Studies on molluscan glycosaminoglycans (GAG) from backwater clam Donax cuneatus (Linnaeus).

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the potent and specific anticoagulant activity of molluscan glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) isolated from whole clam tissue Donax cuneatus (D. cuneatus). Methods: Purification of few milligram quantities of GAGs from this tissue sample permitted a thorough examination of its anticoagulant activity characterization, which was partially purified by fractionation by anion exchange chromatography using DEAE cellulose column. The isolated crude and partially purified fractionated sample was showing metachromatic shift while using azure-A. The sample also exhibited prominent of biological and anti-fXa anticoagulant activity assays. Mobility was analyzed by two different buffer systems using agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: The fractionated molluscan GAG was also found to have similar peaks as that of standard heparin when assessed by the FT-IR spectrum. Finally molecular weight was determined by the gradient PAGE for crude and fractionated-II GAG, which were found to be 65 000 Da and 50 000 Da, respectively. Conclusions: The bivalve GAG was subjected to fractionation for further purification and its chemical components were analyzed. The fractionated clam heparin also showed substantial in vitro anticoagulant activity than that of commercial heparins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]