Marine DrugsPub Date : 2024-08-26DOI: 10.3390/md22090383
Md Saifur Rahman, Md Badrul Alam, Marufa Naznin, Mst Hur Madina, S. M. Rafiquzzaman
{"title":"Glutamic-Alanine Rich Glycoprotein from Undaria pinnatifida: A Promising Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agent","authors":"Md Saifur Rahman, Md Badrul Alam, Marufa Naznin, Mst Hur Madina, S. M. Rafiquzzaman","doi":"10.3390/md22090383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090383","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of a bioactive glutamic-alanine rich glycoprotein (GP) derived from Undaria pinnatifida. This research explored the effects of GP on both LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, peritoneal macrophages, and mouse models of carrageenan- and xylene-induced inflammation, investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms. In both in-vitro and in-vivo settings, GP was found to reduce the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) while also inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. GP treatment significantly impeded the nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway by blocking the phosphorylation of IKKα and IκBα, leading to a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, GP effectively inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), with specific inhibitors of p38 and ERK enhancing GP’s anti-inflammatory efficacy. Notably, GP administration at 10 mg/kg/day (p.o.) markedly reduced carrageenan-induced paw inflammation and xylene-induced ear edema by preventing the infiltration of inflammatory cells into targeted tissues. GP treatment also downregulated key inflammatory markers, including iNOS, COX-2, IκBα, and NF-κB, by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38 and extra-cellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), thereby improving the inflammatory index in both carrageenan- and xylene-induced mouse models. These findings suggest that marine resources, particularly seaweeds like U. pinnatifida, could serve as valuable sources of natural anti-inflammatory proteins for the effective treatment of inflammation and related conditions.","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142211376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the Antimicrobial Potential of Hallachrome, a Defensive Anthraquinone from the Marine Worm Halla parthenopeia (Polychaeta)","authors":"Anita Ferri, Roberto Simonini, Carla Sabia, Ramona Iseppi","doi":"10.3390/md22090380","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090380","url":null,"abstract":"Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global health issue, with rising resistance among bacteria and fungi. Marine organisms have emerged as promising, but underexplored, sources of new antimicrobial agents. Among them, marine polychaetes, such as Halla parthenopeia, which possess chemical defenses, could attract significant research interest. This study explores the antimicrobial properties of hallachrome, a unique anthraquinone found in the purple mucus of H. parthenopeia, against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027), Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228), and the most common human fungal pathogen Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Antibacterial susceptibility testing revealed that Gram-negative bacteria were not inhibited by hallachrome at concentrations ≤2 mM. However, Gram-positive bacteria showed significant growth inhibition at 0.12–0.25 mM, while C. albicans was inhibited at 0.06 mM. Time-kill studies demonstrated dose-dependent growth inhibition of susceptible strains by hallachrome, which exerted its effect by altering the membrane permeability of C. albicans, E. faecalis, and S. epidermidis after 6 h and S. aureus after 24 h. Additionally, hallachrome significantly reduced biofilm formation and mature biofilm in S. aureus, E. faecalis, and C. albicans. Additionally, it inhibited hyphal growth in C. albicans. These findings highlight hallachrome’s potential as a novel antimicrobial agent, deserving further exploration for clinical experimentation.","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142211399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine DrugsPub Date : 2024-08-24DOI: 10.3390/md22090381
Nicola Pio Russo, Marika Ballotta, Luca Usai, Serenella Torre, Maurizio Giordano, Giacomo Fais, Mattia Casula, Debora Dessì, Paola Nieri, Eya Damergi, Giovanni Antonio Lutzu, Alessandro Concas
{"title":"Mixotrophic Cultivation of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) under Salt Stress: Effect on Biomass Composition, FAME Profile and Phycocyanin Content","authors":"Nicola Pio Russo, Marika Ballotta, Luca Usai, Serenella Torre, Maurizio Giordano, Giacomo Fais, Mattia Casula, Debora Dessì, Paola Nieri, Eya Damergi, Giovanni Antonio Lutzu, Alessandro Concas","doi":"10.3390/md22090381","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090381","url":null,"abstract":"Arthrospira platensis holds promise for biotechnological applications due to its rapid growth and ability to produce valuable bioactive compounds like phycocyanin (PC). This study explores the impact of salinity and brewery wastewater (BWW) on the mixotrophic cultivation of A. platensis. Utilizing BWW as an organic carbon source and seawater (SW) for salt stress, we aim to optimize PC production and biomass composition. Under mixotrophic conditions with 2% BWW and SW, A. platensis showed enhanced biomass productivity, reaching a maximum of 3.70 g L−1 and significant increases in PC concentration. This study also observed changes in biochemical composition, with elevated protein and carbohydrate levels under salt stress that mimics the use of seawater. Mixotrophic cultivation with BWW and SW also influenced the FAME profile, enhancing the content of C16:0 and C18:1 FAMES. The purity (EP of 1.15) and yield (100 mg g−1) of PC were notably higher in mixotrophic cultures, indicating the potential for commercial applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This research underscores the benefits of integrating the use of saline water with waste valorization in microalgae cultivation, promoting sustainability and economic efficiency in biotechnological processes.","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142211396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine DrugsPub Date : 2024-08-24DOI: 10.3390/md22090382
Timur A. Khasanov, Ekaterina E. Maleeva, Sergey G. Koshelev, Victor A. Palikov, Yulia A. Palikova, Igor A. Dyachenko, Sergey A. Kozlov, Yaroslav A. Andreev, Dmitry I. Osmakov
{"title":"Mutagenesis of the Peptide Inhibitor of ASIC3 Channel Introduces Binding to Thumb Domain of ASIC1a but Reduces Analgesic Activity","authors":"Timur A. Khasanov, Ekaterina E. Maleeva, Sergey G. Koshelev, Victor A. Palikov, Yulia A. Palikova, Igor A. Dyachenko, Sergey A. Kozlov, Yaroslav A. Andreev, Dmitry I. Osmakov","doi":"10.3390/md22090382","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090382","url":null,"abstract":"Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), which act as proton-gating sodium channels, have garnered attention as pharmacological targets. ASIC1a isoform, notably prevalent in the central nervous system, plays an important role in synaptic plasticity, anxiety, neurodegeneration, etc. In the peripheral nervous system, ASIC1a shares prominence with ASIC3, the latter well established for its involvement in pain signaling, mechanical sensitivity, and inflammatory hyperalgesia. However, the precise contributions of ASIC1a in peripheral functions necessitate thorough investigation. To dissect the specific roles of ASICs, peptide ligands capable of modulating these channels serve as indispensable tools. Employing molecular modeling, we designed the peptide targeting ASIC1a channel from the sea anemone peptide Ugr9-1, originally targeting ASIC3. This peptide (A23K) retained an inhibitory effect on ASIC3 (IC50 9.39 µM) and exhibited an additional inhibitory effect on ASIC1a (IC50 6.72 µM) in electrophysiological experiments. A crucial interaction between the Lys23 residue of the A23K peptide and the Asp355 residue in the thumb domain of the ASIC1a channel predicted by molecular modeling was confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis of the channel. However, A23K peptide revealed a significant decrease in or loss of analgesic properties when compared to the wild-type Ugr9-1. In summary, using A23K, we show that negative modulation of the ASIC1a channel in the peripheral nervous system can compromise the efficacy of an analgesic drug. These results provide a compelling illustration of the complex balance required when developing peripheral pain treatments targeting ASICs.","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142211397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhanced Production of High-Value Porphyrin Compound Heme by Metabolic Engineering Modification and Mixotrophic Cultivation of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803","authors":"Kai Cao, Fengjie Sun, Zechen Xin, Yujiao Cao, Xiangyu Zhu, Huan Tian, Tong Cao, Jinju Ma, Weidong Mu, Jiankun Sun, Runlong Zhou, Zhengquan Gao, Chunxiao Meng","doi":"10.3390/md22090378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090378","url":null,"abstract":"Heme, as an essential cofactor and source of iron for cells, holds great promise in various areas, e.g., food and medicine. In this study, the model cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 was used as a host for heme synthesis. The heme synthesis pathway and its competitive pathway were modified to obtain an engineered cyanobacteria with high heme production, and the total heme production of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 was further enhanced by the optimization of the culture conditions and the enhancement of mixotrophic ability. The co-expression of hemC, hemF, hemH, and the knockout of pcyA, a key gene in the heme catabolic pathway, resulted in a 3.83-fold increase in the heme production of the wild type, while the knockout of chlH, a gene encoding a Mg-chelatase subunit and the key enzyme of the chlorophyll synthesis pathway, resulted in a 7.96-fold increase in the heme production of the wild type; further increased to 2.05 mg/L, its heme production was 10.25-fold that of the wild type under optimized mixotrophic culture conditions. Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 has shown great potential as a cell factory for photosynthetic carbon sequestration for heme production. This study provides novel engineering targets and research directions for constructing microbial cell factories for efficient heme production.","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142211398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine DrugsPub Date : 2024-08-23DOI: 10.3390/md22090379
Azizur Rahman
{"title":"Marine Collagen and Chitin: Promising Applications in Interdisciplinary Fields","authors":"Azizur Rahman","doi":"10.3390/md22090379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090379","url":null,"abstract":"Marine collagen and chitin derived from marine organisms are gaining significant attention for their diverse applications across various fields [...]","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142211400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine DrugsPub Date : 2024-08-22DOI: 10.3390/md22080377
Min Xu, Bei Chen, Kun Qiao, Shuji Liu, Yongchang Su, Shuilin Cai, Zhiyu Liu, Lijun Li, Qingbiao Li
{"title":"Mechanism of <i>Takifugu bimaculatus</i> Skin Peptides in Alleviating Hyperglycemia in Rats with Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Based on Microbiome and Metabolome Analyses.","authors":"Min Xu, Bei Chen, Kun Qiao, Shuji Liu, Yongchang Su, Shuilin Cai, Zhiyu Liu, Lijun Li, Qingbiao Li","doi":"10.3390/md22080377","DOIUrl":"10.3390/md22080377","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, we aimed to explore the hypoglycemic effects of a hydrolysate on <i>Takifugu bimaculatus</i> skin (TBSH). The effect of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activities from different TBSH fractions was investigated on basic indexes, gut hormones, blood lipid indexes, viscera, and the gut microbiota and its metabolites in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The results showed that the <1 kDa peptide fraction from TBSH (TBP) exhibited a more potent DPP-IV inhibitory effect (IC<sub>50</sub> = 0.45 ± 0.01 mg/mL). T2DM rats were induced with streptozocin, followed by the administration of TBP. The 200 mg/kg TBP mitigated weight loss, lowered fasting blood glucose levels, and increased insulin secretion by 20.47%, 25.23%, and 34.55%, respectively, rectified irregular hormonal fluctuations, lipid metabolism, and tissue injuries, and effectively remedied gut microbiota imbalance. In conclusion, TBP exerts a hypoglycemic effect in rats with T2DM. This study offers the potential to develop nutritional supplements to treat T2DM and further promote the high-value utilization of processing byproducts from <i>T. bimaculatus</i>. It will provide information for developing nutritional supplements to treat T2DM and further promote the high-value utilization of processing byproducts from <i>T. bimaculatus</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11355842/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142080804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine DrugsPub Date : 2024-08-21DOI: 10.3390/md22080376
Marzia Vasarri, Donatella Degl'Innocenti
{"title":"Marine Products and Their Anti-Inflammatory Potential: Latest Updates.","authors":"Marzia Vasarri, Donatella Degl'Innocenti","doi":"10.3390/md22080376","DOIUrl":"10.3390/md22080376","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The depths of the sea are a rich source of biologically active compounds with therapeutic potential for various human diseases, including inflammatory conditions [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11355884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142080803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine DrugsPub Date : 2024-08-20DOI: 10.3390/md22080375
Jiaqi Chen, Xuan Li, Jiahua Tao, Lianxiang Luo
{"title":"Identification of Marine-Derived SLC7A11 Inhibitors: Molecular Docking, Structure-Based Virtual Screening, Cytotoxicity Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation.","authors":"Jiaqi Chen, Xuan Li, Jiahua Tao, Lianxiang Luo","doi":"10.3390/md22080375","DOIUrl":"10.3390/md22080375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The search for anticancer drugs that target ferroptosis is a promising avenue of research. SLC7A11, a key protein involved in ferroptosis, has been identified as a potential target for drug development. Through screening efforts, novel inhibitors of SLC7A11 have been designed with the aim of promoting ferroptosis and ultimately eliminating cancer cells. We initially screened 563 small molecules using pharmacophore and 2D-QSAR models. Molecular docking and ADMET toxicity predictions, with Erastin as a positive control, identified the small molecules 42711 and 27363 as lead compounds with strong inhibitory activity against SLC7A11. Further optimization resulted in the development of a new inhibitor structure (42711_11). Molecular docking and ADMET re-screening demonstrated successful fragment substitution for this small molecule. Final molecular dynamics simulations also confirmed its stable interaction with the protein. These findings represent a significant step towards the development of new therapeutic strategies for ferroptosis-related diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11355350/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142080734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marine DrugsPub Date : 2024-08-20DOI: 10.3390/md22080374
Sung-Gyu Lee, Jin-Woo Hwang, Hyun Kang
{"title":"Antioxidant and Skin-Whitening Efficacy of a Novel Decapeptide (DP, KGYSSYICDK) Derived from Fish By-Products.","authors":"Sung-Gyu Lee, Jin-Woo Hwang, Hyun Kang","doi":"10.3390/md22080374","DOIUrl":"10.3390/md22080374","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The skin is vulnerable to damage from ultraviolet rays and oxidative stress, which can lead to aging and pigmentation issues. This study investigates the antioxidant and whitening efficacy of a decapeptide (DP, KGYSSYICDK) derived from marine fish by-products and evaluates its potential as a new skin-whitening agent. DP demonstrated high antioxidant activity, showing comparable or superior performance to Vitamin C (Vit. C) in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. In hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-treated HaCaT cells, DP increased cell viability and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, DP inhibited tyrosinase activity and decreased melanin production in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced B16F10 melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that DP reduces the mRNA expression of <i>MITF</i>, <i>tyrosinase</i>, and <i>MC1R</i>, thus suppressing melanin production. DP exhibits strong binding interactions with multiple amino acid residues of tyrosinase, indicating potent inhibitory effects on the enzyme. These results suggest that DP possesses significant antioxidant and whitening properties, highlighting its potential as a skin-whitening agent. Future research should focus on optimizing DP's structure and exploring structure-activity relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":18222,"journal":{"name":"Marine Drugs","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11355700/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142080731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}