0 Glyconutrients

The crude fucoidan extracted during hydrothermal treatment of Sargassum muticum was fractionated in a sequence of membranes (100 to 5 kDa) operating a…

Administration of 20% acetic acid can induce gastric inflammation, increase leukocyte adherence in postcapillary venule and TNF-alpha level and reduce IL-10 level. Aloe vera treatment can reduce leukocyte adherence and TNF-alpha level, elevate IL-10 level and promote gastric ulcer healing.

Gut microbiota (GM) is considered to play an important role in obesity. Additionally, the impact of dietary fiber (DF) consumption on GM has been well established. Brown seaweeds are known to be a rich source of DF. However, the effect of insoluble DFs (IDFs) alone from brown seaweed on obesity and GM remain

The combination of bioceramics with biopolymers are playing major role in the construction of artificial bone. Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been extensivel…

Purpose: Inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA) has been characterized by infiltration of immune cells and secretion of cytokines into synovial tissues. Also, noradrenaline levels, sympathetic nerve fiber distribution and β2-AR expression in the bone of rats have been associated with subchondral bone loss and increased osteoclast activity. All these data suggest the participation of the adrenergic and immune systems in the development and evolution of OA. However, the relationship among the systemic adrenergic and immune systems activation with the OA progression and treatment response is much less well known.

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Fucoidan (Fuc), a natural polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed algae, and gelatin (Gel) were conjugated to form a template for preparation of biomimetic scaffolds for potential applications in bone tissue regeneration. To the Fuc–Gel we then incorporated the peptide sequence MTNYDEAAMAIASLN (MTN) derived from the E-F hand domain, known for its calcium binding properties. To mimic the components of the extracellular matrix of bone tissue, the Fuc–Gel–MTN assemblies were incubated in simulated body fluid (SBF) to induce biomineralization, resulting in the formation of β-tricalcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The formed Fuc–Gel–MTN–beta–TCP/HAP scaffolds were found to display an average Young’s Modulus value of 0.32 GPa (n = 5) with an average surface roughness of 91 nm. Rheological studies show that the biomineralized scaffold exhibited higher storage and loss modulus compared to the composites formed before biomineralization. Thermal phase changes were studied through DSC and TGA analysis. XRD and EDS analyses indicated a biphasic mixture of β-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite and the composition of the scaffold. The scaffold promoted cell proliferation, differentiation and displayed actin stress fibers indicating the formation of cell-scaffold matrices in the presence of MT3C3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts. Osteogenesis and mineralization were found to increase with Fuc–Gel–MTN–beta–TCP/HAP scaffolds. Thus, we have developed a novel scaffold for possible applications in bone tissue engineering.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells responsible for tumor maintenance and relapse due to their ability to resist various anticancer effects. Owing to the resistance of CSCs to the effects of targeted therapy, an alternative strategy that targets post‑translational glycosylation may be an improved approach to treat cancer as it disrupts multiple coordinated signaling that maintains the stemness of CSCs. Glucosamine acts as an anticancer agent possibly by inhibiting N‑linked glycosylation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of glucosamine on the stemness of breast CSCs, which is regulated by signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Human aldehyde dehydrogenase‑positive (ALDH+) breast CSCs and MCF7 cells were treated with various concentrations (0.25, 1 or 4 mM) of glucosamine for 24 h. Subsequently, cell viability was determined by performing a trypan blue exclusion assay, pluripotency gene [ALDH 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1), octamer‑binding transcription factor 4 (OCT‑4), and Krüppel‑like factor 4 (KLF4)] expression was determined using the reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) levels were determined by performing western blot analysis. Furthermore, the number of mammosphere‑forming units (MFUs) in ALDH+ breast CSCs and MCF7 cells was determined. It was determined that glucosamine treatment decreased the viability of ALDH+ breast CSCs. Glucosamine treatment also decreased the stemness of ALDH+ breast CSCs and MCF7 cells, as indicated by decreased ALDH1A1, OCT‑4 and KLF4 expression level, and a decreased number of MFUs. This effect of glucosamine may be associated with a decreased pSTAT3/STAT3 ratio, indicating that glucosamine inhibited STAT3 activation; therefore, the results of the present study indicated that glucosamine treatment may be an improved approach to target the stemness of CSCs.

One of the most essential elements for your good health lies in the endothelial glycocalyx, a vast protective gel lining of all of our capillaries that touches each of your trillions of cells. In this video, travel inside your vascular system and flow along with your blood. Every cell of your body is nourished by the blood that travels through the capillaries that make up 99% of your circulatory system-from head to toe. Placed end-to-end, scientists estimate they would extend 60,000 miles, enough to go around the earth two and a half times. With every heartbeat, vital nutrients and oxygen are delivered and waste is removed from each cell. This essential process breaks down with aging, poor diet, lack of exercise, genetics, stress and smoking. New medical science has revealed the importance of a transparent micro-thin gel-like lining in your blood vessels that protects your entire circulatory system. In the past, blood vessels were thought to be simple hollow tubes. But with today’s high resolution video microscopes, a discovery reveals that the entire circulatory system is coated with a gel like lining that protects the inside walls of the arteries, veins and capillaries. This protective gel-like lining of the capillaries and all other blood vessels is called the glycocalyx. Its integrity is essential to the healthy function of all the cells, organs and body systems. The glycocalyx keeps your body healthy in three critical ways. First, it functions as the natural trigger that stimulates the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is vital in controlling blood flow and blood pressure. The glycocalyx stores anti-oxidants and, working together with nitric oxide, both increase blood flow, on demand, when organs call for it. For example, when you’re walking upstairs. Or even when your brain is working through a difficult problem. Bottom line: your body needs a thick and healthy glycocalyx to efficiently regulate blood flow. Second, a healthy glycocalyx allows your body to engage more of the available capillaries of the microvascular system when blood flow increases. This is critical to regulate the supply of nutrients and oxygen, and the removal of waste and carbon dioxide, according to the body’s level of activity, such as when you exercise. Bottom line: While blood flow control is important, the glycocalyx allows your body to engage more capillaries when organs demand nourishment and waste removal. Third, capillaries are much more than simple hollow tubes. In fact, their inner surface is coated with the non-stick glycocalyx that prevents loss of capillaries through fluid leakage, blood clotting and inflammation. This coating prevents sticking when you don’t need it, and it keeps blood clotting and inflammation under control. For example, when your body’s healthy, it can repair a simple cut or fight an infection. Bottom line: a healthy glycocalyx not only engages more capillaries when blood flow goes up, but it also protects the capillary network and even the entire vascular system from deterioration and loss. Ongoing clinical research from more than 85 studies confirms that a compromised glycocalyx and a damaged microvascular system are linked to organ starvation. Early warning signs of organ starvation include cold hands and feet, leg cramps, skin problems, hair thinning, fatigue, lack of focus, memory loss, certain eye problems, hearing loss, severe PMS, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, and even type 2 diabetes. Emerging research is beginning to show that it’s not too late to slow down, or even reverse, the breakdown of the protective properties of the glycocalyx. Learn more about this and how to restore, protect and regenerate the glycocalyx at Microvascular.com. Images from this study co-authored by Dr. Hans Vink, Chief Science Officer of GlycoCheck and Microvascular Health Solutions: Endothelial glycocalyx as potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease (https://journals.lww.com/colipidology/Abstract/2009/02000/Endothelial_glycocalyx_as_potential_diagnostic_and.11.aspx). Broekhuizen LN, Mooij HL, Kastelein JJ, Stroes ES, Vink H, Nieuwdorp M. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2009 Feb;20(1):57-62.

The significant place in the menopausal syndrome and deficiency of estrogens takes psycho-emotional disorders. Psychosomatic disorders, difficulty of adequate evaluation and correction in menopausal women evidence the fact that this issue is important today. Severe symptoms of menopausal syndrome at violation of psycho-vegetative sphere appear in the early post-menopause, due to final termination of ovarian function and sharply deficiency of estrogens during this period. Intravaginal administration of glucosamine hydrochloride to spay female rats has moderate anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects, accompanied by reduction of the psycho-emotional behavioral reactions, normalization of locomotor activity of animals. As of totality of effects, the estriol reference drug is better than glucosamine hydrochloride. The data reveal prospects of vaginal gel glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of menopausal disorders of various origins.

(2016). Effects of Aloe Vera on Spinal Cord Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury of Rats. Journal of Investigative Surgery: Vol. 29, No. 6, pp. 389-398.

In the normal physiological state, intestinal epithelial cells act as a defensive frontline of host mucosal immunity to tolerate constant exposure to external stimuli. In this study, we investigated the potential anti-inflammatory and gut permeability protective effects of Laminaria japonica (LJ) water extract (LJE) and three types of fermented Laminaria japonica water extracts (LJE-F1, LJE-F2, and LJE-F3) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Caco-2, human intestinal epithelial cells. All four extracts significantly decreased the production of nitric oxide and interleukin-6 induced by LPS stimulus. In addition, LJE and the three types of LJE-Fs also inhibited LPS-induced loss of monolayer permeability, as assessed by changes in transepithelial electrical resistance. All four LJ extracts significantly prevented the inhibition of the protein levels of occludin, whereas LJE, LJE-F1, and LJE-F3 significantly attenuated the reduction in phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase compared with the LPS-treated group in Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, LJE and its fermented water extracts appear to have potential gut health-promoting effects by reducing inflammation and partially regulating the tight junction-related proteins in human intestinal epithelial cells. Thus, additional studies are warranted to evaluate Laminaria japonica as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel diseases.

This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of a purified Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP61A) on preventing vascular calcification (VC). In the adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF) mice VC model and the β-glycerophosphate (β-GP)-induced vascular smooth muscle ce …

The aim of this study was to determine effects of six weeks endurance training and Aloe Vera supplementation on COX-2 and VEGF levels in mice with breast cancer. For this purpose, 35 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control (healthy) and 4 cancer groups: control (cancer only), training, Alo …

Insulin resistance has become a worldwide nutrition and metabolic health problem due to the lack of effective protective agents. Laminaria japonica is a well-known marine vegetable. Purified Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP61A) can inhibit atherosclerosis in high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice via ameliorating insul

LJP can effectively inhibit the growth of NPC cells. And it may be achieved by inducing apoptosis of NPC cells.

The Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal (IRCMJ) is international, open access, peer-reviewed, monthly, and ISI- Journal, affiliated to Iranian Hospital- Dubai, publishes original scientific studies in English that have direct clinical significance on Basic Science, Clinical Medicine, and Disaster Management. The journal strives to release the original articles related to various disciplines of medicine, including Review Articles, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Reviews, Clinical and Experimental Trials, Case Reports, and Letters. All research articles published in the journal have undergone rigorous peer review, based on initial editor screening and anonymized refereeing by at least two anonymous referees. The journal strives to strengthen connections between research and practice, so enhancing professional development and improving practice within the field of medicine.

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the specific roles of laminarin from seaweed (Laminaria japonica) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its potential mechanisms related to senescence marker protein-30 (SMP-30). Materials and Methods: Human HCC cell lin …

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently, approximately 20–40% of individuals with diabetes are…

A. vera may provide a safe and effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of GERD.

Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF), extracted from Laminaria japonica Areschoug, is a traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used to alleviate edema…

Glucosamine and chondroitin (G&C), typically taken for joint pain, are among the most frequently used specialty supplements by US adults. More recently, G&C have been associated with lower incidence of colorectal cancer in human observational studies and reduced severity of experimentally-induced ulcerative colitis in rodents. However, little is known about their effects on colon-related physiology. G&C are poorly absorbed and therefore metabolized by gut microbiota. G&C have been associated with changes in microbial structure, which may alter host response. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in ten healthy adults to evaluate the effects of a common dose of G&C compared to placebo for 14 days on gut microbial community structure, measured by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of G&C compared to placebo on fecal microbial alpha and beta diversity, seven phyla, and 137 genera. Nine genera were significantly different between interventions (False Discovery Rate < 0.05). Abundances of four Lachnospiraceae genera, two Prevotellaceae genera, and Desulfovibrio were increased after G&C compared to placebo, while Bifidobacterium and a member of the Christensenellaceae family were decreased. Our results suggest that G&C affect the composition of the gut microbiome which may have implications for therapeutic efficacy.

Breast cancer is a common cancer leading to many deaths among females. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are two highly expressed inflammatory mediators to be induced by the protein ...

Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) was prepared from Laminaria japonica Areschoug, a popular seafood and medicinal plant consumed in Asia. Chinese h…

Topical Plantavera gel seems to be an effective, cheap and safe treatment. Of course, further studies are required to confirm the properties of the wound healing of this gel.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a type of serious microangiopathy that is caused by diabetes mellitus (DM). It is the most common cause of chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease, and it severely affects patients’ quality of life. This work aims to study the effect and mechanism of low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN. The experimental results showed that LMWF prevented weight loss in DN rats, significantly reduced the levels of biochemical indexes in blood and urine samples, and also lowered hyaluronic acid (HA) levels and advanced glycosylation end product-specific receptor (AGER) levels in DN rats. LMWF maintained the structural integrity of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and glomerulus, improved the glomerular filtration function, protected glycosaminoglycan from abnormal degrading, prevented advanced glycosylation end product (AGE) from being generated and accumulating, and also alleviated inflammatory response in DN rats. LMWF could obviously ameliorate and slow the development and progression of DN in rats.

We investigated the renal protective effects of low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) and its two fractions (F0.5 and F1.0), which were extracted from …