0 Glyconutrients

Background Fucoidan extract (FE), an enzymatically digested compound with a low molecular weight, is extracted from brown seaweed. As a natural compound with various actions, FE is attractive, especially in Asian countries, for improving the therapeutic efficacy and safety of cancer treatment. The present study was carried out to investigate the anti-tumor properties of FE in human carcinoma cells and further examine the underlying mechanisms of its activities. Methodology/Principal Finding FE inhibits the growth of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, and HT1080 cells. FE-mediated apoptosis in MCF-7 cancer cells is accompanied by DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, and phosphatidylserine exposure. FE induces mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) through loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and regulation of the expression of Bcl-2 family members. Release of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and cytochrome c precedes MMP. AIF release causes DNA fragmentation, the final stage of apoptosis, via a caspase-independent mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, FE was found to induce phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and apoptosis was found to be attenuated by inhibition of JNK. Furthermore, FE-mediated apoptosis was found to involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are responsible for the decrease of ΔΨm and phosphorylation of JNK, p38, and ERK1/2 kinases. Conclusions/Significance These data suggest that FE activates a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway in MCF-7 cancer cells through activation of ROS-mediated MAP kinases and regulation of the Bcl-2 family protein-mediated mitochondrial pathway. They also provide evidence that FE deserves further investigation as a natural anticancer and cancer preventive agent.

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Fucoidan, the complex fucose-containing sulphated polysaccharide varies considerably in structure, composition, and bioactivity, depending on the source, species, seasonality, and extraction method. In this study, we examined five fucoidans extracted from the same seaweed species Undaria pinnatifida but from different geological locations, and compared them to the laboratory-grade fucoidan from Sigma (S). The five products differed in molecular composition. The amount of over 2 kDa low molecular weight fraction (LMWF) of the New Zealand crude fucoidan (S1) was larger than that of S, and this fraction was unique, compared to the other four fucoidans. The difference of molecular compositions between S and S1 explained our previous observation that S1 exhibited different anticancer profile in some cancer cell lines, compared with S. Since we observed this unique LMWF, we compared the cytotoxic effects of a LMWF and a high molecular weight fucoidan (HMWF) in two breast cancer cell lines—MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Results indicated that the molecular weight is a critical factor in determining the anti-cancer potential of fucoidan, from the New Zealand U. pinnatifida, as the LMWF exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition on the proliferation of breast cancer cells, significantly better than the HMWF, in both cell lines. A time-dependent inhibition was only observed in the MCF-7. Induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis was observed in the MDA-MB-231 cells, through the intrinsic apoptosis pathway alone, or with the extrinsic pathway. LMWF stimulated a dose-dependent NOS activation in the MDA-MB-231 cells. In conclusion, the fucoidan extracted from the New Zealand U. pinnatifida contains a unique LMWF, which could effectively inhibit the growth of breast cancer cell lines. Therefore, the LMWF from New Zealand U. pinnatifida could be used as a supplement cancer treatment.

Inflammation induces pancreatic islet cell apoptosis. Effects of fucoidan from Acaudina molpadioides (Am-FUC) on inhibition of pancreatic islet cell apoptosis and inflammation in type 2 diabetic mice were investigated. Am-FUC repaired pancreatic islet cells, decreased serum C-reactive protein (CRP), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP-1), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and increased the IL-10 level. Am-FUC also reduced TNF-α, CRP, MIP-1, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA expressions, and increased IL-10 mRNA expression in epididymal adipose tissues. Am-FUC reduced Bid, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3 mRNA expressions, and increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL mRNA expressions. Am-FUC down-regulated t-Bid, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase 9 activities, cleaved caspase 3 proteins, and up-regulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins. Thus, an Am-FUCblocked mitochondrial pathway was the suppression mechanism in pancreatic islet cell apoptosis via regulation of inflammatory cytokines providing dietary intervention in type 2 diabetes and inflammation-induced pancreatic islet apoptosis.

Estrogen deficiencies associated with menopause accelerate spontaneous skin aging and stimulate the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation-induced photoaging of skin. However, food compositions with the potent...

Antibiotic treatment, as an important therapeutic intervention, can cause damage to the host microbiome and the intestinal mucosal barrier. In order to find a way to alleviate the side effects of antibiotics, the present study investigated the effects of fucoidan (ANP) isolated from Ascophyllum nodosum on gu

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Ecklonia maxima, an endemic South African seaweed, is a potential source of beneficial bioactive compounds. Among these compounds, fucoidan, a sulphat…

The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of acacia gum (E 414) as a food additive. In the EU, acacia gum has not bee...

Structural and rheological characterization of reconstituted hydrogels developed from A. vera non-fibrous alcohol insoluble residue (NFAIR) powder using different methods [viz., shaking (S), heating-shaking (HS), and heating (H)] and concentrations (viz., 0.2–1.6 %, w/v) was carried out. Functional group distribution by FTIR spectroscopy and Congo red (CR) method revealed the presence of acetylated acemannan in A. vera powder. Dynamic oscillation studies of A. vera (NFAIR) fluids at all concentrations of 0.2–1.6 %, w/v, showed gel strength in the order of H > HS > S method. However, in H method, increase in concentration from 0.2 to 1.6 %, w/v showed the conformational transition from semi-diluted solution to weak gel nature. Rheological models described the effect of heating temperatures (HT); 30–90 °C, and times (Ht); 15–60 min on viscoelastic behavior in reconstituted A. vera fluids. The reconstituted A. vera hydrogel prepared with a concentration of 1.6 %, w/v using 50 °C (HT) and 30 min (Ht) condition showed a good agreement with the Power law (storage modulus, G′) and Weak gel model (complex modulus, G*) fitted data (R2 > 0.94) resulting higher viscoelastic moduli intercepts; G′0 (71.5 Pa s n′), G″0 (33.5 Pa s n″), lower slopes; n′ (0.22), n″ (0.06), higher network strength (A F , 121.3 Pa s1/z ) and number of network (z, 5.3) values. The obtained results suggested that heating at 50 °C/30 min can develop aqueous weak gel networks of A. vera with enhanced gel strength which may be utilized as a novel gelling agent for wide variety of targeted applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Fucoidan is a marine-origin sulfated polysaccharide that can show anticancer activity, to which both pro- and anti-angiogenic responses have been repo…

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. As the clinical utility of current therapies is limited, the development of new therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of HBV infection is imperative. Fucoidan is a natural sulfated polysaccharide that extracted from different species of brown seaweed, which was reported to exhibit various bioactivities. However, it remains unclear whether fucoidan influences HBV replication or not. Methods The HBV-infected mouse model was established by hydrodynamic injection of HBV replicative plasmid, and the mice were treated with saline or fucoidan respectively. Besides, we also tested the inhibitory effect of fucoidan against HBV infection in HBV-transfected cell lines. Results The result showed that fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus decreased serum HBV DNA, HBsAg and HBeAg levels and hepatic HBcAg expression in HBV-infected mice. Moreover, fucoidan treatment also suppressed intracellular HBcAg expression and the secretion of the HBV DNA as well as HBsAg and HBeAg in HBV-expressing cells. Furthermore, we proved that the inhibitory activity by fucoidan was due to the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and the subsequent production of type I interferon. Using specific inhibitor of ERK pathway abrogated the fucoidan-mediated inhibition of HBV replication. Conclusion This study highlights that fucoidan might be served as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of HBV infection.

Symbiotic effect of butyrate-producing endophytic microbiota and Aloe vera gel containing non-digestible carbohydrates was discussed on slowing ageing design: butyrate efficacy for insulin sensitivity, sirtuin activation through histone deacetylase inhibitors in vitro study. Possible putative efficacy of butyrate fermented by endophytic microbiota for insulin sensitivity on glucose homeostasis is discussed.

Fucoidan from sea cucumber is reported to exhibit anti-hyperglycaemic effect, but its influence on pancreatic islets is lacking. The effects of fucoid …

Fucoidan is a fucose-rich polysaccharide that has gained attention for its various anticancer properties. However, the effect and underlying mechanism…

Gum arabic (GA), a water-soluble dietary fiber rich in Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+, is used in Middle Eastern countries for the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease. Recent animal experiments shed some light into mechanisms involved in the therapeutic action of GA. According to experiments in healthy mice, GA treatment increases creatinine clear

AIM: Diet is a natural source of butyrate through the fermentation of non-digestive fiber, such as acemannan in Aloe vera gel, is a strong appearing target for health and quality of life as an immune modulation and colorectal cancer prevention in aged people. In our earlier research on fermentation by endophytic bacteria in Aloe vera gel, butyric acid was identified by GC/MSD analysis. Present investigation aims the identification of the microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The endophytic microbiota of Aloe vera gel in the fermented media were examined by use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The following microbiota were identified: Bacillus cereus, B. licheniformis, Lactobacillus paralimentarium, Yeast: Clavispora lusitaniae. The safety pattern of the prepared Aloe vera gel was tested on normal non-cancerous cells and indicated the absence of any significant possible toxicity on the cells. Also, the extracted gels showed abilities to regulate the inflammatory responses in the inflammation cell models via the reduction in the amount of induced reactive oxygen species and both COX 1 and 2 enzymes. DISCUSSIOIN: Identification of butyrate-producing endophytic microbiota in Aloe vera gel fermentation and finding of inflamatory as well as antioxidant activities of butyrate in the fermented gel may help explain the known beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal colon and on colitis. An innovative concept of symbiotics: a combination of Aloe vera gel juice and microbiota: Bacillus cereus, B.licheniformis. Lactobacillus paralimentarium and Clavispora lusitaniae, is a perspective on alleviation of cancer disease and improvement of gastrointestinal health by butyrate fermentation.

Poor pancreatic cancer (PC) prognosis has been attributed to its resistance to apoptosis and propensity for early systemic dissemination. Existing the…

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, continue to be the leading causes of deaths resulting in more than 17 million deaths each year worldwide. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) man...

Background Aloe’s reported bioactivities (anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound healing) suggest they might inhibit a subgroup of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) called gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). The goal of the present study was to compare the MMP inhibitory potential of two Aloe species, A. vera and A. arborescens. Methods Different types of extraction were tested and specific bioactive compounds were quantified. Cancer cell invasion inhibitory activities were measured in vitro using the wound healing assay in human colon cancer cells (HT29). Effects on gelatinase activities were further assessed by dye-quenched gelatin and gelatin zymography. Results Different types of extraction yielded significantly different levels of bioactivities and of bioactive compounds, which might be due to a greater amount of extractable bioactive compounds such as anthraquinones. Both A. arborescens and A. vera have potential as inhibitory agents in cancer cell proliferation via MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymatic activity inhibition, being able to reduce colon cancer cell proliferation and migration but A. arborescens showed to be a more effective inhibitor of cancer cell migration than A. vera. Conclusion This work opens novel perspectives on the mode of action of Aloe species in cancer cell migration and may provide clues as to why there are so many conflicting results on Aloe’s activities.

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from brown seaweeds, has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in mice…

Despite major scientific advances in its prevention, treatment and care, hypertension remains a serious condition that might lead to long-term complications such as heart disease and stroke. The great majority of forms of hypertension eventually result from an increased vasomotor tone activity that is regula

Fucoidans are a class of sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides found in brown marine algae and echinoderms. Fucoidans have an attractive array of bioactivities and potential applications including immune modulation, cancer inhibition, and pathogen inhibition. ...

Study of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Crude Methanol Extract and Fractions of Acacia seyal Gum, Ahmed AM Elnour,Mohamed ES Mirghani,Kabbashi NA, Md Al

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide widely distributed in brown seaweed. It exhibits several bioactivities, such as anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant properties. However, the effects of fucoidan in chondrocytes are not well established. Previously, we have reported in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of fucoidan. In this study, we evaluated the effects and regulatory mechanism of fucoidan derived from Undaria pinnatifida on the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and type II collagen in rabbit articular chondrocytes. Using western blotting and alcian blue staining, respectively, fucoidan was shown to induce type II collagen and sulfated proteoglycan in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, fucoidan inhibited the COX-2 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner and increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and AKT kinases in chondrocytes. The inhibition of p38 and AKT using SB203580 and LY294002, respectively, in the presence of fucoidan decreased the expression of type II collagen. However, ERK inhibition using PD98050 stimulated type II collagen expression. Fucoidan increased COX-2 expression in the presence of inhibitors of ERK, p38, and AKT kinases. These results conclusively suggested that fucoidan regulated type II collagen expression via the p38 and AKT pathways, and COX-2 expression via the p38, ERK and AKT pathways in rabbit articular chondrocytes. Moreover, given its ability to mediate cell differentiation and exert anti-inflammatory activity, fucoidan may represent a potential therapeutic substance for use in inflammatory conditions, including arthritis.

The use of fucoidan, a marine-origin bioactive polymer, is herein proposed as a component of an innovative and effective strategy against melanoma, one of the most aggressive skin cancers. First, fucoidan antitumor activity, in its soluble form, was assessed presenting increased cytotoxicity over melanoma cells when compared to human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. After this antitumor activity validation and trying to develop a more targeted and local strategy aiming to diminish the cytotoxic effects over noncancer cells, fucoidan was immobilized at the surface of an electrospun nanofiber mesh (NFM_Fu), envisioning the development of a therapeutic patch. The maximum immobilization concentration was 1.2 mg mL–1, determined by the Toluidine Blue Assay and confirmed by XPS. Furthermore, NFM_Fu is more hydrophilic than NFM, presenting a contact angle of 36°, lower than the 121° of the control condition. NFM_Fu was able to reduce human melanoma cell viability by 50% without affecting human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Taken together, these results set the basis for a valuable approach for melanoma treatment.