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Marine Bioactives for Human Health

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 5326

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The marine world represents considerable biodiversity and chemodiversity that is still insufficiently explored and exploited. While several examples of molecules or species of marine origin (particularly sponges, algae and microalgae) are known for their uses in human healthcare, cosmetics and the food industry, many others remain insufficiently studied or have yet to be discovered. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an opportunity to present the molecular and functional characterization of new molecules of marine origin, describe the mechanism of action of new or older marine bioactives at the molecular, cellular or in vivo levels, and offer summaries of the current state of the knowledge in this field. Therefore, original research papers and review papers are welcome.

Dr. Benoît Chénais
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bioactive molecules
  • marine organisms
  • polyunsaturated fatty acids
  • pigments
  • polyphenols
  • sterol derivatives
  • glycanes and glycoconjugate
  • cardiovascular disease
  • cancer
  • metabolic syndrome
  • inflammation
  • angiogenesis
  • antioxidant

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 4342 KiB  
Article
Understanding Antidiabetic Potential of Oligosaccharides from Red Alga Dulse Devaleraea inkyuleei Xylan by Investigating α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibition
by Martin Alain Mune Mune, Tadashi Hatanaka, Hideki Kishimura and Yuya Kumagai
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071536 - 29 Mar 2024
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Abstract
In this study, the α-glucosidase (maltase-glucoamylase: MGAM) and α-amylase inhibitory properties elicited by xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) prepared from dulse xylan were analysed as a potential mechanism to control postprandial hyperglycaemia for type-2 diabetes prevention and treatment. Xylan was purified from red alga dulse powder [...] Read more.
In this study, the α-glucosidase (maltase-glucoamylase: MGAM) and α-amylase inhibitory properties elicited by xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) prepared from dulse xylan were analysed as a potential mechanism to control postprandial hyperglycaemia for type-2 diabetes prevention and treatment. Xylan was purified from red alga dulse powder and used for enzymatic hydrolysis using Sucrase X to produce XOSs. Fractionation of XOSs produced xylobiose (X2), β-(1→3)-xylosyl xylobiose (DX3), xylotriose (X3), β-(1→3)-xylosyl-xylotriose (DX4), and a dulse XOS mixture with n ≥ 4 xylose units (DXM). The different fractions exhibited moderate MGAM (IC50 = 11.41–23.44 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 = 18.07–53.04 mg/mL) inhibitory activity, which was lower than that of acarbose. Kinetics studies revealed that XOSs bound to the active site of carbohydrate digestive enzymes, limiting access to the substrate by competitive inhibition. A molecular docking analysis of XOSs with MGAM and α-amylase clearly showed moderate strength of interactions, both hydrogen bonds and non-bonded contacts, at the active site of the enzymes. Overall, XOSs from dulse could prevent postprandial hyperglycaemia as functional food by a usual and continuous consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bioactives for Human Health)
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18 pages, 24160 KiB  
Article
Revealing Novel Source of Breast Cancer Inhibitors from Seagrass Enhalus acoroides: In Silico and In Vitro Studies
by Yan Wisnu Prajoko, Faqrizal Ria Qhabibi, Timothy Sahala Gerardo, Kanandya Kizzandy, Krisanto Tanjaya, Sebastian Emmanuel Willyanto, Happy Kurnia Permatasari, Reggie Surya, Nelly Mayulu, Nurpudji Astuti Taslim, Raymond Rubianto Tjandrawinata, Rony Abdi Syahputra, Trina Ekawati Tallei, Apollinaire Tsopmo, Bonglee Kim, Rudy Kurniawan and Fahrul Nurkolis
Molecules 2024, 29(5), 1082; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29051082 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1847
Abstract
Enhalus arcoides is a highly beneficial type of seagrass. Prior studies have presented proof of the bioactivity of E. acoroides, suggesting its potential to combat cancer. Therefore, this study aims to delve deeper into E. acoroides bioactive molecule profiles and their direct [...] Read more.
Enhalus arcoides is a highly beneficial type of seagrass. Prior studies have presented proof of the bioactivity of E. acoroides, suggesting its potential to combat cancer. Therefore, this study aims to delve deeper into E. acoroides bioactive molecule profiles and their direct biological anticancer activities potentials through the combination of in-silico and in-vitro studies. This study conducted metabolite profile analysis on E. acoroides utilizing HPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS analysis. Two extraction techniques, ethanol and hexane, were employed for the extraction process. Furthermore, the in-silico study was conducted using molecular docking simulations on the HER2, EGFR tyrosine kinase and HIF-1α protein receptor. Afterward, the antioxidant activity of E. acoroides metabolites was examined to ABTS, and the antiproliferative activity was tested using an MTT assay. An in-silico study revealed its ability to combat breast cancer by inhibiting the HER2/EGFR/HIF-1α pathway through molecular docking. In addition, the MTT assay demonstrated that higher dosages of metabolites from E. acoroides increased the effectiveness of toxicity against cancer cell lines. Additionally, the study demonstrated that the metabolites possess the ability to function as potent antioxidants, effectively inhibiting a series of carcinogenic mechanisms. Ultimately, this study showed a new approach to unveiling the E. acoroides metabolites’ anticancer activity through inhibiting HER2/EGFR/HIF-1α receptors, with great cytotoxicity and a potent antioxidant property to prevent a carcinogenic cascade. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bioactives for Human Health)
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Review

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27 pages, 1699 KiB  
Review
Bioactive Potential of Algae and Algae-Derived Compounds: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Effects
by Maima Matin, Magdalena Koszarska, Atanas G. Atanasov, Karolina Król-Szmajda, Artur Jóźwik, Adrian Stelmasiak and Monika Hejna
Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4695; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194695 - 3 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1568
Abstract
Algae, both micro- and macroalgae, are recognized for their rich repository of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. These marine organisms produce a variety of secondary metabolites that exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, offering promising avenues for the development of new [...] Read more.
Algae, both micro- and macroalgae, are recognized for their rich repository of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. These marine organisms produce a variety of secondary metabolites that exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, offering promising avenues for the development of new drugs and nutraceuticals. Algae-derived compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, lipids, and polysaccharides, have demonstrated efficacy in modulating key inflammatory pathways, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting microbial growth. At the molecular level, these compounds influence macrophage activity, suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and regulate apoptotic processes. Studies have shown that algae extracts can inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, reduce oxidative damage by activating Nrf2, and offer an alternative to traditional antibiotics by combatting bacterial infections. Furthermore, algae’s therapeutic potential extends to addressing diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer, with ongoing research exploring their efficacy in preclinical animal models. The pig model, due to its physiological similarities to humans, is highlighted as particularly suitable for validating the bioactivities of algal compounds in vivo. This review underscores the need for further investigation into the specific mechanisms of action and clinical applications of algae-derived biomolecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bioactives for Human Health)
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