Marine Algae Metabolites as Promising Therapeutics for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS

Abstract

This review presents an analysis of works devoted to the anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity of algae metabolites—sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidans, carrageenans), lectins, laminarans, and polyphenols. Despite the presence of a significant number of antiretroviral drugs, the development of new therapeutic and prophylactic agents against this infection remains very urgent problem. This is due to the variability of HIV, the absence of an animal model (except monkeys) and natural immunity to this virus and the toxicity of therapeutic agents and their high cost. In this regard, the need for new therapeutic approaches and broad-spectrum drugs, which in addition to antiviral effects can have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, and to which the minimum resistance of HIV strains would be formed. These requirements meet the biologically active substances of marine algae. The results of experimental and clinical studies conducted in vitro and in vivo are presented, and the issues of the anti-HIV activity of these compounds are considered depending on their structural features. On the whole, the presented data prove the high efficiency of seaweed metabolites and justify the possibility of their use as a potential basis for the development of new drugs with a wide spectrum of activity.

Marine Algal Antioxidants as Potential Vectors for Controlling Viral Diseases

“…Alginates are polysaccharides widely distributed in brown algae (Phaeophyceae), which have also been particularly attractive for their antiviral activities [71]. In particular, an alginate named 911 exhibited promising activity against HIV-1 decrementing the activity of reverse transcriptase (RTase), discontinuing the virus adsorption, and immunostimulating the host cells [72]. Alternative inhibitory results were also reported against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), where 911 alginate could inhibit the virus replication by suppressing the activity of DNA polymerase [73].…”

“…The glucan laminaran, one of the most common polysaccharides in brown algae, exhibits a great antiviral activity and low toxicity in vivo [78]. Laminaran polysaccharides extracted from brown algae are proficient to prevent the activity of HIV by preventing its adsorption on human-derived lymphocytes and by blocking the ability of HIV reverse transcriptase, thus the virus' proliferation [72].…”

Bioactive Properties of Marine Phenolics

“…Recently, Besednova et al [ 277 ] have reviewed the activity of marine algal metabolites as promising therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunedeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), discussing some studies focused on phlorotannins. Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol isolated from Ishige okamurae exhibited inhibitory effects on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IC 50 values of 9.1 μM and 25.2 μM, respectively), although it did not show an inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease [ 278 ].…”

Modern Approaches to the Analysis of Kelp (Laminaria sp.) as Pharmacopoeial Herbal Drugs and Food Products

“…Laminaribiosis disaccharide is formed by incomplete hydrolysis of laminarin. 8,[9][10][11] The residues of D-mannitol polyhydric alcohol can be attached to a part of laminarin molecules by β-(1→1)-bonds. 12 The concentration of mannitol in the thallus of kelp ranges from 15-21% (on a dry basis) in summer to 3-4% in winter.…”