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Study of fucoidans as natural biomolecules for therapeutical applications in osteoarthritis
Carlos Vaamonde-García1, Noelia Flórez-Fernández2, María Dolores Torres2
1Tissue Engineering and Cellular Therapy Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain; Unidad de Medicina Regenerativa, Grupo de Investigación de Reumatología (GIR), Instituto de InvestigaciónBiomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), C/ As Xubias de Arriba 84, 15006, A Coruña, España; Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), As Carballeiras S/N, Campus de Elviña, 15071, A Coruña, España.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent articular chronic disease. Although, to date there is no cure for OA. Fucoidans, one of the main therapeutic components of brown algae, have emerged as promising molecules in OA treatment. However, the variability between fucoidans makes difficult the pursuit of the most suitable candidate to target specific pathological processes. By an in vitro experimental approach in chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes, we observed that chemical composition of fucoidan, and specifically the phlorotannin content and the ratio sulfate:fucose, seems critically relevant for its biological activity. Nonetheless, other factors like concentration and molecular weight of the fucoidan may influence on its beneficial effects. Additionally, a cell-type dependent response was also detected. Thus, our results shed light on the potential use of fucoidans as natural molecules in the treatment of key pathological processes in the joint that favor the development of rheumatic disorders as OA.
Insights
Fucoidans from brown algae show promise for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Their therapeutic potential depends on chemical composition, including phlorotannin content and sulfate:fucose ratio, influencing biological activity.
Area of Science:
- Marine natural products
- Rheumatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic joint disease with no current cure.
- Fucoidans, derived from brown algae, are investigated for their therapeutic potential in OA management.
- Variability in fucoidan composition complicates the identification of optimal candidates for OA treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of fucoidan chemical composition on its biological activity in vitro.
- To identify key factors, such as phlorotannin content and sulfate:fucose ratio, relevant for fucoidan's therapeutic effects in OA.
- To explore cell-type specific responses to fucoidan treatment in chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experimental approach using chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes.
- Analysis of fucoidan chemical composition, including phlorotannin content and sulfate:fucose ratio.
- Evaluation of the impact of fucoidan concentration and molecular weight on biological activity.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan's biological activity is critically dependent on its chemical composition, particularly phlorotannin content and the sulfate:fucose ratio.
- Concentration and molecular weight of fucoidan can influence its beneficial effects.
- A cell-type dependent response to fucoidan treatment was observed in the studied cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan's therapeutic potential for osteoarthritis is linked to specific chemical characteristics.
- Understanding fucoidan composition is crucial for developing effective natural treatments for OA.
- Fucoidans represent promising natural molecules for targeting pathological processes in rheumatic disorders like OA.
