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Acanthophora muscoides (Rhodophyta) contains structurally heterogeneous sulfated polysaccharides (Am-SPs) with pharmacological importance; however, its matrix SPs composition has not been still extensively investigated. This study sequentially extracted and compared the structural features and the in vitro anticoagulant effects of the Am-SPs. Papain-extraction sequence yielded Am.E-1, Am.E-2 and Am.E-3 containing differences among the relative proportions of sulfate (26.18-33%) and hexoses (42.02-60.67%) based on chemical analyses. One- (1H) and two-dimensions (1H/13C) nuclear magnetic resonance experiments showed very complex Am-SPs composed of alternating 4-linked-α-galactopyranosyl units and 3-linked-β-galactopyranosyl units presenting variable sulfation, CH3 substitutions and3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactose units and pyruvated-D-galactose residues, respectively, typical of agarocolloids. Different chromatographic profiles (DEAE-cellulose) were observed, with fractions (Am I, Am II and Am III eluted with 0.5, 0.75 and/or 1 M of NaCl, respectively) revealing charge density patterns and distinct mobility to heparin by agarose-electrophoresis and, when analyzed by polyacrylamide-electrophoresis, a dispersive migration and similar mobility as chondroitin-6-sulfate for Am I fractions were noted. Regarding the activated partial thromboplastin time test, fractions had no virtually anticoagulation (1.47→3.07 IU mg-1) in comparison with 193 IU mg-1 heparin. Therefore, Am-SPs show significantly lower anticoagulation than heparin.

Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyceae) has biotechnologically-important sulfated-polysaccharides (Ul-SPs), but their potentials on thrombin generation (TG) are unknown. This study analyzed the structural and physical-chemical features of the Ul-SPs as modulators of TG. Proteolytic digestion yielded (13.13%) extract containing sulfate (20.43%) and total sugars (65.72%), besides ulvan consisting of rhamnose, xylose, glucose, glucuronic acid and α-/β-types glycosidic linkages as characterized by one-/two-dimensions nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Fractionation of the Ul-SPs by DEAE-cellulose chromatography yielded Ul-SP1 and Ul-SP2 (0.50 and 0.75 M NaCl, respectively) showing sulfation (15.72-18.04%) and total sugars (59.73-60.58%) consistent with the charge density pattern by combination of agarose/polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis using sequential staining with toluidine blue and stains-all, although with slight differences in their sizes (40 and >100 kDa, respectively). By both activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) tests, anticoagulation of the fractions was virtually detected by APTT (0.39 and 0.43 IU, respectively) against heparin (193 IU). Fractions acted differently on both intrinsic/extrinsic pathways in TG using 60-fold diluted human plasma, with 50% efficacies up to 8.3 µg, whereas at high concentrations suggested intrinsic hypercoagulability since heparin abolished both systems at low amounts. Ul-SPs block TG, but predicting thrombosis in increasing doses.

The global demand for natural products from seaweeds has increased worldwide; however, no description of the use of isoamly alcohol (IAA) for obtaining of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) has been reported. We investigated the efficiency of two precipitation methods (M) in obtaining SPs from the red seaweed Gracilaria cornea. SPs enzymatically isolated were concentrated with cetylpyridinium chloride (M I) or IAA (M II) and extracts were examined with regard to their yield, structural features and in vitro effects on the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using normal human plasma and standard heparin (193 IU mg-1). Yield difference reached 12.99%. Quantitative determination of sulfate was similar between the two methods (̴ 26%), but extracts revealed different pattern on charge density by agarose gel electrophoresis. Whereas both extracts revealed as agarocolloids, alternative M II was also efficient for lipids, proteins and nucleic acids according to the infrared analysis. Extracts had virtually no effect on APPT (1.95 and 2 IU mg-1 for M I and M II, respectively). The results revealed IAA as an alternative solvent for obtaining SPs from the red seaweed G. cornea, depending on the industry’ usage criterion.

Metabolites isolated from Gelidiella species (Rhodophyta) have been few studied. We evaluated a sulfated polysaccharidic fraction from G. acerosa collected from two Brazilian beaches on the northwestern coast of Brazil (Flecheiras-F and Pedra Rachada-PR) on coagulation proteases and thrombosis. Their toxicity in vivo was also assessed. Enzymatic extractions yielded 1.40%, and similar chromatographic profiles (DEAE-cellulose) were obtained, with fractions (Ga-I→V) containing differences among the relative proportions of sulfate (5-42%), and revealing charge density patterns by electrophoresis. Ga-IV-PR had a discrete effect (3.01 IU mg-1) on normal human coagulation compared with heparin (193 IU mg-1) and was tested on coagulation proteases (thrombin and factor Xa) in the presence of antithrombin and in a model of venous thrombosis in rats using thromboplastin as the thrombogenic stimulus. The systems were inhibited; but at higher doses (>1.0 mg kg-1), this fraction reverted the antithrombotic effect. Regarding the toxicological study, consecutive Ga-IV (9 mg kg-1) for 14 days did not cause mortality in mice, but some biochemical and hematological parameters were discretely altered. Histopathological analysis revealed that increased liver and spleen sizes had no toxicological significance. Therefore, G. acerosa does not biochemically change its matrix polysaccharide composition and proved to be safe antithrombotic agent.

Acanthophora muscoides (Rhodophyta) has three polysulfated fractions (Am-1, Am-2 and Am-3). Am-2 displayed anti-inflammation and serpin-independent anticoagulation; however, no effect of oligomers on thrombin-generation (TG) assay has been demonstrated. This study employed mild-acid hydrolysis to obtain low-molecular-size derivatives from Am-2 and compared in vitro inhibitory effects between intact Am-2 and its hydrolysates on a TG assay. The enzymatic extract was fractionated by DEAE-cellulose that revealed Am-2 eluted with 0.75-M NaCl containing sulfate (23%), hexoses (51%) and devoid of proteins, and indicating, by one-dimension nuclear magnetic resonance, structure of galactan similar to that of extract. The depolymerization with HCl (0.02 or 0.04-M, 60°C) for different times progressively reduced the charge density and the molecular-size of Am-2 based on electrophoreses in agarose and polyacrylamide gels, respectively, where at higher acid concentration and critical time up to 5 h yielded fragment of ̴ 10-kDa similar to that of unfractionated heparin (UHEP). Regarding the TG assay, intact Am-2 inhibited concentration-dependent the intrinsic pathway, whereas its hydrolysates abolished it like UHEP, when in 60-fold diluted human plasma using chromogenic method by a continuous system. The results reveal an alternative approach for producing oligosaccharides from A. muscoides with TG inhibition.

Studies on macromolecules isolated from marine algae suggested sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) as possible molecular markers for species. We evaluated isolated and fractionated SPs from the green marine algae Caulerpa cupressoides, C. prolifera and C. racemosa collected at Pacheco Beach, as possible taxonomic molecular indicators. Total SPs were extracted with papain in 100 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) containing cysteine and EDTA (both 5 mM), followed by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose using a NaCl gradient. The obtained fractions were analyzed by 0.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Anticoagulant assays employing normal human plasma and standard heparin (193 IU mg-1) by the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test were also performed as comparison parameters. Low yields, and similar chromatographic profiles were found among species’ SPs, but electrophoresis revealed distinct SPs resolution patterns. The changes in APTT of SP fractions were dependent on charge density as showed by electrophoresis profiles. Activities were 17.37 (C. cupressoides), 22.17 (C. racemosa) and 25.64 (C. prolifera) IU mg-1, respectively, similar to a previous study using the first and second species. The results suggest that comparative studies of SPs isolated from seaweeds may be an important tool for the identification of Caulerpaceae.A utilização de macromoléculas isoladas de organismos marinhos sugere correlacionar características em estudos taxonômicos e a investigação comparativa de polissacarídeos sulfatados (PSs) de algas despertam seu interesse como marcadores moleculares. Objetivou-se avaliar PSs isolados e fracionados das algas marinhas verdes Caulerpa cupressoides, C. prolifera e C. racemosa, coletadas na Praia do Pacheco, Estado do Ceará, como possíveis indicadores moleculares taxonômicos. Os PSs totais foram extraídos com papaína em tampão acetato de sódio 100 mM (pH 5,0) contendo cisteína e EDTA (ambos 5 mM), seguido por cromatografia de troca iônica em coluna de DEAE-celulose utilizando um gradiente de NaCl. As frações obtidas foram analisadas por eletroforese em gel de agarose a 0,5%. Ensaios anticoagulantes, utilizando o teste do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA) com plasma humano normal e heparina padrão (193 UI mg-1), também foram realizados como parâmetros de comparação. Verificaram-se baixos rendimentos e semelhantes perfis cromatográficos entre os PSs das espécies, porém revelando, por eletroforese, diferenças moleculares marcantes. As alterações no TTPA das frações de PS foram dependentes da densidade de cargas negativas mostradas nos perfis eletroforéticos, cujas atividades foram 17,37 (C. cupressoides), 22,17 (C. racemosa) e 25,64 (C. prolifera) UI mg-1, respectivamente, e tal propriedade justificou um estudo já realizado utilizando a primeira e segunda espécies. Os resultados sugerem que estudos comparativos de PSs isolados de algas marinhas possam vir a ser uma ferramenta importante na identificação de Caulerpaceae.

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) have attracted growing interest for various biotechnological applications. We evaluated the efficiency of two methods of drying SPs (M I and II) extracted from Halymenia sp Rhodophyceae in order to compare the yield, purification and anticoagulant activity. The total SPs (TSPs) were first extracted with papain in 100 mM sodium acetate (pH 5.0) containing cysteine and EDTA (5 mM). The TSPs obtained were dried in an oven (M I) or lyophilized (M II) and then examined by ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose) using the NaCl gradient technique. The fractions were analyzed by 0.5% agarose gel electrophoresis and the in vitro anticoagulant activity was evaluated by the activated partial thromboplastin time test using normal human plasma and compared to heparin (HEP) (193.00 IU mg-1). There was a difference in TSP yield of 19.05% and similar chromatographic SP profiles. Electrophoresis revealed fractions with distinct resolutions. The fractions eluted with 0.75 M of salt (M I and II) were the most active, measuring 27.40 and 72.66 IU mg-1, respectively, when compared to HEP. Therefore, obtaining SP with anticoagulant activity from Halymenia sp. is more efficient by freeze-drying.Os polissacarídeos sulfatados (PS) têm despertado interesse crescente para diversas aplicações em biotecnologia. Avaliou-se a eficiência de duas metodologias de secagem de PSs (M I e II) extraídos da rodofícea Halymenia sp. a fim de se comparar o rendimento, a purificação e a atividade anticoagulante. Inicialmente, os PS totais (PSTs) foram extraídos com papaína em tampão acetato de sódio 100 mM (pH 5,0) contendo cisteína e EDTA (5 mM). Os PSTs foram secados em estufa (M I) ou liofilizados (M II), seguido por cromatografia de troca iônica (DEAE-celulose) utilizando um gradiente de NaCl. As frações foram analisadas por eletroforese em gel de agarose a 0,5% e a atividade anticoagulante “in vitro” avaliada por meio do teste do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada usando plasma humano normal e comparadas à heparina (HEP) (193.00 UI mg-1). Verificaram-se diferença no rendimento de PSTs (19,05%) e semelhantes perfis cromatográficos de PS, revelando, por eletroforese, frações de PS distintas em grau de resolução entre os métodos. As frações eluídas com 0,75 M de sal (M I e II) foram as mais ativas, com valores de atividade da ordem de 27,40 e 72,66 UI mg-1, respectivamente, em relação à HEP. Portanto, a secagem por liofilização seria uma forma mais eficaz na obtenção de PSs com atividade anticoagulante de Halymenia sp.

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) have attracted growing interest for various biotechnological applications. We evaluated the efficiency of two methods of drying SPs (M I and II) extracted from Halymenia sp Rhodophyceae in order to compare the yield, purification and anticoagulant activity. The total SPs (TSPs) were first extracted with papain in 100 mM sodium acetate (pH 5.0) containing cysteine and EDTA (5 mM). The TSPs obtained were dried in an oven (M I) or lyophilized (M II) and then examined by ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose) using the NaCl gradient technique. The fractions were analyzed by 0.5% agarose gel electrophoresis and the in vitro anticoagulant activity was evaluated by the activated partial thromboplastin time test using normal human plasma and compared to heparin (HEP) (193.00 IU mg-1). There was a difference in TSP yield of 19.05% and similar chromatographic SP profiles. Electrophoresis revealed fractions with distinct resolutions. The fractions eluted with 0.75 M of salt (M I and II) were the most active, measuring 27.40 and 72.66 IU mg-1, respectively, when compared to HEP. Therefore, obtaining SP with anticoagulant activity from Halymenia sp. is more efficient by freeze-drying.

Heparin (HEP) is known due to their side effects and the red seaweed Halymenia floresia (Hf) sulfated polysaccharides (SP) are heparinoids. In this study we purified the Hf-SP obtained from an aqueous extract and evaluated their anticoagulant activities. Hf-SP1 (25°C), Hf-SP2 (80°C) and Hf-SP3 (80°C) were sequentially isolated. Hf-SP3 had the highest sulfate content (37.45%). Hf-SP3 was fractionated by ion exchange chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose column using a NaCl gradient. Fractions were lyophilized and submitted to 0.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. The anticoagulant activity was evaluated by the activated partial thromboplastin time using rabbits plasma and expressed in international units per mg of SP using standard HEP (193 IU mg-1). The chromatographic procedure separated into four different SP fractions (F I, F II, F III and F IV) eluted at concentrations of 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 M of NaCl, respectively, reveling among them different marked on charge density, when compared by electrophoresis. F III had the highest anticoagulant activity (10.72 IU mg-1), suggesting that the sulfate is important in this process. In conclusion, our results suggest that sequential extractions of Hf-SP are an important biotechnological tool for identification of novel anticoagulants and studies of structural characterization are already in progress.

Objetivou-se isolar, fracionar e avaliar a toxicidade in vivo dos polissacarídeos sulfatados (PSs) da rodofícea Hypnea musciformis, quando obtidos por três métodos de extração (M I; M II e M III). Os PSs foram extraídos com papaína em tampão acetato de sódio 100mM (pH 5,0), contendo cisteína e EDTA (5mM) (M I) ou água (25-80°C (M II); 80°C (M III)) e, em seguida, determinados sua composição química de carboidratos totais, sulfato livre (SL) e proteínas contaminantes (PCs). Os PSs foram submetidos à cromatografia de troca iônica (DEAE-celulose) usando um gradiente de cloreto de sódio, sendo avaliado o grau de homogeneidade e densidade de carga por eletroforese em gel de agarose das frações obtidas e comparadas à heparina. O ensaio in vivo foi realizado em grupos (n=6) de camundongos Swiss machos e fêmeas (24-33g), os quais receberam: PSs (9mg kg-1; i.p.) isentos do PCs (M I) e salina 0,9% (0,1mL 10g-1; i.p.), durante 14 dias consecutivos. No 15o dia, os animais foram anestesiados e sacrificados para coletas de sangue e órgãos, os quais foram utilizados para dosagens bioquímicas e correlações com suas massas corpóreas, respectivamente. O teor de SL (31,05±0,53%) (P0,05).This study aimed to isolate, fractionate and evaluate the in vivo toxicity of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from Hypnea musciformis (Rhodophyta), when obtained by three extraction methods (M I, M II and M III). SPs were extracted with papain in 100mM sodium acetate (pH 5.0) containing cysteine and EDTA (5mM) (M I) or water (25-80°C (M II), 80°C (M III)), and then their chemical composition of total carbohydrates, free sulfate (FS) and contaminant proteins (CPs) was determined. SPs were submitted to ion-exchange chromatography (DEAE-celulose) using a sodium chloride gradient, being the degree of homogeneity and charge density evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis of the fractions obtained and compared to heparin. The in vivo assay was performed using groups (n=6) of male and female Swiss mice (24-33g), which received: SPs (9mg kg-1, i.p.) absence of CPs (M I) and 0.9% saline (0.1mL 10g-1, i.p.), for 14 consecutive days. On the 15th day, collect blood and organs for biochemical dosages and corporal mass correlation, respectively, from the animals anesthetized and sacrificed were performed. The sulfate content of FS (31.05±0.53%) (P0.05)

Os glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) constituem a matriz extracelular de tecidos animais e os resíduos do processamento de peixes comercialmente cultivados podem oferecer novos agentes anticoagulantes em substituição à heparina (HEP) nas ciências médicas. Objetivou-se purificar, caracterizar físico-quimicamente e avaliar a atividade anticoagulante dos GAGs isolados da pele da tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus. Os GAGs foram extraídos com papaína em tampão acetato de sódio 100 mM (pH 5,0) contendo cisteína e EDTA (5 mM), seguido por cromatografia de troca iônica em coluna de DEAE-celulose, utilizando um gradiente de NaCl. As frações obtidas foram liofilizadas e submetidas à eletroforese em gel de agarose a 0,5%. A atividade anticoagulante foi avaliada por meio do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA), usando-se plasma humano normal e HEP padrão (193 UI mg-1). O perfil cromatográfico mostrou a separação de duas diferentes frações de GAGs (F I e F II), eluídas com 0,50 e 0,75 M de NaCl, respectivamente, revelando, por eletroforese, frações distintas em densidade de cargas, porém ambas mostrando GAGs com mobilidades semelhantes ao dermatam sulfato (DS) padrão, sugerindo-se a identificação preliminar desse GAG. Os GAGs modificaram o TTPA, cujas atividades perfizeram, respectivamente, 4,72 (F I) e 23,80 (F II) UI mg-1, e expressaram-se dose-dependente. Portanto, o DS anticoagulante da pele de O. niloticus sugere uma fonte interessante para estudos posteriores de atividade antitrombótica.

Red algae sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) have been widely described as anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents; however no description of antithrombotic activity regarding green algae SPs has been reported. Caulerpa cupressoides (Chlorophyta) has three different SPs fractions (SP1, SP2 and SP3). We investigated the effects of SP2 on thrombin activity by antithrombin and in an experimental model of venous thrombosis in rats. The inhibition of thrombin assay was evaluated using antithrombin (AT) in the presence of SP2 and the antithrombotic activity was investigated in rats with thromboplastin as the thrombogenic stimulus. The anticoagulant effects of SP2 are suggested be due to the potentiation of thrombin inhibition by antithrombin (IC50 ~ 10.0µg mL-1) and this mechanism of interaction is different when compared to other studied Caulerpa polysaccharides. SP2 exhibited antithrombotic effects at doses of 1.0 and 2.0mg kg-1 body weight, but at higher doses (>2.0mg kg-1 body weight) this polysaccharide revert the antithrombotic property. No hemorrhagic effect (2.0mg kg-1) was observed. As occurs with red algae SPs, these results indicate that green algae SPs are also capable of exhibiting different in vivo properties.Os polissacarídeos sulfatados (PSs) de algas vermelhas têm sido relatados mundialmente como agentes anticoagulantes e antitrombóticos. Entretanto, nenhuma descrição de atividade antitrombótica tem sido relacionada com os PSs de algas verdes. A clorofícea Caulerpa cupressoides possui três frações de PSs (PS1; PS2 e PS3). Dessa forma, objetivou-se investigar os efeitos da fração PS2 sobre a atividade da trombina por antitrombina e usando um modelo experimental de trombose venosa em ratos. O ensaio de inibição da trombina foi avaliado usando a antitrombina (AT) na presença de PS2 e a atividade antitrombótica foi investigada em ratos, usando a tromboplastina como o estímulo trombogênico. Os efeitos anticoagulantes de PS2 devem-se provavelmente à sua potência de inibir a trombina mediada pela AT (IC50 ~ 10,0µg mL-1) e esse mecanismo de interação é diferente, comparado ao de outros polissacarídeos de Caulerpa estudados. PS2 exibiu efeitos antitrombóticos nas doses de 1,0 e 2,0mg kg-1 peso corpóreo, mas em doses mais elevadas (>2,0mg kg-1 peso corpóreo) esse polissacarídeo exibe efeitos pró-trombóticos. Também não foi observado nenhum efeito hemorrágico (2,0mg kg-1). Assim como ocorre com os PSs de algas vermelhas, os resultados indicam que os PSs de algas verdes também possuem atividades biológicas distintas in vivo.

The reportedly low standard quality of heparin (HEP) for use in cardiac surgeries has led to concern in the Brazilian and international markets. Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from seaweeds have been regarded as promising substitutes for HEP. The aim of this study was to sequentially extract total SPs (TSPs) from Caulerpa cupressoides (Chlorophyceae) with papain in 100 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) containing 5 mM cysteine and 5 mM EDTA, followed byfractionation by ion-exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose), and then evaluate the anticoagulant potential of SP fractions by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using normal human plasma and compare it to standard HEP (193 IU mg-1). The obtained fractions were chemically characterized by chemical composition and agarose gel electrophoresis. The yield was 4.61%, and three fractions of SP (F I, F II and F III) eluted with 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 M of NaCl,respectively, were observed on chromatography profiles; however, differences in charge densities patterns and degree of resolution among them were revealed by electrophoresis. SPs were capable of modifying APTT only in fractions eluted with 0.75 M of NaCl, whose activities were 23.37 and 25.76 IU mg-1, respectively, and the charge density was prerequisite to activity. Therefore, C. cupressoides is a source of SPs possessing low anticoagulant potential compared to HEP.O baixo padrão de qualidade outrora declarado da heparina (HEP) para o uso em cirurgias cardíacas tem levado preocupação nos mercados nacional e internacional. Os polissacarídeos sulfatados (PSs) de algasmarinhas têm sido considerados como promissores substitutos para HEP. Objetivou-se a extrair sequencialmente PSs totais (PSTs) da clorofícea Caulerpa cupressoides com papaína em tampão acetato de sódio 100 mM (pH 5,0) contendo cisteína 5 mM e EDTA 5 mM, fracionar por cromatografia de troca iônica (DEAE-celulose) e avaliar o potencial anticoagulante das frações de PS por meio do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA), utilizando plasma humano normal e comparando-se à HEP padrão (193 IU mg-1). As frações obtidas foram caracterizadas quimicamente em composição química e por eletroforese em gel de agarose. O rendimento de PSTs foi 4,61% e os perfis cromatográficos, em DEAE-celulose, indicaram a separação de três frações de PS (F I; F II e F III) eluídas nas concentrações 0,50; 0,75 e 1,00 M de NaCl, respectivamente, revelando, por eletroforese, diferenças em termos de densidade de cargas e graude resolução. Os PSs foram capazes de modificar o TTPA somente nas frações eluídas com 0,75 M de NaCl, cujas atividades foram 23,37 e 25,76 IU mg-1, respectivamente, quando a densidade de cargas foi pré-requisito para atividade. Portanto, C. cupressoides é uma fonte de PSs com baixos potenciais anticoagulantes comparados à HEP.

Studies on macromolecules isolated from marine algae suggested sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) as possible molecular markers for species. We evaluated isolated and fractionated SPs from the green marine algae Caulerpa cupressoides, C. prolifera and C. racemosa collected at Pacheco Beach, as possible taxonomic molecular indicators. Total SPs were extracted with papain in 100 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) containing cysteine and EDTA (both 5 mM), followed by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose using a NaCl gradient. The obtained fractions were analyzed by 0.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. Anticoagulant assays employing normal human plasma and standard heparin (193 IU mg-1) by the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test were also performed as comparison parameters. Low yields, and similar chromatographic profiles were found among species’ SPs, but electrophoresis revealed distinct SPs resolution patterns. The changes in APTT of SP fractions were dependent on charge density as showed by electrophoresis profiles. Activities were 17.37 (C. cupressoides), 22.17 (C. racemosa) and 25.64 (C. prolifera) IU mg-1, respectively, similar to a previous study using the first and second species. The results suggest that comparative studies of SPs isolated from seaweeds may be an important tool for the identification of Caulerpaceae.

O Brasil abriga uma das maiores biodiversidades marinhas do mundo, favorecendo a descoberta de fontes alternativas de compostos farmacológicos. Desta forma, objetivou-se avaliar o potencial anticoagulante de glicosaminoglicanos (GAGs) isolados das peles da palombeta (Chloroscombrus chrysurus) e guaiúba (Ocyurus chrysurus). Os GAGs foram extraídos com papaína bruta em tampão acetato de sódio 0,1 M (pH 5,0) contendo cisteína 5 mM e EDTA 5 mM, seguido por cromatografia de troca iônica do extrato total em coluna de DEAE-celulose. As frações obtidas foram analisadas quanto à composição química (proteínas contaminantes e carboidratos totais) e os GAGs identificados por eletroforese em gel de agarose a 0,5%. Os ensaios de atividade anticoagulante foram realizados por meio do tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPA) usando plasma humano normal e heparina-padrão (193,00 UI mg-1). O procedimento de obtenção e fracionamento dos GAGs mostrou-se eficiente, indicando semelhantes perfis cromatográficos entre as espécies avaliadas e, revelando para C. chrysurus, bandas com mobilidades semelhantes ao dermatam sulfato e com atividade de apenas 3,30 UI mg-1.

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) have attracted growing interest for various biotechnological applications. We evaluated the efficiency of two methods of drying SPs (M I and II) extracted from Halymenia sp Rhodophyceae in order to compare the yield, purification and anticoagulant activity. The total SPs (TSPs) were first extracted with papain in 100 mM sodium acetate (pH 5.0) containing cysteine and EDTA (5 mM). The TSPs obtained were dried in an oven (M I) or lyophilized (M II) and then examined by ion exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose) using the NaCl gradient technique. The fractions were analyzed by 0.5% agarose gel electrophoresis and the in vitro anticoagulant activity was evaluated by the activated partial thromboplastin time test using normal human plasma and compared to heparin (HEP) (193.00 IU mg-1). There was a difference in TSP yield of 19.05% and similar chromatographic SP profiles. Electrophoresis revealed fractions with distinct resolutions. The fractions eluted with 0.75 M of salt (M I and II) were the most active, measuring 27.40 and 72.66 IU mg-1, respectively, when compared to HEP. Therefore, obtaining SP with anticoagulant activity from Halymenia sp. is more efficient by freeze-drying.

The reportedly low standard quality of heparin (HEP) for use in cardiac surgeries has led to concern in the Brazilian and international markets. Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from seaweeds have been regarded as promising substitutes for HEP. The aim of this study was to sequentially extract total SPs (TSPs) from Caulerpa cupressoides (Chlorophyceae) with papain in 100 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) containing 5 mM cysteine and 5 mM EDTA, followed by fractionation by ion-exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose), and then evaluate the anticoagulant potential of SP fractions by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) using normal human plasma and compare it to standard HEP (193 IU mg-1). The obtained fractions were chemically characterized by chemical composition and agarose gel electrophoresis. The yield was 4.61%, and three fractions of SP (F I, F II and F III) eluted with 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 M of NaCl, respectively, were observed on chromatography profiles; however, differences in charge densities patterns and degree of resolution among them were revealed by electrophoresis. SPs were capable of modifying APTT only in fractions eluted with 0.75 M of NaCl, whose activities were 23.37 and 25.76 IU mg-1, respectively, and the charge density was prerequisite to activity. Therefore, C. cupressoides is a source of SPs possessing low anticoagulant potential compared to HEP.