Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers rank second in overall cancer-related deaths. Carotenoids, sulfated polysaccharides, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from microalgae exhibit cancer chemopreventive features at different stages of carcinogenesis. For instance, sulfated polysaccharides bear a prophylactic potential via blocking adhesion of pathogens to the gastric surface, whereas carotenoids are effective against Helicobacter pylori infection. This effect is notable because H. pylori has been targeted as the primary cause of gastric cancer. Recent results on antitumor and antibacterial compounds synthesized by microalgae are reviewed here, with an emphasis on their impact upon H. pylori infection and derived pathologies accompanying the progression of gastric carcinogenesis.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
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Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / chemistry
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Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
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Bacterial Adhesion / drug effects
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Carotenoids / pharmacology
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Gastrointestinal Tract / pathology
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Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy
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Helicobacter Infections / pathology
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Helicobacter Infections / prevention & control
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Helicobacter pylori / drug effects*
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Helicobacter pylori / pathogenicity
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Humans
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Intestinal Mucosa / drug effects
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Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
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Microalgae / chemistry*
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Microalgae / metabolism
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Plant Proteins / pharmacology
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Polysaccharides / chemistry
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Polysaccharides / pharmacology
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Stomach Neoplasms / microbiology
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Stomach Neoplasms / prevention & control
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
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Plant Proteins
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Polysaccharides
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Carotenoids