This study summarizes the response of cyanobacterium Spirulina subsalsa HKAR-19 under simulated light conditions of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), PAR+UV-A (PA), and PAR+UV-A+UV-B (PAB). Exposure to UV radiation caused a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in chlorophyll a, phycocyanin, and total protein. In contrast, total carotene content increased significantly (P < 0.05) under PA and PAB with increasing irradiation time. The photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II also decreased significantly in PA and PAB radiation. We have also recorded a decrease in the fluorescence emission intensity of phycocyanin under PA and PAB exposure. The phycocyanin fluorescence shifted towards shorter wavelengths (blue-shift) after 72 h of PA and PAB exposure. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased significantly in PA and PAB. Fluorescence microscopic images showed an increase in green fluorescence, indicating ROS generation in UV radiation. We have also quantified ROS generation using green and red fluorescence ratio represented as G/R ratio. A 2-6-fold increase in antioxidative enzymes activity was observed to overcome the damaging effects caused by UV stress as compared to untreated control cultures. The lipid peroxidation was assessed in terms of malondialdehyde content which increases significantly (P < 0.05) as the duration of exposure increases. These results suggest that a combined effect of PAR, UV-A, and UV-B was more deleterious than an individual one.
- MeSH
- antioxidancia * metabolismus MeSH
- chlorofyl a metabolismus MeSH
- chlorofyl * metabolismus MeSH
- fotosyntéza * účinky záření MeSH
- fotosystém II (proteinový komplex) metabolismus MeSH
- fykocyanin * metabolismus MeSH
- karotenoidy metabolismus MeSH
- peroxidace lipidů účinky záření MeSH
- reaktivní formy kyslíku * metabolismus MeSH
- Spirulina * účinky záření metabolismus MeSH
- ultrafialové záření * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Arthrospira (Limnospira) maxima (A. maxima) and Chlorella vulgaris (Ch. vulgaris) are among the approved microalgae and cyanobacteria (MaC) in the food industry that are known to be safe for consumption. However, both organisms are controversial regarding their vitamin B12 content, due to the possible occurrence of pseudo-cobalamin. Concurrently, their nutrition profiles remain understudied. The main purpose of the present study was to identify their nutrition profiles, focusing mainly on vitamin B12, amino acids, and micronutrients under iron-induced hormesis (10 mg/L Fe in treated samples). Our findings indicate a higher B12 content in A. maxima compared to Ch. vulgaris (both control and treated samples). Using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the cyanocobalamin content was determined as 0.42 ± 0.09 μg/g dried weight (DW) in the A. maxima control and 0.55 ± 0.02 μg/g DW in treated A. maxima, resulting in an insignificant difference. In addition, the iron-enriched medium increased the amount of iron in both tested biomasses (p < 0.01). However, a more pronounced (approximately 100×) boost was observed in Ch. vulgaris, indicating a better absorption capacity (control Ch. vulgaris 0.16 ± 0.01 mg/g Fe, treated Ch. vulgaris 15.40 ± 0.34 mg/g Fe). Additionally, Ch. vulgaris also showed a higher micronutrient content. Using both tested microalgae, meeting the sufficient recommended daily mineral allowance for an adult is possible. By combining biomass from A. maxima and Ch. vulgaris in a ratio of 6:1, we can fulfill the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 and iron by consuming 6 tablets/6 g. Importantly, iron hormesis stimulated amino acid composition in both organisms. The profile of amino acids may suggest these biomasses as promising potential nutrition sources.
- MeSH
- aminokyseliny * metabolismus analýza MeSH
- Chlorella vulgaris * chemie metabolismus růst a vývoj MeSH
- mikrořasy chemie metabolismus růst a vývoj MeSH
- mikroživiny * analýza metabolismus MeSH
- nutriční hodnota MeSH
- Spirulina * chemie metabolismus MeSH
- tandemová hmotnostní spektrometrie MeSH
- vitamin B 12 * metabolismus analýza MeSH
- železo metabolismus analýza MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Commercially cultivated Limnospira (species formerly classified to genus Arthrospira) is a popular food/supplement consumed by millions of people worldwide for health benefits. The objective of the current research was to advance the standardization technology for Limnospira. Quantitative methods were established to detect fatty acids as potential chemical markers and immune-enhancing activity. Analysis of 20 different batches of biomass obtained from one commercial grower demonstrated that there was a statistically significant relationship between the sum of two fatty acids (linoleic and γ-linolenic) and Toll-like receptor (TLR)2/TLR1-dependent activation (R2 = 0.48, p = 0.0007). Investigation of 12 biomass samples sourced from growers in 10 different countries demonstrated that fatty acid content was again significantly correlated with biological activity (R2 = 0.72, p = 0.0005) and the content of fatty acids varied by twofold and activity by 12.5-fold. This large variation between different samples confirms the need to use the present standardization methods to ensure consistent and properly characterized biomass for consumers and for future scientific research.
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mastné kyseliny analýza MeSH
- referenční standardy MeSH
- Spirulina * MeSH
- toll-like receptor 1 MeSH
- toll-like receptor 2 MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Arthrospira platensis, a blue-green alga, is a popular nutraceutical substance having potent antioxidant properties with potential anti-carcinogenic activities. The aim of our study was to assess the possible anti-angiogenic effects of A platensis in an experimental model of pancreatic cancer. The effects of an A platensis extract were investigated on human pancreatic cancer cells (PA-TU-8902) and immortalized endothelial-like cells (Ea.hy926). PA-TU-8902 pancreatic tumours xenografted to athymic mice were also examined. In vitro migration and invasiveness assays were performed on the tested cells. Multiple angiogenic factors and signalling pathways were analysed in the epithelial, endothelial and cancer cells, and tumour tissue. The A platensis extract exerted inhibitory effects on both migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer as well as endothelial-like cells. Tumours of mice treated with A platensis exhibited much lesser degrees of vascularization as measured by CD31 immunostaining (P = .004). Surprisingly, the VEGF-A mRNA and protein expressions were up-regulated in pancreatic cancer cells. A platensis inhibited ERK activation upstream of Raf and suppressed the expression of ERK-regulated proteins. Treatment of pancreatic cancer with A platensis was associated with suppressive effects on migration and invasiveness with various anti-angiogenic features, which might account for the anticancer effects of this blue-green alga.
- MeSH
- antioxidancia farmakologie MeSH
- endoteliální buňky účinky léků MeSH
- inhibitory angiogeneze farmakologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myši nahé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádory slinivky břišní farmakoterapie MeSH
- patologická angiogeneze farmakoterapie MeSH
- pohyb buněk účinky léků MeSH
- protinádorové látky farmakologie MeSH
- signální transdukce účinky léků MeSH
- Spirulina chemie MeSH
- upregulace účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
The genus Arthrospira has a long history of being used as a food source in different parts of the world. Its mass cultivation for production of food supplements and additives has contributed to a more detailed study of several species of this genus. In contrast, the type species of the genus (A. jenneri), has scarcely been studied. This work adopts a polyphasic approach to thoroughly investigate environmental samples of A. jenneri, whose persistent bloom was noticed in an urban reservoir in Poland, Central Europe. The obtained results were compared with strains designated as A. platensis, A. maxima, and A. fusiformis from several culture collections and other Arthrospira records from GenBank. The comparison has shown that A. jenneri differs from popular species that are massively utilized commercially with regard to its cell morphology, ultrastructure and ecology, as well as its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Based on our findings, we propose the establishment of a new genus, Limnospira, which currently encompasses three species including the massively produced L. (A.) fusiformis and L. (A.) maxima with the type species Limnospira fusiformis.
- MeSH
- fylogeneze * MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S genetika MeSH
- sinice genetika MeSH
- Spirulina klasifikace genetika fyziologie ultrastruktura MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Polsko MeSH
In this study, 14 commercial products (dietary supplements) containing alga Chlorella vulgaris and cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis, originated from China and Japan, were analysed. UV-vis spectrophotometric method was applied for rapid determination of chlorophylls, carotenoids and pheophytins; as degradation products of chlorophylls. High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) was used for effective separation of these compounds, and also Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for determination of heavy metals as indicator of environmental pollution. Based on the results obtained from UV-vis spectrophotometric determination of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), it was confirmed that Chlorella vulgaris contains more of all these pigments compared to the cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis. The fastest mobility compound identified in Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis using HPTLC method was β-carotene. Spectral analysis and standard calibration curve method were used for identification and quantification of separated substances on Thin-Layer Chromatographic plate. Quantification of copper (Cu2+, at 324.7 nm) and zinc (Zn2+, at 213.9nm) was performed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with air-acetylene flame atomization. Quantification of cadmium (Cd2+, at 228.8 nm), nickel (Ni2+, at 232.0nm) and lead (Pb2+, at 283.3nm) by Electrothermal Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry; and quantification of mercury (Hg2+, at 254nm) by Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.
- MeSH
- Chlorella vulgaris chemie MeSH
- chlorofyl chemie MeSH
- chromatografie na tenké vrstvě metody MeSH
- karotenoidy chemie MeSH
- potravní doplňky analýza MeSH
- spektrofotometrie atomová metody MeSH
- Spirulina chemie MeSH
- těžké kovy chemie MeSH
- vysokoúčinná kapalinová chromatografie metody MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Čína MeSH
- Japonsko MeSH
Zelené potraviny jsou řasy, bakterie a trávy s vysokým obsahem mikroživin a bílkovin. Ve sdělovacích prostředcích a propagačních materiálech jsou označovány jako superpotraviny a mají být prevencí i terapií mnoha zdravotních potíží včetně těch nejzávažnějších. Pojem zelené potraviny a superpotraviny není jednoznačně odborně vymezen. Studií, které sledují nejrůznější dílčí efekty působení zelených potravin, je dostatek. Většinou se však jedná o laboratorní práce bez potvrzení účinků v rozsáhlých klinických humánních studiích. O to více zpráv o zázračném působení zelených potravin koluje v populárních médiích a na sítích. Obsah živin v relaci k množství zelených potravin, které je reálné konzumovat, není až tak výjimečný. I přes vysoký obsah mnoha živin je proto konečný efekt užívání doplňků zelených potravin pochybný, a to zejména ve vztahu k jejich poměrně vysoké ceně. Je navíc možné zajistit mnohé z živin běžnějšími a chuťově přijatelnějšími potravinami, které jsou cenově dostupnější.
Green foods include algae, bacteria, and grass with a high content of micronutrients and proteins. In the media and promotional messages, green foods are classified as superfoods and recommended for the prevention and treatment of numerous health problems, including the most serious ones. However, the term green foods or superfoods is not clearly defined in the literature. There is a sufficient number of studies which examine various partial effects of green foods. Yet, they are predominantly laboratory experiments the conclusions of which have not been properly validated in extensive clinical studies on human subjects. This undesirable situation is then reflected in popular media and on social networks which are flooded with news about the miraculous effects of these foods. The nutrient content in relation to the amount of green foods that can be routinely consumed is, however, not so special. As a result, despite high levels of many nutrients, the ultimate effect of taking green foods in the form of dietary supplements is dubious, especially in view of their relatively high cost and in view of other common, affordable, and tastier sources of the same nutrients.
Spirulina is a species of filamentous cyanobacteria that has long been used as a food supplement. In particular, Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima are the most important. Thanks to a high protein and vitamin content, Spirulina is used as a nutraceutical food supplement, although its other potential health benefits have attracted much attention. Oxidative stress and dysfunctional immunity cause many diseases in humans, including atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and hypertension. Thus, the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of these microalgae may play an important role in human health. Here, we discuss the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina in both animals and humans, along with the underlying mechanisms. In addition, its commercial and regulatory status in different countries is discussed as well. Spirulina activates cellular antioxidant enzymes, inhibits lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, scavenges free radicals, and increases the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Notably, there appears to be a threshold level above which Spirulina will taper off the antioxidant activity. Clinical trials show that Spirulina prevents skeletal muscle damage under conditions of exercise-induced oxidative stress and can stimulate the production of antibodies and up- or downregulate the expression of cytokine-encoding genes to induce immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory responses. The molecular mechanism(s) by which Spirulina induces these activities is unclear, but phycocyanin and β-carotene are important molecules. Moreover, Spirulina effectively regulates the ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and IκB pathways. This review provides new insight into the potential therapeutic applications of Spirulina and may provide new ideas for future studies.
- MeSH
- antiflogistika izolace a purifikace farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- antioxidancia izolace a purifikace farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- imunologické faktory izolace a purifikace farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- klinické zkoušky jako téma MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- oxidační stres účinky léků MeSH
- peroxidace lipidů účinky léků MeSH
- potravní doplňky MeSH
- Spirulina chemie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Spirulina platensis is a blue-green alga used as a dietary supplement because of its hypocholesterolemic properties. Among other bioactive substances, it is also rich in tetrapyrrolic compounds closely related to bilirubin molecule, a potent antioxidant and anti-proliferative agent. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible anticancer effects of S. platensis and S. platensis-derived tetrapyrroles using an experimental model of pancreatic cancer. The anti-proliferative effects of S. platensis and its tetrapyrrolic components [phycocyanobilin (PCB) and chlorophyllin, a surrogate molecule for chlorophyll A] were tested on several human pancreatic cancer cell lines and xenotransplanted nude mice. The effects of experimental therapeutics on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and glutathione redox status were also evaluated. Compared to untreated cells, experimental therapeutics significantly decreased proliferation of human pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro in a dose-dependent manner (from 0.16 g•L-1 [S. platensis], 60 μM [PCB], and 125 μM [chlorophyllin], p<0.05). The anti-proliferative effects of S. platensis were also shown in vivo, where inhibition of pancreatic cancer growth was evidenced since the third day of treatment (p < 0.05). All tested compounds decreased generation of mitochondrial ROS and glutathione redox status (p = 0.0006; 0.016; and 0.006 for S. platensis, PCB, and chlorophyllin, respectively). In conclusion, S. platensis and its tetrapyrrolic components substantially decreased the proliferation of experimental pancreatic cancer. These data support a chemopreventive role of this edible alga. Furthermore, it seems that dietary supplementation with this alga might enhance systemic pool of tetrapyrroles, known to be higher in subjects with Gilbert syndrome.
- MeSH
- bilirubin farmakologie MeSH
- glutathion metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
- myši nahé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádory slinivky břišní metabolismus patologie MeSH
- oxidace-redukce MeSH
- proliferace buněk účinky léků MeSH
- protinádorové látky farmakologie MeSH
- reaktivní formy kyslíku metabolismus MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty farmakologie MeSH
- Spirulina * MeSH
- techniky in vitro MeSH
- tetrapyrroly farmakologie MeSH
- transplantace heterologní MeSH
- viabilita buněk účinky léků MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- xenogenní modely - testy protinádorové aktivity MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Spirulina platensis, a water blue-green alga, has been associated with potent biological effects, which might have important relevance in atheroprotection. We investigated whether S. platensis or phycocyanobilin (PCB), its tetrapyrrolic chromophore, can activate atheroprotective heme oxygenase-1 (Hmox1), a key enzyme in the heme catabolic pathway responsible for generation of a potent antioxidant bilirubin, in endothelial cells and in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. In vitro experiments were performed on EA.hy926 endothelial cells exposed to extracts of S. platensis or PCB. In vivo studies were performed on ApoE-deficient mice fed a cholesterol diet and S. platensis. The effect of these treatments on Hmox1, as well as other markers of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, was then investigated. Both S. platensis and PCB markedly upregulated Hmox1 in vitro, and a substantial overexpression of Hmox1 was found in aortic atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE-deficient mice fed S. platensis. In addition, S. platensis treatment led to a significant increase in Hmox1 promoter activity in the spleens of Hmox-luc transgenic mice. Furthermore, both S. platensis and PCB were able to modulate important markers of oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, such as eNOS, p22 NADPH oxidase subunit, and/or VCAM-1. Both S. platensis and PCB activate atheroprotective HMOX1 in endothelial cells and S. platensis increased the expression of Hmox1 in aortic atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-deficient mice, and also in Hmox-luc transgenic mice beyond the lipid lowering effect. Therefore, activation of HMOX1 and the heme catabolic pathway may represent an important mechanism of this food supplement for the reduction of atherosclerotic disease.
- MeSH
- aorta účinky léků enzymologie MeSH
- ateroskleróza farmakoterapie enzymologie prevence a kontrola MeSH
- cévní buněčněadhezivní molekula-1 genetika metabolismus MeSH
- fykobiliny aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- fykocyanin aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- hemoxygenasa-1 genetika metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
- myši transgenní MeSH
- myši MeSH
- NADPH-oxidasy genetika metabolismus MeSH
- oxidační stres účinky léků MeSH
- Spirulina chemie MeSH
- upregulace účinky léků MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- myši MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
