Ashes (24.9-36.4%) were high in all samples. Protein content ranged from 10.9 to 25.7%, being much higher for Laminaria (25.7%) followed by the red seaweeds (15.5-21.3%). Minor components were lipids (0.3-0.9%) in all Nutlin-3 ic50 samples except for Bifurcaria (5.6%). Total dietary fibre content ranged from 29.3 to 37.4% of which 39.1-74.7% was soluble. For brown algae, the soluble fibre contained uronic acids from alginates and neutral sugars from sulphated fucoidan and laminarin. For red seaweeds, the main neutral sugars corresponded to sulphated galactans (carrageenan

or agar). Insoluble fibres (7.4-22.7%) were essentially made of cellulose with an important contribution of Klason lignin especially in brown seaweeds (9.5-10.8%). Regarding the main physicochemical properties, swelling and water retention

capacity were high in all samples, while oil retention was low, related to the hydrophilic nature of fibre polysaccharides. In conclusion, these seaweeds can be estimated as a good source of food fibre, protein and minerals for human consumption. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Juvenile Hyaline Fibromatosis UHF) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, histologically characterized by the production and deposition of an unidentified hyaline material in the skin and other organs. Extracellular matrix molecules are implicated in the development of skin lesion which is debilitating and recurrent and, A-1331852 cell line so far, no treatment selleck inhibitor is satisfactory.

Objective: To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and proteoglycans in lesional as compared to site-matched lesion-free skin tissue specimens

of a JHF patient, aiming to elucidate the aetiopathological mechanisms involved in the development of JHF skin lesions.

Methods: Gelatinase activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was investigated by gelatine zymography. Protein levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in skin tissue extracts were measured by ELISA. Gene expression of MMPs, TIMPs and proteoglycans was examined by quantitative RT-PCR. Results: JHF lesions exhibited significantly higher activity as well as elevated protein and gene expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, as compared to lesion-free skin tissue specimens. Decorin was downregulated and aggrecan was upregulated in lesional skin, as compared to normal skin.

Conclusion: The results presented in this study indicate that MMPs and proteoglycans may be involved in the pathogenesis of JHF and therefore these molecules may offer alternative targets for pharmacological intervention to achieve more radical and effective treatment.