Recruitment of crustose coralline algae on tiles material for monitoring coral larvae settlement's consolidators at Nature Reserve Pulau Sempu, East Java, Indonesia / Recrutamento de algas coralinas crustosas em azulejos para monitorar consolidadores de assentamentos de larvas de coral na Reserva Natural Pulau Sempu, Java Oriental, Indonésia

Crustose coralline algae (Corallinophycideae) are red algae that produced calcium carbonate and are well recognized as foundation species in the epipelagic zone of the marine ecosystem. These algae induced settlement juvenile of coral by released chemical cues from bacterial communities on the surface of their colonies. Their extracellular calcium carbonate also can stabilize reef structure that influencing many invertebrate attaches and growth in the seabed. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) have obtained attention because of their distribution and health compromise to increasing seawater temperature, ocean acidification, and pollutant. As a cryptic species in the ecosystem, the presence of CCA recruit sometimes doesn’t have attention, especially on their capability to occupy the empty space. This study aimed to document coverage and number of CCA recruit in two different recruitment tile’s material. The highest CCA percentage of the cover was showed inside surface than others surface in all stations. Light intensity and low sedimentation were suggested as a key factor of success of high coverage. Overall, station higher CCA recruits have shown from Tiga Warna. Low sedimentation and protection from aerial exposure became the main reason for it. No significant difference number of CCA recruits between marble and sandstone in this study. Successful CCA recruitment in this study can give a wide picture that natural recruitment of coral and other reef biodiversity in Southern Malang might be will succeed because of the abundance of coralline algae that support their life history stage.

As algas coralinas crustosas (Corallinophycideae) são algas vermelhas que produzem carbonato de cálcio e são bem reconhecidas como espécies de base na zona epipelágica do ecossistema marinho. Essas algas induziram o assentamento juvenil de coral por meio de estímulos químicos liberados por comunidades bacterianas na superfície de suas colônias. Seu carbonato de cálcio extracelular também pode estabilizar a estrutura do recife que influencia muitos invertebrados anexados e crescimento no fundo do mar. As algas coralinas crustosas (CCA) têm obtido atenção devido à sua distribuição e comprometimento da saúde com o aumento da temperatura da água do mar, acidificação dos oceanos e poluentes. Como uma espécie enigmática no ecossistema, a presença de recrutamento CCA às vezes não recebe atenção, especialmente em sua capacidade de ocupar o espaço vazio. Este estudo teve como objetivo documentar a cobertura e o número de recrutamento de CCA em dois materiais de recrutamento diferentes. A maior porcentagem de CCA da cobertura foi mostrada na superfície interna do que nas outras superfícies em todas as estações. A intensidade da luz e a baixa sedimentação foram sugeridas como um fator-chave para o sucesso da alta cobertura. De modo geral, recrutas de CCA mais graduados mostraram-se em Tiga Warna. A baixa sedimentação e a proteção contra a exposição aérea se tornaram a principal razão para isso. Não houve diferença significativa no número de recrutas CCA entre mármore e arenito neste estudo. O recrutamento bem-sucedido de CCA neste estudo pode dar uma imagem ampla de que o recrutamento natural de corais e outros recifes da biodiversidade no sul de Malang será bem-sucedido por causa da abundância de algas coralinas que sustentam seu estágio de história de vida.

Independent and synergistic activity of the flavonoids of Gracilaria corticata as promising antidiabetic agents

The therapeutic approaches for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus rely most on the usage of oral hypoglycaemic drugs. These drugs have adverse side effects and hence alternative medicines are continuously explored. The present study intends to investigate the antidiabetic potential of the flavonoids present in Gracilaria corticata. The flavonoids were isolated (FEGC) and their inhibitory activity on the carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase was analysed. The flavonoids were found to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 302 µg and 75 µg respectively. The synergistic effect of FEGC and luteolin was also investigated and the results show that both FEGC and luteolin inhibited synergistically at half their IC50 values. The observations of this study reveal that the flavonoids of G. corticata have potential antidiabetic activity and can act independently or synergistically in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Fatty acid composition from the marine red algae Pterocladiella capillacea (S. G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand 1997 and Osmundaria obtusiloba (C. Agardh) R. E. Norris 1991 and its antioxidant activity

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of fatty acids from the marine red algae Pterocladiella capillacea (S. G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand 1997 and Osmundaria obtusiloba (C. Agardh) R. E. Norris 1991. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified nine fatty acids in the two species. The major fatty acids of P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba were palmitic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. The DPPH radical scavenging capacity of fatty acids was moderate ranging from 25.90% to 29.97%. Fatty acids from P. capillacea (31.18%) had a moderate ferrous ions chelating activity (FIC), while in O. obtusiloba (17.17%), was weak. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of fatty acids from P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba was low. As for β-carotene bleaching (BCB), P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba showed a good activity. This is the first report of the antioxidant activities of fatty acids from the marine red algae P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba.

Treatment with 3-Bromo-4,5-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde Improves Cardiac Function by Inhibiting Macrophage Infiltration in Mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Appropriate inflammatory response is necessary for cardiac repairing after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Three-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) is a potent antioxidant and natural bromophenol compound derived from red algae. Although BDB has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect, it remains unclear whether BDB affects cardiac remolding after MI. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of BDB on cardiac function recovery after MI in mice. METHODS: Mice were intraperitoneally injected with BDB (100 mg/kg) or vehicle control respectively 1 hour before MI and then treated every other day. Cardiac function was monitored by transthoracic echocardiography at day 7 after MI. The survival of mice was observed for 2 weeks and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to determine the infarct size. Macrophages infiltration was examined by immunofluorescence staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to test the production of cytokines associated with macrophages. The phosphorylation status of nuclear factor (NF)-κB was determined by western blot. RESULTS: BDB administration dramatically improved cardiac function recovery, and decreased mortality and infarcted size after MI. Treatment with BDB reduced CD68+ macrophages, M1 and M2 macrophages infiltration post-MI, and suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and IL-6 in the injured hearts. Furthermore, BDB inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB in the infarcted hearts. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate, for the first time, that BDB treatment facilitated cardiac healing by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and indicate that BDB may serve as a therapeutic agent for acute MI.

Characterization and bioactivities of a novel polysaccharide obtained from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis

ABSTRACT Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis is a type of red alga that contains seaweed polysaccharide agar. In this study, a novel non-agar seaweed polysaccharide fraction named GCP (short of crude polysaccharide obtained from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis) was isolated from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. Structural analysis showed that GCP shows triple helical chain conformation when dissolved in water and has many branches and long side chains. Also, 1→3 linkage is the major linkage and the sugar structures are galactopyranose configurations linked by β-type glycosidic linkages. Two macromolecular substance fractions (GCP-1 and GCP-2) were purified by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. Moreover, a splenocyte damage assay and splenocyte proliferation assay were used to analyse the bioactivities of GCP, GCP-1 and GCP-2. It was demonstrated that polysaccharides could protect splenocyte damaged by H2O2; GCP-2 shows a greatest protection rate, that is, 92.8%, which significantly enhanced the splenocyte proliferation, and GCP showed the highest proliferation rate, 9.30%. The results suggested that this type of novel non-agar polysaccharide displayed remarkable antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities and early alkali treatment could decrease the activities. It may represent a potential material for health food and clinical medicines.

Protective effects of ethanolic extract from the red algae Amansia multifida on experimental inflammation, nociception and seizure experimental models / Efeito protetor do extrato etanólico da alga marinha vermelha Amansia multifida em modelos experimentais de inflamação, nocicepção e convulsão

This study aimed to investigate the EEAm effect in mice models of nociception, inflammation and in behavioral tests evaluating the central nervous system. EEAm had inhibitory effects in the following tests: acetic acid-induced writhing (78%); formalin (62% - inflammatory phase); open field (46%). EEAm increased the nociceptive latency (56%) in tail flick test and increased the death-latency by 36% in the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model. Moreover, EEAm inhibited paw edema (82%) and peritonitis (45%) induced by carrageenan. In conclusion, EEAm presents antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant effects involving peripheral and central-acting mechanisms in mice.

Neste estudo objetivou-se investigar o efeito do EEAm em modelos de nocicepção e inflamação, e em testes comportamentais que avaliam o sistema nervoso central em camundongos. EEAm exibiu efeitos inibitórios nos testes comportamentais de contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético (78%); formalina (62% - fase inflamatória) e campo aberto (46%). EEAm aumentou a latência de nocicepção no teste de retirada da cauda (56%) e a latência de morte 36% no modelo de convulsões induzidas por pentilenetetrazol. Além disso, EEAm inibiu o edema de pata (82%) e a peritonite (45%) induzidos por carragenana. Como conclusão, EEAm apresenta efeitos antinociceptivo, anti-inflamatório e anticonvulsivante em camundongos por mecanismos periféricos e centrais.

Mild-acid hydrolysis of a native polysulfated fraction from Acanthophora muscoides generates sulfated oligosaccharides displaying in vitro thrombin generation inhibition / Hidrólise ácida branda de uma fração polissulfatada de Acanthophora muscoides gera oligossacarídeos sulfatados mostrando inibição de geração de trombina in vitro

A. muscoides (Rhodophyta) has three polysulfated fractions (-1, -2 and Am-3). Am-2 displayed anti -inflammation and serpin-independent anticoagulation effects; however, no effect of oligomers on thrombin-generation (TG) has been demonstrated. This study employed mild-acid hydrolysis to obtain low-molecular-size derivatives from Am-2 and compared in vitro inhibitory effects between intact Am-2 and its hydrolysates on a TG assay. The polysaccharidic extract was fractionated by DEAE-cellulose that revealed Am-2 eluted with 0.75-M NaCl containing sulfate (23%), hexoses (51%) and absence of proteins, and indicating, by one-dimension nuclear magnetic resonance, structure of galactan similar to that of the extract. The depolymerization with HCl (0.02 or 0.04-M, 60°C) for different times progressively reduced the charge density and the molecular-size of Am-2 based on electrophoresis in agarose and polyacrylamide gels, respectively, where at higher acid concentration and critical time up to 5h yielded fragment of Ì´14-kDa similar to that of unfractionated heparin (UHEP). Regarding the TG assay, intact Am-2 inhibited concentration- dependent intrinsic pathway, whereas its hydrolysates abolished it like UHEP, except the analog fragment (92.87% inhibition), when in 60-fold diluted human plasma using chromogenic method in a continuous system. The results reveal an alternative approach for the production of oligosaccharides from A. muscoides with TG inhibition.

A rodofícea A. muscoides possui três frações polissulfatadas (-1, -2 e Am-3). Am-2 mostrou efeito anti-inflamação e anticoagulação independente de serpina. Entretanto, não se demonstrou efeito de oligômeros sobre ensaio de geração de trombina (GT) . Este estudo empregou hidrólise ácida branda para obter derivados de tamanho molecular baixo de Am -2 e os efeitos inibitórios in vitro entre Am-2 intacta e hidrolisados comparados sobre um ensaio de GT. O extrato polissacarídico, fracionado por DEAE-celulose, revelou Am-2 eluída com NaCl-0,75M contendo sulfato (23%), hexoses (51%) e destituída de proteínas. E, ainda, por ressonância magnética nuclear-unidimensional, indicando galactana semelhante a do extrato. A depolimerização com HCl (0,02 ou 0,04-M; 60°C) reduziu, progressivamente durante tempos diferentes, a densidade de carga e o tamanho molecular de Am-2 baseada nas eletroforeses em géis de agarose e de poliacrilamida, respectivamente, em que, concentração ácida elevada e tempo crítico de até 5h renderam fragmento de Ì´14-kDa semelhante ao da heparina não fracionada (HEPNF). Já no ensaio de GT, Am-2 intacta, quando em plasma humano diluído 60 vezes, usando método cromogênico por meio de sistema contínuo, quem inibiu a via intrínseca dependente de concentração, ao passo que seus hidrolisados aboliram como HEPNF, exceto fragmento análogo (inibição 92,87%). Os resultados revelam uma abordagem alternativa para produzir oligossacarídeos de A. muscoides com inibição de GT.

Barcode e bioprospecção de metabólitos das algas marinhas Laurencia aldingensis, L. dendroidea e Laurenciella sp. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) / Barcode and bioprospecting of metabolites from the marine algae Laurencia aldingensis, L. dendroidea e Laurenciella sp. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)

A natureza e diversidade das estruturas químicas com atividade farmacológica que se tem encontrado nos organismos marinhos justificam a busca por novos compostos que são de interesse nas mais diversas áreas de aplicação. As espécies de macroalgas vermelhas, em especial Laurencia spp., merecem destaque pela enorme variedade de terpenos e acetogeninas que produzem, sendo consideradas de grande potencial na produção de novos fármacos. O estudo de seus constituintes pode fornecer importantes subsídios para a quimiotaxonomia, ecologia química, caracterização das espécies e avaliação do potencial biotecnológico. Baseado nisso, Laurencia aldingensis, L. dendroidea e Laurenciella sp. foram selecionadas para o presente estudo para isolamento, caracterização e teste de atividades biológicas dos seus compostos. A técnica do DNA barcoding foi utilizada como ferramenta de diagnóstico para garantir a similaridade entre as amostras de cada espécie, que foram coletadas em época e locais diferentes. Do extrato orgânico de Laurencia aldingensis, nove substâncias foram isoladas, sendo quatro esfingosinas (1-4), três terpenos (5-7) e duas novas substâncias halogenadas (8 e 9). Do extrato orgânico de Laurencia dendroidea formam isolados dois terpenos halogenados conhecidos (10, 11) e, do extrato de Laurenciella sp. três novas substâncias halogenadas alifáticas insaturadas (12-14), assim como um ácido graxo (15) e um esterol (16) conhecidos. Dentre elas, a 8 apresentou atividade citotóxica, mas não se mostrou seletivo, e as substâncias 4 e 11 apresentaram atividade esquistossomicida, bastante promissora. No entanto, nenhum deles apresentou atividade antioxidante. Diante desta investigação, podemos dizer que as informações geradas com os estudos de Laurencia aldingensis, L. dendroidea e Laurenciella sp. expandiram significantemente o conhecimento no que tange a diversidade química no gênero e o potencial biológico-farmacêutico dos mesmos

The nature and diversity of chemical structures with pharmacological activity that have been found in marine organisms justifies the search for new compounds that may have applications in various areas of interest. Species of red seaweeds, especially Laurencia spp., are special because of the unprecedented variety of terpenes and acetogenins they produce that are considered potentially useful for the production of new drugs. Study of their constituents can also provide important insights relating to their chemotaxonomy, chemical ecology, characterization of species and biotechnological potential. On this basis Laurencia aldingensis, L. dendroidea and Laurenciella sp., were selected for study and isolation, characterization, and biological activity assessment of isolatable quantities of their compounds. The technique of DNA barcoding was used as a diagnostic tool to ensure similarity between samples of each species collected at different times and places. From the organic extract of Laurencia aldingensis nine compounds were isolated; four sphingosines (1-4), three terpenes (5-7) and other two new halogenated compound (8, 9). From the organic extract of Laurencia dendroidea two known halogenated terpenes (10, 11) were isolated while from a similar extract of Laurenciella sp., three new halogenated aliphatic compounds (12-14) were isolated together with known fatty acid (15) and sterol (16). Among all isolates, 8 demonstrated unspecific cytotoxic activity and compounds 4 and 11 showed promising schistosomicidal activity. In applied antioxidant assays none of the isolates we noted to have activity. From the overall investigation it is also clear that the information gleaned from the studies of Laurencia aldingensis, L. dendroidea and Laurenciella sp., significantly expanded our knowledge base concerning chemical diversity in the genus Laurencia and their biological-pharmaceutical potential

Prospecção de bioativos farmacológicos em algas marinhas Rhodophyta e Heterokontophyta e avaliação de citotoxicidade / Prospection of pharmaceutical bioactive compounds in marine algae Rhodophyta and Heterokontophyta and cytotoxicity evaluation

Muitas drogas terapêuticas produzidas pela indústria farmacêutica são estruturas químicas isoladas de organismos encontrados na natureza ou moléculas baseadas nelas. Podem ser incluídas nesse grupo drogas isoladas de organismos marinhos, como corais, esponjas e algas marinhas, conhecidos como produtores de grandes quantidades de metabólitos secundários. Com base neste fato o presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar a prospecção de moléculas bioativas com propósito farmacológico, em extratos de algas marinhas vermelhas (Rhodophyta) e pardas (Heterokontophyta) coletadas no litoral brasileiro. A prospecção foi realizada por meio de avaliação de seus potenciais antioxidante, antibacteriano, antifúngico, anticancerígeno, e antiparasitário contra organismos causadores de leishmaniose e esquistossomose. Para as avaliações foram empregadas os extratos supercríticos de 5 espécies diferentes, sendo 2 pardas: Dictyota dichotoma e D. menstrualis e três vermelhas: Chondria littoralis, Spyridia hypnoides e Plocamium brasiliense. Os extratos foram avaliados quanto aos seus potenciais bioativos e os resultados mais promissores foram selecionados para as etapas seguintes do fracionamento. Em uma avaliação geral os extratos apresentaram bons resultados e representam uma potencial fonte de bioativos. Os extratos das espécies de D. dichotoma e D. menstrualis foram então submetidos a um procedimento de fracionamento bioguiado pela atividade esquistossomicida. Incorporou-se ainda um terceiro extrato de D. mertensii aos estudos e todas as etapas do fracionamento foram monitoradas por LC-MS. Comparando-se as massas detectadas em todas as frações que apresentaram atividade, para os 3 extratos, foi verificado que a substância de m/z 271,24 estava presente em todas elas, portanto os procedimentos de isolamento foram direcionados a esta molécula para a qual foi possível isolar 7 mg. Diferentemente do que era esperado a molécula quando avaliada isoladamente não apresentou atividade esquistossomicida, levando a hipótese de que a atividade seja decorrente de uma molécula diferente para cada espécie ou ainda que a mesma seja decorrente de uma interação com outras substâncias por um mecanismo de ação aditivo ou sinérgico. O trabalho avaliado de forma geral apresentou resultados promissores e representa um grande embasamento para servir como base para posteriores trabalho de fracionamento

Several therapeutic drugs manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry are chemical structures isolated from organisms that are found in nature or molecules based on that. May be included at this group drugs isolated from marine organisms, like corals, sponges and seaweeds, known as great secondary metabolites producers. Based on this facts the objective of the present study is to perform a prospection study to achieve bioactive molecules with pharmaceutical purposes, on extracts made from red (Rhodophyta) and brown (Heterokontophyta) seaweed collected in the Brazilian shore. The prospection studies was performed by means of evaluation of the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and antiparasitic (against Leishmania and Schistosoma) potential. In the evaluation were tested the supercritical extracts of 5 different species, including 2 brown species: Dictyota dichotoma and D. menstrualis and 3 red species: Chondria littoralis, Spyridia hypnoides and Plocamium brasiliense. The extracts were evaluated by their potential bioactive compounds and the most promising results were selected for the following fractionation steps. Overall the extracts have shown good results and may be represent a potential source of bioactive molecules. The extracts of both D. dichotoma and D. menstrualis were submitted to a bioguided fractionation process by their antischistosomal activities. It was still included a third extract from D. mertensii to the studies and every step was monitored by LC-MS techniques. Comparing the detected mass for each active fraction, it was observed the presence of a substance with m/z 271,24 in all of the extracts, so the isolating procedures were directed to obtain that specific molecule, which was obtained in a biomass of 7 mg. Differently than expected the molecule when evaluated isolated do not show the antischistosomal activity, leading to the hypothesis that the activity was related to different molecules for each species or even the observed effect is resulted by an interaction mechanism with another substances by an additive or synergist mechanism. The overall evaluation of the whole work show some promising results and it represent a great support for future fractionation works

Analysis of two precipitation methods on the yield, structural features and activity of sulfated polysaccharides from Gracilaria cornea (Rhodophyta) / Análise de duas metodologias de precipitação sobre o rendimento, características estruturais e atividade de polissacarídeos sulfatados de Gracilaria cornea (Rhodophyta)

The global demand for natural products from seaweeds has increased worldwide; however, no description of the use of isoamly alcohol (IAA) for obtaining of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) has been reported. We investigated the efficiency of two precipitation methods (M) in obtaining SPs from the red seaweed Gracilaria cornea. SPs enzymatically isolated were concentrated with cetylpyridinium chloride (M I) or IAA (M II) and extracts were examined with regard to their yield, structural features and in vitro effects on the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using normal human plasma and standard heparin (193 IU mg-1). Yield difference reached 12.99%. Quantitative determination of sulfate was similar between the two methods (Ì´26%), but extracts revealed different pattern on charge density by agarose gel electrophoresis. Whereas both extracts revealed as agarocolloids, alternative M II was also efficient for lipids, proteins and nucleic acids according to the infrared analysis. Extracts had virtually no effect on APPT (1.95 and 2 IU mg-1 for M I and M II, respectively). The results revealed IAA as an alternative solvent for obtaining SPs from the red seaweed G. cornea, depending on the industry' usage criterion.

A demanda global de produtos naturais de algas marinhas tem aumentado mundialmente. Entretanto, a obtenção de polissacarídeos sulfatados (PSs) com álcool isoamílico (AIA) não é relatada. Investigou-se a eficiência de dois métodos (M) de precipitação de PSs da alga marinha vermelha Gracilaria cornea. Os PSs isolados enzimaticamente foram concentrados com cloreto cetilpiridimínio (M I) ou AIA (M II). Os extratos foram examinados, segundo seu rendimento, características estruturais e efeitos in vitro sobre o tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA) usando plasma humano normal e heparina padrão (193 UI mg-1). A diferença nos rendimentos foi 12,99% e semelhante determinação quantitativa de sulfato foi obtida entre os métodos (Ì´26%). A eletroforese em gel de agarose revelou diferenças em termos de densidade de cargas entre os extratos. Enquanto ambos os extratos revelaram agarocoloides, o método M II também se mostrou alternativo para lipídios, proteínas e ácidos nucleicos de acordo com a análise de infravermelho. Os extratos praticamente não modificaram o TTPA (1,95 e 2 UI mg-1 para M I e M II, respectivamente). Os resultados revelaram AIA como um solvente alternativo para obtenção de PSs da alga marinha vermelha G. cornea, dependendo do critério de utilização na indústria.

Inhibition of coagulation proteases and thrombosis and sub-chronic toxicological study of a sulfated polysaccharidic fraction from the red alga Gelidiella acerosa / Inibição de proteases da coagulação e trombose e estudo toxicológico subcrônico de uma fração polissacarídica sulfatada da alga vermelha Gelidiella acerosa

Metabolites isolated from Gelidiella species (Rhodophyta) have been few studied. We evaluated a sulfated polysaccharidic fraction from G. acerosa collected from two Brazilian beaches on the northwestern coast of Brazil (Flecheiras-F and Pedra Rachada-PR) on coagulation proteases and thrombosis. Their toxicity in vivo was also assessed. Enzymatic extractions yielded 1.40%, and similar chromatographic profiles (DEAE-cellulose) were obtained, with fractions (Ga-I→V) containing differences among the relative proportions of sulfate (5-42%), and revealing charge density patterns by electrophoresis. Ga-IV-PR had a discrete effect (3.01 IU mg-1) on normal human coagulation compared with heparin (193 IU mg-1) and was tested on coagulation proteases (thrombin and factor Xa) in the presence of antithrombin and in a model of venous thrombosis in rats using thromboplastin as the thrombogenic stimulus. The systems were inhibited; but at higher doses (>1.0 mg kg-1), this fraction reverted the antithrombotic effect. Regarding the toxicological study, consecutive Ga-IV (9 mg kg-1) for 14 days did not cause mortality in mice, but some biochemical and hematological parameters were discretely altered. Histopathological analysis revealed that increased liver and spleen sizes had no toxicological significance. Therefore, G. acerosa does not biochemically change its matrix polysaccharide composition and proved to be safe antithrombotic agent.

Poucos estudos mostram metabólitos isolados de rodofíceas de espécies Gelidiella. Avaliou-se uma fração polissacarídica sulfatada de G. acerosa coletada a partir de duas praias brasileiras do Nordeste do Brasil (Flecheiras-F e Pedra Rachada-PR) sobre proteases da coagulação e trombose, e em ensaio de toxicidade in vivo. Extrações enzimáticas renderam 1,40% e foram obtidos perfis cromatográficos semelhantes (DEAE-celulose), apresentando frações (Ga-I→V), contendo diferenças entre as proporções relativas de sulfato (5-42%), além de a eletroforese revelar diferenças na densidade de carga. A Ga-IV-PR apresentou discreto efeito (3,01 UI mg-1) sobre a coagulação humana normal comparada à heparina (193 UI mg-1) e foi testada sobre proteases da coagulação (trombina e fator Xa) na presença de antitrombina e em um modelo de trombose venosa em ratos usando tromboplastina com estímulo trombogênico, sendo inibidos esses sistemas. Entretanto, em elevadas doses (>1,0 mg kg-1) o efeito antitrombótico foi revertido. No estudo toxicológico, Ga-IV (9 mg kg-1) consecutiva durante 14 dias não causou mortalidade em camundongos, mas alterou discretamente alguns parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos. O aumento nos tamanhos do fígado e baço não apresentou significância toxicológica, segunda análise histopatológica. Portanto, G. acerosa não muda bioquimicamente a composição de polissacarídeo de sua matriz e detém agente antitrombótico seguro.

Actividad antiviral de un extracto acuoso del alga roja Laurencia obtusa frente a virus influenza A y B / Antiviral activity of an aqueous extract from the red alga Laurencia obtusa against influenza A and B viruses

(au)INTRODUCCIÓN: la terapia antiviral frente a las infecciones provocadas por virus influenza se basa en empleo de inhibidores de las proteínas M2 y neuraminidasa (NA). Sin embargo, la emergencia de cepas estacionales resistentes a ambos grupos de fármacos motiva la búsqueda de nuevos fármacos anti-influenza. Los extractos de algas pueden ser utilizados como fuente para la obtención de estos compuestos, teniendo en cuenta la diversidad de metabolitos descrita en estos organismos. OBJETIVO: evaluar la actividad antiviral in vitro de un extracto acuoso del alga roja Laurencia obtusa frente a virus influenza A (H1N1), A (H3N2) e influenza B. MÉTODOS: se evaluó la citotoxicidad en células MDCK, mediante cálculo de la viabilidad celular, en presencia de concentraciones crecientes del extracto. Los efectos sobre la replicación viral se cuantificaron mediante determinación de los niveles de la hemaglutinina (HA) y de la inhibición del efecto citopático (ECP). El índice selectivo (IS) se calculó a partir de la relación IS=CC50/CE 50. RESULTADOS: el extracto acuoso de Laurencia obtusa posee actividad antiviral in vitro frente a virus influenza B, A (H3N2) y A (H1N1) con valores de IS de 7,73; 11,79 y 12,95; respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Laurencia obtusa inhibe la replicación de virus influenza de elevada importancia clínica. La realización de ensayos secundarios de caracterización de la actividad biológica, así como de caracterización molecular del extracto, podrían permitir el desarrollo de novedosos compuestos antivirales. Este trabajo constituye el primer informe de actividad inhibitoria de esta especie de macroalga frente a virus influenza.compuestos antivirales. Este trabajo constituye el primer informe de actividad inhibitoria de esta especie de macroalga frente a virus influenza(AU)

INTRODUCTION: antiviral therapy against infections caused by influenza viruses is based on the use of inhibitors of M2 protein and neuraminidase (NA). However, the emergence of seasonal strains resistant to both drug groups has led to the search for new anti-influenza medications. Extracts from algae may be used as a source of compounds, considering the diversity of metabolites described for these organisms. OBJECTIVE: evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of an aqueous extract from the red alga Laurencia obtusa against influenza A (H1N1), A (H3N2) and B viruses. METHODS: cytotoxicity was evaluated in MDCK cells by cell viability estimation in the presence of growing concentrations of the extract. The effects over viral replication were quantified by determining hemagglutinin (HA) levels and inhibition of the cytopathic effect (CPE). The selective index (SI) was estimated by SI=CC50/CE50. RESULTS: the aqueous extract of Laurencia obtusa showed in vitro antiviral activity against influenza B, A (H3N2) and A (H1N1) viruses with SI values of 7.73, 11.79 and 12.95, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Laurencia obtusa inhibits the replication of influenza viruses, a fact of great clinical importance. Secondary assays to characterize the biological activity and molecular composition of the extract may lead to the development of novel antiviral compounds. The present paper is the first report on the inhibitory activity of this macroalga species against influenza viruses(AU)

Novel antimicrobial activity of a dichloromethane extract obtained from red seaweed Ceramium rubrum (Hudson) (Rhodophyta: Florideophyceae) against Yersinia ruckeri and Saprolegnia parasitica, agents that cause diseases in salmonids

Background Enteric red mouth disease and Saprolegniasis, which are caused by the bacteria Yersinia ruckeri and the oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica, respectively, are important illnesses that affect salmonid farming. Sanitary problems in farms are addressed by the prevention of disease outbreaks or by the treatment of diseases with chemicals. Environmental and governmental restrictions, toxicity and high treatment costs limit the use of drugs. Marine organisms, such as algae, sponges and corals, have developed an antimicrobial defense strategy based on the production of bioactive metabolites. Among these organisms, seaweeds offer a particularly rich source of potential new drugs. Hence, many pharmacologically active substances have been isolated from seaweeds. In the Ceramium genus, Ceramium rubrum has been emphasized by several authors for its antimicrobial properties. Based on this background, the present study focused on the antimicrobial activity of a lipophilic extract of C. rubrum on Y. ruckeri and S. parasitica. Results The alga, collected from the Pacific coast of Chile, underwent an ethanol extraction, and the concentrated extract was partitioned between water and dichloromethane. From the dichloromethane extract, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, one hydrocarbon and phytol were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The antimicrobial study showed that the whole extract was more active than the individual components, which suggests a strong synergistic effect among the components. Conclusions These results may constitute a basis for promising future applied research that could investigate the use of C. rubrum seaweed as a source of antimicrobial compounds against fish pathogens.

Algas marinas bentónicas de la Isla Gorgona, costa pacífica colombiana / Benthic marine algae of Gorgona island, Colombian Pacific coast

The knowledge of the biodiversity of Gorgona, a continental island in Colombia, is very limited in the case of algae. We present an updated list of the benthic marine algae of Gorgona Island, associated with different marine environments and type of substrates, such as coral reefs, rocks, and soft bottoms. Field samplings were taken between October 2010 and June 2011. We estimated algal cover, species composition and algal diversity for each reef environment using 0.25 m² quadrats. Ecological and environmental aspects are also included. A total of 43 species of algae for the three types of habitats are documented: 24 Rhodophyta, 12 Clorophyta, six Ochrophyta and one species of Cyanobacteria, and 55% of the algal composition corresponded to red algae. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 27-41. Epub 2014 February 01.

Se presenta el listado de las algas marinas bénticas del Parque Nacional Natural Isla Gorgona, el inventario corresponde a la flora algal asociada a los diferentes ambientes marinos de la isla, a saber: arrecifes coralinos y fondos blandos. El monitoreo de las comunidades de algas se llevó a cabo entre octubre de 2010 y mayo de 2011, se realizó una estimación de abundancia y cobertura para lo cual se establecieron transeptos paralelos a la línea de costa y se evaluó el porcentaje de cobertura en cuadrantes de 0.25m². Se reportó un total de 43 especies para los dos ambientes estudiados (coralino y fondos blandos), 24 Rhodophyta, 12 Clorophyta, 6 Ochrophyta y una Cyanobacteria. El grupo más representativo fue el perteneciente a la clase Rhodophyceae, que correspondió al 55.8% de la flora inventariada. Los resultados de nuevos registros en la isla ratifican su importancia fitogeográfica, por cuanto la composición florística insular contribuye significativamente a la biodiversidad de la costa pacífica colombiana, destacándose la presencia de arrecifes coralinos como los principales ambientes marinos para el desarrollo de la flora algal de la región.

Crouania pumila sp. nov. (Callithamniaceae: Rhodophyta), a new species of marine red algae from the Seaflower International Biosphere Reserve, Caribbean Colombia / Crouania pumila sp. nov. (Callithamniaceae: Rhodophyta), una nueva especie de alga roja marina de la Reserva Internacional de la Biosfera Seaflower, Caribe colombiano

In the Colombian Caribbean, the marine macroalgal flora of the Seaflower International Biosphere Reserve has been little studied, despite its ecological importance. Historical records have reported only 201 macroalgae species within its area of almost 350 000km². However, recent surveys have shown a diversity of small algae previously overlooked. With the aim to determine the macroalgal diversity in the Reserve, we undertook field surveys in different ecosystems: coral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky and sandy substrates, at different depths, from intertidal to 37m. During these field surveys, we collected a small described species belonging to the genus Crouania (Callithamniaceae, Rhodophyta), Crouania pumila sp. nov. that is decribed in this paper. This new species was distinguished from other species of the genus by a distinctive suite of traits including its diminutive size (to only 3.5mm in length), its decumbent, slightly calcified habit (epiphytic on other algae), its ramisympodial branching, the ecorticate main axes, and the elongate shape of the terminal cells of the cortical filaments. The observations were provided for both female (cystocarpic) and tetrasporangiate thalli; however, male thalli were not seen. Further studies have to be undertaken in this Reserve in order to carry out other macroalgal analysis and descriptions.

Crouania pumila sp. nov. (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta) es descrita para la isla de Providencia, en el Caribe colombiano. La nueva especie se destaca de las otras especies del género por características como su tamaño diminuto (hasta 3.5mm de largo), su hábito decumbente y poco calcificado (epífita sobre otras algas), su ramificación ramisimpodial, la ausencia de corticación y la forma alargada de las células terminales de los filamentos corticales. Se proveen observaciones sobre talos femeninos (cistocárpicos) y tetraspóricos. No se observaron talos masculinos.

Protection of Grateloupia filicina polysaccharide against hepatotoxicity induced by Dioscorea bulbifera L / 药学学报

The present study was designed to observe the protection of Grateloupia filicina polysaccharide (GFP) against hepatotoxicity induced by Dioscorea bulbifera L in mice and its underlying mechanism. GFP was intragastrically (ig) given to mice at various doses. After 6 days, the mice were treated with ethyl acetate extract of Dioscorea bulbifera L (EF, ig). Serum levels of alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) were measured, and liver histological evaluation was conducted. Furthermore, reductions of liver glutathione (GSH) amount and glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL) activity were tested. The expressions of GCL-c, GCL-m, and HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1) in liver were observed by Western-blot. The results showed that GFP (600 mg x kg(-1)) decreased EF-induced the increase of serum ALT, AST and TB, and GFP (400, 600 mg x kg(-1)) inhibited EF-induced the increase of serum ALP. Liver histological evaluation showed that the liver injury induced by EF was relieved after treated with GFP. GFP further increased liver GSH amount and reversed EF-induced the decrease of GCL activity. The Western-blot result showed that GFP augmented EF-induced the increase of HO-1, and reversed EF-induced the decrease of GCL-c. In conclusion, GFP can act against the oxidative stress liver injury induced by Dioscorea bulbifera L in mice.

A Case of Acute Pancreatitis and Acute Hepatitis Caused by Ingestion of Ceramium kondoi / 대한소화기학회지

In Korea, the use of herbal remedies is a common cause of drug-induced liver injury. However, the occurrence of both acute pancreatitis and acute hepatitis after taking herbal remedies has rarely been reported. Herein, we report a case of concurrent acute pancreatitis and acute hepatitis associated with Ceramium kondoi ingestion. A 58-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer 7 months ago. Total gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy was performed without complications. The patient had been well until recently, when she presented with severe abdominal pain after ingestion of Ceramium kondoi for 4 weeks. The laboratory findings demonstrated elevated liver enzymes and lipase, and abdominal computed tomography revealed pancreas swelling with fat infiltration. The diagnosis was made based on the diagnostic criteria for drug induced pancreatitis and the Russel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method scale for drug-induced liver injury. After cessation of Ceramium kondoi, she showed clinical and biochemical improvement.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of methanolic extract from red seaweed Dichotomaria obtusata

The aim of the present work was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of methanolic extract from D. obtusata using classic models in mice (croton oil-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced writhing) and a phospholipase A2 activity test. Qualitative analysis of the chemical composition of seaweed was also determined by extraction with solvents of increasing polarity and precipitation and color tests. Results of qualitative chemical study showed the presence of lactonic and phenolic compounds, reduced carbohydrates, other sugars, flavonoids, fatty compounds, triterpenes and steroids. The extract inhibited mouse ear edema in a dose-dependent manner with an efficacy higher than 90% and a mean effective dose of 4.87µg/ear, while intraperitoneal administration presented a moderate activity. The extract did not inhibit phospholipase A2 activity. In the writhing test, the intraperitoneal administration of the extract showed a strong antinociceptive activity (80.2%), while the oral route showed a lower efficacy. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of methanol extract of D. obtusata in experimental models, suggesting its therapeutic potential in the treatment of peripheral painful and/or inflammatory pathologies.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar os efeitos antiinflamatórios e antinociceptivos de um extrato metanólico de D. obtusata, utilizando modelos clássicos em ratos (teste do edema de orelha induzido por óleo de cróton e teste de contorções induzidas por ácido acético) e um teste de atividade de fosfolipase A2. A análise qualitativa da composição química das algas foi também determinada através de extração com solventes de polaridade crescente e testes de precipitação e cor. Os resultados do estudo de química qualitativa mostraram a presença de compostos lactônicos e fenólicos, hidratos de carbono reduzidos e outros açúcares, flavonoides, compostos graxos, triterpenos e esteroides. O extrato inibiu o edema de orelha dos ratos de um modo dependente da dose com eficácia superior a 90% e dose média efetiva de 4.87µg/orelha, enquanto a administração intraperitoneal apresentou atividade moderada. O extrato não inibiu a atividade da fosfolipase A2. No teste de contorção, a administração intraperitoneal do extrato mostrou forte atividade antinociceptiva (80,2%), enquanto a administração oral mostrou menor eficácia. Em conclusão, este estudo demonstrou os efeitos antiinflamatórios e antinociceptivos do extrato metanólico de D. obtusata em modelos experimentais, sugerindo seu potencial terapêutico no tratamento de patologias dolorosas periféricas e/ou inflamatórias.

Efecto de la asociación alga-bacteria Bostrychia calliptera (Rhodomelaceae) en el porcentaje de remoción de cromo en laboratorio / The effect of chromium removal by Algae-bacteria Bostrychia calliptera (Rhodomelaceae) consortia under laboratory conditions

Water pollution is one of the most important environmental problems worldwide. Recently, biotechnology studies have oriented efforts to study algae-bacterium consortia with the aim to understand the mechanisms to find a possible solution in environmental sciences. This study determined the percentage of chromium removal by the alga-bacterium association exposed to a set of different chromium concentrations under controlled in vitro conditions. Wild plants of Bostrychia calliptera associated with bacterial populations were collected from Dagua River, Pacific coast of Colombia, and were monitored in the laboratory. The trial was conducted with synthetic seawater in bioreactors at two chromium levels: 5 and 10mg/L, and four different experimental treatments: i) algae-bacteria (AB), ii) algae with antibiotic (AA), iii) algal surface sediment, Natural Bacterial Consortium (CBN), and iv) the control without algae or bacteria. The experimental design followed a model of two factors (chromium concentration x combination types) with repeated measures using one factor. The microbial population behavior and the chromium concentration percentage were monitored by using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). According to the data, Algae-bacteria (AB) treatment was the most efficient combination at 10mg/L (87%), whereas the bacterial consortia (CBN) was the most efficient at 5mg/L (62.85%). The results showed significant differences of chromium uptake between algae-bacteria (AB) and natural bacterial consortia (CBN), meaning the importance of those treatments in the chromium removal from coastal waters.

Para determinar el porcentaje de remoción de cromo en la asociación alga-bacteria, se tomaron ejemplares del alga Bostrychia calliptera de pneumatóforos de Avicennia germinans y Rizophora mangle, en la desembocadura del Río Dagua, Pacífico colombiano. El ensayo se realizó in vitro en agua marina sintética a dos concentraciones de cromo 5 y 10mg/L, empleando biorreactores con cuatro tratamientos; i) material Alga-Bacteria (AB), ii) material algal con antibiótico Alga-antibiótico (AA), iii) consorcio bacteriano natural (CBN) y iv) control sin presencia de B. calliptera ni bacteria. Se monitoreó el comportamiento de poblaciones bacterianas y el porcentaje de disminución de cromo mediante AAS (Espectroscopía de absorción atómica). Se obtuvo diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos Alga-bacteria (AB) y el consorcio bacteriano natural (CBN), siendo Alga-bacteria más eficiente a 10mg/L (87%). El consorcio bacteriano natural CBN obtuvo mayor porcentaje de remoción a bajas concentraciones de cromo a 5ppm (62.85%). Los resultados mostraron una interacción positiva entre las bacterias asociadas (CBN) a la superficie del alga roja B. calliptera en su proceso acumulativo de cromo.

Enhancement of gamma-aminobutyric acid in a fermented red seaweed beverage by starter culture Lactobacillus plantarum DW12

Lactobacillus plantarum DW12, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) producing strain, was used as a starter culture to produce a functional fermented red seaweed beverage (FSB). Optimal conditions for producing FSB were established using Central Composite Design by varying the amounts of monosodium glutamate (MSG), sucrose and the initial pH in MRS medium. After a verification test, 1 percent MSG, 6 percent sucrose and an initial pH of 6 were selected. Four treatments were tested: traditional formula (A), red seaweed-cane sugar-potable water = 3:1:10, w/w/v, initial pH 6; the traditional formula with a 5 percent starter culture consisting of 4.1 x 10(9) CFU of DW 12/ml (B); formula A modified by changing the amounts of cane sugar and MSG to 6 percent and 1 percent, respectively (C); formula C with a 5 percent starter culture added (D). Comparison among the 4 treatments showed that the treatment D produced the highest amount of GABA (4000 mg/L) during days 45-60 while the GABA content of A, B and C treatments was 340, 730 and 1690 mg/L, respectively. However, the results of the sensory test for the treatments C and D showed that the presence of MSG produced an unsatisfactory salty taste. All finished products from the 4 treatments met Thai standard guidelines for chemical and microbiological qualities after 120 days. The results indicated that enrichment of the GABA content in FSB is possible by adding MSG and the GABA producing strain DW12; however, the appropriate amount of MSG addition should be further studied.