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Editorial

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4 pages, 177 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Fucoidans as Scientifically and Commercially Important Algal Polysaccharides

by K. K. Asanka Sanjeewa and You-Jin Jeon

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(6), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19060284 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2911

Abstract

As a highly bioactive seaweed substance with many promising physiological activities, fucoidan has attracted attention from many industries all over the world [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

Research

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13 pages, 1785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fucoidans of Moroccan Brown Seaweed as Elicitors of Natural Defenses in Date Palm Roots

by Soukaina Bouissil, Zainab El Alaoui-Talibi, Guillaume Pierre, Halima Rchid, Philippe Michaud, Cédric Delattre and Cherkaoui El Modafar

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(12), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18120596 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2732

Abstract

Fucoidans from Moroccan brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata and Fucus spiralis were tested for their elicitor activity after their purification and complete characterization. The fucoidans of B. bifurcata (BBF) and of F. spiralis (FSF) were extracted and purified then characterized by infrared spectroscopy, proton [...] Read more.

Fucoidans from Moroccan brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata and Fucus spiralis were tested for their elicitor activity after their purification and complete characterization. The fucoidans of B. bifurcata (BBF) and of F. spiralis (FSF) were extracted and purified then characterized by infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. The results show that BBF and FSF are mainly sulfated with 45.49 and 49.53% (w/w) sulfate, respectively. Analysis of neutral sugars determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that FSF and BBF were mainly composed of 64% and 91% fucose and 20% and 6% galactose, respectively, with a few other sugars such as glucose (8% in FSF), rhamnose (1% in BBF) and mannose (8% in FSF and, 2% in BBF). The eliciting activity of these sulfated polysaccharides in stimulating the natural defenses of the date palm was evaluated through the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and the increase in phenols and lignin content in the roots. The results obtained clearly show that the two fucoidans early and intensely stimulate the natural defenses of the date palm after 24 h of treatments. This remarkable elicitor effect seems to be linked to the sulfated groups compared to non-sulfate alginates extracted from the same algae. These results open promising perspectives for a biological control approach against date palm diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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20 pages, 3252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporation of FGF-2 into Pharmaceutical Grade Fucoidan/Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Multilayers

by Natalie L. Benbow, Samuel Karpiniec, Marta Krasowska and David A. Beattie

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(11), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18110531 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2768

Abstract

Biopolymer polyelectrolyte multilayers are a commonly studied soft matter system for wound healing applications due to the biocompatibility and beneficial properties of naturally occurring polyelectrolytes. In this work, a popular biopolymer, chitosan, was combined with the lesser known polysaccharide, fucoidan, to create a [...] Read more.

Biopolymer polyelectrolyte multilayers are a commonly studied soft matter system for wound healing applications due to the biocompatibility and beneficial properties of naturally occurring polyelectrolytes. In this work, a popular biopolymer, chitosan, was combined with the lesser known polysaccharide, fucoidan, to create a multilayer film capable of sequestering growth factor for later release. Fucoidan has been shown to act as a heparin-mimic due to similarities in the structure of the two molecules, however, the binding of fibroblast growth factor-2 to fucoidan has not been demonstrated in a multilayer system. This study assesses the ability of fucoidan to bind fibroblast growth factor-2 within a fucoidan/chitosan polyelectrolyte multilayer structure using attenuated total internal reflectance infrared spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. The fibroblast growth factor-2 was sequestered into the polyelectrolyte multilayer as a cationic layer in the uppermost layers of the film structure. In addition, the diffusion of fibroblast growth factor-2 into the multilayer has been assessed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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17 pages, 3069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fucoidan from Ascophyllum nodosum Suppresses Postprandial Hyperglycemia by Inhibiting Na⁺/Glucose Cotransporter 1 Activity

by Xindi Shan, Xueliang Wang, Hao Jiang, Chao Cai, Jiejie Hao and Guangli Yu

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(9), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18090485 - 22 Sep 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3520

Abstract

We previously demonstrated that fucoidan with a type II structure inhibited postprandial hyperglycemia by suppressing glucose uptake, but the mechanism remains elusive. Here, we aimed to assess whether the effect of glucose absorption inhibition was related to the basic structure of fucoidans and [...] Read more.

We previously demonstrated that fucoidan with a type II structure inhibited postprandial hyperglycemia by suppressing glucose uptake, but the mechanism remains elusive. Here, we aimed to assess whether the effect of glucose absorption inhibition was related to the basic structure of fucoidans and preliminarily clarified the underlying mechanism. Fucoidans with type II structure and type I structure were prepared from Ascophyllumnodosum (AnF) or Laminariajaponica (LjF) and Kjellmaniellacrassifolia (KcF), respectively. The effects of various fucoidans on suppressing postprandial hyperglycemia were investigated using in vitro (Caco-2 monolayer model), semi-in vivo (everted gut sac model), and in vivo (oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT) assays. The results showed that only AnF with a type II structure, but not LjF or KcF with type I structure, could inhibit the glucose transport in the Caco-2 monolayer and everted gut sac models. A similar result was seen in the OGTT of Kunming mice and leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, where only AnF could effectively inhibit glucose transport into the bloodstream. Furthermore, AnF (400 mg/kg/d) treatment decreased the fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin levels, while increasing the serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level in obese leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis revealed the specific binding of AnF to Na⁺/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), which indicated the effect of AnF on postprandial hyperglycemia could be due to its suppression on SGLT1 activity. Taken together, this study suggests that AnF with a type II structure can be a promising candidate for hyperglycemia treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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21 pages, 2422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Degradation of Sargassum crassifolium Fucoidan by Ascorbic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide, and Compositional, Structural, and In Vitro Anti-Lung Cancer Analyses of the Degradation Products

by Tien-Chiu Wu, Yong-Han Hong, Yung-Hsiang Tsai, Shu-Ling Hsieh, Ren-Han Huang, Chia-Hung Kuo and Chun-Yung Huang

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(6), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18060334 - 26 Jun 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3578

Abstract

Fucoidans possess multiple biological functions including anti-cancer activity. Moreover, low-molecular-weight fucoidans are reported to possess more bioactivities than native fucoidans. In the present study, a native fucoidan (SC) was extracted from Sargassum crassifolium pretreated by single-screw extrusion, and three degraded fucoidans, namely, SCA [...] Read more.

Fucoidans possess multiple biological functions including anti-cancer activity. Moreover, low-molecular-weight fucoidans are reported to possess more bioactivities than native fucoidans. In the present study, a native fucoidan (SC) was extracted from Sargassum crassifolium pretreated by single-screw extrusion, and three degraded fucoidans, namely, SCA (degradation of SC by ascorbic acid), SCH (degradation of SC by hydrogen peroxide), and SCAH (degradation of SC by ascorbic acid + hydrogen peroxide), were produced. The extrusion pretreatment can increase the extraction yield of fucoidan by approximately 4.2-fold as compared to the non-extruded sample. Among SC, SCA, SCH, and SCAH, the chemical compositions varied but structural features were similar. SC, SCA, SCH, and SCAH showed apoptotic effects on human lung carcinoma A-549 cells, as illustrated by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), decreased B-cell leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) expression, increased cytochrome c release, increased active caspase-9 and -3, and increased late apoptosis of A-549 cells. In general, SCA was found to exhibit high cytotoxicity to A-549 cells and a strong ability to suppress Bcl-2 expression. SCA also showed high efficacy to induce cytochrome c release, activate caspase-9 and -3, and promote late apoptosis of A-549 cells. Therefore, our data suggest that SCA could have an adjuvant therapeutic potential in the treatment of lung cancer. Additionally, we explored that the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is involved in SC-, SCA-, SCH-, and SCAH-induced apoptosis of A-549 cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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18 pages, 4103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of Fucoidan against MPP⁺-Induced SH-SY5Y Cells Apoptosis by Affecting the PI3K/Akt Pathway

by Huaide Liu, Jing Wang, Quanbin Zhang, Lihua Geng, Yue Yang and Ning Wu

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(6), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18060333 - 25 Jun 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3500

Abstract

The main pathologic changes of the Parkinson’s disease (PD) is dopaminergic (DA) neurons lost. Apoptosis was one of the important reasons involved in the DA lost. Our previous study found a fucoidan fraction sulfated heterosaccharide (UF) had neuroprotective activity. The aim of this [...] Read more.

The main pathologic changes of the Parkinson’s disease (PD) is dopaminergic (DA) neurons lost. Apoptosis was one of the important reasons involved in the DA lost. Our previous study found a fucoidan fraction sulfated heterosaccharide (UF) had neuroprotective activity. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of UF on DA neurons using human dopaminergic neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells a typical as a PD cellular model. Results showed that UF prevented MPP⁺-induced SH-SY5Y cells apoptosis and cell death. Additionally, UF pretreated cells increased phosphorylation of Akt, PI3K and NGF, which means UF-treated active PI3K–Akt pathway. Moreover, UF treated cells decreased the expression of apoptosis-associated protein, such as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, GSK3β, caspase-3 and p53 nuclear induced by MPP⁺. This effect was partially blocked by PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Our data suggested that protective effect of UF against MPP⁺-induced SH-SY5Y cells death by affecting the PI3K–Akt pathway. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the critical roles of UF in treating PD and may elucidate the molecular mechanisms of UF effects in PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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12 pages, 2181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effect of a Fucose-Rich Fucoidan Isolated from Saccharina japonica against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photodamage In Vitro in Human Keratinocytes and In Vivo in Zebrafish

by Wanchun Su, Lei Wang, Xiaoting Fu, Liying Ni, Delin Duan, Jiachao Xu and Xin Gao

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(6), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18060316 - 15 Jun 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4346

Abstract

A fucose-rich fucoidan was purified from brown seaweed Saccharina japonica, of which the UVB protective effect was investigated in vitro in keratinocytes of HaCaT cells and in vivo in zebrafish. The intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT [...] Read more.

A fucose-rich fucoidan was purified from brown seaweed Saccharina japonica, of which the UVB protective effect was investigated in vitro in keratinocytes of HaCaT cells and in vivo in zebrafish. The intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells were determined. The results indicate that the purified fucoidan significantly reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and improved the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the purified fucoidan remarkably decreased the apoptosis by regulating the expressions of Bax/Bcl-xL and cleaved caspase-3 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the in vivo UV protective effect of the purified fucoidan was investigated using a zebrafish model. It significantly reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species level, the cell death, the NO production, and the lipid peroxidation in UVB-irradiated zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that purified fucoidan has a great potential to be developed as a natural anti-UVB agent applied in the cosmetic industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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16 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Newly Developed Enzyme-Assisted Extraction Method on the Biological Activities of Fucoidans in Ocular Cells

by Philipp Dörschmann, Maria Dalgaard Mikkelsen, Thuan Nguyen Thi, Johann Roider, Anne S. Meyer and Alexa Klettner

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(6), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18060282 - 26 May 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3836

Abstract

Fucoidans from brown seaweeds are promising substances as potential drugs against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The heterogeneity of fucoidans requires intensive research in order to find suitable species and extraction methods. Ten different fucoidan samples extracted enzymatically from Laminaria digitata (LD), Saccharina latissima [...] Read more.

Fucoidans from brown seaweeds are promising substances as potential drugs against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The heterogeneity of fucoidans requires intensive research in order to find suitable species and extraction methods. Ten different fucoidan samples extracted enzymatically from Laminaria digitata (LD), Saccharina latissima (SL) and Fucus distichus subsp. evanescens (FE) were tested for toxicity, oxidative stress protection and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) inhibition. For this study crude fucoidans were extracted from seaweeds using different enzymes and SL fucoidans were further separated into three fractions (SL_F1-F3) by ion-exchange chromatography (IEX). Fucoidan composition was analyzed by high performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) after acid hydrolysis. The crude extracts contained alginate, while two of the fractionated SL fucoidans SL_F2 and SL_F3 were highly pure. Cell viability was assessed with an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay in OMM-1 and ARPE-19. Protective effects were investigated after 24 h of stress insult in OMM-1 and ARPE-19. Secreted VEGF was analyzed via ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in ARPE-19 cells. Fucoidans showed no toxic effects. In OMM-1 SL_F2 and several FE fucoidans were protective. LD_SiAT2 (Cellic^®CTec2 + Sigma-Aldrich alginate lyase), FE_SiAT3 (Cellic^® CTec3 + Sigma-Aldrich alginate lyase), SL_F2 and SL_F3 inhibited VEGF with the latter two as the most effective. We could show that enzyme treated fucoidans in general and the fractionated SL fucoidans SL_F2 and SL_F3 are very promising for beneficial AMD relevant biological activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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11 pages, 1059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Helicobacter pylori Infection and Fucoidan Consumption Associated with Fucoidan Absorption?

by Makoto Tomori, Takeaki Nagamine and Masahiko Iha

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(5), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18050235 - 30 Apr 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4022

Abstract

We examined the associations of Helicobacter pylori and mozuku consumption with fucoidan absorption. Overall, 259 Japanese volunteers consumed 3 g fucoidan, and their urine samples were collected to measure fucoidan values and H. pylori titers before and 3, 6, and 9 h after [...] Read more.

We examined the associations of Helicobacter pylori and mozuku consumption with fucoidan absorption. Overall, 259 Japanese volunteers consumed 3 g fucoidan, and their urine samples were collected to measure fucoidan values and H. pylori titers before and 3, 6, and 9 h after fucoidan ingestion. Compared to the basal levels (3.7 ± 3.4 ng/mL), the urinary fucoidan values significantly increased 3, 6, and 9 h (15.3 ± 18.8, 24.4 ± 35.1, and 24.2 ± 35.2 ng/mL, respectively) after fucoidan ingestion. The basal fucoidan levels were significantly lower in H. pylori-negative subjects who rarely ate mozuku than in those who regularly consumed it. Regarding the ΔMax fucoidan value (highest value − basal value) in H. pylori-positive subjects who ate mozuku at least once a month, those aged ≥40 years exhibited significantly lower values than <40 years old. Among subjects ≥40 years old who regularly consumed mozuku, the ΔMax fucoidan value was significantly lower in H. pylori-positive subjects than in H. pylori-negative ones. In H. pylori-positive subjects who ate mozuku at least once monthly, basal fucoidan values displayed positive correlations with H. pylori titers and ΔMax fucoidan values in subjects <40 years old. No correlations were found in H. pylori-positive subjects who ate mozuku once every 2–3 months or less. Thus, fucoidan absorption is associated with H. pylori infection and frequency of mozuku consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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14 pages, 3802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fucoidan Induces Apoptosis of HT-29 Cells via the Activation of DR4 and Mitochondrial Pathway

by Xu Bai, Yu Wang, Bo Hu, Qi Cao, Maochen Xing, Shuliang Song and Aiguo Ji

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18040220 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3616

Abstract

Fucoidan has a variety of pharmacological activities, but the understanding of the mechanism of fucoidan-induced apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells remains limited. The results of the present study demonstrated that the JNK signaling pathway is involved in the activation of apoptosis in colorectal [...] Read more.

Fucoidan has a variety of pharmacological activities, but the understanding of the mechanism of fucoidan-induced apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells remains limited. The results of the present study demonstrated that the JNK signaling pathway is involved in the activation of apoptosis in colorectal cancer-derived HT-29 cells, and fucoidan induces apoptosis by activation of the DR4 at the transcriptional and protein levels. The survival rate of HT-29 cells was approximately 40% in the presence of 800 μg/mL of fucoidan, but was increased to 70% after DR4 was silenced by siRNA. Additionally, fucoidan has been shown to reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential and destroy the integrity of mitochondrial membrane. In the presence of an inhibitor of cytochrome C inhibitor and DR4 siRNA or the presence of cytochrome C inhibitor only, the cell survival rate was significantly higher than when cells were treated with DR4 siRNA only. These data indicate that both the DR4 and the mitochondrial pathways contribute to fucoidan-induced apoptosis of HT-29 cells, and the extrinsic pathway is upstream of the intrinsic pathway. In conclusion, the current work identified the mechanism of fucoidan-induced apoptosis and provided a novel theoretical basis for the future development of clinical applications of fucoidan as a drug. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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14 pages, 2553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Potential of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Padina boryana; Protective Effect against Oxidative Stress in In Vitro and In Vivo Zebrafish Model

by Thilina U. Jayawardena, Lei Wang, K. K. Asanka Sanjeewa, Sang In Kang, Jung-Suck Lee and You-Jin Jeon

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(4), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18040212 - 14 Apr 2020

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 5121

Abstract

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage the internal cell components. Padina boryana, a brown alga from the Maldives, was subjected to polysaccharide extraction. The Celluclast enzyme assisted extract (PBE) and ethanol precipitation (PBP) of P. boryana were assessed against hydrogen [...] Read more.

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage the internal cell components. Padina boryana, a brown alga from the Maldives, was subjected to polysaccharide extraction. The Celluclast enzyme assisted extract (PBE) and ethanol precipitation (PBP) of P. boryana were assessed against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) induced cell damage and zebra fish models. PBP which contains the majority of sulfated polysaccharides based on fucoidan, showed outstanding extracellular ROS scavenging potential against H₂O₂. PBP significantly declined the intracellular ROS levels, and exhibited protection against apoptosis. The study revealed PBPs’ ability to activate the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, consequently initiating downstream elements such that catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Further, ROS levels, lipid peroxidation values in zebrafish studies were declined with the pre-treatment of PBP. Collectively, the results obtained in the study suggest the polysaccharides from P. boryana might be a potent source of water soluble natural antioxidants that could be sustainably utilized in the industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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13 pages, 2309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fucoidan Purified from Sargassum polycystum Induces Apoptosis through Mitochondria-Mediated Pathway in HL-60 and MCF-7 Cells

by Ilekuttige Priyan Shanura Fernando, Kalu Kapuge Asanka Sanjeewa, Hyo Geun Lee, Hyun-Soo Kim, Andaravaas Patabadige Jude Prasanna Vaas, Hondamuni Ireshika Chathurani De Silva, Chandrika Malkanthi Nanayakkara, Dampegamage Thusitha Udayangani Abeytunga, Dae-Sung Lee, Jung-Suck Lee and You-Jin Jeon

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(4), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18040196 - 8 Apr 2020

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4473

Abstract

Fucoidans are biocompatible, heterogeneous, and fucose rich sulfated polysaccharides biosynthesized in brown algae, which are renowned for their broad-spectrum biofunctional properties. As a continuation of our preliminary screening studies, the present work was undertaken to extract polysaccharides from the edible brown algae Sargassum [...] Read more.

Fucoidans are biocompatible, heterogeneous, and fucose rich sulfated polysaccharides biosynthesized in brown algae, which are renowned for their broad-spectrum biofunctional properties. As a continuation of our preliminary screening studies, the present work was undertaken to extract polysaccharides from the edible brown algae Sargassum polycystum by a modified enzyme assisted extraction process using Celluclast, a food-grade cellulase, and to purify fucoidan by DEAE-cellulose anion exchange chromatography. The apoptotic and antiproliferative properties of the purified fucoidan (F5) were evaluated on HL-60 and MCF-7 cells. Structural features were characterized by FTIR and NMR analysis. F5 indicated profound antiproliferative effects on HL-60 leukemia and MCF-7 breast cancer cells with IC₅₀ values of 84.63 ± 0.08 µg mL⁻¹ and 93.62 ± 3.53 µg mL⁻¹ respectively. Further, F5 treatment increased the apoptotic body formation, DNA damage, and accumulation of HL-60 and MCF-7 cells in the Sub-G₁ phase of the cell cycle. The effects were found to proceed via the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway. The Celluclast assisted extraction is a cost-efficient method of yielding fucoidan. With further studies in place, purified fucoidan of S. polycystum could be applied as functional ingredients in food and pharmaceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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13 pages, 2358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Psoriasis by Alteration of the Gut Environment by Oral Administration of Fucoidan from Cladosiphon Okamuranus

by Masanobu Takahashi, Kento Takahashi, Sunao Abe, Kosuke Yamada, Manami Suzuki, Mai Masahisa, Mari Endo, Keiko Abe, Ryo Inoue and Hiroko Hoshi

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18030154 - 10 Mar 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4966

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease for which there is no cure; it results in skin lesions and has a strong negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus is a dietary seaweed fiber with immunostimulatory effects. The present [...] Read more.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease for which there is no cure; it results in skin lesions and has a strong negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus is a dietary seaweed fiber with immunostimulatory effects. The present study reports that the administration of fucoidan provided symptomatic relief of facial itching and altered the gut environment in the TNF receptor-associated factor 3-interacting protein 2 (Traf3ip2) mutant mice (m-Traf3ip2 mice); the Traf3ip2 mutation was responsible for psoriasis in the mouse model used in this study. A fucoidan diet ameliorated symptoms of psoriasis and decreased facial scratching. In fecal microbiota analysis, the fucoidan diet drastically altered the presence of major intestinal opportunistic microbiota. At the same time, the fucoidan diet increased mucin volume in ileum and feces, and IgA contents in cecum. These results suggest that dietary fucoidan may play a significant role in the prevention of dysfunctional immune diseases by improving the intestinal environment and increasing the production of substances that protect the immune system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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10 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of Fucoidan from Saccharina japonica and Its Depolymerized Fragment on Adriamycin-Induced Nephrotic Syndrome in Rats

by Jiaojiao Tan, Jing Wang, Lihua Geng, Yang Yue, Ning Wu and Quanbin Zhang

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(3), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18030137 - 27 Feb 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2870

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical syndrome with a variety of causes, mainly characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. At present, identification of effective and less toxic therapeutic interventions for nephrotic syndrome remains to be an important issue. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical syndrome with a variety of causes, mainly characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. At present, identification of effective and less toxic therapeutic interventions for nephrotic syndrome remains to be an important issue. In this study, we isolated fucoidan from Saccharina japonica and prepared its depolymerized fragment by oxidant degradation. Fucoidan and its depolymerized fragment had similar chemical constituents. Their average molecular weights were 136 and 9.5 kDa respectively. The effect of fucoidan and its depolymerized fragment on adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome were investigated in a rat model. The results showed that adriamycin-treated rats had heavy proteinuria and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), total cholesterol (TC), and total triglyceride (TG) levels. Oral administration of fucoidan or low-molecular-weight fucoidan for 30 days could significantly inhibit proteinuria and decrease the elevated BUN, SCr, TG, and TC level in a dose-dependent manner. At the same dose (100 mg/kg), low-molecular-weight fucoidan had higher renoprotective activity than fucoidan. Their protective effect on nephrotic syndrome was partly related to their antioxidant activity. The results suggested that both fucoidan and its depolymerized fragment had excellent protective effect on adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome, and might have potential for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

18 pages, 1133 KiB

Open AccessReview

Brown Seaweed Fucoidan in Cancer: Implications in Metastasis and Drug Resistance

by María Elena Reyes, Ismael Riquelme, Tomás Salvo, Louise Zanella, Pablo Letelier and Priscilla Brebi

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(5), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18050232 - 28 Apr 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 7160

Abstract

Fucoidans are sulphated polysaccharides that can be obtained from brown seaweed and marine invertebrates. They have anti-cancer properties, through their targeting of several signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms within malignant cells. This review describes the chemical structure diversity of fucoidans and their similarity [...] Read more.

Fucoidans are sulphated polysaccharides that can be obtained from brown seaweed and marine invertebrates. They have anti-cancer properties, through their targeting of several signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms within malignant cells. This review describes the chemical structure diversity of fucoidans and their similarity with other molecules such as glycosaminoglycan, which enable them to participation in diverse biological processes. Furthermore, this review summarizes their influence on the development of metastasis and drug resistance, which are the main obstacles to cure cancer. Finally, this article discusses how fucoidans have been used in clinical trials to evaluate their potential synergy with other anti-cancer therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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22 pages, 1180 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fucoidans: Downstream Processes and Recent Applications

by Ahmed Zayed and Roland Ulber

Mar. Drugs 2020, 18(3), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/md18030170 - 18 Mar 2020

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 7822

Abstract

Fucoidans are multifunctional marine macromolecules that are subjected to numerous and various downstream processes during their production. These processes were considered the most important abiotic factors affecting fucoidan chemical skeletons, quality, physicochemical properties, biological properties and industrial applications. Since a universal protocol for [...] Read more.

Fucoidans are multifunctional marine macromolecules that are subjected to numerous and various downstream processes during their production. These processes were considered the most important abiotic factors affecting fucoidan chemical skeletons, quality, physicochemical properties, biological properties and industrial applications. Since a universal protocol for fucoidans production has not been established yet, all the currently used processes were presented and justified. The current article complements our previous articles in the fucoidans field, provides an updated overview regarding the different downstream processes, including pre-treatment, extraction, purification and enzymatic modification processes, and shows the recent non-traditional applications of fucoidans in relation to their characters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoidans)

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