The efficacy of a sulphated polysaccharide fraction from Hypnea musciformis against diarrhea in rodents
2016
Sousa, Nayara A. | Barros, Francisco Clark N. | Araújo, Thiago S.L. | Costa, Douglas S. | Souza, Luan Kelves M. | Sousa, Francisca Beatriz M. | Leódido, Ana Carolina M. | Pacífico, Dvison M. | Araújo, Simone de | Bezerra, Francisco F. | Freitas, Ana Lúcia P. | Medeiros, Jand Venes R.
Seaweeds are sources of diverse bioactive compounds, such as sulphated polysaccharides. This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition and anti-diarrheal activity of a fraction of sulphated polysaccharide (PLS) obtained from the red seaweed Hypnea musciformis in different animal models, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. PLS was obtained by aqueous extraction, with a yield of 31.8% of the seaweed dry weight. The total carbohydrate content accounted for 99% of the sample. The sulfate content of the polysaccharide was 5.08% and the percentage of carbon was 25.98%. Pretreatment with all doses of PLS inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea, with reduction of the total amount of stool, diarrheal stools, and the severity of diarrhea. PLS (90mg/Kg) decreased castor oil- and PGE2-induced enteropooling. In addition, PLS (90mg/Kg) increased the Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the small intestine and reduced gastrointestinal transit, possibly via activation of cholinergic receptors. Interestingly, the cholera toxin-induced fluid secretion and Cl− ion levels decreased in the intestinal contents of the animals pretreated with PLS (90mg/kg), probably via reduction of toxin—GM1 receptor binding. In conclusion, PLS exerts anti-diarrheal activity by increasing Na+/K+-ATPase activity, inhibiting gastrointestinal motility, and blocking the toxin—GM1 receptor binding.
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