Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ragaa A. Hamouda, Mervat H. Hussein, Noura El-Ahmady El-Naggar, Mohammed A. Karim-Eldeen, Khalid H. Alamer, Muneera A. Saleh, Luluah M. Al Masoudi, Eman M. Sharaf, Reham M. Abd El-Azeem
Summary: Seaweeds are found to have a significant effect on promoting plant growth, especially the soluble polysaccharides extracted from Ulva fasciata at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, which have the greatest impact on carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, and antioxidant enzymes in Zea mays.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fabian A. Figueroa, Roberto T. Abdala-Diaz, Claudia Perez, Virginia Casas-Arrojo, Aleksandra Nesic, Cecilia Tapia, Carla Duran, Oscar Valdes, Carolina Parra, Gaston Bravo-Arrepol, Luis Soto, Jose Becerra, Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas
Summary: This study aims to isolate and characterize the polysaccharide fractions from Codium bernabei, a green alga found on Chilean coasts. The extracted fractions were mainly composed of sulfated galactan unit and exhibited antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antitumor activities. The findings suggest the potential biotechnological application of sulfated galactan polysaccharides from Chilean marine resources.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Roberta Paulert, Fabrice Brunel, Rebecca L. J. Melcher, Stefan Cord-Landwehr, Anna Niehues, Michael Mormann, Bruno M. Moerschbacher
Summary: Ulvans from green algae exhibit elicitor activity in plants, with desulfated ulvan dimers identified as the smallest active units. This discovery provides a promising biologic for sustainable agriculture.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mary Zoepfl, Rohini Dwivedi, Seon Beom Kim, Michael A. McVoy, Vitor H. Pomin
Summary: There is a great interest in discovering and developing broad-spectrum antivirals due to the emergence of new viruses and the potential for pandemics. Targeting a common molecular player, heparan sulfate, has been found to be an efficient strategy for developing new antivirals. Marine sulfated glycans have been identified as having antiviral activities, primarily through competitive inhibition of virion binding to heparan sulfate.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yuheon Chung, Seula Jeong, In-Kyoung Lee, Bong-Sik Yun, Jung Sup Lee, Seungil Ro, Jong Kun Park
Summary: The study showed that (+)-epiloliolide can increase cell resistance to UVB and protect cells from UVB damage by regulating p53 activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jie Zheng, Bingzhi Li, Yuan Ji, Yin Chen, Xun Lv, Xing Zhang, Robert J. Linhardt
Summary: Natural active polysaccharides are gaining attention in pharmaceutical industries for their biological activities, while metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) help deliver cargo to specific locations, protecting drugs and improving therapeutic effectiveness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ragaa A. A. Hamouda, Fauzia A. K. Qarabai, Fathi S. S. Shahabuddin, Turki M. M. Al-Shaikh, Rabab R. R. Makharita
Summary: Tooth decay is a common chronic infection caused by acids produced from bacterial breakdown of sugar in the mouth. In this study, nanocellulose and Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites were synthesized using Ulva lactuca as a cellulose source and reducing agent. The tests showed that Ulva/Ag/cellulose/nanocomposites had strong antibacterial activity against S. mutans and L. acidophilus, and they were more effective than materials blended with fluoride.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
M. A. Abdelaziz, O. M. Ahmed, M. Abdel-Gabbar, M. R. Mohammad, S. R. Ibrahim, M. H. Abdelzaher, A. P. Mohideen, S. A. Moawd, A. I. Geddawy
Summary: This study aims to investigate the protective and preventive effects of Ulva lactuca aqueous extract, ulvan polysaccharides, and atorvastatin on ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluria. The results show that these substances can significantly reduce weight loss, serum creatinine, serum urea, serum uric acid, serum oxalate, kidney oxalate, kidney lipid peroxidation, and kidney DNA fragmentation. They also improve kidney histopathology. Therefore, Ulva lactuca extract and ulvan polysaccharides may be potential treatments for preventing hyperoxaluria.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mohammad Nabi Davoodi, Jafar M. Milani, Reza Farahmandfar
Summary: Seaweeds, particularly Ulva intestinalis, are a potential source for the production of biodegradable films as an alternative to plastics. Sulfated polysaccharides extracted from Ulva intestinalis show various biological activities and their film properties can be modified by different concentrations of plasticizers. Increasing plasticizer concentration leads to changes in film properties, with higher plasticized films exhibiting increased thickness and moisture content but decreased tensile strength and barrier properties.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zehong Chen, Yuxuan Liu, Dan Wang, Niuniu Wu, Kaiping Wang, Yu Zhang
Summary: In this study, sulfated modification was performed on Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP) using the chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine method. The sulfated GFP (S-GFP) exhibited alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity and changed the conformation of the enzyme. The results suggest that sulfation alters the structure and inhibitory mechanism of polysaccharides.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Virginia Casas-Arrojo, Juan Decara, Maria de los Angeles Arrojo-Agudo, Claudia Perez-Manriquez, Roberto T. Abdala-Diaz
Summary: Porphyridium cruentum's sulfated polysaccharides exhibit strong immunomodulatory and cytotoxic effects, inducing IL-6 cytokines and TNF-alpha. They show potential as a valuable ingredient in nutraceutical products.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hao Tang, Jinwen Huang, Qingxia Yuan, Kunling Lv, Haiqiong Ma, Tingting Li, Yonghong Liu, Shunli Mi, Longyan Zhao
Summary: In this study, a novel polysaccharide (CPP-1) was isolated from Chlorella pyrenoidosa and sulfated, showing potential as an anticoagulant. CPP-1 was mainly composed of D-mannopyranose, 3-O-methylated D-mannopyranose, and D-galactopyranose. The sulfated Chlorella mannogalactan (SCM) derived from CPP-1 demonstrated strong anticoagulant activity, making it a possible safer alternative to heparin-like drugs.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qingxia Yuan, Hong Li, Qian Wang, Shujing Sun, Ziyu Fang, Hao Tang, Xiaohuo Shi, Jing Wen, Lianghua Huang, Meng Bai, Shengping Zhong, Yonghong Liu, Chenghai Gao, Longyan Zhao
Summary: The tropical sea cucumber Stichopus monotuberculatus exhibits strong anticoagulant activity by selectively inhibiting intrinsic tenase complex. The anticoagulant activity decreases with the decrease of molecular weight, while the unusual branch and novel reducing end may enhance anticoagulant activity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marie Kuehne, Henry Lindemann, Christian Grune, Daniel Schroeder, Zoltan Cseresnyes, Maren Godmann, Andreas Koschella, Marc Thilo Figge, Christian Eggeling, Dagmar Fischer, Thomas Heinze, Thorsten Heinzel
Summary: Bio-based nanoparticles (NPs) as drug carriers have rapid cellular uptake, no cytotoxicity, and ability to induce histone H3 hyperacetylation, making them suitable for treating inflammation, sepsis, and cancer.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pin Gong, Mengrao Wang, Yuxi Guo, Hui Long, Zhineng Wang, Dandan Cui, Wenbo Yao, Wenjuan Yang, Fuxin Chen, Jianwu Xie
Summary: A natural polysaccharide named SGP-1 was discovered from Siraitia grosvenorii, with a purity of 96.83%. The sulfated derivative S-SGP of SGP-1 was prepared and analyzed, showing spherical structures and strong intermolecular forces. The sulfated derivative exhibited antioxidant activity and inhibited the growth of several cancer cell lines in vitro, while also inducing apoptosis and altering the expression of apoptosis-related molecules in lung cancer cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabrielly M. D. Chiarantin, Lina M. Delgado-Garcia, Laura N. Zamproni, Marcelo A. Lima, Helena B. Nader, Ivarne L. S. Tersariol, Marimelia Porcionatto
Summary: Cells experiencing hypoxia can undergo Ca2+ overload, leading to neural cell death. The compound TD may act as a neuroprotective agent by accelerating Na+/Ca2+ exchange to reduce [Ca2+] (i). Experimental evidence from N2a cells and a murine stroke model supports the effectiveness of TD in neuroprotection.
GLYCOCONJUGATE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Lenize F. Maia, Tatiani A. Gonzaga, Mariana T. C. Campos, Gisele Lobo-Hajdu, Howell G. M. Edwards, Luiz F. C. de Oliveira
Summary: Sponges are colorful filter feeding animals that host a large number of microorganisms in a symbiotic relationship, with colors derived from biosynthesis or symbionts. Vibrational spectroscopy identified coloration patterns in nine sponge species, showing carotenoids responsible for red-orange, green, and blue colors, and melanin for black species. The study suggests carotenoid-based pigmentation in sponges provided by symbionts plays a role in their evolutionary and ecological success, with vibrational spectroscopy as a valuable tool for identifying structural differentiation of carotenoids in sponge microbiomes from different environments.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sueli M. P. S. Torres, Helena B. Nader, Ricardo S. Simoes, Edmund C. Baracat, Jose M. Soares-Jr, Manuel de J. Simoes, Regina C. T. Gomes
Summary: The estradiol treatment alone (EG) or associated with progesterone (EPG) affected the concentration of hyaluronan acid, increased cell proliferation, and decreased cell death in mammary tissue.
GYNECOLOGICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Enio R. Vasques, Estela R. R. Figueira, Joel A. Rocha-Filho, Cinthia Lanchotte, Jorge L. S. Ximenes, Helena B. Nader, Ivarne L. S. Tersariol, Marcelo A. Lima, Tiago Rodrigues, Jose E. M. Cunha, Eleazar Chaib, Luiz A. C. D'Albuquerque, Flavio H. F. Galvao
HEPATOBILIARY & PANCREATIC DISEASES INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Biology
A. P. S. Mesquita, M. Matsuoka, S. A. Lopes, P. C. A. Pernambuco Filho, A. S. Cruz, H. B. Nader, C. C. Lopes
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of NO on the adhesiveness, invasiveness, and migration of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells. It is found that inhibition of NO release decreases cell adhesiveness to fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV, while increasing invasiveness and migration. These changes are associated with MMP-2 up-regulation and ATF3 down-regulation.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biology
J. Chinoca, D. S. Andrade, A. Mendes, P. De Marchi, T. G. Prieto, C. M. Baldavira, C. Farhat, J. R. M. Martins, H. B. Nader, D. M. Carraro, V. L. Capelozzi, V de Sa
Summary: We evaluated the levels of hyaluronan (HA) in sputum as a noninvasive tool for predicting disease progression and treatment response in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Higher levels of HA in sputum were associated with tumor stage, phenotype, treatment response, and outcome. In early-stage NSCLC, patients with lower HA levels had better response and progression-free survival after systemic chemotherapy. Patients with low HA levels also showed better response and progression-free survival after combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy in advanced-stage disease.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pedro L. R. Guedes, Carolina P. F. Carvalho, Adriana A. F. Carbonel, Manuel J. Simoes, Marcelo Y. Icimoto, Jair A. K. Aguiar, Maria Kouyoumdjian, Marcos L. Gazarini, Marcia R. Nagaoka
Summary: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) has been found to have therapeutic effects in an experimental model of bile duct ligation. CS reduces collagen content and increases liver parenchyma content, and can alter the hepatic collagen III/I ratio. Additionally, CS reduces cell death indicators and promotes regeneration. Therefore, CS has potential hepatoprotective action in fibrogenesis induced by bile duct ligation.
Article
Neurosciences
Danielle de Paula Moreira, Angela May Suzuki, Andre Luiz Teles e Silva, Elisa Varella-Branco, Maria Cecilia Zorel Meneghetti, Gerson Shigeru Kobayashi, Mariana Fogo, Merari de Fatima Ramires Ferrari, Rafaela Regina Cardoso, Naila Cristina Vilaca Lourenco, Karina Griesi-Oliveira, Elaine Cristina Zachi, Debora Romeo Bertola, Karina de Souza Weinmann, Marcelo Andrade de Lima, Helena Bonciani Nader, Andrea Laurato Sertie, Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
Summary: Biallelic pathogenic variants in TBCK lead to IHPRF3, but the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study reported two sisters with IHPRF3 and TBCK variants and provided evidence that TBCK may play a critical role in the early secretory pathway in neuroprogenitor cells. Impairment of TBCK function has been associated with disrupted vesicle transport and autophagosome biogenesis, altered cell cycle progression, and impaired migration capacity.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sheyla V. Lucena, Fabiola P. Rufino, Gioconda Emanuella Diniz de Dantas Moura, Luciana M. A. Rabelo, Norberto K. V. Monteiro, Andre T. Ferreira, Jonas E. Aguilar Perales, Adriana F. Uchoa, Giselle Z. Justo, Caio F. R. de Oliveira, Ludovico Migliolo, Helena Bonciani Nader, Elizeu A. Santos, Adeliana S. Oliveira
Summary: In this study, a novel Kunitz-type peptidase inhibitor (EvCI) was purified and characterized from Erythrina velutina seeds. EvCI showed anti-proliferative effects against HeLa cells and selective inhibitory activity. The inhibitor demonstrated stability in inhibitory activity across a wide range of pH and temperature.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria C. Z. Meneghetti, Lucy Naughton, Conor O'Shea, Dindet S. E. Koffi Teki, Vincent Chagnault, Helena B. Nader, Timothy R. Rudd, Edwin A. Yates, Jose Kovensky, Gavin J. Miller, Marcelo A. Lima
Summary: Heparan sulfate is a ubiquitous carbohydrate in animals that plays important roles in biological processes and has potential therapeutic targets. However, its chemical heterogeneity makes it difficult to establish direct structure-function correlations. Through the use of NMR and chemical synthesis, this study explores how different sulfation patterns affect the geometry of the polysaccharide backbone and investigates the conformational changes caused by substitution with more stable S-glycosidic forms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lai Yu Tsun, Thaciane Alkmim Bibo, Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca, Glaucia Luciano da Veiga, Ana Carolina Macedo Gaiatto, Nicolle de Godoy Moreira e Costa, Joyce Regina Raimundo, Matheus Moreira Perez, Thais Gascon, Fulvio Alexandre Scorza, Carla Alessandra Scorza, Helena Nader, Manoel Joao Batista Castello Girao, Beatriz da Costa Aguiar Alves, Edimar Cristiano Pereira
Summary: This study aims to assess the levels of vitamin D in patients with COVID-19 and determine if these levels are sufficient to protect against disease progression.
CURRENT DRUG METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Thais Kristini Almendros Barbosa, Rosario Dominguez Crespo Hirata, Glaucio Monteiro Ferreira, Jessica Bassani Borges, Victor Fernandes de Oliveira, Renata Gorjao, Elisangela Rodrigues da Silva Marcal, Rodrigo Marques Goncalves, Andre Arpad Faludi, Renata Caroline Costa de Freitas, Carolina Dagli-Hernandez, Raul Hernandes Bortolin, Gisele Medeiros Bastos, Tania Cristina Pithon-Curi, Helena Bonciani Nader, Mario Hiroyuki Hirata
Summary: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is caused by harmful mutations in the LDLR gene, resulting in significantly increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In this study, the functional effects of LDLR variants in Brazilian FH patients were assessed. It was found that LDLR null and defective variants reduce LDL binding and uptake in activated T-lymphocytes, while LDLR missense variants affect LDLR conformational stability and the dissociation of the LDLR-ApoB complex.
Article
Spectroscopy
Mariana T. C. Campos, Lenize F. Maia, Helio F. Dos Santos, Howell G. M. Edwards, Luiz F. C. de Oliveira
Summary: In this study, Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations were used to identify pigments biosynthesized during tomato ripening. The Raman spectra showed that carotenes and flavonoids are the main pigments in the tomato exocarp. The composition of carotenoids changed during maturation, while flavonoids/polyphenols remained constant. These findings provide insights into the chemical synergism between carotenoids and flavonoids in tomato coloring.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Helena B. Nader
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paulo H. Jr Jr Olivieri, Marcelo B. Jesus, Helena B. Nader, Giselle Z. Justo, Alioscka A. Sousa
Summary: This study reveals that surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) can regulate the cellular internalization of nanoparticles. Anionic nanoparticles are hindered by the charged surface GAGs, while cationic nanoparticles interact favorably with GAGs. Further investigation shows that the interaction of nanoparticles with GAGs is different, and heparan sulfate plays a crucial role in the cellular internalization of cationic nanoparticles.