synthesis of a structurally new class of sulfated polysaccharides. Sulfation of these linear α-1,4-/1,6-glucans was carried out by a method with a SO3–pyridine complex in DMF, which had been optimized for the modification of β-1,3-glucans. Modifications of this methods resulted in pullulan sulfates with degrees of sulfation (DS) ranging from 0.17 to 1.99 and MW between 15 and 250 kDa. More than 50% of the sulfate groups were bound to the secondary C atoms in positions 2, 3 and 4 of the glucose monomers. The anticoagulant activity of the obtained pullulan sulfates was determined in the coagulation assays prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), Heptest® and thrombin time (TT). They represent potent anticoagulants reaching the efficacy of heparin. Their activity not only improves with increasing DS and MW, but also with increasing part of sulfate groups in positions 2, 3 and 4. In addition, their action profile changes in dependence on their individual structure as reflected by the ratio of the TT- to the APTT-activity. The pullulan sulfates specifically interfere with different stages of the coagulation cascade, and these interactions have different requirements on the chemical structure.
Article
Sequential optimization strategy based on statistical experimental designs was employed to enhance glucan production by Leuconostoc dextranicum NRRL B-1146 in flask culture. A two-level Plackett–Burman design was employed first where 11 variables were studied for their influence on glucan production. Sucrose, peptone and yeast extract were the most significant variables improving glucan production. A three-level Box–Behnken factorial design was employed for maximizing the glucan production. A mathematical model was developed to show the effects of each medium component and their combinatorial interactions on glucan production. The optimal medium composition for maximum glucan production was sucrose 5.95%, peptone 0.52% and yeast extract 2.9%. This composition predicted 1063 mg/l glucan, the experimentally found glucan was 1015 ± 4.5 mg/l that showed a good agreement with the predicted value. The purified glucan was homogenous and its structural characteristics investigated by FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques showed that it contained α-(1 → 6) and α-(1 → 4) linkages.
Article
A simple and rapid method is described for the preparation of alditol acetates from monosaccharides. It can be performed in a single tube without transfers or evaporations. Monosaccharides are reduced with sodium borohydride in dimethyl sulphoxide and the resulting alditols acetylated using 1-methylimidazole as the catalyst. Removal of borate is unnecessary and acetylation is complete in 10 min at room temperature. Monosaccharides are quantitatively reduced and acetylated by this procedure. The alditol acetates are completely separated by glass-capillary, gas-liquid chromatography on Silar 10C. The method has been applied to the analysis of monosaccharides in acid hydrolysates of a plant cell-wall.
Article
The antitumor activities of extracted polysaccharide fractions from the stems of Dendrobium nobile Lindl were investigated. Polysaccharides were sequentially extracted from the stems of D. nobile to obtain three fractions, i.e. water extract fraction (DNP-W), 5% NaOH extract fraction (DNP-OH) and 5% HCl extract fraction (DNP-H). Further the DNP-W was isolated to give six sub-fractions (DNP-W1, DNP-W2, DNP-W3, DNP-W4, DNP-W5 and DNP-W6) by anion-exchange chromatography. The monosaccharide profile, protein content, uronic acid content, total carbohydrate content, viscosity and molecular weight of nine polysaccharide fractions were analyzed. Both the in vivo and in vitro antitumor activities of nine polysaccharide fractions were evaluated and compared. Results indicated that DNP-W1 and DNP-W3 exhibited high antitumor activities against Sarcoma 180 in vivo and HL-60 in vitro. The results suggested that DNP-W1 and DNP-W3 could be considered as an effective natural antitumor source.
Article
Polysaccharides were sequentially extracted from Gracilaria corticata which is collected from south-west coast of Madagascar. Chemical analysis combined with 1H, 13C NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies showed that the fraction extracted with water/ethanol 60% (v/v) as solvent has low methoxyl and pyruvate contents and a great ability to form relatively strong physical gels in the presence of KCl. Rheological properties of extracted fractions are discussed as well as the ionic selectivity.
Article
Lacquer polysaccharide (LP) was isolated and purified from the sap of the lac tree (Rhus vernicifera). Five sulfated lacquer polysaccharide (LPS), with various molecular weights (Mw) and degrees of sulfation (DS) were prepared by the reaction of LP with sulfur trioxide–pyridine complex (SO3·Py) in DMSO. The structure of LPS was analyzed by GPC, UV–vis, FT-IR and 13C NMR spectroscopy; the Mw of LPS was in the range of 0.78–1.58 × 104, DS varied from 0.22 to 0.58, and unsaturated bond presence was observed by FT-IR. Antioxidant assays showed that LPS antioxidant activities were related to Mw, DS and unsaturated bond presence. One LPS, with moderate Mw and DS, showed the best antioxidant capacities, its reducing capacity was 0.61 at 500 μg/mL, scavenging ability for superoxide and hydroxyl radical were 56.4% at 500 μg/mL, 55.6% at 1000 μg/mL, respectively. The data obtained in in vitro models establish the antioxidant potential of LPS for application in pharmaceuticals. The LPS may be a promising antioxidant in vitro.
Article
Simple sugars, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and their derivatives, including the methyl ethers with free or potentially free reducing groups, give an orange-yellow color when treated with phenol and concentrated sulfuric acid. The reaction is sensitive and the color is stable. By use of this phenol-sulfuric acid reaction, a method has been developed to determine submicro amounts of sugars and related substances. In conjunction with paper partition chromatography the method is useful for the determination of the composition of polysaccharides and their methyl derivatives.
Article
Sulfated polysaccharides are good candidates for drug discovery in the treatment of herpetic infections. Agaricus brasiliensis (syn A. subrufescens, A. blazei) is a Basidiomycete fungus native to the Atlantic forest region of Southeastern Brazil. Herein we report the chemical modification of a polysaccharide extracted from A. brasiliensis mycelia to obtain its sulfated derivative (MI-S), which presented a promising inhibitory activity against HSV-1 [KOS and 29R (acyclovir-resistant) strains] and HSV-2 strain 333, with selectivity indices (SI = CC50/IC50) higher than 439, 208, and 562, respectively. The mechanisms underlying this inhibitory activity were scrutinized by plaque assay with different methodological strategies. MI-S had no virucidal effects, but inhibited HSV-1 and HSV-2 attachment, penetration, and cell-to-cell spread, as well as reducing the expression of HSV-1 ICP27, UL42, gB, and gD proteins. MI-S also presented synergistic antiviral effect with acyclovir. These results suggest that MI-S presents multiple modes of anti-HSV action.
Article
In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of a tumor vaccine prepared from H22 hepatocarcinoma cells induced by cartilage polysaccharide. We found out there were specific antigens which combined with antigen-specific antibodies from immune murine serum. Results of western blot analysis showed that about 36 kDa make specific antibodies appeared specific antibodies in antiserum of immune mice, whereas the best immune effects became visible at the induction time of 48 h. Analyses of 2-dimensional electrophoresis identified the specific antigen was annexin A2, which was a glycosylated protein that contained a glycosylation site, closely related to oncogenesis, cancer development, invasion and metastasis. Proteomics indicated that both quantity and conformation of annexin A2 were changed after induced by cartilage polysaccharide. Lastly, we found there was a major increase of annexin A2 mRNA on H22 cells induced by cartilage polysaccharide. In summary, our data suggested that annexin A2, a specific antigen played a key role in antitumor immune response and activating the immune system. It would be a potential type of tumor vaccine which provided new ideas for tumor immunoprophylaxis.
Article
We aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of wheat bran arabinoxylans, including the role of its immunostimulatory effect. In S180 tumor-bearing mice arabinoxylan administration significantly inhibited the growth of mouse transplantable tumors and remarkably promoted thymus and spleen indexes, splenocyte proliferation, natural killer cell and macrophage phagocytosis activity, interleukin 2 production, and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. In addition, it increased peripheral leukocyte count, and bone-marrow cellularity in tumor-bearing mice. As the antitumor activity of arabinoxylans may be mediated via the improvement in the immune response, they can be considered an antitumor agent with immunomodulatory activity.
Article
The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effect of a mycelial culture from Phellinus linteus PL-7 (MCPL-7) and to elucidate its potential mechanism in vivo. SCID CB-17 mice received a transplant of Hep3B cells followed by daily MCPL-7 administrations for 8 weeks. Following tumor implantation, groups C-E were subcutaneously administered 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or 250 mg/kg MCPL-7 powder per day, respectively, for 8 weeks. Groups A and B received saline solution subcutaneously for 8 weeks. MCPL-7 administration induced a significant reduction in tumor size and was associated with a significant increase in T cell numbers; IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion; NK cell activity; and phagocytic ability. Therefore, increased numbers of CD4(+) cells could have been caused by greater numbers of dendritic cells and macrophages in the spleen. Furthermore, the activation of dendritic cells and macrophages resulted in increased IL-12 secretion, which could upregulate NK cell activation. The increased secretion of IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α enhanced the activity and phagocytic ability of NK cells. Thus, MCPL-7 may provide a potential therapeutic approach for both immunomodulatory and antitumor effects.
Article
New innovative therapies are urgently required in order to combat the high mortality and morbidity associated with advanced cancers. Antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy using peptide-based vaccination has emerged as an attractive approach for the control of cancers due to its simplicity and easy preparation. However, such an approach requires the employment of suitable adjuvants. In the current study, we explored the employment of a sulfated polysaccharide compound from red algae, carrageenan (CGN) as an adjuvant for their ability to generate antigen-specific immune responses and antitumor effects in mice vaccinated with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E7 peptide vaccine. We found that carrageenan can significantly enhance the E7-specific immune responses generated by E7 peptide vaccination via the TLR4 activation pathway. In addition, carrageenan could enhance the protective and therapeutic antitumor effects generated by E7 peptide vaccination against E7-expressing tumors. Furthermore, the observed enhancement was not restricted to E7 antigen but was also applicable to other antigenic systems. We also found that other structurally similar compounds to CGN, such as dextran, also generated similar immune enhancement. Thus, our data suggest that CGN and its structurally related compounds may serve as innovative adjuvants for enhancing peptide-based vaccine potency.
Article
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of agar from Gracilaria vermiculophylla, produced in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system, from Ria de Aveiro (northwestern Portugal), was tested and optimized using response surface methodology. The influence of the MAE operational parameters (extraction time, temperature, solvent volume and stirring speed) on the physical and chemical properties of agar (yield, gel strength, gelling and melting temperatures, as well as, sulphate and 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose contents) was evaluated in a 2(4) orthogonal composite design. The quality of the extracted agar compared favorably with the attained using traditional extraction (2 h at 85 degrees Celsius) while reducing drastically extraction time, solvent consumption and waste disposal requirements. Agar MAE optimum results were: an yield of 14.4 + or - 0.4%, a gel strength of 1331 + or - 51 g/cm(2), 40.7 + or - 0.2 degrees Celsius gelling temperature, 93.1 + or - 0.5 degrees Celsius melting temperature, 1.73 + or - 0.13% sulfate content and 39.4 + or - 0.3% 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose content. Furthermore, this study suggests the feasibility of the exploitation of G. vermiculophylla grew in IMTA systems for agar production.
Article
Major advances have been made in the field of immunology in the past two decades. A better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling the immune system has opened the door to many innovative and promising new cancer therapies that manipulate the immune response. For instance, toll-like receptor agonists have been shown to boost immune responses toward tumors. Also, a wide array of cell-based immunotherapies utilizing T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells have been established. Furthermore, a rapidly expanding repertoire of monoclonal antibodies is being developed to treat tumors, and many of the available antibodies have demonstrated impressive clinical responses. Here, we examine some of these immunotherapeutic approaches currently in use or testing to treat cancer, and we examine available evidence with regards to mechanism and efficacy of these treatments.
Article
Some experimental methodologies require the quantification of protein in the presence of polymers like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and dextran (DEX). In the aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) extraction of biomolecules, the interference of these phase-forming polymers on the Bradford quantification assay is commonly recognized. However, how these polymers interfere has not been reported hitherto. In this study we show that while dextran concentrations of 20% (w/w) can be used without error, loss of accuracy occurs for solutions with PEG concentrations >10% (w/w). Above this value a substantial decrease on the assay sensitivity is observed.
Article
Our previous work showed that SEP, a novel glucan isolated from the eggs of sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus nudus, had remarkable anti-tumor activity. To elucidate the mechanism of the anti-tumor activity, the immunomodulatory activity of SEP was investigated. The in vivo experiment results showed that SEP remarkably enhanced spleen and thymus index in S180-bearing mice, and also stimulated ConA-induced splenocyte proliferation. Immunomodulatory activity assay in vitro indicated SEP could significantly enhance the mouse splenocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. According to comitogenic activity tests, SEP showed significant comitogenic activities and adjuvant properties. We also demonstrated that SEP had a unique mode of immunostimulation with regard to its cell-type specificity. In other words, SEP markedly stimulated B and T cell proliferation, however the influence on B cells was greatly weaker than that on T cells. IL-2, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma mRNA expression was upregulated after the mouse splenocytes were treated by SEP, indicating that Th1 cell was the primary cellular target affected by SEP on T lymphocyte. SEP enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO), upregulated mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in peritoneal macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SEP did not show direct toxicity to tumor cells. Consequently, the anti-tumor effect of SEP was related to stimulating host immunity/enhancing the immune system functions, which may mainly result from SEP activating lymphocytes and macrophages and stimulating secretion of some cytokines.
Article
Rosacelose, a new anti-HIV polysaccharide composed of glucose and fucose sulfate, has been isolated from an aqueous extract of the marine sponge Mixylla rosacea. Extensive use of 1H and 13C multidimensional NMR spectroscopy, combined with chemical analysis were used to establish a linear polysaccharide structure composed mainly of 4,6-disulfated 3-O-glycosylated alpha-D-glucopyranosyl and 2,4-disulfated 3-O-glycosylated alpha-L-fucopyranosyl residues (in a 3:1 molar ratio).
Article
Infrared spectra have been recorded for sulphate esters of d-glucose, d-galactose and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine prepared by definitive and direct esterification. By comparing the spectra of the authentic 6-O-sulphate esters and the corresponding monosulphate esters prepared by direct esterification, evidence has been obtained supporting the location of the sulphate group on position 6 of the pyranose ring in the latter compounds. A similar spatial position for the sulphate group in N-acetyl-d-galactosamine monosulphate is suggested by the infrared spectrum of this ester. Infrared spectroscopic examination also supports the assignment of the sulphate group to position 6 of the d-galactose moiety of cerebron sulphate.
Article
Ulvan, a sulfated polysaccharide from Ulva pertusa, was degraded to yield two low molecular weight fractions U1 and U2. The molecular weights of ulvan and its fractions were determined and varied from 151.6 to 28.2 kDa. They were fed to rats on a hypercholesterolemic diet for 21 days to evaluate and compare the antihyperlipidemic actions. Ulvan-based diet significantly lowered the levels of serum total cholesterol (-45.2%, P<0.05) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol, -54.1%, P<0.05). While U1- and U2-based diets significantly elevated the levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol, +22.0% for U1, not significant; +61.0% for U2; P<0.05) and reduced triglyceride (TG, -82.4% for U1, -77.7% for U2; P<0.05) in rats as compared to control diet. In addition, consumptions of various ulvans significantly increased fecal bile acid excrement. The results indicated that ulvans with different molecular weights exhibited diverse effects on lipid metabolism. The high molecular weight ulvan was effective in serum total and LDL-cholesterol, whereas low molecular weight fractions were in TG and HDL-cholesterol. The fractions were considered to be more beneficial to hyperlipidemia associated with diabetes over ulvan.
Article
The effect of season on yield and physical properties of agars extracted from Gracia gracilis and G. bursa-pastoris were determined. The agar yield from G. gracilis was maximum during spring (30%) and minimum during autumn (19%). In G. bursa-pastoris, the agar yield was greatest in summer (36%) and lowest in winter (23%). Agar yield from G. bursa-pastoris was positively correlated with temperature (r=0.94; P<0.01) and salinity (r=0.97; P<0.01) and negatively with nitrogen content (r=-0.93; P<0.01). Agar gel strengths fluctuated from 229 to 828 gcm(-2) and 23 to 168 gcm(-2) for G. gracilis and G. bursa-pastoris, respectively. The gelling temperature showed significant seasonal variation for both species. Chemical analysis of agar from the two seaweeds indicated variation in 3,6-anhydrogalactose and sulfate content (P<0.01). Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between the two chemical variables. In general, agar extracted from G. gracilis possessed better qualities than agar extracted from G. bursa-pastoris and can be considered a candidate for industrial use.
Article
The roots from Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. (Baccharoides adoensis var. kotschyana (Sch. Bip. ex Walp.) M.A. Isawumi, G.El-Ghazaly & B. Nordenstam) (Asteraceae) are used in Malian folk medicine for the treatment of gastritis, gastro duodenal ulcers, as an aid to ameliorate digestion and as a wound healing remedy. Since a common feature among these conditions is related to immune responses, immunomodulating activities of fractions isolated from both the 50 degrees C and the 100 degrees C water extracts from Vernonia kotschyana were investigated in this study. The active principles were identified as acidic polysaccharide fractions, containing pectic arabinogalactan type II structures, which showed both complement fixing ability and T-cell independent induction of B-cell proliferation in vitro. Some activity was also observed on macrophages. The present study may provide additional support for the popular use of this plant to improve intestinal health.
Article
Gracilaria cervicornis, Gracilaria blodgettii and Gracilaria crassissima growing along the coasts of Yucatán were investigated for their agar content. The effect of different concentrations of NaOH in the alkali treatment was evaluated. The three species of Gracilaria produced agars, both native and alkali treated, with different properties confirming the heterogeneity of the agar polymers in this genera. G. cervicornis produces agar polymers with an occurrence of methoxylation and sulphation at the C-6 of the beta-D-galactose residues, and with an extra methylation due to the presence of the 4-O-methyl-alpha-L-galactose residue. The presences of these residues is responsible for the extremely poor gelling ability of its agarocolloids, whose commercial value seems to be quite low. Agar extracts from G. blodgettii showed the typical pattern of unsubstituted agar with a very low degree of methylation on both galactose residues. The discrepancy found between sulphate content and NMR data of agar from this species requires a more detailed structural investigation. G. crassissima produces a good quality agar after sulphate precursor sequences have been removed by alkaline treatment, and it may be considered for exploitation as a source of commercial grade agar. Alkali treatment was effective both in removing alkali-labile sulphate and increasing the gel strength in G. crassissima but not in G. cervicornis and G. blodgettii.
Article
The present investigation deals with the isolation of a polysaccharide fraction from Pomegranate (PFP), which was found to inhibit 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azinobis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate] ABTS(+) radical activities by 69% and 88%, respectively with 4 microg/ml concentration. The activity of PFP for free radical scavenging was also evaluated by electron spin resonance (ESR) Spectrophotometer and DPPH dot blot test. Anti-glycation ability of PFP was tested using BSA, which inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by 28% and also inhibited the formation of fructosamine in the BSA/Glucose system. The inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase by 43% at 10 microg/ml concentration of PFP strongly suggested its efficacy as a possible skin whitener.
Article
A water-soluble galactomannan consisting of D-galactose and D-mannose in the molar ratio 3:2 has been isolated from the seeds of Cassia angustifolia. Hydrolytic fission of the methylated polysaccharide resulted in three methylated sugars: (a) 2, 3-di- O-methyl- D-mannose, (b) 2, 3, 4-tri- O-methyl- D-galactose, and (c) 2, 3, 4, 6-tetra- O-methyl- D-galactose in the molar ratio 2:1:2. Partial acid hydrolysis of the polysaceharide afforded five oligosaccharides: (a) epimelibiose, (b) galactobiosylmannose, (c) mannobiose, (d) mannotriose, and (e) galactobiose. Periodate oxidation of the polysaceharide indicated 59.7% end group while methylation gave 60%. Sodium borohydride reduction of the periodate oxidised polysaceharide and subsequent hydrolysis revealed the presence of (1-->4) and (1-->6)-glycosidic bonds. Thus, the main chain of the galactomannan was found to consist of (1-->4)-linked mannoypyranosyl units having beta-glycosidic bonds while (1-->6)-linked alpha-glycosidically bonded galactopyranosyl units form the branching points.
Article
Water-soluble acidic polysaccharides from the cell walls of Ulva rigida are mainly composed of disaccharides that contain glucuronic acid and sulphated rhamnose. The structure of disaccharides resembles that of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) as they both contain glucuronic acid and sulphated sugars. Glycosaminoglycans occur in the extracellular matrix of animal connective tissues but can also be produced by leucocytes at inflammatory sites. Certain types of GAGs can even activate macrophages and therefore the acidic polysaccharides from U. rigida probably modulate macrophage activity. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of U. rigida polysaccharides on several RAW264.7 murine macrophage activities, including expression of inflammatory cytokines and receptors, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) production, and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS-2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression. U. rigida acidic polysaccharides induced a more than two-fold increase in the expression of several chemokines (chemokine (C motif) ligand 1, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 22 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14 (Cxcl14)) and in the expression of IL6 signal transducer and IL12 receptor beta 1. Incubation of macrophages with U. rigida polysaccharides also induced an increase in nitrite production, although this effect decreased considerably after desulphation of polysaccharides, suggesting that the sulphate group is important for the stimulatory capacity of these molecules. U. rigida polysaccharides also stimulated macrophage secretion of PGE(2) and induced an increase in COX-2 and NOS-2 expression. The results indicate that U. rigida acid polysaccharide can be used as an experimental immunostimulant for analysing inflammatory responses related to macrophage functions. In addition, these polysaccharides may also be of clinical interest for modifying certain macrophage activities in diseases where macrophage function is impaired or needs to be boosted.
Article
The leaves of Artemisia species have been traditionally used for prevention and treatment of a number of diseases. In this study, five polysaccharide fractions (designated A-I-A-V) were isolated from the leaves of Artemisia tripartita Rydb. by the sequential use of hot-water extraction, ethanol precipitation, ultra-filtration, and chromatography. The homogeneity and average molecular weight of each fraction were determined by high performance size-exclusion chromatography. Sugar composition analysis revealed that Artemisia polysaccharides consisted primarily of xylose, glucose, arabinose, galactose, and galactosamine. Moreover, all fractions contained at least 3.4% sulfate, and fractions A-II-A-V contained an arabinogalactan type II structure. All fractions exhibited macrophage-activating activity, enhancing production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and release of nitric oxide, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1. In addition, all fractions exhibited scavenging activity for reactive oxygen species generated enzymatically or produced extracellularly by human neutrophils. Finally, fractions A-I and A-V exhibited complement-fixing activity. Taken together, our results provide a molecular basis to explain at least part of the beneficial therapeutic effects of Artemisia extracts, and suggest the possibility of using Artemisia polysaccharides as an immunotherapeutic adjuvant.