Seaweeds as Nutraceutical Elements and Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus: Future Perspectives.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition marked by high blood glucose levels caused by inadequate insulin synthesis or poor insulin use. This condition affects millions of individuals worldwide and is linked to a variety of consequences, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Diabetes therapy now focuses on controlling blood glucose levels through lifestyle changes, oral medicines, and insulin injections. However, these therapies have limits and may not successfully prevent or treat diabetic problems. Several marine-derived chemicals have previously demonstrated promising findings as possible antidiabetic medicines in preclinical investigations. Peptides, polyphenols, and polysaccharides extracted from seaweeds, sponges, and other marine species are among them. As a result, marine natural products have the potential to be a rich source of innovative multitargeted medications for diabetes prevention and treatment, as well as associated complications. Future research should focus on the chemical variety of marine creatures as well as the mechanisms of action of marine-derived chemicals in order to find new antidiabetic medicines and maximize their therapeutic potential. Based on preclinical investigations, this review focuses on the next step for seaweed applications as potential multitargeted medicines for diabetes, highlighting the bioactivities of seaweeds in the prevention and treatment of this illness.

Laboratory Assessment of the Effects of AGA@4life Multidisciplinary Intervention on the Inflammatory Profile, MMPs, and TIMPs in a Geriatric Population.

In recent years, the world's aging population has increased, contributing to the development of age-related pathologies, which have been aggravated by physical inactivity and excessive fat intake. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing a nutritional program (control group-CG) combined with exercise (intervention group-IG) on the inflammatory profile, MMPs, and TIMPs in a group of 34 elderly participants (IG, n = 18; CG, n = 16). Participants underwent a full multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation (T0), with the gathering of clinical information and biochemical and hematological determinations being re-evaluated eight weeks later (T1). A diet manual was made, which provided a selection of different types of diets resulting from the nutritional needs of the different users at the center. The aerobic exercise consisted of two sessions per week with a total duration of 1 h. The laboratory evaluation was performed by slot blot. Statistical analysis included a paired sample t-test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. We observed that in the IG, there was a significant increase at T1 of TNF-α (p < 0.05) and MMP-2 (p < 0.05), without changes in IL-6 and MMP-9, showing that the intervention did not cause an exacerbated inflammatory response in exercised elderly people. The intervention program implemented showed potential to contribute to better active aging strategies, taking advantage of the known benefits of exercise without inducing a harmful inflammatory response in elderly participants.

Algae Food Products as a Healthcare Solution.

Diseases such as obesity; cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, myocardial infarction and stroke; digestive diseases such as celiac disease; certain types of cancer and osteoporosis are related to food. On the other hand, as the world's population increases, the ability of the current food production system to produce food consistently is at risk. As a result, intensive agriculture has contributed to climate change and a major environmental impact. Research is, therefore, needed to find new sustainable food sources. One of the most promising sources of sustainable food raw materials is macroalgae. Algae are crucial to solving this nutritional deficiency because they are abundant in bioactive substances that have been shown to combat diseases such as hyperglycemia, diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Examples of these substances include polysaccharides such as alginate, fucoidan, agar and carrageenan; proteins such as phycobiliproteins; carotenoids such as ß-carotene and fucoxanthin; phenolic compounds; vitamins and minerals. Seaweed is already considered a nutraceutical food since it has higher protein values than legumes and soy and is, therefore, becoming increasingly common. On the other hand, compounds such as polysaccharides extracted from seaweed are already used in the food industry as thickening agents and stabilizers to improve the quality of the final product and to extend its shelf life; they have also demonstrated antidiabetic effects. Among the other bioactive compounds present in macroalgae, phenolic compounds, pigments, carotenoids and fatty acids stand out due to their different bioactive properties, such as antidiabetics, antimicrobials and antioxidants, which are important in the treatment or control of diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, hyperglycemia and cardiovascular diseases. That said, there have already been some studies in which macroalgae (red, green and brown) have been incorporated into certain foods, but studies on gluten-free products are still scarce, as only the potential use of macroalgae for this type of product is considered. Considering the aforementioned issues, this review aims to analyze how macroalgae can be incorporated into foods or used as a food supplement, as well as to describe the bioactive compounds they contain, which have beneficial properties for human health. In this way, the potential of macroalgae-based products in eminent diseases, such as celiac disease, or in more common diseases, such as diabetes and cholesterol complications, can be seen.

Algae-Derived Natural Products in Diabetes and Its Complications-Current Advances and Future Prospects.

Diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Natural products and their derivatives have emerged as promising candidates for diabetes management due to their diverse compositions and pharmacological effects. Algae, in particular, have garnered attention for their potential as a source of bioactive compounds with anti-diabetic properties. This review offers a comprehensive overview of algae-derived natural products for diabetes management, highlighting recent developments and future prospects. It underscores the pivotal role of natural products in diabetes care and delves into the diversity of algae, their bioactive constituents, and underlying mechanisms of efficacy. Noteworthy algal derivatives with substantial potential are briefly elucidated, along with their specific contributions to addressing distinct aspects of diabetes. The challenges and limitations inherent in utilizing algae for therapeutic interventions are examined, accompanied by strategic recommendations for optimizing their effectiveness. By addressing these considerations, this review aims to chart a course for future research in refining algae-based approaches. Leveraging the multifaceted pharmacological activities and chemical components of algae holds significant promise in the pursuit of novel antidiabetic treatments. Through continued research and the fine-tuning of algae-based interventions, the global diabetes burden could be mitigated, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.

Impact of Hydrotherapy on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in an Elderly Population.

Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between reactive species and antioxidant agents. One of the effects of oxidative stress is the normal process of cellular aging that stems from the accumulation of tissue damage. Epidemiological studies show that regular physical exercise prevents the injuries caused by aging. The objective was to evaluate whether the practice of hydrotherapy, in an elderly population, positively influenced the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase that act by reducing reactive species in the body. The study involved 37 participants aged ≥ 60 years, of both sexes, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed 15 hydrotherapy sessions. Enzyme activity was evaluated in two moments: T0-before the first session, and T1-after the last session, with blood collections conducted in both. In T1, there was a significant increase vs. T0 of glutathione peroxidase activity (57.72 ± 19.99 vs. 48.14 ± 17.22 U/g Hb) and glutathione reductase activity (100.18 ± 30.85 vs. 78.44 ± 21.26 U/L). Both sexes tended to show higher values at T1. We concluded that hydrotherapy proved to be a positive stimulus for the enzymatic antioxidant activity of the elderly, suggesting that a regular and moderate practice of physical exercise induces better and higher quality of life.

On the Health Benefits vs. Risks of Seaweeds and Their Constituents: The Curious Case of the Polymer Paradigm.

To exploit the nutraceutical and biomedical potential of selected seaweed-derived polymers in an economically viable way, it is necessary to analyze and understand their quality and yield fluctuations throughout the seasons. In this study, the seasonal polysaccharide yield and respective quality were evaluated in three selected seaweeds, namely the agarophyte Gracilaria gracilis, the carrageenophyte Calliblepharis jubata (both red seaweeds) and the alginophyte Sargassum muticum (brown seaweed). It was found that the agar synthesis of G. gracilis did not significantly differ with the seasons (27.04% seaweed dry weight (DW)). In contrast, the carrageenan content in C. jubata varied seasonally, being synthesized in higher concentrations during the summer (18.73% DW). Meanwhile, the alginate synthesis of S. muticum exhibited a higher concentration (36.88% DW) during the winter. Therefore, there is a need to assess the threshold at which seaweed-derived polymers may have positive effects or negative impacts on human nutrition. Furthermore, this study highlights the three polymers, along with their known thresholds, at which they can have positive and/or negative health impacts. Such knowledge is key to recognizing the paradigm governing their successful deployment and related beneficial applications in humans.

The Seaweed Diet in Prevention and Treatment of the Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Edible marine algae are rich in bioactive compounds and are, therefore, a source of bioavailable proteins, long chain polysaccharides that behave as low-calorie soluble fibers, metabolically necessary minerals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants. Marine algae were used primarily as gelling agents and thickeners (phycocolloids) in food and pharmaceutical industries in the last century, but recent research has revealed their potential as a source of useful compounds for the pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic industries. The green, red, and brown algae have been shown to have useful therapeutic properties in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson, Alzheimer's, and Multiple Sclerosis, and other chronic diseases. In this review are listed and described the main components of a suitable diet for patients with these diseases. In addition, compounds derived from macroalgae and their neurophysiological activities are described.

Effect of Carrageenans on Vegetable Jelly in Humans with Hypercholesterolemia.

Changes in lipid profile constitute the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Algae extracted carrageenans are long-chain polysaccharides and their ability to form gels provides for the formation of vegetable jelly. The objective was to evaluate the bioactive potential of carrageenan (E407) in the lipid profile, after ingestion of jelly. A total of 30 volunteers of both sexes, aged 20-64 years and with total cholesterol (TC) values ≥200 mg/dL, who ingested 100 mL/day of jelly for 60 days, were studied. All had two venous blood collections: before starting the jelly intake and after 60 days. At both times, TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), were evaluated using commercial kits and spectrophotometer. The statistics were performed using the SPSS 25.0 software and p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Serum values after 60 days of jelly intake revealed a statistically significant decrease in TC levels (5.3%; p = 0.001) and LDL-C concentration (5.4%; p = 0.048) in females. The daily intake of vegetable jelly for 60 days showed a reduction in serum TC and LDL-C levels in women, allowing us to conclude that carrageenan has bioactive potential in reducing TC concentration.

Prevalence of antibodies to a new histo-blood system: the FORS system.

BACKGROUND: In 1987, three unrelated English families were reported with a putative blood subgroup called Apae. Swedish researchers later found evidence leading to abolishment of the Apae subgroup and establishment instead of the FORS blood group system (System 31 - ISBT, 2012). It is important to know the prevalence of antibodies in order to make the best decisions in transfusion medicine. Cells expressing the Forssman saccharide, such as sheep erythrocytes, are needed to detect the anti-Forssman antibody. The aim of this study was to define the prevalence of human anti-Forssman antibody. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma samples from 800 individuals were studied. Sheep erythrocytes or Forssman "kodecytes" were mixed with the plasma samples using the tube technique. Plasma from an Apae individual was used as a negative control and monoclonal anti-Forssman antibody (M1/22.25.8HL cell line supernatant) was used as the positive control. RESULTS: Of the 800 individuals tested, one was negative for the presence of anti-Forssman antibody. We compared the anti-Forssman antibody reaction pattern between genders and found that males have weaker reactions than females, both at room temperature (p=0.026) and at 37 °C (p=0.043). We also investigated the reaction pattern of anti-Forssman antibody in relation to ABO and Rh blood group types without finding any significant differences. DISCUSSION: Sheep erythrocytes are suitable for searching for human anti-Forssman antibody. The quantity of anti-Forssman antibodies in plasma is higher in females than in males. In the population (n=800) studied here, we found one individual lacking the anti-Forssman antibody. These results contribute to the data already published, confirming that FORS is a rare blood group.

Multiple sclerosis: Association of gelatinase B/matrix metalloproteinase-9 with risk and clinical course the disease.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and axonal degeneration of the central nervous system and a leading cause of disability in young adults. The matrix metalloproteinases in general and specially gelatinase B/metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of the MMP-9 -1562C/T polymorphism in a Portuguese population of MS patients and assess its impact in susceptibility and course of the disease. The relation of MMP-9 serum levels with the polymorphism and with clinical and therapeutic factors will also be assessed. METHODS: Our study included 355 Caucasian individuals distributed as MS patients (n=169) and controls (n=186). Samples were genotyped for -1562C/T polymorphism by PCR-RFLP analysis. MMP-9 concentration in serum was analyzed using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: A significant increase in T-allele frequency was found in female MS patients, but not in the total patient population. No association between the presence of the polymorphism and disease progression was found. MMP-9 serum concentrations were increased in patients, and although not influenced by the -1562C/T polymorphism, were modified by INF-beta therapy. CONCLUSION: Although we did not find an association of this polymorphism with disease susceptibility or prognosis, MMP-9 appears to be a good therapeutic response marker for multiple sclerosis.

Phenotypic and functional alterations on inflammatory peripheral blood cells after acute myocardial infarction.

The frequency and function of T cells, monocytes, and dendritic cell subsets were investigated in 12 patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-(T0), 1 month after the episode (T1), and in 12 healthy individuals (HG). The cell characterization and the functional studies were performed by flow cytometry and by RT-PCR, after cell sorting. The most important findings at T0 moment, when compared with T1 and HG, were: a decrease in the frequency of IL-2-producing T cells; a lower frequency of TNF-α- and IL-6-producing monocytes, myeloid dendritic cells, and CD14(-/low)CD16(+)DCs; and a lower TNF-α mRNA expression, after sorting these cells. Moreover, the regulatory function of Treg cells, at T0 moment, was upregulated, based on the FoxP3, CTLA-4, and TGF-ß mRNA expression increase. The majority of these phenotypic and functional alterations disappeared at T1. Our data demonstrate that AMI induces a significant change in the immune system homeostasis.