Species Of Brown Algae Research Articles

Sterol isolated from Sargassum horneriattenuated particulate matter-exacerbated allergic asthma through the Th17 response

Abstract Particulate matter (PM) has become a serious health issue causing pulmonary diseases such as asthma. Due to the side effects and non-specificity of conventional drugs, it is a need to develop alternative treatment using natural product. Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) is an edible species of large brown algae inhabiting the coasts of northeastern Asia extensively. S. horneri has sterols and has been used in oriental medicine to treat allergic condition. Therefore, we investigated if sterol isolated from S. horneri ethanol extract (SHE-sterol) could mitigate the PM-exacerbated allergic asthma. To establish a mouse model of asthma, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA, 10 mg) and challenged with PM (5 mg/m 3) for 7 days consecutively. SHE-sterol (50, 200 mg/kg), Prednisone (5 mg/kg). In SHE-sterol, fucosterol was specially identified as 0.701 μg/mL. SHE-sterol attenuated the PM-aggravated granulocytes infiltration. Moreover, SHE-sterol further attenuated PM-exacerbated eosinophil infiltration in the lung, trachea, and BALF. In addition, SHE-sterol markedly mitigated the activation of mast cells and the IgE level in serum. Concomitantly, SHE-sterol further restrained the Th17 cell response in PM-exposed allergic mice through attenuating expression of relevant effector cytokine IL-17A. This resulted in mitigated neutrophil infiltration in the lung. Also, SHE-sterol significantly suppressed PM-exacerbated hypersecretion of mucus in asthmatic mice. Taken together, these results suggest that sterol isolated from SHE has therapeutic potential for treating PM-exacerbated allergic asthma. This research was funded by the Ministry of Education (2019R1A6A1A10072987 and 2022R1I1A1A01072505). This research was funded by the Ministry of Education (2019R1A6A1A10072987 and 2022R1I1A1A01072505).

In Vitro and In Vivo Antidiabetic, α-Glucosidase Inhibition and Antibacterial Activities of Three Brown Algae, Polycladia myrica, Padina antillarum, and Sargassum boveanum, and a Red Alga, Palisada perforata from the Persian Gulf.

In recent decades, algae have attracted worldwide attention for their great biological activities, such as antidiabetic and antibacterial properties. We measured antibacterial and α-glucosidase inhibition potential of methanol and 80% methanol extracts of three brown algae species, Polycladia myrica, Padina antillarum, and Sargassum boveanum, and a red alga, Palisada perforata, from the Persian Gulf coasts. Antibacterial activity of the algal extracts was assessed by broth dilution method against three gram-negative and -positive bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. Furthermore, the yeast's α-glucosidase inhibition of the algal extracts was measured via colorimetric assay. In addition, we investigated the beneficial effect of 80% MeOH extract of S. boveanum on the blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The MeOH extract of S. boveanum was the best antibacterial extract with MIC = 2.5 mg/mL against all bacterial strains except for E. coli. The MeOH and 80% MeOH extracts of P. myrica and P. antillarum inhibited α-glucosidase at most with IC50 values of 12.70 ± 1.88 µg/mL and 13.06 ± 4.44 µg/mL, respectively. The oral gavage of S. boveanum extract in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats resulted in decreasing their postprandial blood glucose levels. The algae and acarbose decreased blood glucose levels after sucrose administration in 60 minutes, compared to the non-drug-treated animals, with p values of 0.03 and 0.007, respectively. Overall, due to the in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic potential of S. boveanum, we suggest the alga as a new source for the isolation and identification of potential antidiabetic and antibacterial compounds.

다시마 첨가에 따른 잡곡누룽지의 이화학적 및 항산화 특성과 소비자 기호도 평가를 통한 품질 특성 연구

Saccharina japonica (kelp), a marine species of brown algae, is an economical seaweed that has high nutritional value as a source of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of grain nurungji enhanced with kelp (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10%) together with consumer acceptance test. The kelp enhanced grain nurungji (Con, KN2, KN4, KN6, KN8, KN10), was prepared by heat-treating cooked rice at 215℃ for 5 min. The reducing sugar contents of the nurungji were in the range of 5.45 to 6.75 G.E mg/g, and was inversely proportional to the kelp content. The pH range of all the nurungji samples was between 6.44 to 6.48, and the β-glucan contents showed a decreasing pattern from Con (4.26 g/100 g DW) to KN10 (3.94 g/100 g DW) in a concentration-dependent manner. The content of total polyphenols and total flavonoids in the nurungji without kelp (Con) and with kelp (KN2, KN4, KN6, KN8, KN10) had significantly increased as the kelp was added. The antioxidant activities of the nurungji, which were assessed using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2

Antibacterial, Antifungal and Algicidal Activity of Phlorotannins, as Principal Biologically Active Components of Ten Species of Brown Algae.

Marine seaweeds synthesize a plethora of bioactive metabolites, of which phlorotannins of brown algae currently attract special attention due to their high antibiotic and cytotoxic capacities. Here we measured the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of several semi-purified phlorotannin preparations of different origins and molecular composition using a set of model unicellular organisms, such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, etc. For the first time, MIC values were evaluated for phlorotannin-enriched extracts of brown algae of the orders Ectocarpales and Desmarestiales. Phlorotannin extracts of Desmarestia aculeata, Fucus vesiculosus, and Ectocarpus siliculosus showed the lowest MIC values against most of the treated organisms (4-25 μg/mL for bacteria and yeast). Analysis of the survival curves of E. coli showed that massive loss of cells started after 3-4 h of exposure. Microalgae were less susceptible to activity of phlorotannin extracts, with the highest MIC values (≥200 µg/mL) measured for Chlorella vulgaris cells. D. aculeata, E. siliculosus, and three fucalean algae accumulate considerable amounts (4-16% of dry weight) of phlorotannins with MIC values similar to those widely used antibiotics. As these species grow abundantly in polar and temperate seas and have considerable biomass, they may be regarded as promising sources of phlorotannins.

The Saccharina latissima microbiome: Effects of region, season, and physiology.

Saccharina latissima is a canopy-forming species of brown algae and, as such, is considered an ecosystem engineer. Several populations of this alga are exploited worldwide, and a decrease in the abundance of S. latissima at its southern distributional range limits has been observed. Despite its economic and ecological interest, only a few data are available on the composition of microbiota associated with S. latissima and its role in algal physiologyn. We studied the whole bacterial community composition associated with S. latissima samples from three locations (Brittany, Helgoland, and Skagerrak) by 16S metabarcoding analyses at different scales: algal blade part, regions, season (at one site), and algal physiologic state. We have shown that the difference in bacterial composition is driven by factors of decreasing importance: (i) the algal tissues (apex/meristem), (ii) the geographical area, (iii) the seasons (at the Roscoff site), and (iv) the algal host's condition (healthy vs. symptoms). Overall, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidia dominated the general bacterial communities. Almost all individuals hosted bacteria of the genus Granulosicoccus, accounting for 12% of the total sequences, and eight additional core genera were identified. Our results also highlight a microbial signature characteristic for algae in poor health independent of the disease symptoms. Thus, our study provides a comprehensive overview of the S. latissima microbiome, forming a basis for understanding holobiont functioning.

Comparative Spectrophotometric and Chromatographic Assessment of Antioxidant Capacity in Different Marine Algae

ABSTRACT The objective of the current study was to analyze the vital phenolic compounds available in the marine macroalgae (mostly edible) collected from the southwest coast of Turkey, to compute their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with the cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) assays and to correspond their antioxidant power with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) findings. The predominant constitutive phloroglucinol unit of the phlorotannins was the main phenolic component in brown algae species. Among the tested species, those with the greatest phloroglucinol content found by HPLC were Cladostephus spongiosum f.verticillatum (31.62 ± 0.66 μmolg−1), Cystoseira barbata (13.34 ± 0.60 μmolg−1), and Dictyota dichotoma (11.23 ± 0.19 μmolg−1), respectively.

FUCOIDANS ARE NOVEL SENOTHERAPEUTICS THAT ENHANCE SIRT6 AND DNA REPAIR ACTIVITY

Abstract With age, senescent cells accumulate in various tissues where they contribute to loss of tissue homeostasis, aging, and age-related diseases through their inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). Senotherapeutics able to selectively eliminate senescent cells, termed senolytics, or suppress the detrimental SASPs, termed senomorphics, have been demonstrated to improve age-associated comorbidities and aging phenotypes. To discover novel senotherapeutics translatable to promote healthy longevity, we conducted a drug screening of diverse natural products based on the characteristic senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. Several fucoidans from different brown seaweed were found to exhibit potent senotherapeutic activity. Fucoidans are long-chain sulfated polysaccharides found in various species of brown algae including seaweed. The best senomorphic fucoidan was able to suppress senescence in cultured senescent fibroblasts, in ex vivo human tissue explants, and in vivo in mouse models of natural and accelerated aging. Specifically, fucoidan reduced markers of cellular senescence and SASP in senescent mouse and human cells. Acute treatment of the fucoidan in naturally aged mice reduced tissue senescence, especially in the kidney and lung. Chronic treatment of the fucoidan in Ercc1-/Δ progeria mice attenuated composite aging symptoms and extended healthspan. Interestingly, preliminary mechanistic studies demonstrated that fucoidan can improve non-homologous end-joining-directed DNA damage repair and increase the mono-ADP-ribosylation activity of SIRT6, suggesting a relationship between cellular senescence, DNA repair, and SIRT6 signaling pathways. Collectively, fucoidans were identified as novel senotherapeutics with translational potential for reducing cellular senescence, ameliorating age-associated phenotypes, and extending healthspan as well as able improve DNA repair pathways through modulation of SIRT6 activity.

FUCOIDANS ARE NOVEL SENOTHERAPEUTICS THAT ENHANCE SIRT6 AND DNA REPAIR ACTIVITY

Abstract With age, senescent cells accumulate in various tissues where they contribute to loss of tissue homeostasis, aging, and age-related diseases through their inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). Senotherapeutics able to selectively eliminate senescent cells, termed senolytics, or suppress the detrimental SASPs, termed senomorphics, have been demonstrated to improve age-associated comorbidities and aging phenotypes. To discover novel senotherapeutics translatable to promote healthy longevity, we conducted a drug screening of diverse natural products based on the characteristic senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. Several fucoidans from different brown seaweed were found to exhibit potent senotherapeutic activity. Fucoidans are long-chain sulfated polysaccharides found in various species of brown algae including seaweed. The best senomorphic fucoidan was able to suppress senescence in cultured senescent fibroblasts, in ex vivo human tissue explants, and in vivo in mouse models of natural and accelerated aging. Specifically, fucoidan reduced markers of cellular senescence and SASP in senescent mouse and human cells. Acute treatment of the fucoidan in naturally aged mice reduced tissue senescence, especially in the kidney and lung. Chronic treatment of the fucoidan in Ercc1-/Δ progeria mice attenuated composite aging symptoms and extended healthspan. Interestingly, preliminary mechanistic studies demonstrated that fucoidan can improve non-homologous end-joining-directed DNA damage repair and increase the mono-ADP-ribosylation activity of SIRT6, suggesting a relationship between cellular senescence, DNA repair, and SIRT6 signaling pathways. Collectively, fucoidans were identified as novel senotherapeutics with translational potential for reducing cellular senescence, ameliorating age-associated phenotypes, and extending healthspan as well as able improve DNA repair pathways through modulation of SIRT6 activity.

Environmentally benign alginate extraction and fibres spinning from different European Brown algae species

Applications of natural fibres are expanding, and sustainable alternatives are needed to support this growing demand. We investigated the production of fibres using alginates from Saccharina latissima (SAC), Laminaria digitata (LAM), Sacchoriza polyschides (SACC), and Himanthalia spp. (HIM). After extraction (3 % w/v biomass) using a sustainable protocol based on citric acid, crude alginate represented 61–65 % of the biomass dry weight for SAC and LAM, and 34–41 % for SACC and HIM when experiments were performed at small scale (1.5 g of starting material). Interestingly, scaling-up extraction (60 g of starting material) decreased yields to 26–30 %. SAC and LAM alginates had the highest M/G (mannuronic acid/guluronic acid) ratios and molecular weights when compared to those from SACC and HIM (M/G:1.98 and 2.23, MW: 302 and 362 kDa, vs 1.83 and 1.86, 268 and 168 kDa). When the four types of alginates were tested for spinning fibres cross-linked with CaCl2, only SAC and LAM alginates produced fibres. These fibres showed no clumps or cracks under stretching action and presented a similar Young's modulus (2.4 and 2.0 GPa). We have demonstrated that alginate extracted from S. latissima and L. digitata can be successfully spun into functional fibres cross-linked with CaCl2.

Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh Extract Regulates Neuroinflammation In Vitro and In Vivo.

Previously, we reported that Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh (S. horneri) is a brown algae species that exerts anti-inflammatory activity toward murine macrophages. However, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects and the mechanism of S. horneri on microglia cells are still unknown. We investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of S. horneri extract on microglia in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that S. horneri was not cytotoxic to BV-2 microglia cells and it significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production. Moreover, S. horneri also diminished the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2, and cytokine production, including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, on LPS-stimulated microglia activation. S. horneri elicited anti-neuroinflammatory effects by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB. In addition, S. horneri inhibited astrocytes and microglia activation in LPS-challenged mice brain. Therefore, these results suggested that S. horneri exerted anti-neuroinflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated microglia cell activation by inhibiting neuroinflammatory factors and NF-κB signaling.

Макрофітобентос Березанського лиману, його узмор’я та прибережжя острова Березань

The papers reports results of long-term monitoring of macrophytobenthos of the Beresansky Estuary and its coastal waters. The features of the distribution of macrophyte algae in the estuary and adjacent marine areas, including Berezan Island, were analyzed in connection with changes in their salinity and pollution. A total of 32 species of macrophyte algae from 4 divisions, 6 classes, 10 orders, 13 families and 17 genera were found in the Berezan Estuary. Chlorophyta (17 species) lead in species diversity, Rhodophyta (9) rank second, and Ochrophyta third (5). Charophyta were represented by one species. Both on the sea coast of the estuary and near the coast of Berezan Island, 13 species of macrophyte algae of almost identical composition were found, in particular, 8 species of green algae, 5 and 4 of red algae, respectively, and one species of brown algae. Increasing the salinity level of the Berezan Estuary by more than two times (up to 13.8‰) in recent decades caused changes in the species composition of the phytobenthos: charophytes and some freshwater green algae have disappeared, while marine red and brown algae have appeared.

In vitro and in silico molecular docking analysis of green synthesized tin oxide nanoparticles using brown algae species of Padina gymnospora and Turbinaria ornata

In vitro and in silico molecular docking analysis of green synthesized tin oxide nanoparticles using brown algae species of Padina gymnospora and Turbinaria ornata

Utilization of brown algae (Sargassum Sp) as dental impression material

ABSTRACT
 Two-thirds of Indonesia's territory is mostly waters. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982 stated that the area of ​​Indonesian waters is 5.8 million km2 and there are 27.2% of all flora and fauna species. Algae is one of the most abundant biological resources in Indonesian waters, which is about 8.6%. In Indonesian waters, there are about 28 species of brown algae from six genera including Dyctyota, Padine, Hormophysa, Sargassum, Turbinaria andHydroclathrus. Brown al-gae have a large alginate content in their cell walls, approximately 40% of their dry weight. The alginate contained in brown al-gae canbe used in industrial fields, such as the dental impression material industry. The main active ingredients in the manufac-ture of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials are sodium alginate, potassium alginate, and triethanolamine alginate. Sodium alginate and potassium alginate can be extracted from brown algae species such as Sargassum sp.

Multifunctional Enzyme with Endoglucanase and Alginase/Glucuronan Lyase Activities from Bacterium Cellulophaga lytica.

Cellulophaga lytica is a Gram-negative aerobic bacterium in the genome of which there are many genes encoding polysaccharide degrading enzymes. One of the enzymes named ClGP contains a glycoside hydrolase domain from the GH5 family and a polysaccharide lyase domain from the PL31 family. The enzyme also contains the TAT signaling peptide and the TIGR04183 domain that indicates extracellular nature of the enzyme. Phylogenetic analysis has shown that the enzymes most closely related to ClGP and containing all four domains (TAT, GH5, PL31, TIGR04183) are widespread among bacterial species belonging to the Flavobacteriaceae family. ClGP produced by the recombinant strain of E. coli was purified and characterized. ClGP exhibited activity of endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) and catalyzed hydrolysis of β-D-glucan, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt (CMC-Na), and amorphous cellulose, but failed to hydrolyze microcrystalline cellulose and xylan. Products of CMC hydrolysis were cellobiose and cellotriose, whereas β-D-glucan was hydrolyzed to glucose, cellobiose, cellotetraose, and cellopentaose. ClGP was more active against the poly-β-D-mannuronate blocks than against the poly-α-L-glucuronate blocks of alginic acid. This indicates that the enzyme is a polyM lyase (EC 4.2.2.3). ClGP was active against polyglucuronic acid, so it displayed a glucuronan lyase (EC 4.2.2.14) activity. The enzyme had a neutral pH-optimum, was stable in the pH range 6.0-8.0, and displayed moderate thermal stability. ClGP effectively saccharified two species of brown algae, Saccharina latissima and Laminaria digitata, that suggests its potential for use in the production of biofuel from macroalgae.

JENIS ALGA COKLAT PENGHASIL ALGINAT DI PULAU AMBON

Brown algae contains alginate is a hydrocolloid compound. This study aims to determine the types of brown algae as alginate producers in the coastal waters of Ambon island, Tial and Liang villages, Central Maluku. This research was conducted in April 2021. Sampling is carried out by means of free collection at low tide, at the time of sampling it is visually observed the condition of the substrate on which brown algae. Liang village beach as a whole has a variety of substrates of rocky, rocky sand, sand mixed with dead coral. However, in the sampling area, it was found that the dominant substrate was rocky sand substrate, and dead coral. Tial village beach has four types of substrates, namely rocky substrates in area A directly adjacent to the coast and have a substrate area of 2,250 m2 (15%), coral fault substrates and rocky in area B are in the littoral zone have a substrate area of 3,000 m2 (20%), sand substrates and coral faults in area C are in the littoral zone have a substrate area of 5,250 m2 (35%) coral substrates in area D are directly adjacent to the subtidal area and have a substrate area of 4,500 m2 (30%). All four substrates are in the intertidal zone. The substrates that cover the observation area a lot are sand substrates and coral faults. The results of the identification of brown algae species on the shores of Liang and Tial villages found four species classified in one division, one class, two families, and three genera. The diversity of brown algae species in the coastal waters of Tial there are three types of brown algae, Sargassum duplicatum, Turbinaria ornata, and Padina minor and on Liang beach there are two species of brown algae, Sargassum polycyctum and Padina minor. The four types of brown algae found have the potential to be a source of alginate

Identification of Li as a reference element in Sargassum bioaccumulation of conservative-type elements (Mg, Mo, Sb, Cs and U)

We reported the accumulation of conservative-type elements (lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), molybdenum (Mo), antimony (Sb), cesium (Cs), and uranium (U) in pelagic species of Sargassum brown alga (S. fluitans and S. natans). We also included individuals of benthic Sargassum species, inhabiting a reef ecosystem influenced by urban developments and tourist activities. By assuming a set of premises for a normalizing element, Li was used to calculate the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of the bio-unlimited elements in pelagic and benthic Sargassum relative to the seawater levels. Both pelagic species displayed levels in the same order of abundance as in seawater from the central Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (Mg> > Li ~ Mo > U > Sb > Cs), except Sb. Bio-unlimited element levels and BAFs were comparable in S. fluitans and S. natans but lower than benthic Sargassum, except for U. Temporal variations were observed in the metal contents, except Li, with higher values from July to October regarding the February–May period. Those variations were unexpected considering their conservative-type behavior in oceanic waters. Metabolic changes related to the life cycle explain variations for Mg and Mo. Anthropogenic Sb inputs, via atmospheric dust, could constitute a significant metal source to surface seawater and the pelagic Sargassum. S. fluitans and S. natans arriving at the Caribbean coasts are excellent biomonitors to study trace metals scarcely studied in oceans, such as bio-unlimited elements. Lithium met the premises to be used as a reference element to determine their bioaccumulation of metals (uptake and retention). So, estimations of BAFs by normalizing to Li constitute a useful tool for metal assessment using macroalgae as an environmental biomonitor.

IDENTIFIKASI JENIS MAKROALGA COKELAT (PHAEOPHYTA) DI PERAIRAN PANTAI BLUE MERLIN, TELUK TOMINI, GORONTALO

Macroalgae have an important role in the coastal environment and human beings. Unfortunately, the research on species identification of macroalgae is very poor. On the other hand, data collection of macroalgae is essential to be used for effectiveness in conservation efforts for coastal ecosystem resources. Thereby, the identification of macroalgae is needed, particularly for brown algae as the database that can be used in the management of coastal resources in Tomini Bay. This research was conducted for 45 days, from November 15 to December 29, 2020, in the Blue Marlin Beach, Tomini Bay, Gorontalo City. GPS coordinate, sea current, seawater temperature, and waves were measured with Fishing Points Software. Sample collection was performed by a search method. Each specimen that was found was kept in a plastic zipper bag and stored in a coolbox containing an ice-cube to maintain the fresh sample. After collection, the specimens were carried out to the laboratory for identification and measurement as soon as possible. The results show three brown algae species in the Blue marlin Beach, i.e., Padina australis, Turbenaria decurrens, and Sargassum polycystum. The average of seawater temperature, sea current, and waves during the study is 31 C, 0.1 m/s, and 0,2 m, respectively.

The Marine Benthic Algae Diversity of Gabon: Case of the Rocky Foreshore of Cap Estérias

This study has allowed to classify the marine macroalgae from the intertidal zone on the Atlantic side of Cap Estérias (Gabon). This area has a rich biodiversity but very few studies in the knowledge of benthic macroalgae have been done. The first study on the knowledge of the algae of the Gabonese coast was made in February 1974 by John and Lawson. This article has been revised to transcribe books and our study would aim to update the existing collection. The algae census is spread over a year from August 2020 to August 2021 and is the first detailed study carried out over a year, with regard to this part of the Gabonese coast. This study has allowed to know the specific diversity, to determine the structure of the flora and its spread out over time. The results show a significant algal diversity of thirty five (35) identified species. Three classes of macroalgae were determined and the percentage of species in the class (%EC): Floridaophyceae at 50% EC, Phaeophyceae at 30% EC and Ulvophyceae at 20% EC. The red algae are the most common in the area with sixteen (16) species determined against twelve (12) species of brown algae and seven (7) species of green algae. The Phaeophyceae class presents the Dictyotaceae family which is the most diverse with 7 species found. Some species seen appear in the collection of John et al., but others are new species encountered in Gabon such as Caulerpa sertularioides, Bryopsis plumosa (two Ulvophytes), Padina arborescens which is a Pheophyte and Galaxaura filamentosa, Digenea simplex,Hildenbrandia rubra, Asparagopsis armata and Caulacanthus ustulatus which are Rhodophytes. Some species are permanently present, they are found in all seasons but with significant abundance from July to September.

Spatial and temporal variations of 14C in Fucus spp. in Swedish coastal waters

Carbon-14 (14C) dominates the collective effective dose from globally dispersed long-lived radionuclides produced by and released from the nuclear power industry. Literature data on the discharge of 14C to the marine environment from nuclear power plants (NPPs) and its dispersion in the marine ecosystem are sparse. The local marine 14C background must be determined before the 14C enrichment in the marine environment from a NPP can be estimated. This is not trivial since marine activity concentrations of 14C vary spatially, partly due to long-range transport of 14C from other anthropogenic sources. We have analysed 14C in samples of several species of brown algae (Fucus spp.) collected at 45 sites along the Swedish coast in 2020. At sites remote from NPPs, the 14C activity concentrations per unit mass of carbon (here expressed as Fraction Modern, F14C) were significantly higher on the west coast than on the east coast (F14C up to about 1.10 in Skagerrak, and about 1.01, close to atmospheric levels, in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia). On the west coast, F14C showed a strong correlation with salinity, both of which increased towards the north. This indicates that 14C is carried from other anthropogenic sources (e.g. from the nuclear fuel reprocessing plants at La Hague and Sellafield). The highest value of F14C observed was close to the Ringhals NPP on the west coast, F14C ≈ 1.3, which is higher than expected in the terrestrial environment of this NPP. We also report on temporal variations of F14C in Fucus spp. collected at Särdal on the Swedish west coast during the period 1967–2020. The values of F14C in the Särdal marine samples collected after the 1990s are clearly higher than F14C in clean air CO2, indicating contributions of 14C of anthropogenic origin.

Renoprotective Effect of Fucoidan from Seaweed Sargassum angustifolium C. Agardh 1820 on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: From Marine Resources to Therapeutic Uses

Background: Nephrotoxicity is a major side effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics, caused by oxidative damage and inflammation. Fucoidan, a group of sulfated polysaccharides derived from different species of brown algae, are well recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to investigate, for the first time, the efficacy of fucoidan extracted from Sargassum angustifolium C. Agardh 1820 against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of control, gentamicin (100 mg/kg), and gentamicin plus 50- and 100-mg/kg/day fucoidan pretreatment. In the end, all rats were killed, and then urine, blood, and tissue samples were prepared. Kidney weight (KW), body weight (BW), and 24-hour urine volume, as well as serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Cr clearance, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, were measured. Kidney samples were also evaluated for histopathological changes. Results: Gentamicin significantly increased KW, KW/BW ratio, 24-hour urine volume, serum Cr, MDA, and BUN levels; however, fucoidan pretreatment, especially at a dose of 50 mg/kg, significantly returned these variables near to the control group values. Gentamicin also decreased BW gain, Cr clearance, SOD activity, and the degree of renal tissue damage compared to the control group, while treatment with fucoidan significantly reversed these alterations. Conclusions: The results show that fucoidan from S. angustifolium C. Agardh 1820 ameliorates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by alleviating oxidative stress and augmenting antioxidant enzymes activity in renal tissue, suggesting the potential use of this fucoidan in a clinical setting.