title: Microalgal compounds modulate carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract.
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.
authors.affiliation: Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Rua dos Bragas no. 289, P-4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Helena M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Amaro
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.forename: A Catarina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Guedes
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sousa-Pinto
authors.forename: F Xavier
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Malcata
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000473:pathology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology; D058086:Microalgae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D010940:Plant Proteins; D011134:Polysaccharides; D002338:Carotenoids