Red Microalga Polysaccharides Reduce Inflammation in Angiotensin II Stimulated Coronary Cells

Shahar Koskas, Chemical Engineering, SCE, Rishon Le Zion, Israel
Rachel Hamias, Center Of Vascular Hypertension Disease Research , Soroka University Medical Center , Beer Sheva, Israel
Talya Wolak, Hypertension Unit , Soroka University Medical Center And Faculty Of Health Sciences, Beer Sheva, Israel
Oshrat Levy-Ontman, Chemical Engineering, Sce, Beer Sheva, Israel

Polysaccharides produced by the red microalga Porphyridium sp. (PSs) were reported to stimulate anti-inflammatory activity in human skin [1, 2]. However, it is not known whether the PSs influence vascular endothelium function. The primary goal of the present research was to evaluate whether the polysaccharides imitate reduction of inflammatory processes under the main effector of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), Angiotensin II (Ang II), in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs).

The anti-inflammatory effect was examined by quantification of functional and inflammatory markers in Ang II stimulated HCAEC following pre-treatment with polysaccharides at different concentrations. Processes up-regulated by Ang-II such as adhesion molecules, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) translocation as well as inhibitor of kappa B (IκB) degradation, were significantly weakened in cells pre-treated with the polysaccharides. In addition, the polysaccharides could inhibit NF-κB activation and increase the antioxidant response elements activity (ARE), transcription system that starts Protection processes following stress and inflammation, in pre-treated-Ang II-transfected HCAECs.

The Polysaccharides also increased the Nitric oxide levels and reduced the endothelin expression in the Ang II-treated cells, in comparison to the basal (Ang II stimulated HCAECs without PSs).

This study holds potential for applied research, possibly promoting the use of the polysaccharides as a therapeutic agent aimed at preventing vascular inflammation, and therefore improving the outcome of cardiovascular disease treatments. 

[1] Arad (Malis) S.; Levy-Ontman O.; Red microalgal cell-wall polysaccharides: biotechnological aspects. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2010, 21: 358–364.

[2] Matsui MS.; Muizzuddin N.; Arad S.; Marenus K.; Sulphated polysaccharides from red micro­algae have anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2003, 104: 13–22.