Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Marine Drugs Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine-Derived Ingredients for Drugs, Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 13833

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Wenzheng Shi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: flavor; surimi; protein peptide; collagen

Dr. Chuan Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, China
Interests: food nutrition; food processing and storage; metabolic syndrome; metabonomics; lipidomics; lipid metabolism; diet-induced obesity; protein; inflammation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Given the increasingly prominent contradiction between global food shortages and rapid population growth, the development and utilization of abundant marine resources have become an inevitable trend. Sea fish, as a major marine resource, provide high-quality nutrients such as protein and amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Active substances derived from marine fish have been proven to play an important role in maintaining human health.

This Special Issue invites relevant original research papers and reviews focusing on the extraction, purification, biological activity, and function of natural bioactive compounds, aiming to deeply understand the research concepts and latest achievements in bioactive compounds from marine fish.

Prof. Dr. Wenzheng Shi
Dr. Chuan Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

bioactive compounds
polyunsaturated fatty acids
peptides
fish protein hydrolysates
extraction methods
molecular structures
functional characteristics
by-product utilization
bioaccessibility and bioavailability

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

12 pages, 4238 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycans Alleviate Monosodium Iodoacetate-Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats

by Inae Jeong, Jinbum Park, Shinjung Park, Tatuya Wada, Dae Soo Lim and Ok-Kyung Kim

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(11), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22110507 - 8 Nov 2024

Viewed by 564

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. This study evaluates the efficacy of salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycans in mitigating osteoarthritis symptoms and investigates the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study employed a rat model of osteoarthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) injection. The rats were orally administered salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycans or ibuprofen. Key aspects of osteoarthritis pathology, including impaired exercise ability, inflammation, extracellular matrix degradation, and chondrocyte apoptosis, were assessed using histological analysis, micro-CT, treadmill testing, serum assays, and mRNA/protein expression studies. The MIA injection caused significant cartilage damage, reduced bone mineral density, and impaired exercise ability. Additionally, it elevated serum levels of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide, increased the mRNA and protein levels of inflammation-related factors, and activated apoptosis signaling pathways in cartilage. Treatment with salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycans significantly improved cartilage morphology and mineralization, reduced inflammation, and inhibited apoptosis signaling pathways, with effects comparable to those observed with ibuprofen treatment. These findings highlight the potential of salmon nasal cartilage-derived proteoglycans as a therapeutic agent for managing osteoarthritis by effectively reducing inflammation, preventing cartilage degradation, and inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generation, Characterisation and Identification of Bioactive Peptides from Mesopelagic Fish Protein Hydrolysates Using In Silico and In Vitro Approaches

by Maria Hayes, Azza Naik, Leticia Mora, Bruno Iñarra, Jone Ibarruri, Carlos Bald, Thibault Cariou, David Reid, Michael Gallagher, Ragnhild Dragøy, Jorge Galino, Alba Deyà, Sissel Albrektsen, Lars Thoresen and Runar G. Solstad

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(7), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22070297 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1883

Abstract

This study generated bioactive hydrolysates using the enzyme Alcalase and autolysis from mesopelagic fish, including Maurolicus muelleri and Benthosema glaciale. Generated hydrolysates were investigated for their bioactivities using in vitro bioassays, and bioactive peptides were identified using mass spectrometry in active hydrolysates with cyclooxygenase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and antioxidant activities. In silico analysis was employed to rank identified peptide sequences in terms of overall bioactivity using programmes including Peptide Ranker, PrepAIP, Umami-MRNN and AntiDMPpred. Seven peptides predicted to have anti-inflammatory, anti-type 2 diabetes or Umami potential using in silico strategies were chemically synthesised, and their anti-inflammatory activities were confirmed using in vitro bioassays with COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. The peptide QCPLHRPWAL inhibited COX-1 and COX-2 by 82.90% (+/−0.54) and 53.84%, respectively, and had a selectivity index greater than 10. This peptide warrants further research as a novel anti-inflammatory/pain relief peptide. Other peptides with DPP-IV inhibitory and Umami flavours were identified. These offer potential for use as functional foods or topical agents to prevent pain and inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Melanogenic Effects of Takifugu flavidus Muscle Hydrolysate in B16F10 Melanoma Cells and Zebrafish

by Jinjin Hu, Bei Chen, Shuaijie Qu, Shuji Liu, Xiaoyu Yang, Kun Qiao, Yongchang Su, Zhihui Liu, Xiaoe Chen, Zhiyu Liu and Qin Wang

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(5), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22050206 - 29 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

Abnormal melanogenesis can lead to hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase (TYR), a key rate-limiting enzyme in melanin production, is an important therapeutic target for these disorders. We investigated the TYR inhibitory activity of hydrolysates extracted from the muscle tissue of Takifugu flavidus (TFMH). We used computer-aided virtual screening to identify a novel peptide that potently inhibited melanin synthesis, simulated its binding mode to TYR, and evaluated functional efficacy in vitro and in vivo. TFMH inhibited the diphenolase activities of mTYR, reducing TYR substrate binding activity and effectively inhibiting melanin synthesis. TFMH indirectly reduced cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation in vitro by downregulating melanocortin 1 receptor expression, thereby inhibiting expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, further decreasing TYR, tyrosinase related protein 1, and dopachrome tautomerase expression and ultimately impeding melanin synthesis. In zebrafish, TFMH significantly reduced black spot formation. TFMH (200 μg/mL) decreased zebrafish TYR activity by 43% and melanin content by 52%. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns revealed that the FGFRSP (T-6) peptide stably binds mushroom TYR via hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions. T-6 (400 μmol/L) reduced melanin content in B16F10 melanoma cells by 71% and TYR activity by 79%. In zebrafish, T-6 (200 μmol/L) inhibited melanin production by 64%. TFMH and T-6 exhibit good potential for the development of natural skin-whitening cosmetic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Isotonic Drink Containing Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus) Processing Waste Collagen Hydrolysate for Bone and Cartilage Health

by Nikita Yu. Zarubin, Elena N. Kharenko, Olga V. Bredikhina, Elizaveta V. Lavrukhina, Kira S. Rysakova, Vitaly Yu. Novikov, Georgy E. Leonov, Igor V. Vakhrushev, Konstantin V. Zolotarev, Anton N. Mikhailov and Marina V. Mikhailova

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(5), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22050202 - 27 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1783

Abstract

Malnutrition is one of the major factors of bone and cartilage disorders. Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) processing waste is a cheap and highly promising source of bioactive substances, including collagen-derived peptides and amino acids, for bone and cartilage structure stabilization. The addition of these substances to a functional drink is one of the ways to achieve their fast intestinal absorption. Collagen hydrolysate was obtained via enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, freeze-drying, and grinding to powder. The lyophilized hydrolysate was a light gray powder with high protein content (>90%), including collagen (about 85% of total protein) and a complete set of essential and non-essential amino acids. The hydrolysate had no observed adverse effect on human mesenchymal stem cell morphology, viability, or proliferation. The hydrolysate was applicable as a protein food supply or a structure-forming food component due to the presence of collagen fiber fragments. An isotonic fitness drink (osmolality 298.1 ± 2.1 mOsm/L) containing hydrolysate and vitamin C as a cofactor in collagen biosynthesis was prepared. The addition of the hydrolysate did not adversely affect its organoleptic parameters. The production of such functional foods and drinks is one of the beneficial ways of fish processing waste utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ultrasonic Power on the Structure and Rheological Properties of Skin Collagen from Albacore (Thunnus alalunga)

by Hao Pan, Xuehua Zhang, Jianbo Ni, Qianqian Liang, Xin Jiang, Zihui Zhou and Wenzheng Shi

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(2), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22020084 - 10 Feb 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1967

Abstract

The effects of ultrasonic power (0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 W) on the extraction yield and the structure and rheological properties of pepsin-soluble collagen (PSC) from albacore skin were investigated. Compared with the conventional pepsin extraction method, ultrasonic treatment (UPSC) significantly increased the extraction yield of collagen from albacore skin, with a maximum increase of 8.56%. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that peptides of low molecular weight were produced when the ultrasonic power exceeded 300 W. Meanwhile, secondary structure, tertiary structure, and X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the original triple helix structure of collagen was intact after the ultrasonic treatment. The collagen solutions extracted under different ultrasonic powers had significant effects on the dynamic frequency sweep, but a steady shear test suggested that the collagen extracted at 150 W had the best viscosity. These results indicate that an ultrasonic power between 150 and 300 W can improve not only the extraction yield of natural collagen, but also the rheological properties of the collagen solution without compromising the triple helix structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 7332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of pH on the Structure, Functional Properties and Rheological Properties of Collagen from Greenfin Horse-Faced Filefish (Thamnaconus septentrionalis) Skin

by Kunyuan Wu, Yushuang Li and Junde Chen

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22010045 - 13 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2765

Abstract

Collagen is an important biopolymer widely used in food, cosmetics and biomedical applications. Understanding the effect of pH on the structure and properties of collagen is beneficial for its further processing and exploitation. In this study, greenfin horse-faced filefish skin collagen (GHSC) was prepared and identified as a type I collagen. We systematically investigated the effect of pH on the structural, functional and rheological properties of GHSC. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the collagen morphology changed from an ordered stacked sheet structure to a rough silk-like structure as pH increased. Gaussian-fitted Fourier infrared spectroscopy results of the collagen revealed that it unfolded with increasing pH. Moreover, the ordered structure was reduced, and random coils became the dominant conformation. Its β-sheet and random coil contents increased from 18.43 ± 0.08 and 33.62 ± 0.17 to 19.72 ± 0.02 and 39.53 ± 1.03%, respectively, with increasing pH. α-helices and β-turns decreased from 35.00 ± 0.26 and 12.95 ± 0.01 to 29.39 ± 0.92 and 11.36 ± 0.10%, respectively. The increase in β-sheets and random coils allowed the pI-treated collagen to exhibit maximum water contact angle. The emulsification and foaming properties decreased and then increased with increasing pH in a V-shape. The increased net surface charge and β-sheets in collagen benefited its emulsification and foaming properties. The rheological results showed that the protoprotein exhibited shear-thinning properties in all pH ranges. The collagen solutions showed liquid-like behaviour in low-pH (2, 4) solutions and solid-like behaviour in high-pH (6, 7.83 and 10) solutions. Moreover, the frequency-dependent properties of the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of the collagen solutions weakened with increasing pH. Collagen has considerable frequency-dependent properties of G′ and G″ at low pH (2, 4). Thus, the importance of collagen raw material preparation for subsequent processing was emphasised, which may provide new insights into applying collagen-based materials in food, biomaterials and tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 4666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chondroitin Sulfate/Dermatan Sulfate Hybrid Chains from Swim Bladder: Isolation, Structural Analysis, and Anticoagulant Activity

by Yue Yao, Hao Tang, Haiqiong Ma, Zidong Liu, Jinwen Huang, Xiufen Yang, Longyan Zhao and Qingxia Yuan

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22010009 - 21 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2115

Abstract

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with unique structures from marine animals show intriguing pharmacological activities and negligible biological risks, providing more options for us to explore safer agents. The swim bladder is a tonic food and folk medicine, and its GAGs show good anticoagulant activity. In this study, two GAGs, CMG-1.0 and GMG-1.0, were extracted and isolated from the swim bladder of Cynoscion microlepidotus and Gadus morhua. The physicochemical properties, precise structural characteristics, and anticoagulant activities of these GAGs were determined for the first time. The analysis results of the CMG-1.0 and GMG-1.0 showed that they were chondroitin sulfate (CS)/dermatan sulfate (DS) hybrid chains with molecular weights of 109.3 kDa and 123.1 kDa, respectively. They were mainly composed of the repeating disaccharide unit of -{IdoA-α1,3-GalNAc_4S-β1,4-}- (DS-A). The DS-B disaccharide unit of -{IdoA_2S-α1,3-GalNAc_4S-β1,4-}- also existed in both CMG-1.0 and GMG-1.0. CMG-1.0 had a higher proportion of CS-O disaccharide unit -{-GlcA-β1,3-GalNAc-β1,4-}- but a lower proportion of CS-E disaccharide unit -{-GlcA-β1,3-GalNAc_4S6S-β1,4-}- than GMG-1.0. The disaccharide compositions of the GAGs varied in a species-specific manner. Anticoagulant activity assay revealed that both CMG-1.0 and GMG-1.0 had potent anticoagulant activity, which can significantly prolong activated partial thromboplastin time. GMG-1.0 also can prolong the thrombin time. CMG-1.0 showed no intrinsic tenase inhibition activity, while GMG-1.0 can obviously inhibit intrinsic tenase with EC₅₀ of 58 nM. Their significantly different anticoagulant activities may be due to their different disaccharide structural units and proportions. These findings suggested that swim bladder by-products of fish processing of these two marine organisms may be used as a source of anticoagulants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Bioactive Compounds from Marine Fish

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI