This article is the original of translational medicine network, please indicate the source when reprinting
Author: Yun
Introduction: Scientists such as the School of Biomedicine of the Far Eastern Federal University have found that carrageenan in red algae can become an immunosuppressant when necessary, and in other cases exhibit immunomodulatory properties, which have a protective effect on the human body.
Previous studies have reported that the polysaccharide sulfate contained in seaweed can replace antibiotics to bring benefits to weaned piglets.
Because about 70% of the immune cells in the animal body are located in the intestine (intestinal-associated lymphoid tissue). The intestinal mucosa is thought to be a dynamic physical barrier that prevents the invasion of foreign pathogens. Therefore, supporting barrier function and enhancing the local immune response of the gastrointestinal tract will have a positive effect on the animal's systemic immune status and overall performance.
The cell wall of seaweed is mainly composed of water-soluble polysaccharide sulfate, which has a complex structure. In particular, the branched-chain conformation, the presence of rare sugar units (xylose and rhamnose) and the level of sulfation give algal polysaccharides unique biological activity, in addition to regulating the immune response and enhancing the immune response, but also strengthen the intestinal mucosal barrier function. Recently, a new study showed that the bioactive polysaccharide "carrageenan" isolated from red algae had a significant regulatory effect on the immune system of mice.
The study was carried out by scientists at the Faculty of Biomedicine of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the University of Vilnius. The article was published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research under the title "Immunological effects of Chondrus armatus carrageenans and their low molecular weight degradation products".
Carrageenan, also known as carrageenan, staghorn algae, carrageenan, is a polysaccharide sulfate composed of galactose and dehydrated galactose calcium, potassium, sodium, ammonium salts. In the food industry is widely used as a stabilizer, thickener or jelly agent, widely used in the manufacture of jelly, ice cream, pastries, gummies, canned, meat products, eight treasure porridge, white fungus bird's nest, soup food, cold food and so on.
Aleksandra Kalitnik, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology at FEFU's School of Biomedicine, said: "Although carrageenan has immunosuppressive properties in specific cases, this does not make it generally dangerous or toxic. ”
Studies have shown that carrageenan and its products of partial degradation of low molecular weight are not pharmacologically inert. Instead, they are able to suppress the immune system. Carrageenan was added to the diet of experimental mice, and after one week, the activity of the mice's innate immune cells decreased and the white blood cell count decreased.
Although the paper leaves many problems behind, it has not yet been resolved. But one thing is clear: while carrageenan is an integral part of the human diet, its medical potential is vastly underestimated.
"Immunosuppressants can be used to treat different diseases, such as allergic and autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic scleroderma, dermatomyositis, etc. Usually, these disorders are associated with overactivation of some part of the immune system or a decrease in immunosuppressive cell activity. An imbalance between inflammation and inhibitory effects can lead to an excessive immune response to the patient's own antigen.
Currently, we cannot be sure that carrageenan is an immunosuppressant. However, we determined that it was able to inhibit the activity of mouse peritoneal phagocytes (abdominal immune cells), and it is unclear whether it is good or bad. Of course, it may be beneficial for certain diseases related to the overactivation of the immune system. Aleksandra Kalitnik said.
The team believes that erythroidans respond directly (in the case of in vitro experiments) or indirectly (when taken orally) to cell receptors. That is, they react with receptors of immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn transmit information to immune cells in the blood.
The study did not cover carrageenan used in the food industry and consumed by people. Food carrageenan must meet strict requirements, including the maximum allowable molecular mass and dosage. The dose of carrageenan in food is several orders of magnitude lower than the dose used in the experiment. In addition, the food does not contain pure carrageenan. It is consumed with protein and other components that can greatly affect its performance.
"The microbial populations in the gastrointestinal tract of mice and men are completely different, and carrageenan may have no inhibitory effect on the human immune system." Simply put, carrageenan can become an immunosuppressant when necessary and exhibit immunomodulatory properties in other cases. This fact has been confirmed by some experimental data. Aleksandra Kalitnik concluded.
Resources:
【1】https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-polysaccharides-red-algae-affect-mice.html
【2】http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbm.a.37106
Today's video content recommendations
World Premiere! The Celebration of Life - The 2020 Future Science Award - Life Science Award Winners Academic Presentation Will Be Successfully Held!