Effect of red seaweed sulfated galactans on initial steps of complement activation in vitro.

The research described here presents data on the effect of galactans of red algae, carrageenans (λ/µ/ν-, κ-, κ/ß-, and ι/κ-types), and agar on complement system activation in normal human serum. The experiments were based on well surfaces coated with triggering agents for binding initiating complement components -C3 and C4. The sulfated galactans inhibited C3 binding to lipopolysaccharide with direct dependence on the sulfation degree of polysaccharides. Sulfation degree was also important in carrageenans' capacity to reduce C4 binding to mannan. However, C4 binding to antibodies was considerably activated by carrageenans, especially with 3,6-anhydrogalactose. The gelling carrageenans were able to block antigen binding centers of total serum IgM and with more intensity than non-gelling. No structural characteristics mattered in ameliorating C5 cleavage by plasmin in extrinsic protease complement activation, but λ/µ/ν- and κ/ß-carrageenans almost completely inhibited C5 cleavage. Thus, galactans participated in cell surface biology by imitating surface glycans in inhibition of C3 binding and mannose binding lectin, but as to the tthe heclassical pathway these substances stimulated complement, probably due to their structure based on carrabiose.

Effect of carrageenans on some lipid metabolism components in vitro.

The research described here focused on the effect of sulfated red algal polysaccharides (κ-, κ/ß-, ι/κ-carrageenan) individually and in combination with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1ß and IL-6) in whole blood model in vitro. The results demonstrated that, at high concentrations, carrageenans have substantial ability to modulate PGE2 synthesis and stimulate IL-1ß and IL-6 synthesis. A low degree of sulfate and high molecular weight were a prerequisite for the ability of carrageenans to modulate PGE2 synthesis. Further, we investigated the ability of the carrageenans alone and in combination with casein to affect bile salt permeability through an artificial membrane imitating the gastrointestinal barrier. The least sulfated κ/ß-carrageenan could retain bile salt permeation the most but less efficiently than cholestyramine. The polysaccharides did not affect pancreatic lipase activity. Our data confirm a possible mechanism of the cholesterol-reducing properties of carrageenan.

Carrageenans effect on neutrophils alone and in combination with LPS in vitro.

Influence of sulfated red algal polysaccharides (κ-, λ-, and κ/ß-carrageenans) and degraded derivative of κ/ß-carrageenan on neutrophils/monocytes activation alone and in combination with lipopolysaccharide was investigated by means of determination of reactive oxygen species production, latex microparticles engulfment, total and extracellular myeloperoxidase induction and the analysis of silhouette and contour two-dimensional images of flattened cells. Carrageenans alone can activate neutrophils with much less potency than lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the sulfation degree of carrageenans stipulates high activity in this role. On the other hand, carrageenans especially with low contents of sulfate groups are able to interfere with LPS in vitro resulting in reducing inter- and intracellular activation of neutrophils killing mechanisms. Further research is necessary to relate these findings to actions on the whole animal or human in vivo. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1603-1609, 2016.

Effect of biologically active substances derived from hydrobionts of the Pacific Ocean on parameters of lipid metabolism during experimental hypercholesterolemia.

We studied the effect of biologically active substances derived from hydrobionts, namely maristim (natural product from sea urchin roe) and fucolam (polysaccharides of fucoidan and calcium alginate from brown algae) on blood biochemistry in the mouse model of nutritional hypercholesterolemia. Maristim and fucolam are found to be capable to normalize the levels of the major indicators of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and aminotransferase enzyme activity in terms of atherogenic load. Correction action of biologically active substances is more expressed in combined application. Identified experimentally normalizing effects of maristim and on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism allow us to recommend the further study in clinical trials of these biologically active substances and based on them additives.

[The effects of preparation "Histochrome" in biochemical parameters of blood for patients with cardiopathologies].

The effects of the small doses of the preparation Gistochrome, containing natural polyhydroxynaphtoquinoine echinochrom A from flat sea urchin Scaphechinus mirabilis, on blood biochemical parameters have been studied in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Gistochrome administration influenced the LPO-antioxidant protection system, indicating reinforcement of antioxidant protection mechanisms. Gistochrome modulated the immune status and the plasma cytokine profile. Thus, Gistochrome may be recommended as means of additional therapy for patients with cardiovascular diseases for correcting the metabolic, immunological and redox impairments.

[Prevention of stress-related disorders in medical personnel].

Study covered female surgeons subjected to occupational stress complex (psychoemotional, chemical, work intensity, etc). Prophylactic intake of biologically active food supplement made of high cranberry appeared to relieve tension of antioxidant and antiradical defence systems, increased activation and stress, to normalize carbohydrates metabolism parameters.