Mucopolysaccharide Content Research Articles

Changes in collagen matrix of raw hide induced by gamma irradiation

Changes in collagen matrix of raw hide induced by gamma irradiation

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of sesamin against cisplatin-induced renal and testicular toxicity in rats

Purpose The present study investigated the nephron-testicular protective effects of sesamin against cisplatin (CP)-induced acute renal and testicular injuries. Methods Thirty-two male Wistar rats were allocated to receive carboxymethylcellulose (0.5%, as sesamin vehicle), CP (a single i.p. 5 mg/kg dose), CP plus sesamin at 10 or 20 mg/kg orally for 10 days. Results Data analysis showed significant increases in serum urea, creatinine, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as renal and testicular tissue malondialdehyde and nitric-oxide concentrations in CP-intoxicated rats in comparison to control animals. On the contrary, rats treated with CP only exhibited significantly lower (p < .05) serum testosterone, tissue glutathione, and activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes compared to control rats. Histopathologically examining CP-intoxicated rats’ tissues using H&E and PAS stains showed atrophied glomeruli, interstitial inflammatory cells, atypic tubular epithelium with focal apoptosis, and reduced mucopolysaccharide content. Further, immunohistochemical staining of the same group revealed an increase in p53 and cyclooxygenase-II (Cox-II) expression in renal and testicular tissues. Treatment with sesamin alleviated almost all the changes mentioned above in a dose-dependent manner, with the 20 mg/kg dose restoring several parameters’ concentrations to normal ranges. Conclusions In brief, sesamin could protect the kidneys and testes against CP toxicity through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Influence of germination of wheat grain with selenium sources on the components of protein-carbohydrate complex

The aim of the study is histochemical identification of the components of protein-carbohydrate complex of wheat grains with selenium sources during germination. We formulated a hypothesis about the stimulating effect of 4.4-di [3 (5-methyldipirazolyl] selenid (DMDPS) on the biosynthesis of substances with a bactericidal effect, which include mucoid substances and glycoproteids in the composition of the components of the protein-carbohydrate complex. We confirm the hypothesis on histochemical identification of the components of the protein-carbohydrate complex of wheat grain during germination with sources of selenium. To identify acid mucopolysaccharides, transverse and longitudinal sections of the grain were stained with Alcian blue according to Steedman. Schiff-iodic acid revealed neutral glycoproteins and was clarified in xyllol. The sections were then placed into the balm and viewed in a Zeiss Axioscop 40 FX light microscope using a Levenhuk C 510 NG digital camera. To detect methionine, sections were stained with Schiff’s reagent; to identify cysteine (SH-groups), sections were treated with a 0.05% solution of 2.2-dioxy-6.6-dinaphthyl disulfide. The obtained images were analyzed using Photoshop CS 5 tools. Positive effect of wheat germination with DMDPA on the content of both neutral glycoproteids and mucopolysaccharides, with a direct correlation relationship, and on the content of methionine and cysteine was proved.

Gastroprotective effect of cilostazol against ethanol- and pylorus ligation-induced gastric lesions in rats.

Despite the availability of effective antiulcer medications, their suboptimal safety profile ignites the search for alternative/complementary treatments. Drug repositioning is an attractive, efficient, and low-risk strategy. Cilostazol, a clinically used phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, has pronounced anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects suggesting antiulcer activity. Using ethanol-induced and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer models, we investigated the gastroprotective effect of cilostazol (5 or 10mg/kg, p.o.) in comparison with the standard antiulcer ranitidine (50mg/kg, p.o.) in rats. Gastric mucosa was examined macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically for ulcer severity, markers of oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, apoptotic, and cytoprotective mediators. Gastric acidic output, peptic activity, and mucin content were measured in gastric fluids. Pretreatment with cilostazol reduced ulcer number and severity, ameliorated redox status (reduced glutathione and malonaldehyde content), and decreased levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-훼 in gastric mucosa, in parallel with increases in mucosal defensive factors nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) promoting mucus secretion, tissue perfusion, and regeneration. Histological examination confirmed the beneficial effects of cilostazol in terms of reducing focal necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as increasing mucopolysaccharide content. These beneficial effects are likely secondary to an increase in cAMP and decrease in apoptosis regulator Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX). Cilostazol, in a dose-dependent effect, exhibited vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions in the gastric mucosa resulting in significant antiulcer activity comparable with the standard drug, ranitidine, but devoid of antisecretory activity. Therefore, its use should be dose and ulcer-inducer dependent.

Energy loss, a novel biomechanical parameter, correlates with aortic aneurysm size and histopathologic findings

Energy loss is a biomechanical parameter that represents the relative amount of energy absorbed by the aorta during the cardiac cycle. We aimed to correlate energy loss with ascending aortic aneurysm size and histopathologic findings to elucidate the pathophysiology of aneurysm complications. Aneurysmal ascending aortic specimens were obtained during surgery. Control specimens were obtained from autopsy and organ donors. Biaxial tensile tests were performed on the 4 quadrants of the aortic ring. Energy loss was calculated using the integral of the stress-strain curve during loading and unloading. It was compared with the size and the traditional biomechanical parameter, stiffness (apparent modulus of elasticity). Elastin, collagen, and mucopolysaccharide content were quantified using Movat pentachrome staining of histology slides. A total of 41 aortas were collected (34 aneurysmal, 7 control). The aneurysms exhibited increased stiffness (P < .0001) and energy loss (P < .0001) compared with the controls. Energy loss correlated significantly with aortic size (P < .0001, r(2) = .60). A hinge point was noted at a diameter of 5.5 cm, after which energy loss increased rapidly. The relationship between energy loss and size became strongly linear once the size was indexed to the body surface area (P < .0001, r(2) = .78). Energy loss correlated with the histopathologic findings, especially the collagen/elastin ratio (P = .0002, r(2) = .49). High energy loss distinguished patients with pathologic histologic findings from others with similar diameters. As ascending aortas dilate, they exhibit greater energy loss that rapidly increases after 5.5 cm. This mirrors the increase in complications at this size. Energy loss correlates with imbalances in elastin and collagen composition, suggesting a measurable link between the histopathologic features and mechanical function.

Model of Vibrio cholerae biofilm as a mechanism of its survival in surface water reservoirs

Vibrio cholerae eltor strains with different epidemic importance isolated from river water in the city of Vladivostok during a cholera outbreak (1999) and in the city of Irkutsk during a safe cholera period (2005) are used in the experiment. A biofilm structure consisting of a peripheral part, bundles, polysaccharide matrix, canals, and polymorphic vibrios is presented by light and luminescent microscopy. The metachromatic pink coloring of the matrix (crystal violet and toluidine blue) or fluorescent reddish orange color (acridine orange) are evidence of acid mucopolysaccharide (glucosaminoglycans) content. The biofilm of a toxigenic strain as opposed to a nontoxigenic one is formed much later, while the elements comprising its structure are more apparent. The viability of vibrio cells during the experiment (90 days) preserving the initial pathogenic potential testifies to the highly adaptable properties of the Vibrio cholerae eltor, which promotes its survival and existence in surface water reservoirs under favorable ecological conditions (optimal temperature, existence of chitin-containing substratum, etc.).

Electrohydrodynamic drying of sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus)

Abstract To develop an improved dehydration method for sea cucumber, and reduce energy consumption, we dried sea cucumber using three different drying methods, namely, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying at 18 °C, ambient air drying at 18 °C and oven drying at 80 °C. The quality parameters of the dried products such as shrinkage rate, water absorption, rehydration ratio, protein and acid mucopolysaccharide contents, and texture and sensory characteristics were investigated. Energy consumption in the three drying methods was also examined. Based on the experimental results, oven drying took the shortest time to complete but presented poor quality and needed high energy consumption. EHD drying generated the best quality and consumed only 21.31% of the electric energy required for oven drying, but took a longer time to complete. Meanwhile, ambient air drying yielded indeterminate quality and did not consume electric energy but took the longest time to complete. Considering the requirements for products quality and energy conservation, EHD proved to be the best drying method.

DETECTION OF GLYCOGEN IN FLAT EPITHELIAL CELLS AND NEUTRAL MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES IN MONOLAYER COLUMNAR UTERINE CERVIX EPITHELIUM IN TRANSFORMATION ZONE AMONG PATIENTS WITH HPV-INFECTION

Aim. To study the patterns of detecting glycogen in ectocervix epithelium and neutral polysaccharides – in columnar epithelium in the zone of transformation among patients with human papilloma virus infection (HPV-infection). Materials and methods. The object of the study – 105 women aged 25 to 39 years who were diagnosed HPV-infection using PCR-method. Patients underwent standard gynecological examination and extended colposcopy with target (colposcopically oriented) biopsy of the uterine cervix. Bioptic material was subjected to histological investigation with generally accepted histological methods. Polysaccharide content of mucopolysaccharides was investigated on the basis of histochemical methods including analytical and enzymatic treatment (PAS-reaction with control diastase reactions; semiquantitative estimation of results by mean cytochemical coefficient). Histological specimens cells were calculated with 400-enlargement (x 400) of microscope on the test area of 0,042 mm 2, not less than in 5 vision fields for each specimen. Statistical analysis was performed using the program package Biostat. Statistical processing of the results was conducted with Kruscal-Wallis method. Results. Analysis of carbohydrate content (glycogen and neutral mucopolysaccharides) in the cells of multilayer flat and monolayer columnar glandular epithelium of uterine cervix in HPV-infected patients demonstrated decrease in flat epithelial cells glycogen content as CIN was progressing just till its full disappearance in patients with CIN III, as well as decrease in columnar (glandular) epithelial cells neutral mucopolysaccharide content as CGIN was progressing. The obtained data agree with a modern notion of dysplastic processes in flat and glandular uterine cervix epithelium and reflect dysplastic changes in multilayer flat and monolayer columnar epithelium which accompany human papilloma virus infection. Conclusion. Histological investigation of bioptic material obtained from patients with uterine cervix pathology associated with HPV-infection established the regularities of changes in multilayer flat ectocervix epithelium glycogen content as CIN was progressing and neutral mucopolysaccharide content as CGIN was progressing.

Hepatoprotective effects of Cynara extract and silymarin on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Cynara scolymus extract alone or in combination with silymarin on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg), silymarin (25 mg/kg), or Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg) combined with silymarin was given once daily orally simultaneously with CCl4 and for 2 weeks thereafter. Liver damage was assessed by determining serum enzyme activities and hepatic histopathology. Cynara extract given at the above doses conferred significant protection against the hepatotoxic actions of CCl4 in rats, reducing serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels by 21 %, 24.3 %, and 35.8 %, respectively, compared to CCl4 control group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels decreased by 15.5 %, 39.6 %, and 44.3 %, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased by 21 % and 25 % by Cynara extract at 60 and 120 mg/kg, respectively. In rats treated with silymarin combined with Cynara extract (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg), ALT decreased by 32.6 %, 34.5 %, and 51.6 %, and AST decreased by 20 %, 50.6 %, and 58.3 %, respectively. Meanwhile, ALP decreased by 22.4 % and 29.7 % after treatment with silymarin combined with Cynara extract (60 or 120 mg/kg). On the other hand, the administration of silymarin alone reduced ALT, AST, and ALP levels by 55.3 %, 67.1 %, and 52.5 %, respectively. The administration of CCl4 resulted in marked increase in nitric oxide level in serum (the concentrations of nitrite/nitrate) as well as marked decrease in blood levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). Treatment with Cynara extract resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in serum nitric oxide level and increased GSH in blood compared with CCl4 control group. Silymarin showed an additive effect resulting in further decrease in serum nitric oxide. Silymarin only treatment caused a marked reduction in serum nitric oxide level and increased GSH in blood. Histopathological studies also indicated that CCl4-induced liver injury was less severe in Cynara extract-treated groups. Metabolic perturbations caused by CCl4 in hepatocytes such as reduced protein and mucopolysaccharide content were markedly improved by the Cynara extract given at the dose of 120 mg/kg. Intracellular protein and mucopolysaccharide contents were normalized upon treatment with silymarin. The effect of Cynara–silymarin combination was, however, less than that of Cynara extract alone. These results suggest that treatment with Cynara extract protects against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats and might prove of value in treating chronic liver disease in man, although the combination of Cynara–silymarin is not superior to either Cynara extract or silymarin alone.

Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment on Physicochemical Characteristics of Sea Cucumber

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment on sea cucumber qualities, such as shelf-life, autoenzyme, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), mucopolysaccha ride and protein, were investigated experimentally. The shelf-life of sea cucumber was greatly prolonged by HHP treatment. High pressure treatment of sea cucumber significantly reduced the activity of autoenzyme at 550 MPa. The TVB-N content was 8.4 mg/100 g in the HHP-treated samples after 38 days' storage at 4 °C, while it had already reached 11.2 mg/100 g in the untreated ones after 5 days' storage under the same condition. The relative mucopolysaccharide content of the HHP-treated samples was 94.3%, while that of the heat-treated ones was only 35.5%. The sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), ANS fluorescence probe method and fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated some changes in protein subunits, denaturation, surface hydrophobicity and secondary structure of sea cucumber protein. This study has provided complementary information of pressure-induced structural changes on both the molecular and the sub-molecular level of sea cucumber protein.

Effect of Crataegus extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage

The current study evaluated the effect of a standardized Crataegus extract on liver injury induced by acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration in rats. Crataegus extract (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg), silymarin (25 mg/kg) or saline (control) was given once daily orally simultaneously with CCl4 and for 1 week thereafter. Crataegus extract given at the above doses reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels by 28.8, 31.8 and 36.4%, respectively, when compared to the CCl4 control group. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels decreased by 14.3, 15.5 and 20.6%, respectively, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased by 21.8% by the extract at 40 mg/kg. The administration of silymarin reduced ALT, AST and ALP levels by 66.8, 64.9 and 60%, respectively. In CCl4-treated rats, the increase in serum nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) level, the histological liver damage as well as the decrease in mucopolysaccharide and protein content of hepatocytes were all improved by Crataegus extract at 40 mg/kg and almost normalized by silymarin. These results suggest that treatment with Crataegus extract improves the CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats.

Gelatinous Marrow Transformation and Hematopoietic Atrophy in a Miniature Horse Stallion

Gelatinous marrow transformation, or serous atrophy of bone marrow fat, has been noted in livestock, laboratory animals, and wildlife in association with an inadequate plane of nutrition, inanition, or intoxication. This is a report of gelatinous marrow transformation and hematopoietic marrow atrophy in a 5-year-old miniature horse stallion. The horse had oral malformations leading to poor food assimilation and emaciation. A bone marrow biopsy obtained to investigate persistent anemia and leukopenia showed hematopoietic atrophy and replacement of fat with a granular extracellular substance, which stained with alcian blue, consistent with acidic mucopolysaccharide content. Surgical correction of the dental abnormalities resulted in improved food assimilation, weight gain, and resolution of cytopenias. In humans, gelatinous bone marrow transformation and hematopoietic atrophy are commonly associated with malnutrition from anorexia nervosa and other causes. The cause of hematopoietic atrophy is unknown but may relate to a nonsupportive marrow microenvironment and inadequate hematopoietic substrate availability. Similar pathogenic mechanisms were suspected in this horse.

캥거루 꼬리의 영양학적 특성

To get the nutritional data of hot water extract from imported kangaroo tails, research was done about contents of collagen, chondroitin sulfate, protein, fat, mineral ions, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in tails. Collagen content of sulfuric acid digested sample was way higher at bones than meats in both kangaroo tail and cow tail. Comparing kangaroo tail and cow tail, meat of kangaroo tail have 1.7 times higher collagen content than that of cow tail. Content of collagen in bone parts of kangaroo tail was also higher 1.2 times than that of cow tail. Meat sample of kangaroo tail (liquid extraction) have 1.3 times higher content of muco-polysaccharide than that of cow tail. In the born part, kangaroo tail was 2.4 times higher than cow tail in its content of muco-polysaccharide. The CLA content of the kangaroo tail showed the content that was higher than 0.9% of the cow tail for 4.9% and showed about 5.3 times high ratios. Especially in kangaroo tail, a band with high content of CLA was found between C18:1 and C18:2.

Effects of Biphenyldimethyl-dicarboxylate Administration Alone or Combined with Silymarin in the CCL4Model of Liver Fibrosis in Rats

The effect of biphenyldimethyldicarboxylate (DDB), a synthetic compound, in use for the treatment of chronic hepatitis was studied on hepatic injury caused in rats by administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Starting at time of administration of the first dose of CCl4, rats received DDB at four dose levels (3, 15, 75 or 375 mg/kg), silymarin (22 mg/kg), a combination of DDB (75 mg/kg) and silymarin (22 mg/kg) or saline (control) once orally daily for 30 days. The administration of DDB in CCl4-treated rats at 75 or 375 mg/kg resulted in 61.2-76.2% decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and 46.9-60.8% decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), respectively compared with the CCl4 control group. Silymarin treatment resulted in 34.6 and 30% decrease in ALT and AST, while DDB (75 mg/kg) combined with silymarin (22 mg/kg) resulted in 58.2 and 31% decrease in ALT and AST, respectively. Serum creatinine increased by 50% by DDB at 375 mg/kg. After treatment with DDB at 75 or 375 mg/kg or DDB combined with silymarin, the development of liver necrosis and fibrosis caused by CCl4 was markedly reduced, while after DDB combined with silymarin no DNA aneuploid cells could be observed. The decrease in glycogen and protein contents in hepatocytes caused by CCl4 was markedly prevented by co-treatment with DDB at 75 or 375 mg/kg or DDB combined with silymarin. It is concluded that in the model of hepatic injury caused by chronic administration of CCl4 in rats, the synthetic compound DDB, limits hepatocellular injury and exerts antifibrotic effect. Better improvement in protein, DNA, mucopolysaccharide content was seen after both DDB and silymarin compared to DDB alone. It is suggested, therefore, that DDB alone or in combination with silymarin might prove of benefit in the therapy of chronic liver disease. Monitoring of kidney functions in patients taking DDB is warranted.

Dietary carotenoid pigment supplementation influences hepatic lipid and mucopolysaccharide levels in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss)

We assessed the effects of dietary carotenoid pigment supplementation on liver histochemistry in the rainbow trout. One hundred and eight rainbow trout (mean mass 266+/-10 g) were assigned to each of three replicate tanks for each of three dietary treatments; astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, or control at a target dietary inclusion of 100 mg/kg, by top-coating a pigment-free commercially extruded basal diet (Trouw Aquaculture, U.K.). Fish were fed for 3 weeks at a ration of 1.2% body mass/day, in a recirculating freshwater system maintained at 16 degrees C. Frozen liver sections were stained for total lipids, unsaturated lipids, glycogen, mucopolysaccharides, glycogen phosphorylase and aspartate aminotransferase. Relative amounts were measured quantitatively by image analysis. Carotenoid treatment significantly (P<0.05) altered the total lipid profile and hepatic mucopolysaccharide contents of livers of rainbow trout. Results are discussed in relation to the catabolic potential of the liver in carotenoid pigment metabolism.

Protective Effect of Vitamin C and Ginseng on Experimental Liver and Kidney Injuries Induced by Insecticide Profenophos In Male Rats

The present investigation deals with histopathological and histochemical studies of profenophos on liver and kidney of male albino rats and the protective effects of vitamin C and ginseng to reduce the deleterious effect induced by profenophos. Oral administration of profenophos at dose level of 1 /10 LD50 for 15 successive days induced histological changes in liver and kidney. No histological or histochemical change could be detected in liver and kidney of rats treated with each of vitamin C and ginseng. Profenophos treatment also resulted in histochemical changes in liver and kidney including decrease in protein granules and marked decrease in DNA and mucopolysaccharides content. Administration of vitamin C (0.01/ 100 g b.w) and ginseng (20 mg/ kg b.w) to profenophos treated animals resulted in an improvement in histological picture of liver and kidney as well as the histochemical parameters.

Protective Effect of Vitamin C and Ginseng on Experimental Liver and Kidney Injuries Induced by Insecticide Profenophos In Male Rats

The present investigation deals with histopathological and histochemical studies of profenophos on liver and kidney of male albino rats and the protective effects of vitamin C and ginseng to reduce the deleterious effect induced by profenophos. Oral administration of profenophos at dose level of 1 /10 LD50 for 15 successive days induced histological changes in liver and kidney. No histological or histochemical change could be detected in liver and kidney of rats treated with each of vitamin C and ginseng. Profenophos treatment also resulted in histochemical changes in liver and kidney including decrease in protein granules and marked decrease in DNA and mucopolysaccharides content. Administration of vitamin C (0.01/ 100 g b.w) and ginseng (20 mg/ kg b.w) to profenophos treated animals resulted in an improvement in histological picture of liver and kidney as well as the histochemical parameters.

Separation and characteristics of different mucopolysaccharides from bovine trachea cartilage

Abstract Bovine trachea cartilage may be used as a source of mucopolysaccharides (MPS) for medical and cosmetic purposes. The content of MPS in bovine cartilage ranged from 10 to 11%, on a dry weight basis. Grade MPS isolation involved hydrolysis of the tissue with papain at 60 °C for 24 h at a tissue to enzyme solution ratio of 1:3 ( w v ), separation of enzyme and some peptides with trichloroacetic acid and subsequent precipitation of MPS with ethanol. The MPS contained 54% of polysaccharides and about 27% of residual peptides. The crude MPS were purified and separated into four fractions by precipitation with ethanol at concentrations in reaction media of 20, 30, 40 and 66% ( v v ). These fractions contributed 88, 16.5, 1.5 and 8%, respectively, to the hexosamines present in crude MPS. Total MPS recovery in all fractions was 71% of crude MPS weight. The main components of fractions I, II and IV were chondroitin sulphates, hyaluronic acid, and keratosulphates, respectively. However, fraction III contained 1.6% of total MPS of an unidentified polysaccharide.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Ocular Calcification

We report the presence of peculiar nonbanded calcification of the cornea in three patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, discovered on postmortem histological examination of the globes. In one patient, multiple calcium salt precipitates also affected other ocular and orbital structures. Calcium deposits were present in the corneal stroma but spared Bowman's layer, as is usually seen in primary and secondary corneal calcification. The calcified areas were positive to von Kossa, alizarin red, alcian blue, and colloidal iron stains. Electron probe analysis of the three cases showed the presence of calcium and phosphorus in a ratio characteristic for hydroxyapatite. No predisposing factors could be found. The possible role of associated alterations in the mucopolysaccharide content or composition in the calcified areas is unclear.

Isolation of mucopolysaccharides from processing discards of seal and beef

Abstract Bone residues after mechanical deboning of carcass meat of harp seal (Phoca groenlandica) may be used as an alternative source of mucopolysaccharides (MPS) for medical and cosmetic purposes. The content of MPS in seal processing discards and bovine diaphragm tissues was 0.79 and 0.91%, on a dry weight basis, respectively. However, the highest content of MPS was present in seal and bovine trachea cartilage (10.93 and 10.12%, respectively). Crude MPS from different sources were isolated with a yield of 57.1–72.9%. Optimum isolation involved hydrolysis of tissues with a proteolytic enzyme such as papain at 55°C for 12 h at a tissue to enzyme solution ratio of 1:3 (w/v), separation of enzyme by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid, purification of hydrolysate with 2 m NaOH at 20°C and subsequent dialysis and precipitation of MPS by methanol. The crude MPS obtained from seal processing discards contained 61.64% polysaccharides, 15.73% residual peptides and 17.53% ash.