Allergy to green algae (Chlorella) among children

Nutritional Supplements for Skin Health-A Review of What Should Be Chosen and Why

Supplementation of micronutrients is considered to be crucial in the reinforcement of the skin's barrier. In this paper, 14 nutritional compounds commonly used in food or pharmaceutic industries were analyzed in terms of influencing skin conditions. The major objective of this paper was to provide a narrative review of the available literature regarding several chosen compounds that are currently widely recommended as supplements that aim to maintain proper and healthy skin conditions. We conducted a review of the literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until September 2023 without any other restrictions regarding the year of the publication. Ultimately, we reviewed 238 articles, including them in this review. Each of the reviewed compounds, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, curcumin, chlorella, Omega-3, biotin,Ppolypodium leucotomos, Simmondsia chinesis, gamma oryzanol, olive leaf extract, spirulina, and astaxanthin, was observed to present some possible effects with promising benefits for a skin condition, i.e., photoprotective radiation. Adding them to the diet or daily routine might have a positive influence on some skin inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Further, UV radiation protection facilitated by some supplements and their impact on human cells might be helpful during chemotherapy or in preventing melanoma development. Further research is needed because of the lack of clear consensus regarding the doses of the described compounds that could provide desirable effects on the skin.

The effects of Chlorella vulgaris on cardiovascular risk factors: A comprehensive review on putative molecular mechanisms

High incidence rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) make this condition as an important public health concern. The use of natural products in treating this chronic condition has increased in recent years one of which is the single-celled green alga Chlorella. Chlorella vulgaris (CV) has been studied for its potential benefits to human health due to its biological and pharmacological features. CV contains a variety of macro and micronutrients, including proteins, omega-3, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Some studies have indicated that taking CV as a dietary supplement can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. In some studies, cardiovascular risk factors that are based on hematological indices did not show these benefits, and no molecular mechanisms have been identified. This comprehensive review summarized the research on the cardio-protective benefits of chlorella supplementation and the underlying molecular processes.

Nutrition, allergenicity and physicochemical qualities of food-grade protein extracts from Nannochloropsis oculata

Microalgae offer an opportunity to act as a sustainable source of dietary protein. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different protein extraction methods on the nutritional and physicochemical properties of Nannochloropsis oculata. Food-grade protein extracts were obtained by hypotonic osmotic shock using milli-Q water. Food grade (FG) and non-food grade (NFG) extraction buffers were compared along with three cell disruption methods including bead beating, probe sonication and a combination of both methods for protein extraction. Mass spectrometry was used for protein and putative allergen identification in FG extracts. Bead beating led to a slightly higher number of identifiable proteins in FG extracts compared to control condition. Putative allergenic proteins were identified in FG extracts of N. oculata using different in-silico methods. These findings support the need to further evaluate the potential allergenic proteins in microalgae including N. oculata such as immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding tests.

Bioactivity of Macronutrients from Chlorella in Physical Exercise

Chlorella is a marine microalga rich in proteins and containing all the essential amino acids. Chlorella also contains fiber and other polysaccharides, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. The proportion of the different macronutrients in Chlorella can be modulated by altering the conditions in which it is cultured. The bioactivities of these macronutrients make Chlorella a good candidate food to include in regular diets or as the basis of dietary supplements in exercise-related nutrition both for recreational exercisers and professional athletes. This paper reviews current knowledge of the effects of the macronutrients in Chlorella on physical exercise, specifically their impact on performance and recovery. In general, consuming Chlorella improves both anaerobic and aerobic exercise performance as well as physical stamina and reduces fatigue. These effects seem to be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic activity of all its macronutrients, while each component of Chlorella contributes its bioactivity via a specific action. Chlorella is an excellent dietary source of high-quality protein in the context of physical exercise, as dietary proteins increase satiety, activation of the anabolic mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin) pathway in skeletal muscle, and the thermic effects of meals. Chlorella proteins also increase intramuscular free amino acid levels and enhance the ability of the muscles to utilize them during exercise. Fiber from Chlorella increases the diversity of the gut microbiota, which helps control body weight and maintain intestinal barrier integrity, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which improve physical performance. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from Chlorella contribute to endothelial protection and modulate the fluidity and rigidity of cell membranes, which may improve performance. Ultimately, in contrast to several other nutritional sources, the use of Chlorella to provide high-quality protein, dietary fiber, and bioactive fatty acids may also significantly contribute to a sustainable world through the fixation of carbon dioxide and a reduction of the amount of land used to produce animal feed.

Biological active metabolites from microalgae for healthcare and pharmaceutical industries: A comprehensive review

Microalgae are photoautotrophic microorganisms which comprise of species from several phyla. Microalgae are promising in producing a varieties of products, including food, feed supplements, chemicals, and biofuels. Medicinal supplements derived from microalgae are of a significant market in which compounds such as -carotene, astaxanthin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and polysaccharides such as -glucan, are prominent. Microalgae species which are commonly applied for commercial productions include Isochrysis sp., Chaetoceros (Chlorella sp.), Arthrospira sp. (Spirulina Bioactive) and many more. In this present review, microalgae species which are feasible in metabolites production are being summarized. Metabolites produced by microalgae as well as their prospective applications in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, are comprehensively discussed. This evaluation is greatly assisting industrial stakeholders, investors, and researchers in making business decisions, investing in ventures, and moving the production of microalgae-based metabolites forward.

A new paradigm to search for allergenic proteins in novel foods by integrating proteomics analysis and in silico sequence homology prediction: Focus on spirulina and chlorella microalgae

Since novel nutrient sources with high protein content, such as yeast, fungi, bacteria, algae, and insects, are increasingly introduced in the consumer market, safety evaluation studies on their potentially allergenic proteins are required. A pipeline for in silico establishing the sequence-based homology between proteins of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) micro-algae and those included in the AllergenOnline (AO) database (AllergenOnline.org) is described. The extracted proteins were first identified through tryptic peptides analysis by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and high resolution/accuracy Fourier-transform tandem mass spectrometry (RPLC-ESI-FTMS/MS), followed by a quest on the UniProt database. The AO database was subsequently interrogated to assess sequence similarity between identified microalgal proteins and known allergens, based on criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). A direct search for microalgal proteins already included in allergen databases was also performed using the Allergome database. Six proteins exhibiting a significant homology with food allergens were identified in spirulina extracts. Five of them, i.e., two thioredoxins (D4ZSU6, K1VP15), a superoxide dismutase (C3V3P3), a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (K1W168), and a triosephosphate isomerase (D5A635), resulted from the search on AO. The sixth protein, C-phycocyanin beta subunit (P72508), was directly obtained after examining the Allergome database. Two proteins exhibiting significant sequence homology with food allergens were retrieved in chlorella extracts, viz. calmodulin (A0A2P6TFR8), which is related to troponin c (D7F1Q2), and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (A0A2P6TDD0). Specific serum screenings based on immunochemical tests should be undertaken to confirm or rule out the allergenicity of the identified proteins.

Anaphylaxis following enteral exposure to Chlorella vulgaris

We present a case of a 75-year-old man who was admitted to an Australian tertiary emergency department with severe hypotension, wheeze, widespread urticarial rash and diarrhoea. On arrival to the emergency department following initial resuscitation by ambulance staff, he was admitted to the intensive care unit with a presumptive diagnosis of gastroenteritis. This diagnosis was later revised following the availability of tryptase levels and clarification of his presenting circumstances, which established a clear temporal relationship between his anaphylactoid symptoms and the oral ingestion of Chlorella vulgaris supplements. While there are a few case studies describing allergic/anaphylactic reactions to several other species of Chlorella, this appears to be the first reported case of anaphylaxis to C. vulgaris.

Review: Seafood Allergy and Potential Application of High Hydrostatic Pressure to Reduce Seafood Allergenicity

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP), a novel non-thermal processing technology, can inactivate microorganisms in food with ultra-high pressure over 100 MPa. In recent years, it has shown unique potential in alleviating seafood allergenicity. Seafood, as a primary high-quality protein source, is one of popular food products in many human populations, while seafood allergy remains an obstacle to the consumption of seafood and calls for processing raw materials to reduce their allergenicity. Heating and fermentation as conventional methods, along with HHP as a rising novel technology, have been applied in seafood processing, such as shrimp and squid. This review provides a brief introduction of current key publications and limitations of researches on seafood allergy. In addition, characteristics and principles, processing parameters and effects of HHP treatment on seafood of current researches were detailed. Our main goal was to support readers to keep abreast with knowledge on seafood allergy and provide new insights of using HHP for seafood processing to achieve lower allergenicity.

Stable Co-Cultivation of the Moss Physcomitrella patens with Human Cells in vitro as a New Approach to Support Metabolism of Diseased Alzheimer Cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no cure. While there are many hypotheses, the exact mechanism causing this pathology is still unknown. Among many other features, AD is characterized by brain hypometabolism and decreased sugar availability, to which neurons eventually succumb. In light of this aspect of the disease, we hypothesized that boosting fuel supply to neurons may help them survive or at least alleviate some of the symptoms. Here we demonstrate that live moss Physcomitrella patens cells can be safely co-cultured with human fibroblasts in vitro and thus have a potential for providing human cells with energy and other vital biomolecules. These data may form the foundation for the development of novel approaches to metabolic bioengineering and treatment of diseased cells based on live plants. In addition, by providing alternative energy sources to human tissues, the biotechnological potential of this interkingdom setup could also serve as a springboard to foster innovative dietary processes addressing current challenges of mankind such as famine or supporting long-haul space flight.

Microalgae for High-Value Products Towards Human Health and Nutrition

Microalgae represent a potential source of renewable nutrition and there is growing interest in algae-based dietary supplements in the form of whole biomass, e.g., Chlorella and Arthrospira, or purified extracts containing omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids. The commercial production of bioactive compounds from microalgae is currently challenged by the biorefinery process. This review focuses on the biochemical composition of microalgae, the complexities of mass cultivation, as well as potential therapeutic applications. The advantages of open and closed growth systems are discussed, including common problems encountered with large-scale growth systems. Several methods are used for the purification and isolation of bioactive compounds, and many products from microalgae have shown potential as antioxidants and treatments for hypertension, among other health conditions. However, there are many unknown algal metabolites and potential impurities that could cause harm, so more research is needed to characterize strains of interest, improve overall operation, and generate safe, functional products.

Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), blue-green microalgae, has high content in proteins, γ-linoleic acid and vitamins and therefore gained popularity as food supplement. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Spirulina is also an interesting alternative and sustainable protein source with the growing world population. We present a case of a 17-year-old male, who developed anaphylaxis the first time he ingested a Spirulina tablet. Skin prick test with diluted Spirulina tablet was positive. Further skin prick testing with separated ingredients (Spirulina platensis algae, silicon dioxide, inulin and magnesium stearate) was only positive for Spirulina platensis algae and negative in controls, confirming the allergy was caused by Spirulina and not by one of the additives. This case report shows that diagnosis of Spirulina allergy can safely be made by skin prick test with dilutions of the A. platensis or even more simple by skin prick test with the diluted tablet. Since Spirulina has gained popularity as food and nutritional supplement, it is important to realize the potential risk of this dietary supplement. Before Spirulina is produced and consumed on a wider scale, allergenicity risk assessment should be performed, including investigation of potential crossreactivity with well-known inhalant allergens and foods.

Chlorella infection in a sheep in Mexico and minireview of published reports from humans and domestic animals

Algal infections are rare in humans and domestic animals. Prototheca spp. and Chlorella spp. are among the most commonly reported. Herein, we present a brief review on Chlorella spp. infections and related pathologies and discuss this information including a natural case in a sheep in Mexico with a disseminated form of the disease.

Safety evaluation of a high-lipid algal biomass from Chlorella protothecoides

Chlorella are traditionally freshwater green algae that have been evaluated for dietary purposes because of their nutritional value. This study investigates the safety of Chlorella protothecoides in a 28-day study. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0, or 10% of their diet for 28days using an FDA Redbook protocol. The average daily dietary intake of algal biomass was determined to be 0, 1794, 3667, and 7557 mg/kg body weight for males and 0, 1867, 3918, and 8068 mg/kg body weight for females. Hematological and biochemical analyses were conducted, and upon completion, gross and microscopic evaluations were performed. No signs of toxicity were observed. Although statistically significant alterations were noted in several parameters among males and females, these changes were deemed to be of no toxicological significance due to the lack of dose-response relationships, the fact that they occurred in only one sex, and the lack of any supporting gross or microscopic alterations. The no-observed-adverse-effect level for the algal biomass under the conditions of this study was considered to be 10% in the diet, the highest dose tested.

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis following ingestion of Chlorella tablets

Here, we report on a boy with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN), who developed it following ingestion of Chlorella tablets as a food supplement. He was incidentally detected to have glucosuria, proteinuria, and leukocyturia during school mass screening. He had had a history of ingestion of Chlorella tablets for 3 months. Laboratory studies showed anemia, increased levels of creatinine, decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), hypokalemia, hypo-uricemia, hypophosphatemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, proteinuria, leukocyturia, and glucosuria. ATIN was diagnosed by renal biopsy. The patient's renal function improved after initiation of corticosteroid therapy and discontinuation of Chlorella for 6 months. Chlorella may be a causative allergen inducing tubulointerstitial injury in kidney.

Risk assessment of microcystin in dietary Aphanizomenon flos-aquae

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, a cyanobacterium that is marketed as a health food supplement, is harvested from natural blooms in Klamath Lake (Oregon) that are occasionally contaminated by Microcystis spp. Regulatory agencies in several countries are developing regulations to control the amount of microcystin in drinking water and other products, including products produced from A. flos-aquae. Regulation of microcystin (MC), a toxin produced by Microcystis spp. that is potentially present in natural culture of A. flos-aquae, should be based on studies in which a test species is exposed to the natural mixture of these cyanobacteria. A 1984 feeding trial to determine the effects of high dietary levels of A. flos-aquae on reproduction and development of mice is reanalyzed in light of recent analyses for microcystin-LR (MCLR) in the diets of those mice. Young adult mice consuming up to 333 microg MCLR/kg body weight (bw)/day exhibited no adverse effects on growth and reproduction, fetal development, and survival and organ weights of neonates. Based on a NOAEL of 333 microg MCLR/kg bw/day, a safety factor of 1000, consumption of 2 g/day of A. flos-aquae by a 60-kg adult, the safe level of MCLR as a contaminant of A. flos-aquae products is calculated to be 10.0 microg MCLR/g.