Marine-Derived Polymers-Polysaccharides as Promising Natural Therapeutics for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Area of Science:

• Marine biotechnology
• Cardiovascular pharmacology
• Natural product chemistry

Background:

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major global health burden, driven by dyslipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction.
• Current therapies like statins have limitations, necessitating novel, multi-targeted treatments for residual cardiovascular risk.
• Marine-derived polysaccharides (MDPs) possess diverse bioactivities relevant to ASCVD pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review preclinical and clinical evidence on MDPs for ASCVD.
• To explore the pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of MDPs.
• To identify translational challenges and propose strategies for clinical application of MDPs.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search and synthesis of existing research on MDPs (fucoidan, alginate, laminarin, carrageenan, chitosan).
• Analysis of preclinical data (in vitro and animal studies) and emerging clinical evidence.
• Evaluation of MDPs' anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-modulatory, antithrombotic, and endothelial-protective effects.

Main Results:

• MDPs demonstrate promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, antithrombotic, and endothelial-protective properties relevant to ASCVD.
• Preclinical data suggest therapeutic potential, but clinical evidence remains limited.
• Key challenges include structural variability, poor oral bioavailability, and insufficient human data.

Conclusions:

• MDPs are promising natural therapeutics for ASCVD prevention and treatment due to their multi-targeted bioactivities.
• Overcoming challenges like standardization and bioavailability through novel delivery systems is crucial.
• Rigorous, well-designed human clinical trials are warranted to validate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of MDPs for ASCVD.