RESUMEN
In the last decades, the interest in bioactive compounds derived from natural sources including bacteria, fungi, plants, and algae has significantly increased. It is well-known that aquatic or terrestrial organisms can produce, in special conditions, secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological properties, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. In this study, we focused on the extremophilic microalga Galdieria sulphuraria as a possible producer of bioactive compounds with antiviral activity. The algal culture was subjected to organic extraction with acetone. The cytotoxicity effect of the extract was evaluated by the 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The antiviral activity was assessed through a plaque assay against herpesviruses and coronaviruses as enveloped viruses and poliovirus as a naked one. The monolayer was treated with different concentrations of extract, ranging from 1 µg/mL to 200 µg/mL, and infected with viruses. The algal extract displayed strong antiviral activity at non-toxic concentrations against all tested enveloped viruses, in particular in the virus pre-treatment against HSV-2 and HCoV-229E, with IC50 values of 1.7 µg/mL and IC90 of 1.8 µg/mL, respectively. However, no activity against the non-enveloped poliovirus has been detected. The inhibitory effect of the algal extract was confirmed by the quantitative RT-PCR of viral genes. Preliminary chemical profiling of the extract was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), revealing the enrichment in primary fatty acid amides (PFAA), such as oleamide, palmitamide, and pheophorbide A. These promising results pave the way for the further purification of the mixture to explore its potential role as an antiviral agent.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Coronavirus , Rhodophyta , Virus , Humanos , Antivirales/química , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/farmacologíaRESUMEN
R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) can be enzymatically extracted from red seaweeds such as Palmaria palmata. This pigment has numerous applications and is notably known as an antioxidant, antitumoral or anti-inflammatory agent. Enzymes secreted by P. palmata associated fungal strains were assumed to be efficient and adapted for R-PE extraction from this macroalga. The aim of the present study was to quantify both xylanolytic and cellulolytic activities of enzymatic extracts obtained from six Palmaria palmata derived fungal strains. Degradation of P. palmata biomass by fungal enzymatic extracts was also investigated, focused on soluble protein and R-PE extraction. Enzymatic extracts were obtained by solid state fermentation. Macroalgal degradation abilities were evaluated by measuring reducing sugar release using DNS assays. Soluble proteins and R-PE recovery yields were evaluated through bicinchoninic acid and spectrophotometric assays, respectively. Various enzymatic activities were obtained according to fungal isolates up to 978 U/mL for xylanase and 50 U/mL for cellulase. Enzymatic extract allowed high degrading abilities, with four of the six fungal strains assessed exhibiting at least equal results as the commercial enzymes for the reducing sugar release. Similarly, all six strains allowed the same soluble protein extraction yield and four of them led to an improvement of R-PE extraction. R-PE extraction from P. palamata using marine fungal enzymes appeared particularly promising. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first on the use of enzymes of P. palmata associated fungi in the degradation of its own biomass for biomolecules recovery.
Asunto(s)
Rhodophyta , Algas Marinas , Algas Marinas/metabolismo , Ficoeritrina/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Verduras , Extractos Vegetales/metabolismo , Azúcares/metabolismoRESUMEN
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory and pruritic disease; it can be treated by inhibiting inflammation. Sarcodia suiae sp. is an edible, artificially cultivable red algae with multiple bioactivities. We assessed the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethyl acetate fraction of S. suiae sp. ethanol extract (PD1) on 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like lesions. Results show that PD1 alleviated symptoms and significantly decreased clinical dermatitis score. PD1 inhibited serum immunoglobulin E expression and alleviated swelling in the spleen and subiliac lymph nodes. In skin tissues, PD1 alleviated aberrant hyperplasia, decreased epidermal thickness, and decreased the accumulation of mast cells. PD1 mediated the recovery of skin barrier-related proteins, such as claudin-1 and filaggrin. Our study demonstrated that PD1 has anti-inflammatory effects, alleviates AD symptoms, inhibits inflammatory responses in skin tissues, and restores barrier function in DNCB-induced AD mice. These findings reveal that S. suiae sp. extract provides an alternative protective option against AD.
Asunto(s)
Dermatitis Atópica , Rhodophyta , Acetatos , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Citocinas/metabolismo , Dermatitis Atópica/inducido químicamente , Dermatitis Atópica/tratamiento farmacológico , Dermatitis Atópica/metabolismo , Dinitroclorobenceno/metabolismo , Dinitroclorobenceno/farmacología , Dinitroclorobenceno/uso terapéutico , Etanol/metabolismo , Inflamación/metabolismo , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Extractos Vegetales/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , PielRESUMEN
Efficient drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis, which is classified as a neglected tropical disease, are sought for. This review covers potential drug candidates from natural plant, fungus and algae sources, which were described over the last six years. The identification of these natural antileishmanials often based on the knowledge of traditional medicines. Crucial insights into the activities of these natural remedies against Leishmania parasites and against infections caused by these parasites in laboratory animals or patients are provided and compared with selected former active examples published more than six years ago. In addition, immuno-modulatory natural antileishmanials and recent developments on combination therapies including natural products and approved antileishmanials are discussed. The described natural products revealed promising data warranting further efforts on the discovery and development of new antileishmanials based on patterns from nature.
Asunto(s)
Antiprotozoarios/química , Productos Biológicos/química , Hongos/química , Plantas/química , Rhodophyta/química , Antiprotozoarios/aislamiento & purificación , Antiprotozoarios/farmacología , Antiprotozoarios/uso terapéutico , Productos Biológicos/aislamiento & purificación , Productos Biológicos/farmacología , Productos Biológicos/uso terapéutico , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Hongos/metabolismo , Humanos , Leishmania/efectos de los fármacos , Leishmaniasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Leishmaniasis/parasitología , Aceites Volátiles/química , Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Plantas/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismoRESUMEN
Marine algae are rich in bioactive nutraceuticals (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, and pigments). Biotic (e.g., plants, microorganisms) and abiotic factors (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity, light intensity) contribute to the production of primary and secondary metabolites by algae. Easy, profitable, and sustainable recovery methods include novel solid-liquid and liquid-liquid extraction techniques (e.g., supercritical, high pressure, microwave, ultrasound, enzymatic). The spectacular findings of algal-mediated synthesis of nanotheranostics has attracted further interest because of the availability of microalgae-based natural bioactive therapeutic compounds and the cost-effective commercialization of stable microalgal drugs. Algal extracts can serve as stabilizing/capping and reducing agents for the synthesis of thermodynamically stable nanoparticles (NPs). Different types of nanotherapeutics have been synthesized using physical, chemical, and biological methods. Marine algae are a fascinating source of lead theranostics compounds, and the development of nanotheranostics has been linked to enhanced drug efficacy and safety. Indeed, algae are remarkable nanobiofactories, and their pragmatic properties reside in their (i) ease of handling; (ii) capacity to absorb/accumulate inorganic metallic ions; (iii) cost-effectiveness; and (iv) capacity of eco-friendly, rapid, and healthier synthesis of NPs. Preclinical and clinical trials shall enable to really define effective algal-based nanotherapies. This review aims to provide an overview of the main algal compounds that are nutraceuticals and that can be extracted and purified for nanotheranostic purposes.
Asunto(s)
Productos Biológicos/metabolismo , Chlorophyta/metabolismo , Phaeophyceae/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Algas Marinas/metabolismo , Animales , Productos Biológicos/química , Productos Biológicos/farmacología , Humanos , NanomedicinaRESUMEN
This study describes the relation of photosynthetic capacity, growth and biochemical compounds in the microalgae Porphyridium cruentum under saturated irradiance (200 µmol m-2 s-1 ) by white light (WL) and low-pressure sodium vapor lamps (SOX lamps-control) and supplemented by fluorescent lamps (FLs) with different light qualities (blue: λmax = 440 nm; green: λmax = 560 nm; and red: λmax = 660 nm). The maximum photosynthetic efficiency (Fv / Fm ) showed a positive correlation with the light quality by saturating light SOX in mixture with stimulating blue light than the white light (WL) at the harvest day (10 days). The production, that is maximal electron transport rate (ETRmax ), and energy dissipation, that is maximal nonphotochemical quenching (NPQmax ), had the same pattern throughout the time (3-6 days) being the values higher under white light (WL) compared with SOX and SOX plus supplemented different light qualities. Total protein levels increased significantly in the presence of SOX light, while phycoerythrin (B-PE) showed significant differences under SOX+ blue light. Arachidonic acid (ARA) was higher under SOX and SOX plus supplemented different light qualities than that under WL, whereas eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was the reverse. The high photomorphogenic potential by SOX light shows promising application for microalgal biotechnology.
Asunto(s)
Porphyridium , Rhodophyta , Biotecnología , Luz , Fotosíntesis , Ficoeritrina/química , Ficoeritrina/metabolismo , Porphyridium/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismoRESUMEN
The world at large is facing a new threat with the emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Though imperceptible by the naked eye, the medical, sociological and economical implications caused by this newly discovered virus have been and will continue to be a great impediment to our lives. This health threat has already caused over two million deaths worldwide in the span of a year and its mortality rate is projected to continue rising. In this review, the potential of algae in combating the spread of COVID-19 is investigated since algal compounds have been tested against viruses and algal anti-inflammatory compounds have the potential to treat the severe symptoms of COVID-19. The possible utilization of algae in producing value-added products such as serological test kits, vaccines, and supplements that would either mitigate or hinder the continued health risks caused by the virus is prominent. Many of the characteristics in algae can provide insights on the development of microalgae to fight against SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses and contribute in manufacturing various green and high-value products.
Asunto(s)
Tratamiento Farmacológico de COVID-19 , Microalgas/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Rhodophyta/química , Animales , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/prevención & control , COVID-19/virología , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/genética , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/inmunología , Humanos , Microalgas/genética , Microalgas/metabolismo , Pandemias , Rhodophyta/genética , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , SARS-CoV-2/efectos de los fármacos , SARS-CoV-2/genética , SARS-CoV-2/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Algae are considered pigment-producing organisms. The function of these compounds in algae is to carry out photosynthesis. They have a great variety of pigments, which can be classified into three large groups: chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobilins. Within the carotenoids are xanthophylls. Xanthophylls (fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and ß-cryptoxanthin) are a type of carotenoids with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities, due to their chemical structure rich in double bonds that provides them with antioxidant properties. In this context, xanthophylls can protect other molecules from oxidative stress by turning off singlet oxygen damage through various mechanisms. Based on clinical studies, this review shows the available information concerning the bioactivity and biological effects of the main xanthophylls present in algae. In addition, the algae with the highest production rate of the different compounds of interest were studied. It was observed that fucoxanthin is obtained mainly from the brown seaweeds Laminaria japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Hizikia fusiformis, Sargassum spp., and Fucus spp. The main sources of astaxanthin are the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, and Chlorococcum sp. Lutein and zeaxanthin are mainly found in algal species such as Scenedesmus spp., Chlorella spp., Rhodophyta spp., or Spirulina spp. However, the extraction and purification processes of xanthophylls from algae need to be standardized to facilitate their commercialization. Finally, we assessed factors that determine the bioavailability and bioaccesibility of these molecules. We also suggested techniques that increase xanthophyll's bioavailability.
Asunto(s)
Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Cianobacterias/metabolismo , Suplementos Dietéticos , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Algas Marinas/metabolismo , Estramenopilos/metabolismo , Xantófilas/farmacología , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/aislamiento & purificación , Antioxidantes/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Microalgas , Valor Nutritivo , Xantófilas/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
The red macroalgae (seaweed) Asparagopsis spp. has shown to reduce ruminant enteric methane (CH4) production up to 99% in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Asparagopsis taxiformis on CH4 production (g/day per animal), yield (g CH4/kg dry matter intake (DMI)), and intensity (g CH4/kg ADG); average daily gain (ADG; kg gain/day), feed conversion efficiency (FCE; kg ADG/kg DMI), and carcass and meat quality in growing beef steers. Twenty-one Angus-Hereford beef steers were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: 0% (Control), 0.25% (Low), and 0.5% (High) A. taxiformis inclusion based on organic matter intake. Steers were fed 3 diets: high, medium, and low forage total mixed ration (TMR) representing life-stage diets of growing beef steers. The Low and High treatments over 147 days reduced enteric CH4 yield 45 and 68%, respectively. However, there was an interaction between TMR type and the magnitude of CH4 yield reduction. Supplementing low forage TMR reduced CH4 yield 69.8% (P <0.01) for Low and 80% (P <0.01) for High treatments. Hydrogen (H2) yield (g H2/DMI) increased (P <0.01) 336 and 590% compared to Control for the Low and High treatments, respectively. Carbon dioxide (CO2) yield (g CO2/DMI) increased 13.7% between Control and High treatments (P = 0.03). No differences were found in ADG, carcass quality, strip loin proximate analysis and shear force, or consumer taste preferences. DMI tended to decrease 8% (P = 0.08) in the Low treatment and DMI decreased 14% (P <0.01) in the High treatment. Conversely, FCE tended to increase 7% in Low (P = 0.06) and increased 14% in High (P <0.01) treatment compared to Control. The persistent reduction of CH4 by A. taxiformis supplementation suggests that this is a viable feed additive to significantly decrease the carbon footprint of ruminant livestock and potentially increase production efficiency.
Asunto(s)
Alimentación Animal , Dieta/veterinaria , Suplementos Dietéticos , Carne , Metano/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Animales , Bovinos , Masculino , Algas Marinas/metabolismo , Estómago de Rumiantes/metabolismoRESUMEN
Light, or visible radiation, serves as a source of energy for photosynthesis of plants and most algae. In addition, light and ultraviolet radiation (UV-A and UV-B) act as a biological signal, triggering several cellular processes that are mediated by photoreceptors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of Osmundea pinnatifida driven by different radiations through putative photoreceptors. For this, O. pinnatifida was grown under different radiation treatments composed by high intensity of light emitted by a low pressure sodium lamp (SOX), aiming to saturate photosynthesis, which was supplemented by low intensities of visible (red, green and blue) and ultraviolet radiation (UV-A and UV-B), in order to activate photoreceptors. Growth rates, photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, polyphenols, soluble proteins, phycobiliproteins, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and carotenoids were evaluated during the experiment. Complementary UV-A radiation positively influenced growth rates after 15 days of experiment, although the presence of a peak of blue light in this treatment can also have contributed. UV-B radiation increased the concentration of zeaxanthin and chlorophyll a. The blue light caused the accumulation of chlorophyll a, violaxanthin, phycoerythrin and polyphenols on different days of the experiment. Phycoerythrin also increased under green and red light conditions. Our results showed that some compounds can be modulated by different radiation, and the involvement of photoreceptors is suggested. In red algae, photoreceptors sensitive to red, green and blue light have been identified, however little is known about UV photoreceptors. The presence of photoreceptors sensitive to UV radiation in O. pinnatifida is discussed.
Asunto(s)
Rhodophyta/efectos de la radiación , Rayos Ultravioleta , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Carotenoides/metabolismo , Clorofila/metabolismo , Fotosíntesis , Ficoeritrina/metabolismo , Proteínas de Plantas/metabolismo , Polifenoles/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/crecimiento & desarrollo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Xantófilas/metabolismoRESUMEN
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an intracellular energy sensor important in metabolic regulation, cell growth, and survival. However, the specific role of AMPK signaling pathway in the inhibition of angiogenesis remains unclear. The study highlights the activity on AMP activated protein kinase signaling pathways of a marine algae, Gracilaria coronopifolia, and its effects on angiogenesis. It was found that the most potent extract, GCD, inhibited angiogenesis significantly in the duck chorioallantoic membrane assay and also activated the enzyme AMP-kinase, in vitro. The dichloromethane extract was found most active in inhibiting angiogenesis in the duck chorioallantoic membrane (IC50 = 1.21 µg/mL) followed by GCH (IC50 = 3.08 µg/mL) (p = 0.479) and GCM (IC50 = 8.93 µg/mL) (p = 0.042). Benferroni post hoc analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the percent inhibitions of GCH and GCM extracts (p = 0.479). Consequently, angiogenic inhibition caused lowering of iron, zinc, and copper levels in the duck CAM. Thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed the components of each extracts. Notably, this is the first report on the kinase activity of a red algae G. coronopifolia extracts and a colorimetric-based quantification of angiogenesis based on metal content of CAM. Our data also suggest a novel therapeutic approach for inhibiting angiogenesis through the AMPK pathway.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP/metabolismo , Gracilaria/metabolismo , Neovascularización Fisiológica/fisiología , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por AMP/fisiología , Inhibidores de la Angiogénesis/metabolismo , Animales , Membrana Corioalantoides/efectos de los fármacos , Cobre/análisis , Cobre/metabolismo , Patos/embriología , Hierro/análisis , Hierro/metabolismo , Óvulo , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Zinc/análisis , Zinc/metabolismoRESUMEN
Covering: 1957 to 2017 Algae constitute a heterogeneous group of eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms, mainly found in the marine environment. Algae produce numerous metabolites that help them cope with the harsh conditions of the marine environment. Because of their structural diversity and uniqueness, these molecules have recently gained a lot of interest for the identification of medicinally useful agents, including those with potential anticancer activities. In the current review, which is not a catalogue-based one, we first highlight the major biological events that lead to various types of cancer, including metastatic ones, to chemoresistance, thus to any types of current anticancer treatment relating to the use of chemotherapeutics. We then review algal metabolites for which scientific literature reports anticancer activity. Lastly, we focus on algal metabolites with promising anticancer activity based on their ability to target biological characteristics of cancer cells responsible for poor treatment outcomes. Thus, we highlight compounds that have, among others, one or more of the following characteristics: selectivity in reducing the proliferation of cancer cells over normal ones, potential for killing cancer cells through non-apoptotic signaling pathways, ability to circumvent MDR-related efflux pumps, and activity in vivo in relevant pre-clinical models.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Productos Biológicos/farmacología , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Phaeophyceae/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Animales , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/metabolismo , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Productos Biológicos/química , Productos Biológicos/metabolismo , Ensayos Clínicos como Asunto , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Neoplasias/etiología , Neoplasias/patología , Células Madre Neoplásicas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Madre Neoplásicas/metabolismo , Phaeophyceae/clasificación , Rhodophyta/clasificación , Moduladores de Tubulina/química , Moduladores de Tubulina/metabolismo , Moduladores de Tubulina/farmacología , Hipoxia TumoralRESUMEN
This study explores the possibility to use the extremophilic microalga Galdieria sulphuraria (strain 064) as a source of natural biomolecules with beneficial and protective effects on human health. Galdieria was cultivated in heterotrophy conditions and cells extracts for their antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties were tested. Galdieria extracts showed high antioxidant power tested through ABTS assay and revealed high glutathione and phycocyanin contents. Based on Annexin-V FITC/propidium iodide and MTT analysis, algae extracts inhibited the proliferation of human adenocarcinoma A549 cells (51.2% inhibition) through the induction of apoptosis without cell cycle arrest. Besides, cytotoxicity and cytometry assays showed a positive pro-apoptotic mechanism. On these bases, we suggest that G. sulphuraria from heterotrophic culture, for its therapeutic potential, could be considered a good candidate for further studies with the aim to isolate bioactive anti-cancer molecules.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Células A549 , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Técnicas de Cultivo de Célula , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Ensayos de Selección de Medicamentos Antitumorales/métodos , Glutatión/análisis , Procesos Heterotróficos , Humanos , Ficocianina/análisis , Extractos Vegetales/análisis , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Rhodophyta/química , Rhodophyta/citologíaRESUMEN
Marine macroalgae (seaweed) are an excellent source of novel bioactive metabolites. The biorefinery concept applied to seaweed facilitates the extraction of many chemical constituents from the same biomass ensuring that the resource is used fully, generating few residues through a succession of extraction steps. In the present study, the biomass of the carragenophyte Solieria filiformis (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) cultured in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system was evaluated to obtain valuable products by a biorefinery approach. Enzymatic-assisted extraction (EAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were the eco-friendly technologies used to ensure an environmentally friendly valorization of the biomass. Three valuable products were successfully recovered: a water-soluble extract rich in proteins and sulfated polysaccharides suitable as a food supplement; a lipid fraction rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with potential to be used in the nutraceutical industry; and a pure ι-carrageenan with a powerful antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus (EC50 = 6.3 µg mL-1) comparable to the commercial antiviral acyclovir (EC50 = 3.2â»5.4 µg mL-1).
Asunto(s)
Acuicultura/métodos , Productos Biológicos/aislamiento & purificación , Reactores Biológicos , Extractos Vegetales/aislamiento & purificación , Rhodophyta/química , Algas Marinas/química , Aciclovir/farmacología , Animales , Antivirales/química , Antivirales/aislamiento & purificación , Antivirales/farmacología , Productos Biológicos/química , Productos Biológicos/farmacología , Biomasa , Carragenina/química , Carragenina/aislamiento & purificación , Carragenina/farmacología , Suplementos Dietéticos , Enzimas/química , Ácidos Grasos Insaturados/química , Ácidos Grasos Insaturados/aislamiento & purificación , Microondas , Perciformes/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Polisacáridos/química , Polisacáridos/aislamiento & purificación , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Pepinos de Mar/metabolismo , Algas Marinas/metabolismo , Simplexvirus/efectos de los fármacos , Agua/químicaRESUMEN
There is a strong interest in knowing how various microbial systems respond to the presence of uranium (U), largely in the context of bioremediation. There is no known biological role for uranium so far. Uranium is naturally present in rocks and minerals. The insoluble nature of the U(IV) minerals keeps uranium firmly bound in the earth's crust minimizing its bioavailability. However, anthropogenic nuclear reaction processes over the last few decades have resulted in introduction of uranium into the environment in soluble and toxic forms. Microbes adsorb, accumulate, reduce, oxidize, possibly respire, mineralize and precipitate uranium. This review focuses on the microbial responses to uranium exposure which allows the alteration of the forms and concentrations of uranium within the cell and in the local environment. Detailed information on the three major bioprocesses namely, biosorption, bioprecipitation and bioreduction exhibited by the microbes belonging to various groups and subgroups of bacteria, fungi and algae is provided in this review elucidating their intrinsic and engineered abilities for uranium removal. The survey also highlights the instances of the field trials undertaken for in situ uranium bioremediation. Advances in genomics and proteomics approaches providing the information on the regulatory and physiologically important determinants in the microbes in response to uranium challenge have been catalogued here. Recent developments in metagenomics and metaproteomics indicating the ecologically relevant traits required for the adaptation and survival of environmental microbes residing in uranium contaminated sites are also included. A comprehensive understanding of the microbial responses to uranium can facilitate the development of in situ U bioremediation strategies.
Asunto(s)
Archaea/metabolismo , Bacterias/metabolismo , Chlorophyta/metabolismo , Hongos/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Uranio/metabolismo , Biodegradación Ambiental , Oxidación-Reducción , Uranio/químicaRESUMEN
A double-blind crossover pilot trial tested the hypothesis that botanically derived calcium could demonstrate greater influence over calcium metabolism markers compared with a nonplant-derived calcium carbonate supplement or placebo. Twelve fasting female subjects received a single oral dose of Aquamin F™ (derived from the marine algal Lithothamnion sp.), or calcium carbonate, or placebo. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and over 12 h to evaluate ionized and total calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Subjects treated with Aquamin F demonstrated significantly greater urinary clearance of calcium after 12 h compared with placebo (P = .004). Following a meal at 90 min, subjects treated with Aquamin F demonstrated a more prolonged suppression of serum PTH concentration (significantly lower than placebo at 90, 120, and 240 min). Calcium carbonate provided an intermediate response; urinary clearance was not significantly different from placebo treatment and PTH was only significantly lower than placebo at 90 min. Aquamin F may demonstrate greater influence over these markers of calcium metabolism than calcium carbonate or placebo, as suggested by a greater calciuric response and a more prolonged suppression of serum PTH concentrations following a meal in premenopausal women.
Asunto(s)
Calcio/metabolismo , Minerales/administración & dosificación , Premenopausia/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/química , Adulto , Calcio/administración & dosificación , Calcio/análisis , Colágeno Tipo I/metabolismo , Suplementos Dietéticos/análisis , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Minerales/metabolismo , Hormona Paratiroidea/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismoRESUMEN
Plant cell walls are composed of an intricate network of polysaccharides and proteins that varies during the developmental stages of the cell. This makes it very challenging to address the functions of individual wall components in cells, especially for highly complex glycans. Fortunately, structurally defined oligosaccharides can be used as models for the glycans, to study processes such as cell wall biosynthesis, polysaccharide deposition, protein-carbohydrate interactions, and cell-cell adhesion. Synthetic chemists have focused on preparing such model compounds, as they can be produced in good quantities and with high purity. This Review contains an overview of those plant and algal polysaccharides that have been elucidated to date. The majority of the content is devoted to detailed summaries of the chemical syntheses of oligosaccharide fragments of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and arabinogalactans, as well as glycans unique to algae. Representative synthetic routes within each class are discussed in detail, and the progress in carbohydrate chemistry over recent decades is highlighted.
Asunto(s)
Chlorophyta/metabolismo , Oligosacáridos/biosíntesis , Plantas/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Pared Celular/química , Pared Celular/metabolismo , Celulosa/biosíntesis , Celulosa/química , Oligosacáridos/química , Pectinas/biosíntesis , Pectinas/químicaRESUMEN
Rapamycin induces autophagy with lipid remodeling in yeast and mammalian cells. To investigate the lipid biosynthesis of Euglena gracilis, rapamycin was supplemented in comparison with two model algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Cyanidioschyzon merolae. In Euglena, rapamycin induced the reduction of chlorophylls and the accumulation of neutral lipids without deterring its cell proliferation. Its lipidomic profile revealed that the fatty acid composition did not alter by supplementing rapamycin. In Chlamydomonas, however, rapamycin induced serious growth inhibition as reported elsewhere. With a lower concentration of rapamycin, the alga accumulated neutral lipids without reducing chlorophylls. In Cyanidioschyzon, rapamycin did not increase neutral lipids but reduced its chlorophyll content. We also tested fatty acid elongase inhibitors such as pyroxasulfone or flufenacet in Euglena with no significant change in its neutral lipid contents. In summary, controlled supplementation of rapamycin can increase the yield of neutral lipids while the scheme is not always applicable for other algal species.
Asunto(s)
Biocombustibles , Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/efectos de los fármacos , Euglena gracilis/efectos de los fármacos , Ácidos Grasos/agonistas , Rhodophyta/efectos de los fármacos , Sirolimus/farmacología , Acetamidas/farmacología , Acetiltransferasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Acetiltransferasas/metabolismo , Autofagia/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Chlamydomonas reinhardtii/metabolismo , Clorofila/metabolismo , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Euglena gracilis/metabolismo , Elongasas de Ácidos Grasos , Ácidos Grasos/biosíntesis , Isoxazoles/farmacología , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Especificidad de la Especie , Sulfonas/farmacología , Tiadiazoles/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Seaweeds have been used as a source of traditional medicine worldwide for the treatment of various ailments, mainly due to their ability to quench the free radicals. The present study aims at evaluating the protective effect of methanolic extract of Gelidiella acerosa, an edible red seaweed against 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced toxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). For evaluating the protective effect of G. acerosa, PBMC were divided into four groups: vehicle control, TCDD (10 nM), TCDD + G. acerosa (300 µg/ml), and G. acerosa alone treated. Scavenging of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by TCDD was assessed by the dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method. Alterations at macromolecular level were quantified through lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, protein carbonyl content (PCC) level, and comet assay. The cellular morphology upon TCDD toxicity and G. acerosa treatment was obtained by light microscopy and histopathological studies. The chemical composition present in the methanolic extract of G. acerosa was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The results reveal that 10 nM TCDD caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction in cell viability (94.10 ± 0.99), and treatment with 300 µg/ml extract increased the cell viability (99.24 ± 0.69). TCDD treatment resulted in a significant increase in the production of ROS, LPO (114 ± 0.09), and PCC (15.13 ± 1.53) compared to the control, whereas co-treatment with G. acerosa significantly (P < 0.05) mitigated the effects. Further, G. acerosa significantly (P < 0.05) prevented TCDD-induced genotoxicity and cell damage. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of n-hexadecanoic acid (retention time (RT) 13.15), cholesterol (RT 28.80), α-D-glucopyranose, 4-O-α-D-galactopyranosyl (RT 20.01), and azulene (RT 4.20). The findings suggest that G. acerosa has a strong protective ability against TCDD-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and DNA damage.
Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Leucocitos Mononucleares/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/toxicidad , Rhodophyta/química , Algas Marinas/química , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Daño del ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Fluoresceínas , Técnicas In Vitro , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/metabolismo , Carbonilación Proteica , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Rhodophyta/metabolismo , Algas Marinas/metabolismoRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to assess the photoprotective effects of cosmetic formulations containing UV filters, red algae, Porphyra umbilicalis, extracts and combinations of the extract with vitamins and Ginkgo biloba through the use of in vivo preclinical studies. For this study, 4 groups of 4 hairless mice each were treated with topical formulations applied on the dorsum for 5 days as follows: group 1 - control (no treatment); group 2 - application of the formulation F (sunscreen formulation containing only UV filters); group 3 - application of the formulation FA (sunscreen formulation with red algae extract); and group 4 - application of the formulation FVGA (sunscreen formulation with red algae extract, G. biloba and vitamins A, C and E). The effects of these formulations were evaluated by determining the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema index. Apoptosis was detected by immunohistochemical staining with anti-p53 and anti-caspase-3 antibodies. The results showed that the formulations protected the skin from erythema when exposed to UV radiation. The group that received the formulation FVGA presented a greater TEWL than did the other groups, suggesting that this formulation was involved in cell renewal. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that UV radiation caused an increase in the expression of p53 and active caspase-3, confirming that the damage caused by UV radiation exposure led to apoptosis. The application of all formulations studied resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the expression of p53 and caspase-3, with a more pronounced effect observed following treatment with FA. In conclusion, extracts from the red algae P. umbilicalis could be considered effective ingredients to be used in sunscreen formulations. The combination of vitamins A, E, C and G. biloba along with red algae extracts can improve significantly the performance of the sunscreens, preventing UV-induced DNA damage and inflammation. Thus, they should be considered an interesting combination for an effective photoprotective formulation with anti-aging properties.