Sponges to wipe away pain
Article Abstract:
Marine sponges produce metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties. D.J. Faulkner and colleagues obtained the metabolites manoalide and luffariellolide from sponges of the Luffariella family and the metabolite scalaradial from the sponge Cacospongia mollior. These metabolites seem to reduce inflammation by preventing phospholipase A2 activity. Although these metabolites will probably never be used therapeutically, the new knowledge of how they function may hasten the development of pharmaceutical analogs.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Carnivorous sponges
Article Abstract:
Deep-sea sponges of the Cladorhizidae exhibit a new type of physical structure, obtained from an earlier phylum. The physical structure of deep sea organisms is dependent on their feeding habits. The physical structure of deep sea organisms is adapted to the environment which has scarce food materials, and macrophagy is exhibited more than microphagy. The Cladorhizidae possess carnivorous features to feed on crustaceans.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Caspase-1 processes IFN-gamma-inducing factor and regulates LPS-induced IFN-gamma production
Article Abstract:
Research shows protease caspase-1 is actively involved in the production of Interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IGIF) and regulates multiple proinflammatory cytokines. Lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-1beta and interferon-gamma production in human mononuclear cells ceases when capase-1 is specifically inhibited. Multipotent anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals could be created using specific caspase-1 inhibitors.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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