0 Glyconutrients

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

Background. Use of herbal compounds as an intracanal medicament in the field of endodontics has become noteworthy, one of which is the Aloe vera compound whose antibacterial effect has already been proven in the planktonic form of Enterococcus faecalis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Aloe vera on E. faecalis biofilms at the 4th and 6th week of development. Materials and Methods. 130 single root canal teeth without anomalies and caries were used. They were divided into two groups of 65 teeth for four and six weeks of biofilm production. Five samples of each group were examined for confirmation of biofilm formation under an electron microscope. Study groups were investigated with an antimicrobial agent as an intracanal medicament including 20 samples treated with Aloe vera, calcium hydroxide, and phosphate-buffered saline, and biofilm and survival of pathogens were investigated. Dentin chip suspensions were used for colony-forming unit (CFU) counting to estimate remaining E. faecalis counts. Results. The CFU mean in the 4th week subgroup in Aloe vera, phosphate-buffered saline, and calcium hydroxide was 0, 69166.66 ± 31688.58, and 25000 ± 30822.07, and in the 6th week, it was 136.36 ± 323.33, 95000 ± 12247.44, and 27501.66 ± 36570.34, respectively, which showed a significant difference between the used materials (). Conclusion. Aloe vera, in contrast to calcium hydroxide, eliminated 4th and 6th week biofilms and showed remarkable antibacterial properties against E. faecalis biofilm. These results support potency of Aloe vera to use as a natural antimicrobial material in the intracanal medicament.

Effect and mechanism of laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP) on apoptosis and cycle of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, Fugui Wei, Xunxun Lu, Ying Lin, Min Guo, Wenzhong Sun

This research evaluated the potential of using the methanol extract of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f (AVM) to prevent the formation of AGEs by means of the BSA/glucose assay, BSA-methylglyoxal assay, arginine-methylglyoxal assay, fructosamine, Nɛ-(carboxymethyl) lysine (CML), thiol groups, and …

Fucoidan was purified from seaweed, Turbinaria conoides. Isolated fragments were characterized with NMR (13C, 1H), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectronomy…

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is recognized as a key determinant of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, exerts beneficial effects in some nephropathy models. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of oligo-fucoidan (800 Da) on renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We established a mouse CKD model by right nephrectomy with transient ischemic injury to the left kidney. Six weeks after the surgery, we fed the CKD mice oligo-fucoidan at 10, 20, and 100 mg/kg/d for 6 weeks and found that the oligo-fucoidan doses less than 100 mg/kg/d improved renal function and reduced renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD mice. Oligo-fucoidan also inhibited pressure-induced fibrotic responses and the expression of CD44, β-catenin, and TGF-β in rat renal tubular cells (NRK-52E). CD44 knockdown downregulated the expression of β-catenin and TGF-β in pressure-treated cells. Additional ligands for CD44 reduced the anti-fibrotic effect of oligo-fucoidan in NRK-52E cells. These data suggest that oligo-fucoidan at the particular dose prevents renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a CKD model. The anti-fibrotic effect of oligo-fucoidan may result from interfering with the interaction between CD44 and its extracellular ligands.

Fucoidan extracted from brown algae has multiple beneficial functions. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-molecular-weight fucoidan (oligo-FO) on renal fibrosis under in vitro and in vivo diabetic conditions, and its molecular mechanisms. Advanced glycation product (AGE)-stimulated rat renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) and diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and nicotinamide were used. Oligo-FO treatment significantly inhibited anti-high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/RAGE/ anti-nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/TGF-β1R/Smad 2/3/fibronectin signaling pathway and HIF-1α activation in AGE-stimulated NRK-52E cells. Conversely, the expression and activity of Sirt-1; the levels of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22), p-AMPK, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); and Nrf2 activation were remarkably increased by oligo-FO in AGE-stimulated cells. However, the above effects of oligo-FO were greatly diminished by inhibiting Sirt-1, HO-1, or GLP-1R activity. Similar changes of these pro-fibrotic genes in the kidney and a marked attenuation of renal injury and dysfunction were observed in oligo-FO-treated diabetic mice. These findings indicated that the inhibitory effects of the oligo-FO on diabetes-evoked renal fibrosis are mediated by suppressing TGF-β1-activated pro-fibrogenic processes via Sirt-1, HO-1, and GLP-1R dependence. Collectively, fucoidan-containing foods or supplements may be potential agents for ameliorating renal diseases due to excessive fibrosis.

Ho Park, and Beom-Su Kim. Korean J Clin Lab Sci. 2017;49:323-8. https://doi.org/10.15324/kjcls.2017.49.4.323

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

Background: Alcoholic liver disease is caused as a result of chronic alcohol consumption. In this study, we used an alcoholic liver injury mouse model to investigate the effect of fucoidan on ethanol-induced liver injury and steatosis and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: All mice were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control group, 2) model group, 3) diammonium glycyrrhizinate treatment group (200 mg/kg body weight), and 4) fucoidan treatment group (300 mg/kg body weight). Administration of ethanol for 8 weeks induced liver injury and steatosis in mice. Results: Fucoidan treatment decreased serum alanine aminotransferase activity, serum total cholesterol levels, and hepatic triglyceride levels, and improved the morphology of hepatic cells. Fucoidan treatment upregulated the expression of AMPKα1, SIRT1, and PGC-1α and inhibited the expression of ChREBP and HNF-1α. The levels of hepatic IL-6 and IL-18 were significantly decreased in the fucoidan group. Further, the levels of cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1), glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 78, and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in hepatic tissues were reduced in the fucoidan group as compared to the model group. Fucoidan significantly reversed the reduction of ileac Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) levels induced by alcohol- feeding and reduced CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase) expression and total bile acid levels in the liver tissue. In addition, fucoidan regulated the structure of gut flora, with increased abundance of Prevotella and decreased abundance of Paraprevotella and Romboutsia as detected by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Conclusion: Fucoidan inhibited alcohol-induced steatosis and disorders of bile acid metabolism in mice through the AMPKα1/SIRT1 pathway and the gut microbiota–bile acid–liver axis and protected against alcohol- induced liver injury in vivo.

Fucoidan is an effective antitumor agent, either alone or in combination with cisplatin, doxorubicin and taxol in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Drug combinations that discriminate between cancerous and non-cancerous cells afford a plausible and viable strategy of attaining therapeutic efficacy and avoi …

Preliminary investigation of a fucoidan with demonstrated reduction in the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee.A double-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out to determine the safety and efficacy of a 300 mg dose of a Fucus ...

(2018). Effects of fucoidan on diabetic rat testicular tissue. Biotechnic & Histochemistry: Vol. 93, No. 4, pp. 277-285.

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

The aim of current study is detect the activity role of Aloe vera and Opuntia ficus extract against certain pathogenic bacteria and evaluation of Aloe vera and O. ficus extract against certain pathogenic bacteria inhibition in vitro. 100 samples were obtained from patients with different diseases at age 6 Mon. to 65 years from both genders. This study was carried out in Lab. of Biology Dept., Science College/Tikrit University, at the period from 1st of June 2019 to end of January 2020. The antimicrobial activity was performed with the agar well diffusion method. The results show the ability of Aloe vera for inhibition of bacteria according on concentration and the concentrations of 100 was caused in inhibitory effect on E. coli, Acinetobacte, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus isolates at diameter 13, 12, 11, 9.8 and 15 mm respectively. While, Opuntia ficus extract at 100% concentration was caused in inhibitory effect bacteria isolates at diameter 10, 9.7, 8.2, 7 and 12 mm respectively. The results also show Aloe vera was found to be able for inhibition of bacteria concentration of 40% was caused in inhibitory effect on E. coli, Acinetobacte, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus isolates at diameter 14, 12, 11, 9 and 15 mm respectively. While, Opuntia ficus extract at 40% concentration was caused in inhibitory effect bacteria isolates at diameter 11, 10, 8, 7 and 13 mm respectively, while other concentrations 10%, 20, 30% show less inhibitory effect compare with 100% and 40% concentrations

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major malignancies in humans. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of fucoidan on gut flora and tumor…

Objective. To investigate the effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJP) on the survival of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells and its mechanism. Methods. In vitro: the cells were randomly divided into control group, LJP (5 mg/ml) group, LJP (10 mg/ml) group, and LJP (20 mg/ml) group. After corresponding treatment, the survival rate and the expression of proteins related to proliferation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and signaling pathway were detected by CCK8 assay and Western blot, respectively. In vivo: a xenograft model was established to detect the tumor volume and mass and the expression of the above pathway proteins. Results. Compared with the control group, LJP decreased the survival rate of A549 cells (), inhibited the protein expression of Ki67 and PCNA (), downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 while upregulated the expression of Bax, cl-caspase-3, and cl-caspase-9 (), upregulated the expression of E-cadherin, downregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and N-cadherin (), and downregulated β-catenin, transcription factor-4 (TCF4), and c-Myc protein expression levels (). In vivo: LJP decreased the volume and mass of the xenograft tumors and downregulated β-catenin, TCF4, and c-Myc protein expression levels compared with the control group (). Conclusion. LJP can inhibit the survival of non-small-cell lung cancer A549 cells in vitro, and its mechanism is related to the inhibition of activation of β-catenin/TCF4 pathway activation.

Malignant glioma (MG) is a poor prognostic brain tumor with inevitable recurrence after multimodality treatment. Searching for more effective treatment is urgently needed. Differentiation induction via epigenetic modification has been proposed as a potential anticancer strategy. Natural products are …

Objective: To determine the activity of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida (UPF) and Fucus vesiculosus (FVF) when given in combination of chemotherapy drugs usin...

Seaweeds have received huge interest in recent years given their promising potentialities. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hypolipemic, and anticoagulant effects are among the most renowned and studied bioactivities so far, and these effects have been increasingly associated with their content and richness in both primary and secondary metabolites. Although primary metabolites have a pivotal importance such as their content in polysaccharides (fucoidans, agars, carragenans, ulvans, alginates, and laminarin), recent data have shown that the content in some secondary metabolites largely determines the effective bioactive potential of seaweeds. Among these secondary metabolites, phenolic compounds feature prominently. The present review provides the most remarkable insights into seaweed research, specifically addressing its chemical composition, phytopharmacology, and cosmetic applications.

Gum Arabic (GA) is natural polysaccharide produced from the dried exudate of the acacia tree (Acacia senegal). Colonic microorganisms degrade GA to sh…

Background: Seaweeds represent one of the few remaining food sources available globally which are not being fully utilized or even over utilized. Kelps ( Laminaria spp. ) are one of the numerous species of brown seaweeds, a popular marine vegetable, which has been used as a source of iodine and minerals for centuries. Kelps contain anionic polysaccharides called fucoidans heteroglycans with L – fucose units. Their monosaccharide composition, physicochemical and bioactive properties vary between seaweed species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the bioactive properties of laminaria fucoidan ( L. digitata and L. hyperborea ) toward THP–1 macrophages, a human macrophage like cell line, and investigate its potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory characteristics. Methods: THP-1 macrophages were incubated with five fucoidan concentrations. The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay was determined for cell lysates and for the fucoidan extract, in addition to Total Polyphenol Content (TPC). Cytotoxicity of fucoidan was assessed by light microscopy, followed by XTT proliferation assay. Enzyme–linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA) were performed to determine concentrations of the secreted tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL–6), and interleukin 10 (IL–10).   Results: Fucoidan did not affect macrophage ability to scavenge oxygen radicals (ORAC) confirming its antioxidant properties toward activated macrophages. The laminaria fucoidan extract at 100 µg/ml concentration lowered macrophage viability. Lower concentrations of laminaria fucoidan did not have impact on cell viability. Very low concentration of fucoidan at 0.1 µg/ml triggered secretion of TNF-α. However, IL–6 and interleukin IL–10 were expressed when concentration of applied fucoidan was 10 µg/ml indicating bioactivity of laminaria fucoidan through immunomodulatory actions. Conclusions: The study demonstrated how laminaria fucoidan may have bioactive properties towards THP–1 macrophages. Changes in cytokine secretion between pro–inflammatory (TNF–α, and IL–6) and anti–inflammatory (IL–10) cytokines confirmed bioactivity of the laminaria fucoidan extracts. Keywords: Seaweeds, Kelps, Laminaria, fucoidan, bioactivity, macrophages

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide from brown sea algae. In the present study, it was demonstrated that oral administration of F-fucoidan from Sacc …