Abstract:
The study of polysaccharides from algal flora covering the eastern Algerian coast remains
minimal. For this reason, the present investigation is committed to exploring the
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of polysaccharides from a species belonging
to red algae (rhodophyceae) Gelidium spinosum collected from the area of Beni Belaid
(willaya de Jijel). The polysaccharide extract of Gelidium spinosum (PEGS) has proven an
important antioxidant effect, elucidated by several in vitro tests (The scavenger effect of
DPPH°, the scavenger effect ABTS°+, the reducing power). The in vivo study was carried
out using mice pretreated with PEGS / mesalazine with an oral dose of 60/75 mg kg for 7
days; then treated with DSS (2.5%) for 7 days). The results obtained revealed that PEGS
decreases the symptoms of ulcerative colitis induced by DSS (Disease Activity Index;
DAI). The significant protective effects of PEGS have been associated with a reduction in
MDA and restoring LDH activity, a remarkable improvement in SOD and CAT activities,
and a restoration of glutathione metabolizing enzymes (GPx, GST) in colon tissue.
Regarding the anti-inflammatory aspect, PEGS has proven an ability to trap NO and
peroxynitrites. Pretreatment with PEGS normalized markers of nitrosative stress (NO, Snitrosothiol and peroxynitrite) and significantly attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine
levels (TNF-
