Glycoscience

Candesartan N-glucuronide is a metabolite of candesartan. It is produced by human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, which belongs to the subfamily of uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferases. Candesartan N-glucuronide inhibits angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) and has minimal effects on angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2). Candesartan N-glucuronide binds to the AT1 receptor and blocks its activation by angiotensin II. This binding inhibits the uptake of sodium ions into cells and causes an increase in potassium ion secretion, leading to vasodilation. Candesartan N-glucuronide also induces the expression of cytochrome P450 3A5, which results in increased metabolism of drugs such as paclitaxel.

2-Hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin is a water-soluble drug that is chemically stable in aqueous media. It has been shown to be safe for use in the eye, with no significant side effects. 2-Hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and will not cause hemolytic activity. 2-Hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin binds to retinoic acid receptors, which are found on cells of the corneal surface and in human spermatozoa. The binding of retinoic acid inhibits the production of enzymes that break down retinoids and prevents cell proliferation. This agent also interacts with other cellular components such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and hormones.

Fucogalactan (GFS) is a polysaccharide isolated and purified from the brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida. The polysaccharide is a sulphated galactose containing fucan. Fucogalactan is currently under investigation for possible therapeutic indications including anti-inflammatory properties, immuno- modulating activities, inhibition of tumor growth, stem cell replentishment, antiviral activity, dementia and ulcer healing.Fucoidan ≥ 75 %
The image was kindly provided by Prof Mike Guiry from Cork who runs ‘The Seaweed Site’.

Benzoate is a carboxylic acid that is found in many fruits and vegetables. Benzoate can be metabolized by the body to form hydrogen chloride, which may cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. This chemical has been shown to have cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells in vitro. Benzoate also has an anti-inflammatory effect on insulin resistance and can be used as a topical treatment for psoriasis. The mechanism by which benzoate exerts its anticancer activity is not fully understood, but it may involve the production of reactive oxygen species or induction of apoptosis.

This beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivative is a functionalized cyclic oligosaccharide composed of seven glucose units, characterized by a hydrophilic exterior and a lipophilic cavity (bigger than α-CD and smaller than γ-CDs), which allows it to encapsulate various guest molecules. This structural feature facilitates its use in multiple applications, including pharmaceuticals, food enhancement, and cosmetics. In the pharmaceutical industry, it enhances the solubility and stability of poorly water-soluble drugs, improving their bioavailability and efficacy while also masking unpleasant tastes. The food sector utilizes it as a stabilizer for flavors, colors, and nutrients, extending shelf life by protecting sensitive ingredients from degradation. In cosmetics, it serves as a complexing agent for fragrances and active components, ensuring their stability and controlled release. Its use expands to many other fields, including nanotechnology for drug delivery systems, environmental remediation for extracting organic pollutants, textiles for slow-release fragrances, and analytical chemistry for chiral separation.

Asialylated glycosphingolipid and precursor for ganglioside biosynthesis. The compound is a major glycosphingolipid in human neutrophils and is involved in the regulation of superoxides as well as nitric oxide. Moreover, lactosylceramide accumulates in atherosclerotic plaques and is also found elevated in familial hypercholesterolemia and polycystic kidney disease. Animal studies revealed that lactosylceramide induces hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes via signal transduction pathway that is oxygen-sensitive.

4-Hydroxypropofol 1-O-b-D-glucuronide is a metabolite of propofol that is found in human urine. It can be detected by chromatography and UV spectroscopy. 4-Hydroxypropofol 1-O-b-D-glucuronide has been shown to have radical scavenging activity and can be used as an analytical reagent for the validation of analytical methods. This compound has also been analysed for its cytotoxic and antiinflammatory effects on the cytosol of cultured cells, with promising results.

The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is located in the cytosol of cells, catalyzes the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde. In this reaction, a hydrogen ion (H+) is abstracted from ethanol and two electrons (e-) are added to the molecule. The addition of these electrons results in the formation of a hydrogen bond between the alcohol and an electron-donating species such as water or octyl glucopyranoside. Octyl glucopyranoside is a detergent that has been used as a substrate for measuring rates of alcohol dehydrogenase. This detergent also has been shown to be effective at removing glycol ethers from biological samples.
The biochemical research on octyl glucopyranoside includes its use as an equilibrative nucleoside and its effect on bowel disease.