Simple synthesis of photoluminescent carbon dots from a marine polysaccharide found in shark cartilage

BACKGROUND: For more than a decade, water-soluble, eco-friendly, biocompatible, and low-toxicity fluorescent nanomaterials have received considerable attention for their numerous in vivo and in vitro applications in biomedical imaging, disease diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Owing to their tunable photoluminescence properties, carbon-based luminescent nanomaterials have shown great potential in bioimaging, photocatalysis, and biosensing among other applications. RESULTS: Marine environments provide excellent resources for the fabrication of these nanomaterials, because many marine organisms contain interesting trigger organic compounds that can be used as precursors. Herein, we synthesize multi-color emissive carbon dots (CDs) with an intrinsic photoluminescence quantum yield of 20.46%. These nanostructures were achieved through the one-step hydrothermal treatment of marine polysaccharide chondroitin sulfate, obtained from shark cartilage, in aqueous solution. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully demonstrate the low toxicity of our marine resource-derived CDs in zebrafish, and provide an initial assessment of their possible use as a bioimaging agent. Notably, the newly synthesized CDs localize in the intestines of zebrafish larvae, thereby indicating their biocompatibility and potential use as in vivo dyes.

Cartílago de tiburón: una panacea oncológica más / Shark cartilage: another oncological panacea

Resumen El cáncer es la tercera causa de muerte después de las enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes (mellitus); ante tan desolador panorama epidemiológico, es esperable que surjan multitud de terapias "curativas" no convencionales, biológicas y no biológicas. Entre las terapias biológicas se encuentra el cartílago de tiburón, cuyos defensores de su consumo se basan en la falsa premisa de que "los tiburones no tienen cáncer", y cuando son confrontados, alegan teorías conspiranoicas. Aunque se ha demostrado la existencia de un factor inhibidor de angiogénesis en el producto, los ensayos clínicos no han sido concluyentes en cuanto a un efecto benéfico neto en pacientes oncológicos. Pero el mercadeo popular de la sustancia es un negocio de varios millones de dólares anuales. Es prudente que los médicos tengan conocimiento incluso de los posibles efectos colaterales para proporcionar información a los pacientes.

Abstract Cancer is the third cause of death after cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. In the face of such a devastating epidemiological panorama, it is expected that a multitude of non-conventional, biological and non-biological "curative" therapies will emerge. Among the biological therapies is the shark cartilage, whose defenders of its use are based on the false premise that "sharks do not have cancer", and when confronted, they claim conspiracy theories. Although the presence of an inhibitory factor of angiogenesis in the product has been demonstrated, clinical trials have not been conclusive as to a net beneficial effect in oncological patients. But the popular marketing of the substance is a business of several million dollars a year. It is prudent that doctors have knowledge, including possible side effects, to provide information to patients.

Clinical Effects of Shark Cartilage Extracts on Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea Patients / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Persistent facial telangiectasia, erythema and flushing are the major cosmetic problems in patients with rosacea. However various therapeutic treatments for rosacea papules and pustules are not effective in reducing telangiectasia and flushing reactions. Matrix-centered theory that dermal matrix degradation can cause telangiectasis, erythema and flushing, is one of the various theories of rosacea pathogenesis. Shark cartilage extracts are collagenase inhibitors and can inhibit dermal matrix degradation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of shark catilage extracts (Venatrix(R)) for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea patients. METHODS: Twenty three patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea applied shark cartilage extracts twice daily for up to 8 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by erythema index using mexameter (MPA 5, CK, Germany) and clinical photography. RESULTS: Erythema index decreased from 525.7+/-114 to 413.9+/-101.7 (mean reduction: 21.3%) (p<0.1) after 8 weeks treatment. 16 patients (69%) showed excellent or good results by clinical photography. Transient stinging sensation was the most common adverse effect and these symptoms improved after the first few days. There were no other significant side effects. CONCLUSION: Shark cartilage extracts may be an effective treatment for mild erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.

Study on extractive technics of essential active components in compound shark cartilage capsules / 中国海洋药物

Objective To study the extraction technology of essential active components in compound shark cartilage capsules.Methods Astragalin and matrine,the essential active components in compound shark cartilage capsules,were taken as the test indexes.The extraction was optimized by using orthogonal design.Results The calibration curve for astragalin and matrine was linear over the range of 1～5?g and 2.2～11.0?g,respectively.The results suggested that the optimum conditions:Astragalus membranaceus Bge.∶water =1∶16,extracting for 2h,repeating 3 times for extraction of astragalin;Sophora flavescens Ait.∶water=1∶16,extracting for 2h for extraction of matrine.Conclusion The extraction technology was simple,reliable and could be used in guality control of extracting the essential active components in compound shark cartilage capsules.

THE EFFECT OF SHARK CARTILAGE ACTIVE EXTRACT (SCAE) ON THE LUNG METASTASIS AND IMMUNE FUNCTION IN MICE / 中国海洋药物

The effect of shark cartilage active extract (SCAE) on the lung metastasis and the immune function were studied in C57 mice with oral administration. The formation of pulmonary metastasis (B16 melanoma)was significantly inhibited, with an inhibitory rate of 33. 1%. The proliferation rate of spleen cells to ConA was obviously increased,the increased rate being as high as that of the normal. The cytotoxicity of LAK cells is also increased,but lower than that of the mormal.