Marinova Newsletter

Fucoidan inhibits Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a helical, gram negative bacterium that infects the gastrointestinal tract of humans. It has infected more than 3 billion people, making it the most widespread infection in the world. Although over 80% of people infected with H. pylori will show no symptoms, serious infections may appear as an acute gastritis with abdominal pain or nausea. Importantly, H. pylori is associated with peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, duodenitis and stomach cancer.

University of Western Australia researchers Professors Barry Marshall and Robin Warren won the Nobel Prize in 2005 for proving that H. pylori bacteria cause stomach ulcers. It has been estimated that individuals infected with H. pylori have a 10 to 20% lifetime risk of developing peptic ulcers and a 1 to 2% risk of acquiring stomach cancer. Vaccines are not yet available, and antibiotic resistance is rising, leading to a search for additional therapies.

In confirmation of earlier investigations in this field, researchers at the University of Western Australia have recently completed a number of studies assessing the ability of Maritech® fucoidan extracts to inhibit the ulcer-causing H. pylori. In a series of experiments, the researchers looked at the bacteria in isolation, and then at the ability of the bacteria to stick onto stomach cells. The Maritech® fucoidan extracts were shown to strongly inhibit the adhesion of the bacteria to the stomach cells - a key mechanism for their proliferation. The purity, reproducibility and commercial availability of Maritech® extracts has now established fucoidan as a viable and effective option for a variety of digestive health applications.

Fucoidan improves glucose tolerance

Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes are on the increase worldwide, giving rise to significant social and economic problems. The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 250 million people are living with diabetes, and that a further 300 million may be at risk of developing the disease.

According to recent Korean research, fucoidan has been shown to help relieve poor glucose control in diabetic and normal rats. In this study, oral intake of various molecular weight fractions of Undaria fucoidan was shown to significantly reduce serum glucose levels in diabetic rats and improve glucose tolerance in normal rats. It was also shown that fucoidan increased insulin sensitivity in the diabetic rats. Together, these findings highlight the potential for fucoidan extracts to prevent hyperglycemia and control type 2 diabetes.

Kim KJ, Yoon KY, Lee BY. Fucoidan regulate blood glucose homeostasis in C57BL/KSJ m+/+db and C57BL/KSJ db/db mice. Fitoterapia. 2012 Sep;83(6):1105-9.

Fucoidan in the Headlines

Fucoidan shown to reduce severity of aneurysm

Over 5% of elderly men experience aortic abdominal aneurysm - a localised widening of the main artery from the heart as it passes through the abdomen. The rupture of this aneurysm can be fatal and usually requires emergency surgery. In an animal model involving a bacterial-stimulated blood clot in the aneurysm, fucoidan was shown to lessen the swelling of the artery by reducing the number of inflammatory neutrophils entering the area. The authors of this study conclude that fucoidan could present a therapeutic option in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Alsac JM, Delbosc S, Rouer M, Journé C, Louedec L, Meilhac O, Michel JB. Fucoidan interferes with Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced aneurysm enlargement by decreasing neutrophil activation. J Vasc Surg. 2013 Mar; 57(3): 796-805.

Fucoidan linked to reduction of stress-induced depression

This recent study reveals that fucoidan reduces stress-induced depression and may prevent depression through modulating the central noradrenergic system. The research findings showed that daily fucoidan intake significantly reduced helpless behaviour in rats and blocked changes in brain chemistry associated with depression.
Whereas previous studies have focused on the beneficial effects of fucoidan on neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, this study is one of the first to investigate the potential of fucoidan to relieve depression. The report indicates that fucoidan may be a useful agent for treating the complex symptoms of depression and may provide a safe, alternative therapy without the undesirable side effects associated with many of the drugs which are prescribed for this condition.

Lee B, Shim I, Lee H, Hahm DH. Fucoidan prevents depression-like behavior in rats exposed to repeated restraint stress. J Nat Med. 2013 Jul; 67(3): 534-44.

New insights into how fucoidan stimulates immune defences

It is widely accepted that fucoidan activates immunity in mammals, but the mechanism by which it acts has not always been clear. In a new Russian study, researchers demonstrated that fucoidan activates and binds to ‘toll-like receptors’ in human cells. This activates a mediator called ‘NF-κB’ (a protein molecule that plays a key role in regulating the immune response to infection) to stimulate the body’s immune defences. Researchers observed that this activity resulted in increases in cytokines, chemokines and the expression of MHC molecules – demonstrating the activity of both adaptive and innate immune cells. The study found that fucoidan protects cells from pathogens by encouraging both innate and specific immune responses.

Makarenkova ID, Logunov DY, Tukhvatulin AI, Semenova IB, Besednova NN, Zvyagintseva TN.Interactions between Sulfated Polysaccharides from Sea Brown Algae and Toll-Like Receptors on HEK293 Eukaryotic Cells In Vitro. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2012 Nov;154(2):241-4

2014 ISAP Congress - Sydney, Australia

The 5th congress of the International Society for Applied Phycology (ISAP) will be held in Sydney, Australia from 22 to 27 June 2014. Focussing on the key knowledge and skills gaps in the field of algae science, the congress is expected to attract over 800 delegates from around the world.

Australia is a recognised leader in algal technologies, with diverse expertise in areas ranging from biofuel production through to the development and manufacture of high value-added seaweed derivatives for nutritional and medical applications. The extensive research being undertaken in both the commercial and academic sectors in Australia reflects the unique algal biodiversity, landscape and biogeography of the country. It also reflects the leading role that is being taken by Australia in the various fields of algal science.

ISAP 2014 will give researchers and industry representatives from around the world an opportunity to learn more about Australia’s expertise in algal science. It will also enable participants to share global achievements and discuss future directions in this expanding frontier. Marinova is a very proud supporter of the International Society for Applied Phycology and an active contributor to the organisation of next year’s event. For more information on the 2014 ISAP Congress, we invite you to visit the ISAP website.

Antibody Development

Fucoidan compounds have a range of functionalities and bioactivities that make them effective and attractive as nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical actives. Research into the biological activities of fucoidan, however, has often failed to locate or measure the presence of fucoidan in blood, tissue or urine. The difficulty in quantifying fucoidan uptake in serum or urine is exacerbated by the fact that there is no standard method for the measurement of this unique class of polysaccharide.

Marinova has made a considerable investment in recent times developing methods which will enable scientists to detect and measure the presence of fucoidan in vivo. Our most recent research in this area has focussed on both direct chemical methods and biotechnological methods. As a result of these investigations, Marinova has now developed novel monoclonal antibodies for use in ongoing research and clinical trials.

Using specialised techniques, highly purified fractions of Maritech® fucoidan have been used to raise a number of antibodies from stabilised cell lines. These monoclonal antibodies specifically bind to fucoidan and can be attached to coloured or fluorescent dyes and utilized to identify or measure fucoidan in biological fluids and tissues. Marinova is very pleased to be able to provide its clients and collaborators with monoclonal antibodies which have been developed specifically for Maritech® fucoidans. Please contact us if you would like further information on our capabilities in this area.

Introducing Freedom Actives Corporation

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Freedom Actives Corporation has been appointed as the exclusive agent for Marinova's unique skin care ingredients in North America. Based in New Jersey, Freedom Actives specializes in commercializing cutting edge natural compounds into the international cosmetic and dermatological sectors. All skincare ingredients marketed and distributed by this company have been selected on the basis of not only their efficacy but also their ethical and environmental credentials. A commitment to fair trade principles and the protection of global biodiversity are fundamental criteria used by Freedom Actives in selecting their alliance partners and suppliers.

Freedom Actives was founded by Dr Giorgio Dell'Acqua, an internationally acclaimed expert in cosmetic science. Dr Dell’Acqua has many years’ experience in applied biomedical research with a particular focus on cosmetic formulations and applications. Consulting to major corporations in the personal care industry, he has contributed to the commercialization of more than 100 successful active ingredients and finished products. The author of more than 40 publications in medical and cosmetic science, Dr Dell’Acqua holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Rome (Italy) and is an active member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) in Switzerland and North America. Dr Dell’Acqua is also an international lecturer and regular contributor to leading journals in the fields of skincare, dermatology and cosmetics. In one of his most recent articles, Dr Dell’Acqua reviews the evidence supporting seaweed extracts and their efficacy and utilization in cosmetic formulations.

Supporting the next generation of scientists

Marinova has a proud record of promoting science as an exciting career path. In this regard, we would particularly like to congratulate two budding scientists who have participated in our educational support programs.

Firstly, we extend our congratulations to Eliza Cropp, a year 10 student at Ogilvie High School, Tasmania. On a work experience placement in Marinova’s laboratories, Eliza investigated fucoidan from several different species of seaweeds. For this project she received an award in the Tasmanian Science Talent Search program and was a semi-finalist in the 2013 BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards. These prestigious science awards reward Australian students who have undertaken practical research projects which demonstrate innovative approaches and thorough scientific procedures.

We also extend our congratulations to Bun Fu Yu on winning the 2012 Marinova Science Prize. Bun Fu completed year 12 at Fahan School in 2012 and has now commenced a biochemistry degree at the University of Tasmania. The exceptional academic results achieved by Bun Fu in her final years at Fahan School make her a most worthy winner of this prize.

Marinova congratulates these two students on their successes and we look forward to seeing these young achievers leaving their own mark in the world of science in years to come.