Iota-carrageenans from Solieria filiformis (Rhodophyta) and their effects in the inflammation and coagulation

Abstract

Biochemical analyses are important tools for discovering new bioactive compounds for medical clinic. This study aimed at isolating iota-carrageenans (ι-CARs) from Solieria filiformis (Rhodophyta) by enzymatic extraction (EE), refined hot-water extraction (RHWE) and hot-water extraction (HWE), and test (EE, s.c.) their anti-inflammatory effects in the peritonitis model using the Lambda-carrageenan (700 μg cavity -1 , i.p.) as an inflammatory stimuli in rats. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was also evaluated in ι-CARs fractions, obtained by ion-exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose), using rabbit plasma and compared to heparin (193 IU mg -1 ). The results showed that the ι-CARs (EE) (3 or 9 mg kg -1 ) containing 89.92% total sugars, 29.02% sulfate and absence of contaminant proteins inhibited (p < 0.05) the cellular infiltrate in the peritoneal cavity of the animals, but with 27 mg kg -1 had no anti-inflammatory effect (p > 0.05). Similar chromatography profiles were obtained among the methods; however, with fractions revealing different pattern on charge density by electrophoresis. Fractions had no virtually effects on APTT (1.16, 1.73 and 1.59 IU mg -1 for EE, RHWE and HWE, respectively). Further investigations to better understanding the actions of S. filiformis ι-CARs (EE) in the inflammatory response are suggested.