Marine Drugs

404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxic Effects of Domoic Acid in the Seabream Sparus aurata

by Isabel Nogueira, Alexandre Lobo-da-Cunha, António Afonso, Socorro Rivera, Joana Azevedo, Rogério Monteiro, Rosa Cervantes, Ana Gago-Martinez and Vítor Vasconcelos

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2721-2732; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102721 - 15 Oct 2010

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 10311

Abstract

Neurotoxicity induced in fish by domoic acid (DA) was assessed with respect to occurrence of neurotoxic signs, lethality, and histopathology by light microscopy. Sparus aurata were exposed to a single dose of DA by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 0, 0.45, 0.9, and 9.0 [...] Read more.

Neurotoxicity induced in fish by domoic acid (DA) was assessed with respect to occurrence of neurotoxic signs, lethality, and histopathology by light microscopy. Sparus aurata were exposed to a single dose of DA by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 0, 0.45, 0.9, and 9.0 mg DA kg⁻¹ bw. Mortality (66.67 ± 16.67%) was only observed in dose of 9.0 mg kg⁻¹ bw. Signs of neurological toxicity were detected for the doses of 0.9 and 9.0 mg DA kg⁻¹ bw. Furthermore, the mean concentrations (±SD) of DA detected by HPLC-UV in extracts of brain after exposure to 9.0 mg DA kg⁻¹ bw were 0.61 ± 0.01, 0.96 ± 0.00, and 0.36 ± 0.01 mg DA kg⁻¹ tissue at 1, 2, and 4 hours. The lack of major permanent brain damage in S. aurata, and reversibility of neurotoxic signs, suggest that lower susceptibility to DA or neuronal recovery occurs in affected individuals. Full article

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Graphical abstract

493 KiB

Open AccessReview

Marine Antitumor Drugs: Status, Shortfalls and Strategies

by Ira Bhatnagar and Se-Kwon Kim

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2702-2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102702 - 15 Oct 2010

Cited by 129 | Viewed by 14827

Abstract

Cancer is considered as one of the deadliest diseases in the medical field. Apart from the preventive therapies, it is important to find a curative measure which holds no loopholes and acts accurately and precisely to curb cancer. Over the past few decades, [...] Read more.

Cancer is considered as one of the deadliest diseases in the medical field. Apart from the preventive therapies, it is important to find a curative measure which holds no loopholes and acts accurately and precisely to curb cancer. Over the past few decades, there have been advances in this field and there are many antitumor compounds available on the market, which are of natural as well as synthetic origin. Marine chemotherapy is well recognized nowadays and profound development has been achieved by researchers to deal with different molecular pathways of tumors. However, the marine environment has been less explored for the production of safe and novel antitumor compounds. The reason is a number of shortfalls in this field. Though ample reviews cover the importance and applications of various anticancerous compounds from marine natural products, in the present review, we have tried to bring the current status of antitumor research based on marine inhibitors of cancer signaling pathways. In addition, focus has been placed on the shortfalls and probable strategies in the arena of marine antitumor drug discovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Drugs as Antitumour Agents)

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499 KiB

Open AccessReview

Immense Essence of Excellence: Marine Microbial Bioactive Compounds

by Ira Bhatnagar and Se-Kwon Kim

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2673-2701; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102673 - 15 Oct 2010

Cited by 324 | Viewed by 29871

Abstract

Oceans have borne most of the biological activities on our planet. A number of biologically active compounds with varying degrees of action, such as anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-microtubule, anti-proliferative, cytotoxic, photo protective, as well as antibiotic and antifouling properties, have been isolated to date [...] Read more.

Oceans have borne most of the biological activities on our planet. A number of biologically active compounds with varying degrees of action, such as anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-microtubule, anti-proliferative, cytotoxic, photo protective, as well as antibiotic and antifouling properties, have been isolated to date from marine sources. The marine environment also represents a largely unexplored source for isolation of new microbes (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, microalgae-cyanobacteria and diatoms) that are potent producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. Extensive research has been done to unveil the bioactive potential of marine microbes (free living and symbiotic) and the results are amazingly diverse and productive. Some of these bioactive secondary metabolites of microbial origin with strong antibacterial and antifungal activities are being intensely used as antibiotics and may be effective against infectious diseases such as HIV, conditions of multiple bacterial infections (penicillin, cephalosporines, streptomycin, and vancomycin) or neuropsychiatric sequelae. Research is also being conducted on the general aspects of biophysical and biochemical properties, chemical structures and biotechnological applications of the bioactive substances derived from marine microorganisms, and their potential use as cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals. This review is an attempt to consolidate the latest studies and critical research in this field, and to showcase the immense competence of marine microbial flora as bioactive metabolite producers. In addition, the present review addresses some effective and novel approaches of procuring marine microbial compounds utilizing the latest screening strategies of drug discovery. Full article

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307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marine Benthic Cyanobacteria Contain Apoptosis-Inducing Activity Synergizing with Daunorubicin to Kill Leukemia Cells, but not Cardiomyocytes

by Linn Oftedal, Frode Selheim, Matti Wahlsten, Kaarina Sivonen, Stein Ove Døskeland and Lars Herfindal

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2659-2672; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102659 - 14 Oct 2010

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 9848

Abstract

The potential of marine benthic cyanobacteria as a source of anticancer drug candidates was assessed in a screen for induction of cell death (apoptosis) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Of the 41 marine cyanobacterial strains screened, more than half contained cell death-inducing [...] Read more.

The potential of marine benthic cyanobacteria as a source of anticancer drug candidates was assessed in a screen for induction of cell death (apoptosis) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Of the 41 marine cyanobacterial strains screened, more than half contained cell death-inducing activity. Several strains contained activity against AML cells, but not against non-malignant cells like hepatocytes and cardiomyoblasts. The apoptotic cell death induced by the various strains could be distinguished by the role of caspase activation and sensitivity to the recently detected chemotherapy-resistance-associated prosurvival protein LEDGF/p75. One strain (M44) was particularly promising since its activity counteracted the protective effect of LEDGF/p75 overexpressed in AML cells, acted synergistically with the anthracycline anticancer drug daunorubicin in AML cells, and protected cardiomyoblasts against the toxic effect of anthracyclines. We conclude that culturable benthic marine cyanobacteria from temperate environments provide a promising and hitherto underexploited source for novel antileukemic drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Drugs as Antitumour Agents)

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Open AccessArticle

Trabectedin for Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Retrospective Single Center Analysis

by Thomas Schmitt, Eva Keller, Sascha Dietrich, Patrick Wuchter, Anthony D. Ho and Gerlinde Egerer

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2647-2658; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102647 - 13 Oct 2010

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10969

Abstract

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) comprises a large variety of rare malignant tumors. Development of distant metastasis is frequent, even in patients undergoing initial curative surgery. Trabectedin, a tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the Caribbean marine tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata, was approved in 2007 for [...] Read more.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) comprises a large variety of rare malignant tumors. Development of distant metastasis is frequent, even in patients undergoing initial curative surgery. Trabectedin, a tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the Caribbean marine tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata, was approved in 2007 for patients with advanced STS after failure of anthracyclines and ifosfamide, or for patients unsuited to receive these agents. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 25 patients who had been treated with trabectedin at our institution between 2007 and 2010. The majority (72%) had been heavily pre-treated with ³2 previous lines of chemotherapy. Response assessed by conventional RECIST criteria was low, with only one patient achieving a partial remission (PR) and 10 stable disease (SD) after three cycles of treatment. However, median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly prolonged in this population compared to non-responders, with 7.7 months versus 2.1 months (p < 0.0001; HR 15.37, 95% CI 4.3 to 54.5) and 12.13 months versus 5.54 months (p = 0.0137; HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 10.5), respectively. PFS for all patients was 58% at three months and 37% at six months. Side effects, including neutropenia, elevation of liver transaminases/liver function tests, and nausea/vomiting, were usually mild and manageable. However, dose reductions due to side effects were necessary in five patients. We conclude that trabectedin is an effective and generally well tolerated treatment for STS even in a heavily pre-treated patient population. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Excavatoids O and P, New 12-Hydroxybriaranes from the Octocoral Briareum excavatum

by Ping-Jyun Sung, Gung-Ying Li, Yin-Di Su, Mei-Ru Lin, Yu-Chia Chang, Ting-Hsuan Kung, Chan-Shing Lin, Yung-Husan Chen, Jui-Hsin Su, Mei-Chin Lu, Jimmy Kuo, Ching-Feng Weng and Tsong-Long Hwang

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2639-2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102639 - 12 Oct 2010

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9922

Abstract

Two new 12-hydroxybriarane diterpenoids, designated as excavatoids O (1) and P (2), were isolated from the octocoral Briareum excavatum. The structures of briaranes 1 and 2 were established on the basis of extensive spectral data analysis. Excavatoid P [...] Read more.

Two new 12-hydroxybriarane diterpenoids, designated as excavatoids O (1) and P (2), were isolated from the octocoral Briareum excavatum. The structures of briaranes 1 and 2 were established on the basis of extensive spectral data analysis. Excavatoid P (2) is the first metabolite which possesses a 6b-chlorine atom in briarane analogues. Full article

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388 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antiviral Lead Compounds from Marine Sponges

by Sunil Sagar, Mandeep Kaur and Kenneth P. Minneman

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2619-2638; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102619 - 11 Oct 2010

Cited by 205 | Viewed by 21358

Abstract

Marine sponges are currently one of the richest sources of pharmacologically active compounds found in the marine environment. These bioactive molecules are often secondary metabolites, whose main function is to enable and/or modulate cellular communication and defense. They are usually produced by functional [...] Read more.

Marine sponges are currently one of the richest sources of pharmacologically active compounds found in the marine environment. These bioactive molecules are often secondary metabolites, whose main function is to enable and/or modulate cellular communication and defense. They are usually produced by functional enzyme clusters in sponges and/or their associated symbiotic microorganisms. Natural product lead compounds from sponges have often been found to be promising pharmaceutical agents. Several of them have successfully been approved as antiviral agents for clinical use or have been advanced to the late stages of clinical trials. Most of these drugs are used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). The most important antiviral lead of marine origin reported thus far is nucleoside Ara-A (vidarabine) isolated from sponge Tethya crypta. It inhibits viral DNA polymerase and DNA synthesis of herpes, vaccinica and varicella zoster viruses. However due to the discovery of new types of viruses and emergence of drug resistant strains, it is necessary to develop new antiviral lead compounds continuously. Several sponge derived antiviral lead compounds which are hopedto be developed as future drugs are discussed in this review. Supply problems are usually the major bottleneck to the development of these compounds as drugs during clinical trials. However advances in the field of metagenomics and high throughput microbial cultivation has raised the possibility that these techniques could lead to the cost-effective large scale production of such compounds. Perspectives on biotechnological methods with respect to marine drug development are also discussed. Full article

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Graphical abstract

281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Online Detection of Surfactin Isomers Based on HPLC-MSⁿ Analyses and Their Inhibitory Effects on the Overproduction of Nitric Oxide and the Release of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-Induced Macrophages

by Jin-Shan Tang, Feng Zhao, Hao Gao, Yi Dai, Zhi-Hong Yao, Kui Hong, Jia Li, Wen-Cai Ye and Xin-Sheng Yao

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2605-2618; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102605 - 11 Oct 2010

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 11958

Abstract

A rapid method for characterization and online detection of surfactin isomers was developed based on HPLC-MSⁿ (n = 1, 2, 3) analyses, and many surfactin isomers were detected and characterized from the bioactive fraction of the mangrove bacterium Bacillus sp. Inhibitory activities [...] Read more.

A rapid method for characterization and online detection of surfactin isomers was developed based on HPLC-MSⁿ (n = 1, 2, 3) analyses, and many surfactin isomers were detected and characterized from the bioactive fraction of the mangrove bacterium Bacillus sp. Inhibitory activities of surfactin isomers on the overproduction of nitric oxide and the release of TNF-a and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages were systematically investigated. It was revealed that the surfactin isomers showed strong inhibitory properties on the overproduction of nitric oxide and the release of IL-6 on LPS-induced murine macrophage cell RAW264.7 with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.0 to 7.0 mM. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed that the existence of the free carboxyl group in the structure of surfactin isomers was crucial. These findings will be very helpful for the development of this novel kind of natural product as new anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

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Graphical abstract

327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Marine Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Biofilm Formation of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis

by Vuyisile S. Thibane, Johan L. F. Kock, Ruan Ells, Pieter W. J. van Wyk and Carolina H. Pohl

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2597-2604; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102597 - 8 Oct 2010

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 14728

Abstract

The effect of marine polyunsaturated fatty acids on biofilm formation by the human pathogens Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis was investigated. It was found that stearidonic acid (18:4 n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) have [...] Read more.

The effect of marine polyunsaturated fatty acids on biofilm formation by the human pathogens Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis was investigated. It was found that stearidonic acid (18:4 n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) have an inhibitory effect on mitochondrial metabolism of both C. albicans and C. dubliniensis and that the production of biofilm biomass by C. dubliniensis was more susceptible to these fatty acids than C. albicans. Ultrastructural differences, which may be due to increased oxidative stress, were observed between treated and untreated cells of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis with formation of rough cell walls by both species and fibrillar structures in C. dubliniensis. These results indicate that marine polyunsaturated fatty acids may be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of biofilms formed by these pathogenic yeasts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Lipids)

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912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Investigations of American Oysters Using ¹H-NMR Spectroscopy

by Andrey P. Tikunov, Christopher B. Johnson, Haakil Lee, Michael K. Stoskopf and Jeffrey M. Macdonald

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2578-2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102578 - 8 Oct 2010

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 11308

Abstract

The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a useful, robust model marine organism for tissue metabolism studies. Its relatively few organs are easily delineated and there is sufficient understanding of their functions based on classical assays to support interpretation of advanced spectroscopic [...] Read more.

The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a useful, robust model marine organism for tissue metabolism studies. Its relatively few organs are easily delineated and there is sufficient understanding of their functions based on classical assays to support interpretation of advanced spectroscopic approaches. Here we apply high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR)-based metabolomic analysis to C. virginica to investigate the differences in the metabolic profile of different organ groups, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to non-invasively identify the well separated organs. Metabolites were identified in perchloric acid extracts of three portions of the oyster containing: (1) adductor muscle, (2) stomach and digestive gland, and (3) mantle and gills. Osmolytes dominated the metabolome in all three organ blocks with decreasing concentration as follows: betaine > taurine > proline > glycine > ß-alanine > hypotaurine. Mitochondrial metabolism appeared most pronounced in the adductor muscle with elevated levels of carnitine facilitating ß-oxidation, and ATP, and phosphoarginine synthesis, while glycogen was elevated in the mantle/gills and stomach/digestive gland. A biochemical schematic is presented that relates metabolites to biochemical pathways correlated with physiological organ functions. This study identifies metabolites and corresponding ¹H NMR peak assignments for future NMR-based metabolomic studies in oysters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Approaches to Marine Organisms)

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113 KiB

Open AccessReview

Demospongic Acids Revisited

by Jean-Michel Kornprobst and Gilles Barnathan

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2569-2577; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102569 - 8 Oct 2010

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 9309

Abstract

The well-known fatty acids with a D5,9 unsaturation system were designated for a long period as demospongic acids, taking into account that they originally occurred in marine Demospongia sponges. However, such acids have also been observed in various marine sources with a large [...] Read more.

The well-known fatty acids with a D5,9 unsaturation system were designated for a long period as demospongic acids, taking into account that they originally occurred in marine Demospongia sponges. However, such acids have also been observed in various marine sources with a large range of chain-lengths (C₁₆–C₃₂) and from some terrestrial plants with short acyl chains (C₁₈–C₁₉). Finally, the D5,9 fatty acids appear to be a particular type of non-methylene-interrupted fatty acids (NMA FAs). This article reviews the occurrence of these particular fatty acids in marine and terrestrial organisms and shows the biosynthetic connections between D5,9 fatty acids and other NMI FAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Lipids)

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367 KiB

Open AccessReview

Symbiodinium—Invertebrate Symbioses and the Role of Metabolomics

by Benjamin R. Gordon and William Leggat

Mar. Drugs 2010, 8(10), 2546-2568; https://doi.org/10.3390/md8102546 - 30 Sep 2010

Cited by 99 | Viewed by 18344

Abstract

Symbioses play an important role within the marine environment. Among the most well known of these symbioses is that between coral and the photosynthetic dinoflagellate, Symbiodinium spp. Understanding the metabolic relationships between the host and the symbiont is of the utmost importance in [...] Read more.

Symbioses play an important role within the marine environment. Among the most well known of these symbioses is that between coral and the photosynthetic dinoflagellate, Symbiodinium spp. Understanding the metabolic relationships between the host and the symbiont is of the utmost importance in order to gain insight into how this symbiosis may be disrupted due to environmental stressors. Here we summarize the metabolites related to nutritional roles, diel cycles and the common metabolites associated with the invertebrate-Symbiodinium relationship. We also review the more obscure metabolites and toxins that have been identified through natural products and biomarker research. Finally, we discuss the key role that metabolomics and functional genomics will play in understanding these important symbioses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolomic Approaches to Marine Organisms)

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Mar. Drugs, Volume 8, Issue 10 (October 2010) – 12 articles , Pages 2546-2732

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