Antiangiogenic activity of nasunin, an antioxidant anthocyanin, in eggplant peels

Nasunin, delphinidin-3-(p-coumaroylrutinoside)-5-glucoside, an antioxidant anthocyanin isolated from eggplant peels, was demonstrated as an angiogenesis inhibitor. Nasunin at higher 10 microM suppressed microvessel outgrowth in an ex vivo angiogenesis assay using a rat aortic ring. The effect of nasunin was examined in various in vitro angiogenesis models using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Nasunin suppressed HUVEC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner (50-200 microM); however, it had no significant effect on HUVEC chemotaxis in a Boyden chamber assay and HUVEC tube formation on a reconstituted basement membrane. These results imply that nasunin with both antioxidant and antiangiogenic activities might be useful to prevent angiogenesis-related diseases.     

Characterization of fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol esters in the Chinese surf clam, Mactra chinensis

Fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol fatty acid esters in the clam, Mactra chinensis, were characterized on the basis of 1H NMR and FAB-MS spectra. 1H NMR revealed that the hydroxy group at C-3 in fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol was acylated. 3'-O-Acylated compounds such as fucoxanthinol 3'-ester or fucoxanthinol 3,3'-diester were not found in the clam. The fatty acids esterified with fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol were identified as C24:6, C22:5, C22:6, C20:5, C20:0, C20:1, C18:0, C18:1, C16:0, C16:1, and C14:0 by FAB-MS data.     

Radical scavenging and singlet oxygen quenching activity of marine carotenoid fucoxanthin and its metabolites

Antioxidant activity of carotenoids is suggested to be one of the factors for their disease preventing effects. Marine carotenoids fucoxanthin and its two metabolites, fucoxanthinol and halocynthiaxanthin, have been shown to exhibit several biological effects. The antioxidant activities of these three carotenoids were assessed in vitro with respect to radical scavenging and singlet oxygen quenching abilities. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol was higher than that of halocynthiaxanthin, with the effective concentration for 50% scavenging (EC 50) being 164.60, 153.78, and 826.39 microM, respectively. 2,2'-Azinobis-3-ethylbenzo thizoline-6-sulphonate radical scavenging activity of fucoxanthinol (EC 50, 2.49 microM) was stronger than that of fucoxanthin (EC 50, 8.94 microM). Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity as measured by the chemiluminescence technique showed that the scavenging activity of fucoxanthin was 7.9 times higher than that by fucoxanthinol, 16.3 times higher than that by halocynthiaxanthin, and 13.5 times higher than that by alpha-tocopherol. A similar trend was observed when the hydroxyl radical scavenging was assessed by the electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. ESR analysis of the superoxide radical scavenging activity also showed the superiority of fucoxanthin over the other two carotenoids tested. Singlet oxygen quenching ability of the three carotenoids was lower than that of beta-carotene, with quenching rate constants ( k Q, x10 (10) M (-1) s (-1)) being 1.19, 1.81, 0.80, and 12.78 for fucoxanthin, fucoxanthinol, halocynthiaxanthin, and beta-carotene, respectively. The higher radical scavenging activity of fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol compared with halocynthiaxanthin is assumed to be due to presence of the allenic bond.     

Fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol enhance the amount of docosahexaenoic acid in the liver of KKAy obese/diabetic mice

This study examined the effect of dietary fucoxanthin or fucoxanthinol on the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the liver of KKAy mice, a model for obese/type II diabetes. In the first experiment, mice were fed diets containing crude fucoxanthin or glyceroglycolipid for 4 weeks. Results showed a significant increase in the level of DHA in mice fed 0.53% crude fucoxanthin, from 2.3% in control mice to 5.1% of fatty acid composition of total liver lipids. On the other hand, in mice fed crude glyceroglycolipid, the level of DHA as a proportion of total liver fatty acids remained unchanged. To clarify the enhancement of hepatic DHA, in the second experiment, KKAy mice were fed a diet containing purified fucoxanthin or its deacetylated derivative, fucoxanthinol. Results from a quantitative analysis using an internal standard showed that in mice fed 0.2% fucoxanthin, the amount of hepatic DHA was 2-fold higher than in control mice, whereas DHA levels in the small intestine remained unchanged. Furthermore, 0.2% fucoxanthinol led to 1.8- and 1.2-fold increases in the amount of hepatic DHA and arachidonic acid compared to control mice, respectively. These results indicate for the first time that dietary fucoxanthin and fucoxanthinol enhance the amount of DHA in the liver of KKAy mice.     

Dietary combination of fucoxanthin and fish oil attenuates the weight gain of white adipose tissue and decreases blood glucose in obese/diabetic KK-Ay mice

Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid found in edible brown seaweeds. We previously reported that dietary fucoxanthin attenuates the weight gain of white adipose tissue (WAT) of diabetic/obese KK- A(y) mice. In this study, to evaluate the antiobesity and antidiabetic effects of fucoxanthin and fish oil, we investigated the effect on the WAT weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels of KK- A(y) mice. Furthermore, the expression level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and adipokine mRNA in WAT were measured. After 4 weeks of feeding, 0.2% fucoxanthin in the diet markedly attenuated the gain of WAT weight in KK- A(y) mice with increasing UCP1 expression compared with the control mice. The WAT weight of the mice fed 0.1% fucoxanthin and 6.9% fish oil was also significantly lower than that of the mice fed fucoxanthin alone. In addition, 0.2% fucoxanthin markedly decreased the blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations in KK- A(y) mice. The mice fed with the combination diet of 0.1% fucoxanthin and fish oil also showed improvements similar to that of 0.2% fucoxanthin. Leptin and tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) mRNA expression in WAT were significantly down-regulated by 0.2% fucoxanthin. These results suggest that dietary fucoxanthin decreases the blood glucose and plasma insulin concentration of KK- A(y) along with down-regulating TNFalpha mRNA. In addition, the combination of fucoxanthin and fish oil is more effective for attenuating the weight gain of WAT than feeding with fucoxanthin alone.     

Fucoxanthin enhances HO-1 and NQO1 expression in murine hepatic BNL CL.2 cells through activation of the Nrf2/ARE system partially by its pro-oxidant activity

To determine whether fucoxanthin, a major carotenoid in brown sea algae, may activate cellular antioxidant enzymes via up-regulation of the Nrf2/antioxidant-response element (ARE) pathway, we incubated mouse hepatic BNL CL.2 cells with fucoxanthin (0.5-20 μM) for 0-24 h. We found that fucoxanthin (≥5 μM) significantly increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) at 6 h of incubation, whereas preincubation with α-d-tocopherol (30 μM) significantly attenuated the increase of ROS, indicating the pro-oxidant nature of fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin significantly increased the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 and markedly increased nuclear Nrf2 protein accumulation after incubation for 12 h. Moreover, fucoxanthin significantly enhanced binding activities of nuclear Nrf2 with ARE and increased mRNA and protein expression of HO-1 and NQO1 after incubation for 12 h. siRNA inhibition of Nrf2 led to markedly decreased HO-1 and NQO1 protein expression. Thus, fucoxanthin may exert its antioxidant activity, at least partly, through its pro-oxidant actions.     

Effect of brown seaweed lipids on fatty acid composition and lipid hydroperoxide levels of mouse liver

Brown seaweed lipids from Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), Sargassum horneri (Akamoku), and Cystoseira hakodatensis (Uganomoku) contained several bioactive compounds, namely, fucoxanthin, polyphenols, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Fucoxanthin and polyphenol contents of Akamoku and Uganomoku lipids were higher than those of Wakame lipids, while Wakame lipids showed higher total omega-3 PUFA content than Akamoku and Uganomoku lipids. The levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in liver lipids of KK-A(y) mouse significantly increased by Akamoku and Uganomoku lipid feeding as compared with the control, but not by Wakame lipid feeding. Fucoxanthin has been reported to accelerate the bioconversion of omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA to DHA and AA, respectively. The higher hepatic DHA and AA level of mice fed Akamoku and Uganomoku lipids would be attributed to the higher content of fucoxanthin of Akamoku and Uganomoku lipids. The lipid hydroperoxide levels of the liver of mice fed brown seaweed lipids were significantly lower than those of control mice, even though total PUFA content was higher in the liver of mice fed brown seaweed lipids. This would be, at least in part, due to the antioxidant activity of fucoxanthin metabolites in the liver.     

乙酰水杨酸对三角褐指藻岩藻黄质含量的影响及其分子机理研究

为了研究不同浓度乙酰水杨酸(ASA)对三角褐指藻(Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin)细胞生长、岩藻黄质积累及岩藻黄质生物合成相关基因的表达水平的影响,通过分光光度计、高效液相色谱(HPLC)以及荧光定量PCR测定不同浓度ASA处理后的三角褐指藻的各项指标。结果表明,三角褐指藻的生长和岩藻黄质积累与ASA浓度密切相关。一定浓度的ASA抑制了三角褐指藻的细胞数量;岩藻黄质含量也随着ASA浓度的升高呈现先上升后下降的趋势,当ASA浓度为10 mg·L^-1时,岩藻黄质含量最高,达1.78 g·kg^-1 DW,为对照组的1.9倍。在不同浓度ASA诱导下,与岩藻黄质生物合成途径有关的PSY、PDS、ZDS、CRTISO、LCYB和ZEP基因表达均上调,当ASA浓度为10 mg·L^-1时,相关基因的表达量极显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。主成分分析(PCA)结果表明,PSY、PDS、ZDS、CRTISO、LCYB和ZEP基因与岩藻黄质积累具有相关性,其中,ZEP基因对岩藻黄质生物合成贡献率最高。综上,适当浓度的ASA不仅提高了岩藻黄质合成途径中相关基因的表达水平,而且促进了岩藻黄质的积累。本研究结果为进一步深入研究三角褐指藻中岩藻黄质合成的分子机制奠定了理论基础。     

不同发育阶段厚壳贻贝幼虫对类胡萝卜素的吸收和代谢研究

为深入了解饵料微藻中类胡萝卜素在双壳贝类生长发育阶段中的吸收和代谢过程,本试验选择我国重要的滩涂养殖贝类——厚壳贻贝(mytilus coruscus)作为研究对象,采用液相色谱-质谱联用技术(HPLC-MS)分析饵料微藻喂养后的幼虫阶段——担轮幼虫、D形幼虫、壳顶期、眼点期和稚贝期中类胡萝卜素分布和代谢变化。结果表明,在9种饵料微藻中,叉鞭金藻和牟氏角毛藻的总类胡萝卜素含量最高,分别达到1 290.7和1 326.4 mg·kg^-1。外源摄入这两种饵料微藻后,幼虫阶段中共鉴定出5种类胡萝卜素,包括1种新合成类胡萝卜素(贻贝黄素)和4种微藻来源类胡萝卜素(α-胡萝卜素、β-胡萝卜素、岩藻黄酮醇、岩藻黄素),其中岩藻黄素的含量最高,与微藻中岩藻黄素含量高的现象一致。担轮幼虫中未检测到类胡萝卜素,而贻贝黄素仅从壳顶期开始检出。类胡萝卜素的变化与发育阶段呈正相关,从D形幼虫到壳顶期,岩藻黄酮醇、岩藻黄素、α-胡萝卜素和β-胡萝卜素的累积最为迅速,分别增加了20.3、20.3、8.0和1.5倍,并在稚贝期达到最高值。此外,与类胡萝卜素吸收代谢相关的基因ABCA1、SRB1和βCMOOX的表达量均显著上调。其中,参与合成代谢的βCMOOX表达最显著,从壳顶期到稚贝期,其表达量增加了38.2~43.3倍,表明该基因可能参与了壳顶期贻贝黄素的合成。本研究结果为了解贝类生物中类胡萝卜素的生物合成过程及代谢途径提供了基础数据。     

Anti-inflammatory inhibition of endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression by flavone derivatives

Endothelial expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAM) including VCAM-1, E-selectin, and PECAM-1 plays a leading role in atherosclerosis. Phenolic flavones have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory property. This study examines whether 3',4'-dimethoxy-7-hydroxyflavone (methoxyflavone) and 2',3',7-trihydroxyflavone (hydroxyflavone) inhibited monocyte adhesion to TNF-alpha-activated endothelium via reduction of CAM expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In stimulated HUVEC the expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin was enhanced with increasing mRNA levels. Methoxyflavone markedly interfered with the THP-1 monocyte adhesion to TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVEC. At concentrations of > or =25 microM, methoxyflavone blocked the induction of VCAM-1 but not that of E-selectin on the activated HUVEC. Immunocytochemical staining showed that methoxyflavone modestly inhibited PECAM-1 expression induced by TNF-alpha. In contrast, hydroxyflavone minimally inhibited TNF-alpha-stimulated E-selectin expression without affecting VCAM-1 level. The inhibitory effect of methoxyflavone on THP-1 adhesion to HUVEC appears to be greater than that of hydroxyflavone, most likely due to a greater inhibition of CAM expression. Thus, some flavone derivatives containing methoxy groups may have therapeutic potential attenuating inflammatory response-related atherosclerosis.     

Antiangiogenic potential of three triterpenic acids in human liver cancer cells

Three triterpenic acids, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and maslinic acid, at 2 or 4 μmol/L were used to study their antiangiogenic potential in human liver cancer Hep3B, Huh7 and HA22T cell lines. The effects of these compounds upon the level and/or expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-8, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and cell invasion and migration were examined. Results showed that these triterpenic acids at 4 μmol/L significantly suppressed HIF-1α expression in three cell lines (P < 0.05); and these compounds at test doses failed to affect bFGF expression (P > 0.05). Three triterpenic acids dose-dependently decreased production and expression of VEGF and IL-8, retained glutathione level, lowered ROS and NO levels, and declined cell invasion and migration in test cell lines (P < 0.05). These compounds also dose-dependently reduced uPA production and expression in Hep3B and Huh7 cell lines (P < 0.05); but these agents only at 4 μmol/L significantly suppressed uPA production and expression in HA22T cells (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that these triterpenic acids are potent antiangiogenic agents to retard invasion and migration in liver cancer cells.     

Inhibitory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) derived from honeybee propolis has been used as a folk medicine and has several proven biological activities. The present study investigated the effect of CAPE on angiogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis. A cytotoxicity assay of CAPE in CT26 colon adenocarcinoma cells showed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability but no significant influence on the growth of human umbilical vein epithelial cells (HUVEC). A low concentration of CAPE (1.5 microg/mL) inhibited 52.7% of capillary-like tube formation in HUVEC culture on Matrigel. CAPE (6 microg/mL)-treated CT26 cells showed not only inhibited cell invasion by 47.8% but also decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production from CT26 cells was also inhibited by treatment with CAPE (6 microg/mL). Intraperitoneal injection of CAPE (10 mg/kg/day) in BALB/c mice reduced the pulmonary metastatic capacity of CT26 cells accompanied with a decreased plasma VEGF level. CAPE treatment also prolonged the survival of mice implanted with CT26 cells. These results indicate that CAPE has potential as an antimetastatic agent.     

Minor components of olive oil modulate proatherogenic adhesion molecules involved in endothelial activation

The Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of coronary artery disease as a consequence of its high content of antioxidants, namely, hydroxytyrosol (HT) and oleuropein aglycone (OleA), typical of virgin olive oil. Because intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and E-selectin are crucial for endothelial activation, the role of the phenolic extract from extra virgin olive oil (OPE), OleA, HT, and homovanillyl alcohol (HVA) on cell surface and mRNA expression in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) was evaluated. OPE strongly reduced cell surface expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 at concentrations physiologically relevant (IC50 < 1 microM), linked to a reduction in mRNA levels. OleA and HT were the main components responsible for these effects. HVA inhibited cell surface expression of all the adhesion molecules, whereas the effect on mRNA expression was weaker. These results supply new insights on the protective role of olive oil against vascular risk through the down-regulation of adhesion molecules involved in early atherogenesis.     

氮元素对三角褐指藻岩藻黄素和油脂合成关键酶基因表达与代谢合成的影响

为阐明氮元素对微藻次生代谢积累和调控的影响,以三角褐指藻为试验材料,研究不同氮浓度[896(CK)、448、112、28和0 μmol·L^-1]处理对三角褐指藻细胞生长、岩藻黄素含量、油脂含量以及叶绿素a含量的影响,并对岩藻黄素-叶绿素蛋白复合体基因(FCPb)和酰基-酰基载体蛋白去饱和酶基因(FAB2)的表达进行实时荧光定量PCR分析。结果表明,氮限制极显著抑制了三角褐指藻细胞的生长和岩藻黄素的合成,但促进了油脂的合成。当氮浓度为112 μmol·L^-1时,三角褐指藻岩藻黄素含量最低(0.084 mg·g^-1DW),而油脂含量最高,较CK提高了1.36倍。叶绿素a与岩藻黄素含量变化趋势一致。相关性分析表明,氮限制条件下,三角褐指藻岩藻黄素含量与油脂含量显著相关(R²=0.998 8)。实时荧光定量PCR分析表明,氮限制抑制了三角褐指藻中FCPb的表达,促进了FAB2的表达。综上,氮限制通过调控三角褐指藻岩藻黄素、油脂生物合成途径相关基因的表达影响了岩藻黄素和油脂的积累。本研究为进一步探究岩藻黄素与脂类物质代谢合成的关联性提供了一定的理论参考。     

Depolymerized products of lambda-carrageenan as a potent angiogenesis inhibitor

Since angiogenesis is involved in initiating and promoting several diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular events, this study was designed to evaluate the anti-angiogenesis of low-molecular-weight (LMW), highly sulfated lambda-carrageenan oligosaccharides (lambda-CO) obtained by carrageenan depolymerization, by CAM (chick chorioallantoic membrane) model and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Significant inhibition of vessel growth was observed at 200 microg/pellet. A histochemistry assay also revealed a decrease of capillary plexus and connective tissue in lambda-CO treated samples. lambda-CO inhibited the viability of cells at the high concentration of 1 mg/mL, whereas it affected the cell survival slightly (>95%) at a low concentration (<250 microg/mL), and HUVEC is the most sensitive to lambda-CO among three kinds of cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory action of lambda-CO was also observed in the endothelial cell invasion and migration at relatively low concentration (150-300 microg/mL), through down-regulation of intracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2) expression on endothelial cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that lambda-CO is a potential angiogenesis inhibitor with combined effects of inhibiting invasion, migration, and proliferation.     

岩藻黄质对人红白血病HEL细胞的凋亡作用及其机制

为探讨岩藻黄质对人红白血病HEL细胞株增殖抑制作用及其诱导凋亡机制,以岩藻黄质处理人红白血病细胞(HEL细胞),采用四甲基偶氮唑蓝(MTT)法检测细胞增殖,流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡率,分析细胞周期,测定细胞线粒体膜电位,并应用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)和Western blot法检测凋亡相关基因及蛋白表达的变化。结果表明,岩藻黄质呈剂量依赖性抑制HEL细胞增殖(P<0.01)。流式细胞术检测显示,岩藻黄质作用24 h后,HEL细胞早期和晚期凋亡的比率极显著增高(P<0.01),G₀/G₁细胞比例增多,S期和G₂/M期细胞比例减少,线粒体膜电位降低;岩藻黄质通过上调促凋亡基因和下调抑凋亡基因的表达引起细胞的凋亡,Bcl-xL蛋白的表达变化不显著(P >0.05),Bcl-2蛋白的表达下调,Caspase-3和Bax蛋白的表达极显著上调(P<0.01)。由此可见,岩藻黄质能诱导HEL细胞凋亡,这为新型抗白血病功能食品的开发及白血病的治疗提供了理论依据。     

Triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins interact with human vascular cells in a lipid-dependent fashion.

Plasma triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TRL) are being considered as a key lipid fraction in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Here we compared the influence of two monounsaturated oils [virgin olive oil (VOO) and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO)] on the capability of postprandial TRL to interact with two human vascular cell lines [umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) and aorta smooth muscle (HASMC) cells]. A fluorescent probe was used for labeling TRL and to determine receptor activity of HUVEC and HASMC. The values for total cell-associated, bound, and internalized TRL were higher in HUVEC, and TRL from VOO was the better ligand recognized but at lower affinity than TRL from HOSO. There was a competitive effect of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) for the uptake of TRL by cells, which was found to be dependent on the origin/lipid composition of the ligands and cell-type specific. We also conclude that the VLDL receptor (VLDLr) may contribute significantly to the HASMC binding capacity for postprandial TRL mediated by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or LPL-binding molecules. Our findings are compatible with a selective role of the clustered O-linked sugar domain of the VLDLr in the catabolism of TRL by human vascular cells.     

Petalonia binghamiae extract and its constituent fucoxanthin ameliorate high-fat diet-induced obesity by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

In this study, we investigated the antiobesity properties of Petalonia binghamiae extract (PBE) in mice in which obesity was induced with a high-fat diet (HFD). PBE administration (150 mg/kg/day) for 70 days decreased body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and the serum triglyceride level in mice fed a HFD. PBE reduced serum levels of glutamic pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase as well as the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. PBE restored the HFD-induced decrease in phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in epididymal adipose tissue. PBE increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC and decreased the expression of SREBP1c in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, we further explored the active compound responsible for AMPK activation by PBE in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Fucoxanthin isolated from PBE increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC with increasing LKB1 phosphorylation in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Taken together, these data suggest that PBE (or fucoxanthin) exert improving effects on HFD-induced obesity by promoting β-oxidation and reducing lipogenesis.