Abstract
This review presents materials characterizing sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) of marine hydrobionts (algae and invertebrates) as potential means for the prevention and treatment of protozoa and helminthiasis. The authors have summarized the literature on the pathogenetic targets of protozoa on the host cells and on the antiparasitic potential of polysaccharides from red, brown and green algae as well as certain marine invertebrates. Information about the mechanisms of action of these unique compounds in diseases caused by protozoa has also been summarized. SPS is distinguished by high antiparasitic activity, good solubility and an almost complete absence of toxicity. In the long term, this allows for the consideration of these compounds as effective and attractive candidates on which to base drugs, biologically active food additives and functional food products with antiparasitic activity.
Highlights
SPS derived from brown algae, are the most commonly used in experiments
Since many of these interactions are likely to be associated with surface sulfate receptors, the ability of heparin-like substances including those from algae to disrupt multiple interactions at several stages of invasion will probably be able to ensure the effectiveness of SPS for all strains of parasites and limit the emergence of drug resistance
Chitosan with a high molecular weight was more active. This pattern stimulated the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in both infected and non-infected leishmania macrophages in a time and dose-dependent manner
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Carrageenans, and ulvans, isolated from brown, red and green algae, respectively, can mimic the action of endogenous factors and regulate the functions of macroorganism systems through key receptors of cells and enzymes In this regard, SPS can bind to various receptors on the host cell’s surface and compete with viruses, bacteria, and parasites for glycoprotein receptors [20,21]. There are many reports in the literature in which the results of experiments are presented indicating the effectiveness of using SPS from marine aquatic organisms (in most cases, marine macroalgae) as an antiprotozoal agent In this regard, the purpose of this work is to generalize the available data on the interaction of these compounds with protozoan pathogens and assess the prospects for using them as a basis to create a new generation of antiparasitic drugs
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